When trying to find a good Carson agent, it’s recommended you start your research by getting online comparison quotes rather than picking up the phone. For the sake of this article, we’ll assume you want a professional licensed agent, but you also need the best rates possible.
With insurance companies like Allstate, Farmers and State Farm as well as independent agents all competing for business in Carson, it’s difficult to determine which auto insurance agent will provide you with the cheapest rates and the best coverage. Thankfully, consumers can use insurance quotes online to get a list of insurance agents from which to choose.
Working with a local agent
Agents can help determine the best coverages and help submit paperwork. The best thing about comparing rates online is the fact that you can find the best rates but also keep your business local. And providing support for small agencies is important especially in Carson.
By using this quick form, your insurance coverage information is sent to local insurance agents who will compete for your business. You don’t have to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier!
Carson car insurance agents are either independent or captive
When searching for a good insurance agency, you must know there are a couple different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents can either be captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ since it may influence the selection process.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage with multiple insurance companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and that require little work on your part. When shopping rates, it’s recommended you include price quotes from multiple independent agents to get the best comparison.Most can insure with smaller regional carriers who may have lower rates.
Below is a list of independent agencies in Carson that are able to give price quotes.
- Gregory C Owens Agency – 21613 Avalon Blvd – Carson, CA 90745 – (310) 835-1444
- Freeway Insurance Svc – 1 Civic Plaza Dr # 430 – Carson, CA 90745 – (310) 787-8100
- Equitable Insurance Brokerage – 22010 Wilmington Ave – Carson, CA 90745 – (310) 816-9386
Captive Agents
Captive insurance agents are contracted to one company like Allstate, AAA, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. These agents are unable to provide prices from multiple companies so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captives are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers often buy insurance from these agents primarily because of high brand loyalty and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
The following are captive insurance agencies in Carson that can give you comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 17420 Avalon Blvd # 203 – Carson, CA 90746 – (310) 523-2323
- State Farm Insurance – 23407 Main St – Carson, CA 90745 – (310) 233-3855
- Farmers Insurance Group – 860 E Carson St – Carson, CA 90745 – (310) 830-1936
For a full directory of captive agencies in Carson, visit this site.
Choosing an insurance agency requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. These are valid questions to ask:
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in California?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
Once you have received answers to your satisfaction for all questions you ask and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agency that can adequately provide car insurance.
Can I save by cutting out the agent?
Auto insurance agents can be invaluable at times, but you also have the option of buying California car insurance direct from companies that only sell online. A few companies who sell through agents in Carson also allow consumers to buy direct on their websites, so this should also be taken into consideration.
If you’re anxious about selecting your own policy coverages, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Auto insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide phone numbers and online resources for getting the best coverage. They also have extensive coverage information and 24/7 assistance to help with the buying process.
If you’re trying to save the most money, the best approach to discovering if prices are better online or from an agent is comparing rate quotes from both. It’s not unheard of to actually get different prices for the exact same company depending on if you quote online or with their agents. But you won’t know which method provides the best price until you actually compare rates each way.
Does car insurance cost less online? It’s hard to say exactly since companies use quite a few components that are calculated into your premium. It would make sense to think that shopping direct cuts out the middleman. In many cases, getting their brand in front of customers is expensive and that can cost more than having to pay agents.
To find out more about California car insurance
More information is available on the California Department of Insurance website through this link. Visitors are able to learn about specific coverages, read state legal mandates and laws, and file complaints about a company.
The articles below may also help you learn more about car insurance in Carson
In Summary
People change insurance companies for many reasons like policy cancellation, unfair underwriting practices, questionable increases in premium and even lack of trust in their agent. Whatever your reason, finding the right car insurance provider is not as difficult as it may seem.
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, it’s not a good idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are many occasions where an accident victim reduced comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to find out that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The aim is to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.
