When finding a licensed insurance agent in Helena, you can always do an initial search for an agent online rather than picking up the phone. It’s highly likely you’re looking for a decent agent, but you also want to find the lowest possible price.
With companies like State Farm, Allstate and Farmers Insurance all competing for business in Helena, it can be hard to know which insurance agency will provide the best rates, service and coverage. Thankfully, it’s easy to use online price quotes to assemble a group of insurance agents from which to choose.
Save time by quoting online
Insurance agents can answer important questions and give you peace of mind. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain the best rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local agencies is definitely important in Helena.
After completing this short form, the coverage information is sent to insurance agents in Helena who will battle for your coverage. You won’t need to drive around as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier! Get lower rates AND a local agent.
Types of insurance agents
When searching for a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are a couple of types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Helena can either be independent or captive.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part. When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to include several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. Many write coverage with smaller regional carriers which can be an advantage.
Shown below are Helena independent agents that may be able to provide rate quotes.
- Independent Insurance Agents – 1200 N Montana Ave # 2 – Helena, MT 59601 – (406) 442-9555
- Insurance Coordinators-Mt Inc – 39 Neill Ave – Helena, MT 59601 – (406) 449-9777
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents have only one company to place business with such as State Farm or Allstate. These agents are unable to place coverage with different providers so they have no alternatives for high prices. These agents are well schooled in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some people will only buy from captive agents mostly because of high brand loyalty and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Shown below are captive agencies in Helena who can help you get price quote information.
- Jim Donaldson State Farm Ins – 1225 Birch St # A – Helena, MT 59601 – (406) 442-4788
For a full directory of Helena captive agents, view this link.
Deciding on an insurance agency should depend on more than just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
After getting satisfactory answers to your questions and an affordable coverage quote, it’s possible that you found an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to insure your vehicles.
Purchasing car insurance direct online is an option
Professional insurance agents are a valuable resource, but you also have the option of buying Montana car insurance directly from online companies. Even companies who sell through agents in Helena also allow consumers to buy a policy online, and that can save time as an alternative to contacting agents.
If you’re concerned about not having an insurance agent’s advice, that shouldn’t be an issue. Car insurance companies all have toll-free customer service to answer your questions.
Is car insurance cheaper online? That question is hard to answer since there may be dozens of rate factors that impact your premium. It would make sense to think that a shopper who purchases direct saves the cost of an agent commission. But in most cases, online and traditional media advertising are expensive so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
Better coverage you can count on
Consumers change insurance companies for many reasons like high prices, policy cancellation, denial of a claim or policy non-renewal. Whatever your reason, finding a great new company is not as hard as you think.
Discount auto insurance is possible both online and with local Helena insurance agents, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. Some companies do not offer online price quotes and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.
Additional information can be read on the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance website through this link. Visitors are able to read enforcement actions against agents and companies, view agent and company licensing information, view a list of available companies, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.
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