When searching for a good Beckley agent, it’s recommended you begin your search using online quotes to save time. We’re assuming you not only want a highly trained agent, but you also want the lowest possible price.
With companies like State Farm, Allstate and many independent agents having offices in Beckley, consumers have a hard time knowing which insurance agency will provide you with the best rates, service and coverage. To begin, you can use insurance quotes online to assemble a group of agencies from which to choose.
Working with a local agent
Insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help file insurance claims. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is you can get the lowest rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local businesses is important especially in Beckley.
Once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is transmitted to insurance agents in Beckley who will return price quotes to get your business. You don’t have to visit any agencies as quotes are delivered immediately to your email address. How’s that for easy!
Pick the best car insurance agent in Beckley for you
When searching for local Beckley agents, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that you can select. Agents are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). While both can insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know the difference between them since it may influence buying decisions.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These agents do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles amongst many companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part. When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you include price quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from.
Shown below are Beckley independent insurance agencies that may be able to provide price quote information.
Sam Baker Agency – 2919 Robert C Byrd Dr – Beckley, WV 25801 – (304) 253-7283
Bill Miller Insurance – 832 Neville St # A – Beckley, WV 25801 – (304) 253-4444
Jack Roop Insurance – 1514 S Kanawha St – Beckley, WV 25801 – (304) 252-7667
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents can only write with one company such as AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. They usually cannot compare other company’s rates so they have to upsell other benefits. These agents are well schooled on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage.
Listed below is a list of captive agencies in Beckley willing to provide comparison quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 255 Market Rd – Beckley, WV 25801 – (304) 252-8646
State Farm Insurance – 169 Industrial Dr – Beckley, WV 25801 – (304) 252-0707
To view a complete directory of captive agents in Beckley, click here to link.
Selecting an insurance agency should depend on more than just a low price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
After receiving answers to your satisfaction to any questions you have and an acceptable price quote, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that is a good match to properly insure your vehicles.
Can you buy online and save?
Insurance agents serve a purpose, but West Virginia drivers can also buy from companies direct over the internet. Some car insurance companies who have local Beckley agents also permit you to quote and buy online, so this should also be taken into consideration to possibly find a better rate.
If you’re worried about not receiving proper advice when buying direct, don’t sweat it. Auto insurance companies provide phone numbers and online resources to answer your questions.
Do customers save by switching to an online company? It’s hard to say exactly since companies use quite a few components that impact your rate calculation. Some people will tell you that buying online saves money because there is no commission. For most online online companies, however, there are high advertising and marketing costs so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
Smart shoppers get results
Cost effective auto insurance can be purchased on the web and also from your neighborhood Beckley agents, and you need to comparison shop both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.
As you shop your coverage around, never sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. In many instances, drivers have reduced liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that it was a big mistake. The proper strategy is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.
Additional resources for West Virginia consumers
Additional auto insurance information can be read on the website for the West Virginia Insurance Commission found here. Visitors are able to read industry bulletins, learn about specific coverages, and view agent and company licensing information.
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