If you’re looking for a good insurance agent in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, you can start your research by comparing rates online instead of calling around. The chances are good you’re not only searching for a good professional insurance agent, but you also need the best rates possible.
With companies like Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents having local South Kingstown offices, it’s difficult to determine which provider will have the best rates, service and coverage. Fortunately, it’s easy to use online quoting to get a list of insurance agencies and thier coverage prices.
Car Insurance from South Kingstown insurance agents
Licensed agents can answer important questions and help submit paperwork. The best thing about price shopping on the web is you can get the best rates but also keep your business local. Supporting small agencies is important particularly in South Kingstown.
By using this simple form, your information is transmitted to insurance agents in South Kingstown who will return price quotes for your business. You don’t have to drive around as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. How cool is that?!
The difference between South Kingstown auto insurance agents
When researching a local agent, there are two types of agencies that you can select. South Kingstown agents can either be independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ because it can influence your selection of an agent.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles 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 shopping rates, it’s recommended you include at a minimum one independent agency for maximum quote selection.
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents can only write with one company such as Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They are well schooled on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- How are claims handled?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
After receiving satisfactory answers to your questions and an affordable coverage quote, you may have just found an insurance agency that will properly insure your vehicles.
Aren’t online companies cheaper than using an agent?
Professional insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but Rhode Island drivers can also buy from companies direct over the internet. Some companies who have local agents in South Kingstown also give you the option to get a quote and buy online, so this should also be taken into consideration if you’re trying to lower your rates.
If you’re concerned about having to choose coverages yourself when buying online, don’t sweat it. Car insurance companies all provide contact methods to help you decide which coverages are appropriate. Consumers also can use live help and 24/7 access to help with the buying process.
Do people save by buying online? Many people think so, but it’s hard to say for sure because of the number of factors that can increase policy rates. You may think that shopping online for auto insurance reduces premiums because there is no agent. In many cases, it’s expensive to advertise and that can cost more than having to pay agents.
If you’re trying to save the most money, the best approach to discovering whether prices are lower online or from agents is to get rates from both and compare them. Even though it sounds odd, people frequently get different pricing from the SAME company when they get quotes from both.
Best coverage at the best price
As you shop your coverage around, it’s not a good idea to skimp on coverage in order to save money. In too many instances, drivers have reduced physical damage coverage and learned later they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The ultimate goal is to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.
Drivers change insurance companies for many reasons like being labeled a high risk driver, unfair underwriting practices, delays in paying claims and poor customer service. It doesn’t matter what your reason, switching companies can be easy and end up saving you some money.
More information is available on the website for the Rhode Island Division of Insurance Regulation found here. Rhode Island consumers can discover disciplinary actions, read industry bulletins, find out which companies have the most complaints, and get help finding coverage.
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