When trying to find a licensed insurance agent in Ocean City, we recommend you begin your search for an agent online to save time. Chances are that not only do you want a highly trained agent, but also great rates as well.
With insurance companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and independent agents all competing for business in Ocean City, consumers have a hard time knowing which one will have the lowest rates and best service. Thankfully, you can use online quoting to assemble a group of insurance agents and price estimates.
Price shop online but buy from a local Ocean City agent
Insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you someone to call. The best thing about price shopping on the web is you can get the best rates and still choose a local agent. Supporting local agencies is definitely important in Ocean City.
Once you complete this simple form, your insurance data is submitted to agents in your area who will give you bids for your business. There is no need to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy! You’ll get the best rates AND an agent nearby.
Best car insurance agent in Ocean City
When finding a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple different types of agents to choose from. Agents are categorized either independent or captive.
Independent Agents
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with any number of different companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, the agent simply finds a different carrier without you having to go to a different agency.
When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you contact at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection.
Below are independent agents in Ocean City that can give you price quote information.
Associated Insurance Ctr – 12445 Ocean Gtwy # 9 – Ocean City, MD 21842 – (410) 641-0222
Nationwide Insurance – 12449 Ocean Gtwy # 5 – Ocean City, MD 21842 – (410) 213-2241
Agency Captives
Captive agents can only write with one company like Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are not able to give you multiple price quotes so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agencies receive extensive training on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage.
Below are Ocean City captive agents that can give you rate quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 9921 Stephen Decatur Hwy # 5 – Ocean City, MD 21842 – (410) 213-7400
MD Farm Bureau Inc – 10100 Coastal Hwy – Ocean City, MD 21842 – (410) 524-7070
For a full directory of captive insurance agencies in Ocean City, please click here.
Selecting a car insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap price. These questions are important to ask:
- Can they give you a list of client referrals?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
Once you have received positive feedback to your questions and a low price estimate, chances are good that you have found a car insurance agent that is a good match to properly service your auto insurance policy.
Include online companies when price shopping
Car insurance agents are important to many people, but Maryland consumers also have the option to buy from companies direct over the internet. A few companies who have local agents in Ocean City also give you the ability to get a quote and buy online, so keep that in mind if you don’t want to take the time to contact agents.
If you’re worried about not having an insurance agent’s advice, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. Online car insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide access to licensed agents for getting questions answered.
Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online? It’s difficult to say for sure because there are a lot of things that impact your final bill. Common sense would say that buying direct saves money because there is no agent involvement. But in most cases, online and traditional media advertising are expensive so there may not be significant savings.
The only way to determine who has the best rates, online companies or local insurance agents, is to get rates from both and compare them. You could possible even receive different price quotes when quoting both agents prices and online prices from the same company. But it’s impossible to know where you can get the lowest rates without quoting identical coverages each way.
Buy online or local, you save
As you shop your coverage around, it’s very important that you do not reduce needed coverages to save money. In too many instances, drivers have reduced liability limits or collision coverage and learned later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.
Insureds leave their current company for many reasons like high prices, policy non-renewal, high rates after DUI convictions and being labeled a high risk driver. It doesn’t matter what your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is actually quite simple.
Additional reading for auto insurance information
More information can be read on the website for the Maryland Insurance Administration. Click here for link. Visitors are able to read industry bulletins, report car insurance fraud, and read state legal mandates and laws.
