When searching for an insurance agent in Bangor, Maine, it’s recommended you start your research by comparing rates online instead of making phone calls. Chances are you’re looking for a professional agent, but you also want affordable coverage.
With insurance companies like Allstate, Farmers and State Farm as well as independent agents all competing for business in Bangor, it’s difficult to determine which will provide you with the best rates, service and coverage. Thankfully, consumers can use insurance quotes online to get a list of insurance agents to choose from.
Your insurance agent down the street
Insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help you file claims. The best thing about comparing rates online is you may find the best rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local agencies is important especially in Bangor.
Upon completion of this simple form, your information is emailed to local insurance agents who will compete for your coverage. You never need to visit any agencies as quotes are delivered immediately to your email address. How cool is that?! You can find the lowest rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.
Different types of car insurance agents in Bangor
When researching a good insurance agency, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that you can select. Agencies in Bangor are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business amongst many companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, they simply move the coverage in-house and you won’t have to switch agencies. When shopping rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from multiple independent agents for the best price selection. Many write coverage with different regional companies which can save you money.
Below is a list of independent insurance agencies in Bangor who can help you get rate quotes.
- Bloomer Agency – Bog Rd – Bangor, ME 04401 – (207) 848-5822
- Liberty Mutual Insurance – 675 Hogan Rd – Bangor, ME 04401 – (207) 947-7326
- Varney Agency – 32 Oak St – Bangor, ME 04401 – (207) 947-8637
- Richard D Hogan Insurance – 792 Stillwater Ave – Bangor, ME 04401 – (207) 947-4579
- Whitehouse Agency – 1045 Broadway – Bangor, ME 04401 – (207) 945-3310
Agency Captives
Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company like American Family, Liberty Mutual and AAA. They generally cannot shop your coverage around so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agencies are usually quite knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents. Some consumers prefer to buy insurance from these agents partially due to the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
The following is a list of captive agencies in Bangor who can help you get price quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 319 Wilson St – Bangor, ME 04401 – (207) 989-1288
- Liberty Mutual Insurance – 675 Hogan Rd – Bangor, ME 04401 – (207) 947-7326
- Allstate Insurance – 849 Stillwater Ave – Bangor, ME 04401 – (207) 945-3612
For a full directory of captive agents in Bangor, please view this page.
Deciding on an insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- How long has their agency been open in Bangor?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
After receiving reasonable responses to any questions you have and a good coverage price, you may have just found an auto insurance agent that is a good match to adequately provide auto insurance.
Do online insurance companies have lower rates?
Insurance agents are important to many people, but Maine consumers also have the option to buy from online companies direct. Certain companies that are more known for using agents, additionally provide the ability to buy direct on their websites, and that is helpful.
If you’re uncomfortable with selecting your own policy coverages when shopping online, that is normal but is not a big issue. Companies that allow you to purchase coverage all have client service departments for answering any questions you have.
Do people save by buying online? That is a tough question to answer because there are many components that can increase policy rates. You may think that shopping online for auto insurance saves the commission normally paid to an agent. But the reality is there are very high advertising costs so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
More quotes mean more savings
Lower-priced auto insurance can be found on the web in addition to many Bangor insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some auto insurance companies do not provide the ability to get a quote online and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
Consumers change insurance companies for many reasons like unfair underwriting practices, questionable increases in premium, lack of trust in their agent or extreme rates for teen drivers. Regardless of your reason, choosing a new insurance company is less work than it seems.
Consumer auto insurance information in Maine
More information can be read on the Maine Bureau of Insurance website located here. Maine consumers can learn about insurance regulations, discover disciplinary actions, read consumer alerts, and view agent and company licensing information.
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