To find a good insurance agent in Valley Stream, NY, you can always do an initial search by comparing prices online instead of making phone calls. Consumers need a good agent, and also want to find decent rates too.
Drivers have multiple insurance agencies to pick from, and although it’s nice to have a choice, having more insurance agents makes it harder to compare rates and cut insurance costs.
Neighborhood insurance agents
Good agents can point out coverage gaps and help in the event of a claim. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent.
To find an agent, once you fill out this short form, your insurance coverage information is emailed to local insurance agents who will return price quotes for your business. You never need to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. How cool is that?!
Selecting an insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the price. These are valid questions to ask:
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
- Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
- How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
Different types of car insurance agents in Valley Stream
When searching for an insurance agent, you must know there are a couple types of insurance agents to choose from. Insurance agencies in Valley Stream can either be captive or independent (non-captive). Both insure your vehicles, but it’s good to learn the differences since it can impact buying decisions.
Agency Captives
Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company and some examples include AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. They usually cannot give you multiple price quotes so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agencies are well schooled in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage.
Below is a short list of captive agencies in Valley Stream that can give you price quote information.
Allstate Insurance Co – 164 N Central Ave – Valley Stream, NY 11580 – (516) 561-6770
Independent Agents
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency. When searching for an agent, you should always include at least one independent agent to get the best comparison.
Shown below are independent insurance agencies in Valley Stream that are able to give price quote information.
Grober-Imbey Agency Inc – 1 Sunrise Plz – Valley Stream, NY 11580 – (516) 872-9500
Nationwide Insurance – 96 Rockaway Ave – Valley Stream, NY 11580 – (516) 561-0799
Ladetsky Agency – 14 Cloverfield Rd S – Valley Stream, NY 11581 – (516) 791-3995
Robert J Frey Agency – 26 W Merrick Rd – Valley Stream, NY 11580 – (516) 825-8351
A Low Budget Insurance – 59 Rockaway Ave – Valley Stream, NY 11580 – (516) 593-1120
For a full directory of Valley Stream insurance agents, please go to this site.
Upon getting answers to your satisfaction to all your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to insure your vehicles.
Online companies can help you save
Professional insurance agents can be invaluable at times, but New York consumers also have the option to buy direct over the internet. Certain companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who have local Valley Stream agents additionally provide the ability to buy online, so keep that in mind if finding the best price is important.
If you’re uncomfortable with not having professional advice, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. Car insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide toll-free numbers to answer any questions you may have. They also make available online education and live help anytime that you can use if you have questions.
Are online premiums lower? Whether or not you’ll save is impossible to say because there are many components that are calculated into your premium. Some people think that buying car insurance online reduces premiums because there is no agent. But the reality is getting their brand in front of customers is expensive and this tends to eat up any savings.
Online plus local equals savings
Lower-priced car insurance is definitely available both online as well as from independent agents in Valley Stream, so you should compare both so you have a total pricing picture. Some car insurance companies don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
Consumers change insurance companies for any number of reasons including extreme rates for teen drivers, being labeled a high risk driver, high prices and even delays in paying claims. Whatever your reason, finding a new company is not as hard as you think.
Additional reading for car insurance information
More tips and info about car insurance is located at the New York Department of Financial Services website. Visitors are able to file complaints about a company, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and get help finding coverage.
