If you’re looking to buy car insurance, you have many choices and picking a good Iowa insurance agent is harder than just driving to the closest agent’s office. Consumers need a professional licensed agent, but also the best car insurance prices in Mason City.
Because there are so many insurance companies to choose from, it can be diffult for consumers to find the most affordable company.
Best way to find Mason City agents
Professional agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help file insurance claims. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is that you can obtain lower rates but still work with a licensed agent.
To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this short form, the coverage information gets sent to local insurance agents in Mason City who will return price quotes for your insurance coverage. There is no reason to visit any agencies since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. How’s that for easy!
Selecting a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
Auto insurance agents in Mason City come in two varieties
If you’re trying to find a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents are either independent or captive. Either one can do a good job, but it’s important to know how they are different because it can influence buying decisions.
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents are contracted to one company and some examples include Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. These agents are not able to shop your coverage around so they have to upsell other benefits. Captives receive extensive training on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers sometimes buy insurance from these agents partially due to the brand legacy and solid financial strength.
Below are captive insurance agents in Mason City who can help you get price quote information.
- Allstate Insurance – 471 S Illinois Ave – Mason City, IA 50401 – (641) 423-4442
- State Farm Insurance – 634 S Monroe Ave – Mason City, IA 50401 – (641) 423-7930
- American Family Insurance – 505 S President Ave – Mason City, IA 50401 – (641) 424-2130
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparing rates, it’s recommended you include price quotes from at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection. Most have the option of insuring with different regional companies who may have lower rates.
The following is a list of independent insurance agents in Mason City who can help you get rate quotes.
- Ermer Insurance and Financial – 113 N Federal Ave – Mason City, IA 50401 – (641) 423-1805
- Sawyer Agency – 202 1st St SE # 109 – Mason City, IA 50401 – (641) 423-6464
- Theilen Agency – 840 12th St NW – Mason City, IA 50401 – (641) 424-9751
- Becker Insurance Inc – 1825 4th St SW – Mason City, IA 50401 – (641) 423-2442
For a complete listing of licensed insurance agents in Mason City, view this link.
Once you have answers to your satisfaction and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that is a good match to provide car insurance coverage.
Are online companies an option?
Insurance agencies are important, but you also have the option of buying from companies direct over the internet. Some specific companies who sell through the agent channel also give you the ability to buy direct on their websites, and that is helpful if finding the best price is important.
If you’re uncomfortable with not getting advice from an agent, don’t let it bother you. Car insurance companies give you access to trained agents to help you decide which coverages are appropriate. In addition, they usually offer live help and an extensive research center to clarify any questions you may have.
Does buying online save money? It’s difficult to say for sure since there may be dozens of rate factors that impact your final bill. It’s a common assumption that shopping direct saves money because there is no agent involvement. But the reality is online and traditional media advertising are expensive and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
More Iowa car insurance information
Even more information can be read at the Iowa Insurance Division website. Iowa drivers can find out industry alerts, report car insurance fraud, find a variety of consumer forms, and read consumer alerts.
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Affordable insurance is out there
Affordable car insurance is attainable both online and with local Mason City insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers do not offer online quoting and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.
People change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as delays in paying claims, policy non-renewal, an unsatisfactory settlement offer and questionable increases in premium. It doesn’t matter what your reason, finding a great new company is not as hard as you think.
