When shopping for car insurance, selecting the best Kennebunk insurance agency for your needs takes more work than just picking up the phone. For the sake of this article, we’ll assume you require not only a good agent, but you also need affordable coverage.
With companies like Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents having local Kennebunk offices, consumers have a hard time knowing which provider will give you the best rates, service and coverage. To begin, it’s easy to use online quotes to build a list of insurance agencies and thier coverage prices.
Save time by quoting online
Professional agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain the best rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local businesses is definitely important in Kennebunk.
By using this short form, your coverage information gets sent to local insurance agents in Kennebunk who will battle to get your business. You don’t have to even leave your home because quoted prices will be sent to the email address you provide. How cool is that?! You can find better rates and work with a local agent.
Not all car insurance agents are the same
When researching local Kennebunk agents, you must know there are a couple different agency structures from which to choose. Agents are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive).
Independent Agents
These agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with many different companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, they simply move the coverage in-house and that require little work on your part.
When comparing rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency for maximum quote selection. Many write coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.
Shown below are independent agents in Kennebunk who may be able to give you comparison quotes.
- Landing Insurance Co – 2 Christensen Ln – Kennebunk, ME 04043 – (207) 967-0946
- Morris Insurance Svc Inc – 19 Main St – Kennebunk, ME 04043 – (207) 985-2941
- Cole Harrison Agency Inc – 83 Main St – Kennebunk, ME 04043 – (207) 985-3361
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive insurance agents work for only one company such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. They usually cannot compare other company’s rates so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captives receive extensive training on their company’s products which can be an advantage. Some people will only purchase coverage from captives mainly due to loyalty to the company and strong financial ratings.
The following is a short list of captive insurance agents in Kennebunk that are able to give price quotes.
- Liberty Mutual Insurance – 45 Portland Rd – Kennebunk, ME 04043 – (207) 985-7083
For a complete listing of captive agents in Kennebunk, visit this site.
Picking an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a low price. These are valid questions to ask:
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
After receiving reasonable responses for all questions you ask and a low price estimate, most likely you have located an insurance agent that is a good match to service your policy.
What about online companies that don’t have local agents?
Insurance agents are important, but you also have the option of buying direct from companies that only sell online. Certain auto insurance companies who sell through the agent channel also allow you to buy direct online, and online price comparisons are easy.
If you’re worried about not having professional advice when shopping online, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Insurance companies have customer service departments to answer any questions you may have.
Will buying online save you money? It’s difficult to provide an answer because of the fact that insurance companies use many factors that influence the price you pay. Some people will tell you that buying directly from the company saves the cost of an agent commission. But the reality is there are very high advertising costs so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
More Maine car insurance resources
Much more information about car insurance in Maine can be found on the Maine Bureau of Insurance website found here. Maine drivers can file complaints about a company, read state legal mandates and laws, and report car insurance fraud.
The articles below may also help you learn more about car insurance in Kennebunk
More effort can pay off
Budget-conscious car insurance is possible from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Kennebunk, and you need to price shop both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers don’t offer the ability to get a quote online and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.
As you restructure your insurance plan, it’s very important that you do not reduce needed coverages to save money. In many instances, an accident victim reduced physical damage coverage only to find out that the savings was not a smart move. Your goal should be to buy the best coverage you can find for the lowest price.
