To find a good insurance agent in Clifton, New Jersey, you can always start your search by getting online comparison quotes to save time. There is a good chance you not only want a friendly agent, but you also want the lowest possible price.
With American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers all competing for your business, consumers have a hard time knowing which provider will provide you with the best service and rates. To help decide, consumers can use insurance quotes online to build a list of agents and thier coverage prices.
Comparing prices from Clifton agents
Educated insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about getting online price quotes is you may find the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. Supporting local agencies is important particularly in Clifton.
For easy comparison, once you complete this simple form, your information is submitted to insurance agents in Clifton who will give you bids for your business. You don’t have to drive around due to the fact that quote results will go immediately to your email address. Now that’s easy!
Do you need an independent or captive car insurance agent?
If you’re trying to find a reliable agent, you must know there are a couple types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Clifton are either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can do a good job, but it’s worth mentioning how they are different because it can influence your selection of an agent.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These agents are not employed by any specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency.
When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to contact multiple independent agents for the best price selection. Many write coverage with smaller regional carriers who may have lower rates.
Listed below is a short list of independent insurance agencies in Clifton who can help you get rate quotes.
- United Insurance Co Of America – 1373 Broad St # 303 – Clifton, NJ 07013 – (973) 778-2887
- Egatz Agency Inc – 1058 Clifton Ave – Clifton, NJ 07013 – (973) 773-0436
- Cresent Agency – 997 Main Ave – Clifton, NJ 07011 – (973) 773-5880
- J Thomas Agency – 777 Passaic Ave – Clifton, NJ 07012 – (973) 773-7014
- Dunleavy Insurance – 424 Lakeview Ave – Clifton, NJ 07011 – (973) 772-5211
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive insurance agents write business for a single company and examples are Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captives receive extensive training on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents. Some people will only choose to use a captive agent partially due to the prominence of the brand and solid financial strength.
The following are captive insurance agents in Clifton that can give you comparison quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 178 Lakeview Ave – Clifton, NJ 07011 – (973) 478-9500
To view a full list of captive insurance agents in Clifton, visit this site.
Picking an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the premium amount. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- How are claims handled?
Once you have received positive feedback to any questions you have and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that can properly service your car insurance policy.
Can you find lower rates by buying online?
Insurance agents are important, but New Jersey consumers also have the option to buy directly from online companies. Some companies like Allstate and State Farm that are more known for using agents, additionally provide the ability to buy direct online. This is something to consider if you prefer not to work with an agent.
If you’re anxious about selecting your own policy coverages, don’t let it bother you. Car insurance companies have customer service departments for getting the best coverage. Additionally, most companies also offer live help and an extensive research center you can access prior to buying.
Are online rates lower? It’s hard to say exactly since companies use quite a few components that are calculated into your premium. Some people think that shopping direct saves the commission normally paid to an agent. For the majority of companies, however, online and traditional media advertising are expensive so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
Some additional reading
Much more information about car insurance in New Jersey can be read on the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website found here. Visitors are able to download brochures, find a variety of consumer forms, and file complaints about a company.
These articles may also be worth reading.
- Proven Techniques for Comparing Cheaper Clifton Auto Insurance
- Learn How to Pay Less and Get More for Clifton New Jersey Auto Insurance
Compare but don’t skimp
When shopping online for car insurance, make sure you don’t buy less coverage just to save a little money. There have been many situations where someone dropped physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that it was a big error on their part. Your aim should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.
Cheaper car insurance is definitely available both online as well as from independent agents in Clifton, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best rate selection. Some companies don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.