When buying auto insurance in Artesia, selecting the best Artesia insurance agent for your needs is not as easy as just making a phone call. It’s highly likely you want a decent agent, but you also want great rates as well.
With companies like Allstate, Farmers and State Farm as well as independent agents all competing for your business, it’s difficult to determine which provider will have the best rates, service and coverage. Thankfully, you can use online quoting to get a list of agents and thier coverage prices.
Compare online but buy from a local Artesia agent
Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help in the event of a claim. One of the best bonuses of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain better rates but still work with a licensed agent. Supporting local agencies is important particularly in Artesia.
Once you complete this form (opens in new window), the coverage information is instantly submitted to companies in Artesia who will battle for your insurance coverage. There is no reason to drive around due to the fact that quote results will go to your email. How cool is that?!
Artesia car insurance agents are either independent or captive
When finding a reliable agent, there are two different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Artesia are categorized either captive or independent. While both can write coverage properly, but it’s worth mentioning how they are different since it can impact the type of agent you choose
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When shopping rates, we recommend you include price quotes from several independent insurance agents to have the most options to choose from. Most have the option of insuring with different regional companies who may have lower rates.
Shown below is a list of independent agencies in Artesia that can give you price quote information.
- George Gandy Insurance Svc – 510 W Texas Ave # A – Artesia, NM 88210 – (505) 748-2000
- Ronnie Jackson Agency – 518 W Main St – Artesia, NM 88210 – (505) 746-2753
- Don Moore Insurance – 604 W Main St – Artesia, NM 88210 – (505) 748-1293
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents are contracted to one company such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. Captives cannot provide prices from multiple companies so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. They are well schooled on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage. Consumers frequently buy insurance from these agents mostly because of the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Picking an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
After getting reasonable responses to your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, it’s possible that you found an insurance agency that will properly insure your vehicles.
Are online companies an option?
Professional insurance agents are a valuable resource, but New Mexico consumers also have the option to buy directly from online companies. A few companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, that are more known for using agents, also give you the option to buy online, and consumers should do that if you prefer not to work with an agent.
If you’re uneasy about not getting proper coverage when buying car insurance direct, don’t be too concerned. Online companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide toll-free numbers to answer any questions you may have. Consumers also can use a frequently asked questions page so buying online is not difficult.
The only method to determine if the cheapest policy comes from an agent or online is comparing prices for both of them. Even though it sounds odd, people frequently get different pricing for the identical company when comparing online quotes to a quote from an agent.
Is pricing better online? That is a tough question to answer because there are a lot of things that impact your rate calculation. Common sense would say that a consumer who buys direct saves money by not requiring a commission. For most online online companies, however, promoting brand recognition is pricey and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Summing up your auto insurance search
While you’re price shopping online, do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. In too many instances, an insured cut liability coverage limits only to regret at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The ultimate goal is to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.
Consumers change insurance companies for many reasons like lack of trust in their agent, being labeled a high risk driver, delays in paying claims and unfair underwriting practices. Regardless of your reason, switching auto insurance companies is less work than it seems.
Much more information about auto insurance in New Mexico can be found on the New Mexico Insurance Division website through this link. Visitors are able to read state legal mandates and laws, download brochures, and learn about specific coverages.
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