If you’re looking for a good insurance agent in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, it’s recommended you do an initial search online rather than picking up the phone. It’s assumed you’re looking for a decent agent, but you also want the lowest possible price.
With companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers having local Portsmouth offices, it can be hard to know which insurance agency will provide you with the best service and rates. Fortunately, consumers can get insurance quotes online to assemble a group of insurance agencies from which to choose.
How to compare Portsmouth car insurance rates
Professional agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is you can get lower rates and still choose a local agent. And supporting local businesses is especially important in Portsmouth.
Once you complete this quick form, the quote information is transmitted to agents in your area who will compete for your business. There is no need to leave your computer since price quotes are sent to the email address you provide. How cool is that?! It’s the lowest rates and a licensed agent to work with.
Captive or Independent: There is a difference
When researching an insurance agent, there are a couple of different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Portsmouth agents are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive).
Independent Insurance 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 transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparing rates, it’s recommended you include price quotes from at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection.
Below is a list of independent agents in Portsmouth that may be able to provide pricing information.
Prudential Insurance Co – 56 Islington St – Portsmouth, NH 03801 – (603) 431-6007
Prudential Insurance Co – 100 Market St # 402 – Portsmouth, NH 03801 – (603) 436-9243
Captive Agents
Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company such as Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. They are unable to give you multiple price quotes so they have to upsell other benefits. They are very knowledgeable on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage.
The following is a list of captive agents in Portsmouth that are able to give price quote information.
Liberty Mutual Insurance – 225 Borthwick Ave – Portsmouth, NH 03801 – (603) 431-8400
For a complete listing of Portsmouth captive insurance agents, please click here.
Picking an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the premium amount. These are valid questions to ask:
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
Once you have received reasonable responses to any questions you have as well as a affordable price, chances are good that you have found a car insurance agent that will service your policy.
Purchasing car insurance direct online is an option
Insurance agents are important to many people, but you also have the option of buying direct from companies online. A few companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who sell through the agent channel also give you the ability to buy direct on their websites, so this should also be taken into consideration and can also potentially find you lower rates.
If you’re concerned about not having professional advice when buying online, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. Auto insurance companies provide options for customer questions. They also offer online education and live help anytime to help you answer questions.
Are car insurance rates lower online? That question is hard to answer since there are so many factors that impact your final bill. Some people will tell you that shopping direct cuts out the middleman. But in reality, online and traditional media advertising are expensive so this can offset any savings.
Buy online or local, you save
Cost effective car insurance can be purchased on the web in addition to many Portsmouth insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best selection. Some insurance providers do not provide online price quotes and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.
When shopping online for car insurance, it’s not a good idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are a lot of situations where someone dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits and found out when filing a claim that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your focus should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.
For more reading
More information is located on the website for the New Hampshire Insurance Department. Click here for link. New Hampshire drivers can find out industry alerts, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, read state legal mandates and laws, and view agent and company licensing information.
The following information may also be useful.
