When trying to find a licensed insurance agent in Bay City, you can do the preliminary legwork for an agent online rather than looking in the yellowpages. For this article’s sake, it’s assumed you not only want a professional agent, but also the best rates possible.
With companies like State Farm, Allstate and Farmers Insurance having local Bay City offices, it can be hard to know which will provide the best rates, service and coverage. To help decide, it’s easy to use online price quotes to build a list of insurance agencies to choose from.
Local Bay City agents and auto insurance
Professional agents can answer important questions and help submit paperwork. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is that you can obtain better rates but still work with a licensed agent. Supporting local insurance agencies is especially important in Bay City.
After completing this form (opens in new window), your insurance data is sent to agents in your area who will give you bids for your coverage. You never need to leave your house since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier! You can find the lowest rates AND a local agent.
Types of auto insurance agents in Bay City
When researching a good insurance agency, you need to know there are two different types of agents to choose from. Bay City agents are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive).
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with multiple insurance companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If you are not satisfied with one company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you don’t have to find a new agent. When searching for an agent, we recommend you get quotes from several independent insurance agents for the best price selection. They also have the ability to place coverage with smaller companies which can save you money.
Below is a list of independent agencies in Bay City that can give you pricing information.
- Don Webster Agency – 503 N Euclid Ave # 12 – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 684-3338
- Steve Pero Agency – 200 S Madison Ave – Bay City, MI 48708 – (989) 892-4801
- Thomas C Campbell Agency – 900 S Euclid Ave – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 686-0100
- Webster Insurance – 503 N Euclid Ave – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 671-1594
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 3741 Wilder Rd # D – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 686-3212
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies have only one company to place business with such as Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. They usually cannot provide prices from multiple companies so always compare other rates. Captive agencies are usually quite knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage. Consumers sometimes buy from captive agents partially due to the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Listed below are Bay City captive insurance agents that can give you price quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 3583 Wilder Rd – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 686-8680
- Allstate Insurance – 210 S Euclid Ave – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 686-2600
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 2019 Columbus Ave – Bay City, MI 48708 – (989) 895-8600
For a complete listing of Bay City captive agents, please go to this site.
Deciding on an insurance agent should depend on more than just the bottom line cost. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- Who are their largest clients?
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- How are claims handled?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
After getting positive responses and a low price estimate, chances are good that you have found an insurance agent that is a good match to insure your vehicles.
Can you save by buying online?
Licensed agents are a valuable resource, but you also have the option of buying Michigan car insurance direct from companies online. Some specific companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, that are more known for using agents, additionally provide the ability to buy online, and consumers should do that.
If you’re anxious about not getting advice from an agent, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Online insurance companies provide access to licensed agents for answering any questions you have. In addition, they usually offer online education and live help anytime to help you make a buying decision.
Are car insurance rates lower online? Many people think so, but it’s hard to say for sure due to the fact that there are multiple individual factors that impact your rate calculation. Many people think that buying online saves money because there is no agent involvement. But the fact is, there are very high advertising costs so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.
Learn more about auto insurance in Michigan
Additional information is available on the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation website found here. Visitors are able to view a list of available companies, download brochures, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.
Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal
While you’re price shopping online, it’s very important that you do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are many occasions where drivers have reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.
Cost effective auto insurance can be bought online and with local Bay City insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to get a complete price analysis. Some auto insurance companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.
