Selecting a car insurance company in Spearfish, SD can be time consuming since you have many choices and selecting the best Spearfish car insurance agent for your needs is harder than just using the same insurance agent as your neighbor. Consumers need a professional agent, but also need the best possible rates.
Because you have many companies and agents to choose from, it is hard for the average consumer to locate the most affordable insurer.
Quote online but still have a local agent
Professional agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is that you can obtain the best rates but also keep your business local.
After filling out this simple form, your insurance data gets sent to agents in your area who will give you bids for your coverage. You won’t need to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier!
Selecting an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just a low price. Some important questions to ask are:
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- How long has their agency been in business in Spearfish?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in South Dakota?
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
Multiple types of auto insurance agents in Spearfish
If you’re trying to find a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Spearfish are classified as either captive or independent. Both types can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the differences because it can impact the type of agent you choose
Captive Agents
These agents have only one company to place business with and examples are AAA, Allstate and State Farm. Captives cannot compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. These agents are well schooled on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some people will only purchase coverage from captives mostly because of the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Shown below is a short list of captive insurance agents in Spearfish willing to provide price quote information.
- Farmers Insurance Group – 517 N Main St – Spearfish, SD 57783 – (605) 644-0951
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 348 E Colorado Blvd – Spearfish, SD 57783 – (605) 642-4399
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. To transfer your coverage to a different company, they simply move the coverage in-house without you having to go to a different agency.
When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to include several independent insurance agents to have the most options to choose from. They also have the ability to place coverage with smaller companies which can be an advantage.
Shown below are independent insurance agents in Spearfish who can help you get price quotes.
- Horace Mann Insurance Co – 1104 Crow Peak Ln – Spearfish, SD 57783 – (605) 642-9644
- Coreen Lerwick Insurance – 125 E Colorado Blvd # 1g – Spearfish, SD 57783 – (605) 642-8141
- Robert P Burnett Agency Inc – 204 N Main St – Spearfish, SD 57783 – (605) 642-2300
For a complete listing of licensed insurance agents in Spearfish, please go to this site.
Upon getting positive feedback to your questions as well as a affordable price, chances are good that you have found an insurance agent that meets your needs to service your policy.
Online companies can help you save
Insurance agencies are important, but South Dakota consumers also have the option to buy from companies direct over the internet. Some companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who sell through agents in Spearfish additionally provide the ability to get a quote and buy online, and that is helpful if you are the do-it-yourself type.
If you’re uncomfortable with not having an insurance agent’s advice when buying car insurance direct, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Online companies provide phone numbers and online resources for getting advice on proper coverages.
Will you save money buying auto insurance online? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer since there are so many factors that impact your rate calculation. You may think that buying directly from the company saves money because there is no commission. But the reality is it’s expensive to advertise and this drives up their premium costs.
In Summary
Discount car insurance can be purchased from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Spearfish, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance providers don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.
When buying insurance coverage, never buy less coverage just to save a little money. In too many instances, an accident victim reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to discover later they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your focus should be to buy enough coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.
More detailed South Dakota car insurance information is available at the South Dakota Division of Insurance website. South Dakota drivers can find disaster information, view agent and company licensing information, and find out which companies have the most complaints.
