To locate a licensed insurance agent in Binghamton, you can always do the preliminary legwork for an agent online to save time. We’re guessing you’re looking for a professional agent, but you also want great rates as well.
With insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers and independent agents all competing for your business, consumers have a hard time knowing which one will provide the best rates, service and coverage. To begin, consumers can use online price quotes to build a list of agents and price estimates.
Best way to find Binghamton agents
Agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. The biggest benefit of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to. Supporting local businesses is definitely important in Binghamton.
After filling out this simple form, your coverage information is instantly submitted to companies in Binghamton who will battle for your coverage. You never need to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. How cool is that?!
The type of auto insurance agent you choose is important
If you’re trying to find a reliable agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents that you can select. Insurance agencies in Binghamton are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can do a good job, but it’s worth learning the differences since it can impact your agent selection.
Independent Agents
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with multiple insurance companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To move your coverage to a new company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparison shopping, you should always include price quotes from at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection.
Listed below is a short list of independent agents in Binghamton who can help you get price quotes.
Barry Scott Agency – 32 W State St – Binghamton, NY 13901 – (607) 771-0725
Autoinsure Agency Inc – 263 Main St – Binghamton, NY 13905 – (607) 722-2232
WYAK Insurance – 7 Jarvis St – Binghamton, NY 13905 – (607) 723-2332
Shadduck Agency – 32 Broad Ave – Binghamton, NY 13904 – (607) 723-8927
Erie Insurance – 247 Robinson St – Binghamton, NY 13904 – (607) 724-3536
Agency Captives
This type of agents work for only one company like American Family, Liberty Mutual and AAA. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They receive extensive training on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage.
Below is a list of captive agencies in Binghamton that can give you comparison quotes.
Allstate Insurance Co – 117 Hawley St – Binghamton, NY 13901 – (607) 722-2305
State Farm Insurance – 1115 Upper Front St – Binghamton, NY 13905 – (607) 772-0068
Liberty Mutual Insurance – 1139 Upper Front St # 4 – Binghamton, NY 13905 – (607) 724-7252
To view a full list of captive agents in Binghamton, please click here.
Picking a car insurance agent requires more thought than just a low price. These are valid questions to ask:
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- How long has their agency been in business in Binghamton?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
After receiving acceptable answers and locked in a price quote, you’ve probably found an auto insurance agent that will adequately provide car insurance.
Don’t forget about online-only companies
Licensed agents are indespensible for some people, but you can also find affordable New York auto insurance from online companies direct. Some specific companies like State Farm and Allstate who sell through agents in Binghamton also let you quote and buy online, so keep that in mind if you are the do-it-yourself type.
If you’re worried about not having someone to ask questions when buying direct, don’t be too concerned. Car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages give you access to trained agents to walk you through the process. Additionally, most companies also offer extensive coverage information and 24/7 assistance so you can feel comfortable buying online.
Can buying online lower your premiums? It’s difficult to say for sure because there are so many things that determine your policy premium. Many people think that a consumer who buys direct saves money because there is no commission. For the majority of companies, however, online and traditional media advertising are expensive so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
Shop smart and save
Low-cost car insurance can be purchased both online and with local Binghamton insurance agents, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some companies do not offer online quoting and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.
As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don’t sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There have been many cases where someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to find out that they should have had better coverage. Your focus should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.
Some additional reading
Additional information can be found on the website for the New York Department of Financial Services found here. Visitors are able to report car insurance fraud, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and discover disciplinary actions.
