If you’re looking to buy auto insurance, there are a lot of options and finding the best Wisconsin insurance agent is harder than just picking up the phone. Most likely you’re looking for a great agent that can assess your needs, but you also want affordable coverage.
With Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents all competing for business in Oak Creek, it’s difficult to determine which will provide the best service and rates. Fortunately, consumers can get online price quotes to build a list of insurance agents to choose from.
Shop online but buy locally
Agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help submit paperwork. One of the best bonuses of getting online price quotes is you can get the best rates and still choose a local agent. And providing support for local agencies is important particularly in Oak Creek.
By using this quick form, the coverage information is transmitted to local insurance agents in Oak Creek who will compete to get your business. There is no need to leave your computer due to the fact that quote results will go to the email address you provide. It doesn’t get any easier! You’ll get the best rates AND a local agent.
Independent or Captive: It’s your choice
When looking for an insurance agent, there are a couple of different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Oak Creek agents can either be captive or independent.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These agents do not work for one specific company but rather can write business with any number of different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house without you having to go to a different agency. When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to contact at a minimum one independent agency for maximum quote selection.Most can insure with smaller regional carriers which can be an advantage.
Shown below are independent agencies in Oak Creek that may be able to provide price quotes.
- Running Insurance – 108 E Drexel Ave – Oak Creek, WI 53154 – (414) 764-0116
- Allan E Hobbs Insurance – 7071 S 13th St # 106 – Oak Creek, WI 53154 – (414) 768-9494
Captive Agents
Captive agencies are contracted to one company and examples are AAA, Allstate and State Farm. Captives cannot compare other company’s rates so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. These agents are very knowledgeable on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers sometimes purchase coverage from captives mostly because of high brand loyalty and strong financial ratings.
The following is a short list of captive agents in Oak Creek willing to provide rate quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 111 E Forest Hill Ave – Oak Creek, WI 53154 – (414) 762-3300
- American Family Insurance – 7071 S 13th St # 107 – Oak Creek, WI 53154 – (414) 571-5200
For a full directory of captive insurance agents in Oak Creek, visit this link.
Choosing an insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. These are valid questions to ask:
- Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
Upon receiving acceptable answers for all questions you ask in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you may have just found a car insurance agent that meets your needs to insure your vehicles.
Have you considered online alternatives?
Local insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you also have the option of buying directly from online companies. Certain companies who employ agents also give you the ability to get a quote and buy online, and that is helpful.
If you’re anxious about choosing your own coverages when shopping online, that shouldn’t be an issue. Car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages give you access to trained agents for getting advice on proper coverages. In addition, they usually offer online education and live help anytime so you can feel comfortable buying online.
If the lowest price is important, the best way to know who has the best deal, local agents or online insurance companies, is to get rates from both and compare them. It’s even possible to receive different pricing comparing agents to online prices from exactly the same company.
Does car insurance cost less online? That question is hard to answer since there may be dozens of rate factors that influence how your policy is priced. Some people think that purchasing direct online reduces premiums because there is no agent. For most online online companies, however, marketing their products costs a lot of money and that can cost more than having to pay agents.
Much more information about auto insurance in Wisconsin can be read on the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance website through this link. Consumers can find a variety of consumer forms, find out industry alerts, and find disaster information.
What is YOUR best insurance company?
Insureds switch companies for a variety of reasons including an unsatisfactory settlement offer, lack of trust in their agent, extreme rates for teen drivers or questionable increases in premium. Whatever your reason, finding a great new company is less work than it seems.
As you restructure your insurance plan, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. In many cases, someone sacrificed comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your goal should be to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.
