If you’re looking for a good insurance agent in Renton, WA, we recommend you do the preliminary legwork on the internet instead of calling around. You require an excellent agent, but also the cheapest rates you can possibly find.
Because you have many options when it comes to auto insurance, it can be diffult for consumers to locate the most affordable provider.
Neighborhood insurance agents
Professional agents can help determine the best coverages and help submit paperwork. The best thing about getting online price quotes is the fact that you can find the lowest rates and still choose a local agent.
By using this form (opens in new window), your coverage information gets sent to local insurance agents who will battle to get your business. You won’t need to drive around as quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. How cool is that?!
Choosing a car insurance agent requires more thought than just a low price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Who are their largest clients?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
The different types of insurance agents
When researching a reliable agent, you must know there are a couple types of agencies to choose from. Insurance agencies in Renton are either independent (non-captive) or captive. While both can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning the differences because it can impact buying decisions.
Agency Captives
These agents have only one company to place business with like AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. They usually cannot give you multiple price quotes so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agents are usually quite knowledgeable on the products they sell which can be an advantage.
Listed below is a list of captive agents in Renton willing to provide comparison quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 10500 SE Carr Rd – Renton, WA 98055 – (425) 226-1200
Farmers Insurance Group – 555 S Renton Village Pl # 500 – Renton, WA 98055 – (425) 254-0464
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business amongst many companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To transfer your coverage to a different company, your agent can switch companies and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When comparison shopping, it’s a good idea to contact at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection.
Below is a list of independent insurance agents in Renton willing to provide comparison quotes.
Cunningham Agency – 757 Rainier Ave S # 3 – Renton, WA 98055 – (206) 441-5521
Independent Insurance Agents – 19910 118th Ave SE – Renton, WA 98058 – (253) 850-9989
Cynthia Do Agency – 228 SW 43rd St – Renton, WA 98055 – (425) 251-6395
Hub Insurance – 1102 Bronson Way N – Renton, WA 98055 – (425) 255-2486
Chuck Rubin Agency – 326 Union Ave NE – Renton, WA 98059 – (425) 644-2676
To view a full list of Renton insurance agents, please go to this site.
Once you have received satisfactory answers and a good coverage price, it’s possible that you found a car insurance agent that is a good match to insure your vehicles.
Online auto insurance companies
Professional insurance agents are a valuable resource, but you can also find affordable Washington auto insurance direct from companies that only sell online. A few companies who sell through the agent channel also give you the option to buy direct on their websites, so that should be considered.
If you’re worried about not having someone to ask questions when buying online, that shouldn’t be an issue. All companies provide customer service that you can contact for information. In addition, they usually offer anytime access to help and a customer research section that can help answer basic questions.
Can online rates save money? A lot of shoppers won’t buy anywhere else, but it’s impossible to say because there are many components that impact your rate calculation. Common logic is that shopping online for auto insurance saves money because there is no agent involvement. But in most cases, marketing expenses are significant and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
A little work can save a LOT of money
Affordable auto insurance can be found both online as well as from independent agents in Renton, so compare prices from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance companies don’t offer online quoting and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.
As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don’t reduce needed coverages to save money. Too many times, an accident victim reduced liability coverage limits and found out when filing a claim that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The aim is to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate.
Consumer auto insurance information in Washington
Additional detailed information is available at the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website. Visitors are able to find a variety of consumer forms, read industry bulletins, and find disaster information.
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