To find a licensed insurance agent in Lewes, it’s recommended you start your research by comparing prices online rather than looking in the yellowpages. The chances are good you not only want a good agent, but you also need the best rates possible.
With companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and independent agents all competing for your business, it’s hard to tell which provider will provide you with the best service and rates. Thankfully, it’s easy to use insurance quotes online to get a list of agents and thier coverage prices.
Comparing prices from Lewes agents
Agents can help determine the best coverages and help submit paperwork. One of the best bonuses of price shopping on the web is you can get the best rates and still choose a local agent. And supporting small agencies is especially important in Lewes.
Upon completion of this short form, the coverage information is emailed to agents in your area who will battle for your business. There is no reason to drive around since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. How cool is that?! Get lower rates AND an agent nearby.
Best insurance agency in Lewes
When researching a good insurance agency, there are two different types of agents that you can select. Lewes agents are either captive or independent.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When comparing rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. They also have the ability to place coverage with different regional companies which can be an advantage.
Listed below is a list of independent agencies in Lewes willing to provide pricing information.
- Progressive Insurance Co – 135 2nd St – Lewes, DE 19958 – (302) 645-9344
- Horace Mann Insurance Co – 116 Front St # 223 – Lewes, DE 19958 – (302) 644-2845
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents are contracted to one company and some examples include State Farm, Allstate and AAA. They are unable to provide prices from multiple companies so always compare other rates. They are usually quite knowledgeable on their company’s products which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers often purchase coverage from captives mostly because of high brand loyalty and solid financial strength.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- Are they full-time agents?
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
Once you have acceptable answers to any questions you have as well as a affordable price, you’ve probably found an auto insurance agent that is a good match to insure your vehicles.
What about online companies that don’t use agents?
Insurance agents can be invaluable at times, but you also have the option of buying from online companies direct. Some specific companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who sell through the agent channel also give you the option to buy a policy online, and consumers should do that if you’re trying to lower your rates.
If you’re uncomfortable with not having an agent to talk to when shopping online, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. Online car insurance companies all have toll-free customer service for getting questions answered. Additionally, most companies also offer live chat and online tools that you can use if you have questions.
The only way to determine if the cheapest policy comes from an agent or online is to compare price quotes from both. It’s possible to get different rates when comparing agent prices to online quotes from the same company.
Do customers save by switching to an online company? Whether or not you’ll save is impossible to say since there are many things that are calculated into your premium. It would make sense to think that buying direct cuts out the middleman. But in reality, advertising budgets are huge and that can cost more than having to pay agents.
The best insurance company isn’t always the cheapest
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, make sure you don’t reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many instances, consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits and learned later that they should have had better coverage. The proper strategy is to purchase a proper amount of coverage for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.
People change insurance companies for any number of reasons including extreme rates for teen drivers, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, policy cancellation or even high prices. Whatever your reason, choosing a new insurance company can be easy and end up saving you some money.
For more information
Additional information is available on the Delaware Department of Insurance website through this link. Visitors are able to view a list of available companies, read industry bulletins, view agent and company licensing information, and download brochures.
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