Comparing auto insurance rates in Sterling Heights can be a lot of work since there are a lot of options and finding the best Michigan auto insurance agent is more difficult than just calling the closest agent. You need a good professional insurance agent, and also want to find the lowest rates for auto insurance in Sterling Heights.
With consumers having so many companies and agents to choose from, it’s nearly impossible to locate the cheapest company.
Car Insurance through a local Sterling Heights agent
Licensed agents can help determine the best coverages and help you file claims. The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is you can get lower rates but also keep your business local.
After filling out this form (opens in new window), your insurance data gets sent to agents in your area who will battle for your coverage. You don’t have to leave your computer as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. How cool is that?!
Deciding on an insurance agent should depend on more than just the price. These questions are important to ask:
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
- If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
- How are they compensated?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
Two different types of insurance agencies
When finding an insurance agent, there are two types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive. Either one can do a good job, but it’s worth learning how they differ because it can impact your agent selection.
Agency Captives
Captive agencies work for only one company and examples are American Family, Liberty Mutual and AAA. Captives cannot shop your coverage around so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agencies are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents.
The following are Sterling Heights captive insurance agencies who can help you get comparison quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 38357 Dodge Park Rd – Sterling Heights, MI 48312 – (586) 939-9050
State Farm Insurance – 38151 Utica Rd – Sterling Heights, MI 48312 – (586) 939-4343
Liberty Mutual Insurance – 14460 Lakeside Cir # 110 – Sterling Heights, MI 48313 – (586) 532-7298
Farmers Insurance Group – 1999 15 Mile Rd – Sterling Heights, MI 48310 – (586) 977-7003
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with many different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part. When comparison shopping, we recommend you include price quotes from multiple independent agents to get the best comparison.
Listed below are independent insurance agents in Sterling Heights who can help you get price quotes.
Alcos Insurance – 35735 Mound Rd – Sterling Heights, MI 48310 – (586) 977-6300
Thomas E Williamson Insurance – 43512 Mound Rd # A – Sterling Heights, MI 48314 – (586) 731-7310
John Ivkov Agency – 42770 Van Dyke Ave # 1 – Sterling Heights, MI 48314 – (586) 731-4460
Donovan Agency – 38825 Ryan Rd – Sterling Heights, MI 48310 – (586) 979-8408
Jane Walsh Agency – 38916 Dequindre Rd – Sterling Heights, MI 48310 – (586) 977-9250
For a complete listing of insurance agents in Sterling Heights, simply jump to this page.
Once you have received satisfactory answers for all questions you ask in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you’ve probably found an insurance agency that is a good match to adequately provide auto insurance.
The online companies promise big savings
Car insurance agents are important to many people, but you also have the option of buying Michigan car insurance directly from online companies. Certain auto insurance companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who have local Sterling Heights agents also give you the ability to buy direct online. This is something to consider if you want to do it yourself.
If you’re apprehensive about not having an agent to talk to, that shouldn’t be an issue. Insurance companies provide access to licensed agents for answering any questions you have.
Does it save money buying online? That question is hard to answer due to the fact that there are multiple individual factors which can raise or lower premium rates. Common logic is that a customer who purchases direcly from an online company saves money because there is no agent involvement. But truthfully, marketing expenses are significant and that can cost more than having to pay agents.
More detailed Michigan auto insurance information is available at the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation website. Michigan drivers can get help finding coverage, read industry bulletins, and file complaints about a company.
Also read more on Wikipedia and this link where you can get more info about Sterling Heights auto insurance.
A tidy conclusion
Cheaper auto insurance can be bought from both online companies and with local Sterling Heights insurance agents, and you should be comparing both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.
When you buy insurance online, do not buy less coverage just to save a little money. There have been many situations where an accident victim reduced comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to find out that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your aim should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.