If you’re looking for a good insurance agent in Schenectady, NY, we recommend you do an initial search by comparing prices online rather than looking in the yellowpages. Consumers require a decent agent, but also need the best car insurance prices in Schenectady.
Many insurance agents vie for your hard-earned dollar, and because of this it can be hard to compare auto insurance agents to find the lowest rate
Shop online but buy locally
Agents can answer important questions and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about comparing rates online is you can get the best rates but still work with a licensed agent.
Once you complete this quick form, the coverage information is immediately sent to participating agents in Schenectady who will compete for your business. You never need to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier! You can find the lowest rates and work with a local agent.
Deciding on an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. These questions are important to ask:
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
- How are they compensated?
- How long has their agency been open in Schenectady?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
Multiple types of car insurance agents in Schenectady
When looking for local Schenectady agents, there are a couple of types of agencies that you can select. Agents are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive).
Captive Agents
These agents are contracted to one company and examples are American Family, State Farm and Allstate. These agents are not able to compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. Captive agencies are well schooled on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Below is a list of captive agents in Schenectady that can give you comparison quotes.
State Farm Insurance – 3357 Carman Rd – Schenectady, NY 12303 – (518) 355-5606
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To transfer your coverage to a different company, they simply move the coverage in-house without you having to go to a different agency. When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to include price quotes from at least one independent agent to have the most options to choose from.
Shown below is a short list of independent agents in Schenectady who can help you get comparison quotes.
Hill Agency – 1131 Altamont Ave – Schenectady, NY 12303 – (518) 357-0515
Grapeviflle Agency III – 1611 Union St – Schenectady, NY 12309 – (518) 346-7713
Scarantino Agency – 1761 State St – Schenectady, NY 12304 – (518) 372-2130
Nationwide Insurance – 225 State St # 112 – Schenectady, NY 12305 – (518) 347-1093
Upstate Priorty Insurance – 1805 Providence Ave – Schenectady, NY 12309 – (518) 377-8011
To view a full list of licensed insurance agents in Schenectady, go to this page.
After getting good answers for all questions you ask and an affordable coverage quote, you may have just found a car insurance agent that will adequately provide car insurance.
Online alternative for car insurance
Insurance agents can be invaluable at times, but you also have the option of buying direct from companies online. A few companies that sell primarily through agents also allow consumers to get a quote and buy online, and that is helpful if you’re trying to lower your rates.
If you’re uneasy about choosing your own coverages, that is normal but is not a big issue. All companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide options that you can contact for information. Also available are online help and live chat that you can use before buying.
Are car insurance rates lower online? It’s difficult to say for sure since there are so many components that impact your rate calculation. Some people will tell you that buying car insurance online saves by not paying a commission. For most companies selling online, however, online and traditional media advertising are expensive so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.
To learn even more about car insurance
More tips and info about car insurance is located at the New York Department of Financial Services website. New York drivers can learn about specific coverages, read industry bulletins, and download brochures.
In the end, you save
While you’re price shopping online, it’s very important that you do not skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There have been many cases where an accident victim reduced collision coverage only to regret that they should have had better coverage. The ultimate goal is to buy enough coverage for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Budget-conscious car insurance can be bought both online and with local Schenectady insurance agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance companies do not offer online quoting and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.
