If you’re looking for a good insurance agent in Hawaii, you can always start your search using online quotes rather than picking up the phone. You require a friendly agent, but also need affordable rates.
Drivers have multiple car insurance agents to insure vehicles with, and even though it’s nice to have a choice, too many choices makes it more difficult to compare company pricing.
Local Hawaii car insurance agents
Good agents can help determine the best coverages and help file insurance claims. The best thing about price shopping on the web is that you can obtain the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this short form, your insurance coverage information is submitted to participating agents who will compete for your business. You don’t have to visit any agencies because quoted prices will be sent to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy! You’ll get the best rates and work with a local agent.
Selecting an insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Are they full-time agents?
- Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Hawaii?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- How are they compensated?
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
Is a captive or independent auto insurance agent right for you?
When searching for a good Hawaii insurance agent, you must know there are a couple types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Hawaii agents can either be independent (non-captive) or captive.
Captive Agents
These agents are contracted to one company like State Farm or Allstate. These agents are unable to shop your coverage around so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents are trained well on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency. When comparison shopping, it’s a good idea to include price quotes from several independent insurance agents to have the most options to choose from.
To view a full list of insurance agents in Hawaii, click here.
After receiving satisfactory answers to your questions and an affordable coverage quote, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to properly service your car insurance policy.
Alternatives to local insurance agents
Insurance agents are important, but you can also buy Hawaii car insurance directly from online companies. Even companies that sell primarily through agents also allow consumers to get a quote and buy online, so this should also be taken into consideration if the lowest rate is your goal.
If you’re concerned about not having professional advice when shopping online, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide access to licensed agents for customer questions.
Do customers save by switching to an online company? It’s hard to say exactly due to the fact that there are multiple individual factors that influence your rates. It’s logical to say that a consumer who buys direct saves money because there is no commission. In reality, there are very high advertising costs so there may not be significant savings.
Buy online or local, you save
When trying to cut insurance costs, it’s not a good idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There have been many cases where someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits to discover at claim time they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The aim is to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.
Cheaper car insurance can be purchased both online in addition to many Hawaii insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best rate selection. Some car insurance companies do not provide the ability to get a quote online and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
More information about car insurance
More tips and info about car insurance can be found at the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website. Consumers can read industry bulletins, find out which companies have the most complaints, file complaints about a company, and learn about specific coverages.
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