To locate a good Kingsport agent, it’s recommended you begin your search using online quotes rather than looking in the yellowpages. We’re assuming that not only do you want a good agent that listens to you, but you also need the best rates possible.
With companies like Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents having local Kingsport offices, it’s difficult to determine which will give you the best service and rates. Thankfully, consumers can use online quotes in order to build a list of insurance agencies to choose from.
Quote online, buy local
Insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help you file claims. One of the best bonuses of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain the best rates and still choose a local agent. Buying from local insurance agencies is especially important in Kingsport.
For easy comparison, once you complete this simple form, the coverage information is sent to companies in Kingsport who will battle to get your business. You never need to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. How cool is that?! It’s the lowest rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.
Car insurance agents in Kingsport come in two varieties
When looking for a good Kingsport insurance agent, there are two types of agencies from which to choose. Agencies in Kingsport are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies and potentially find a lower price. If you are not satisfied with one company, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparing rates, it’s recommended you include price quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to get the best comparison.
The following is a list of independent insurance agents in Kingsport who can help you get rate quotes.
Acceptance Insurance Agency – 1649 E Stone Dr # 112 – Kingsport, TN 37660 – (423) 246-9090
Trail Insurance and Financial – 3833 Alderwood Dr – Kingsport, TN 37664 – (423) 392-4119
American Interstate Insurance – 201 Hollydale Dr – Kingsport, TN 37663 – (423) 239-4126
Direct General Ins Agency – 1101 E Stone Dr # 5 – Kingsport, TN 37660 – (423) 245-1515
Evelyn Stout Widener Agency – 150 Commerce St – Kingsport, TN 37660 – (423) 246-3941
Agency Captives
Captive agencies have only one company to place business with such as American Family, Liberty Mutual and AAA. They are unable to place coverage with different providers so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captives are trained well on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage.
Below is a short list of captive agents in Kingsport who can help you get price quotes.
Farmers Insurance Group – 1309 E Center St – Kingsport, TN 37664 – (423) 247-5400
Farm Bureau – 3417 Memorial Blvd – Kingsport, TN 37664 – (423) 578-2181
State Farm Insurance – 901 E Center St – Kingsport, TN 37660 – (423) 246-8991
Allstate Insurance Co – 3301 Memorial Blvd – Kingsport, TN 37664 – (423) 246-5411
For a complete listing of captive insurance agents in Kingsport, visit this site.
Picking an insurance agent should depend on more than just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
After getting acceptable answers for all questions you ask and a low price estimate, it’s possible that you found a car insurance agent that is a good match to adequately provide auto insurance.
You have the option to purchase direct online
Professional insurance agents are important to many people, but you also have the option of buying Tennessee car insurance direct from companies that only sell online. Some companies like Allstate and State Farm who employ agents also let you buy a policy online, so that should be considered if you are the do-it-yourself type.
If you’re apprehensive about not having someone to ask questions, don’t let it bother you. All companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide access to licensed agents for getting advice on proper coverages. They also have extensive coverage information and 24/7 assistance you can access prior to buying.
Are online premiums lower? It’s difficult to say for sure because there are a lot of things that impact your premium. You may think that going direct lowers rates due to not having any agent compensation. But that assumption is generally incorrect because it’s expensive to advertise so this can offset any savings.
The only way to know if prices are better online or from an agent is getting rates for as many of both types of providers as possible. You could possible even receive different price quotes from online quotes as compared to agent rates from the same car insurance company.
Summing up your auto insurance search
As you shop your coverage around, you should never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are a lot of situations where drivers have reduced full coverage and discovered at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your goal should be to buy enough coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.
People switch companies for any number of reasons including high prices, extreme rates for teen drivers, delays in paying claims and even lack of trust in their agent. Whatever your reason, choosing a new insurance company is not as hard as you think.
Much more information about auto insurance in Tennessee can be found on the website for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance through this link. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, find out which companies have the most complaints, and get help finding coverage.
