When finding a good Sumter agent, you can always do the preliminary legwork by comparing rates online in order to save time. Consumers need a good agent, and also want to find affordable rates.
Lots of insurance agencies contend for your insurance dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates and uncover the absolute lowest price
Buying auto insurance from a local Sumter agent
Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help in the event of a claim. The biggest benefit of comparing insurance prices online is you may find better rates and still have an agent to talk to.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this quick form, your coverage information is submitted to local insurance agents in Sumter who will return price quotes for your insurance coverage. You won’t need to drive around since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy!
Choosing a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. Some important questions to ask are:
- Are they full-time agents?
- Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
- Which company do they place the most coverage with?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- How long has their agency been open in Sumter?
Sumter insurance agencies are either independent or captive
If you’re trying to find a good insurance agency, you need to know there are two different agency structures from which to choose. Sumter agents can either be captive or independent (non-captive). While both can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the differences because it can influence buying decisions.
Agency Captives
Captive agents can only place business with one company such as State Farm, AAA, Farmers Insurance or Allstate. These agents are not able to give you multiple price quotes so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agencies are well schooled in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Listed below are captive insurance agencies in Sumter that can give you price quote information.
Allstate Insurance – 547 Miller Rd – Sumter, SC 29150 – (803) 775-1137
State Farm Insurance – 1324 Broad St – Sumter, SC 29150 – (803) 469-3276
Independent Agents
Independent insurance agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with multiple insurance companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, the agent simply finds a different carrier and that require little work on your part.
When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to ensure the widest selection of prices.
The following is a list of independent agents in Sumter who can help you get comparison quotes.
Horace Mann Insurance Co – 312 Broad St – Sumter, SC 29150 – (803) 775-7404
Hatfield Insurance Inc – 219 W Hampton Ave # A – Sumter, SC 29150 – (803) 778-6488
Mc Kinney Agency – 314 W Liberty St # A – Sumter, SC 29150 – (803) 778-2490
Direct General Ins Agency – 308 Broad St – Sumter, SC 29150 – (803) 938-9107
To view a complete directory of auto insurance agents in Sumter, visit this site.
Once you have received positive feedback to all your questions as well as a affordable price, you may have just found an insurance agency that can properly insure your vehicles.
Can you buy online and save?
Professional insurance agents are indespensible for some people, but South Carolina drivers can also buy direct from companies online. A few companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, that are more known for using agents, additionally provide the ability to buy a policy online. This is something to consider as an alternative to contacting agents.
If you’re worried about not receiving proper advice when buying direct, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Car insurance companies have customer service departments to answer your questions.
Are car insurance rates lower online? Many people think so, but it’s hard to say for sure because there are many factors that determine the price you pay. It’s a logical assumption that buying car insurance online cuts out the middleman. But truthfully, promoting brand recognition is pricey and this drives up their premium costs.
In Summary
Low-cost auto insurance is attainable both online as well as from independent agents in Sumter, so you should compare both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who don’t offer the ability to get a quote online and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
As you restructure your insurance plan, never buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In many instances, someone dropped physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your goal should be to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.
To learn even more about auto insurance
Additional detailed information is located at the South Carolina Department of Insurance website. South Carolina consumers can get help finding coverage, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, find out industry alerts, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.
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