If you’re trying to find a licensed insurance agent in Augusta, you can do the preliminary legwork for an agent online to save yourself time. Consumers require a decent agent, and also want to find the best possible price.
Many insurance agents vie to insure your vehicles, so it can be very hard to choose a insurance agency to get the lowest rate possible.
How to compare Augusta auto insurance rates
Professional agents can answer important questions and help file insurance claims. One of the best bonuses of price shopping on the web is the fact that you can find better rates but also keep your business local.
Upon completion of this simple form, your information gets sent to participating agents in Augusta who will compete to get your business. You don’t have to drive around because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy!
Deciding on an insurance agency shouldn’t rely on just the premium amount. Here are some questions to ask:
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
- Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
Augusta insurance agencies come in two flavors
When searching for a reliable agent, there are two types of insurance agents to choose from. Augusta agents are categorized either captive or independent. Either one can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning the difference between them since it can impact the type of agent you choose
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents have only one company to place business with and some examples include American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They generally cannot compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. Captive agencies are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers often buy from captive agents primarily because of high brand loyalty and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Shown below is a short list of captive insurance agencies in Augusta who may provide you with comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 116 Western Ave – Augusta, ME 04330 – (207) 626-0001
- State Farm Insurance – 37 Sewall St – Augusta, ME 04330 – (207) 622-4414
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These agents are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage with multiple insurance companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part. When comparison shopping, it’s a good idea to include price quotes from at a minimum one independent agency for maximum quote selection.Many can place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.
The following are independent agents in Augusta that can give you comparison quotes.
- Belgrade Insurance – 347 Water St – Augusta, ME 04330 – (207) 622-3188
- GHM Insurance – 12 Shuman Ave # 11 – Augusta, ME 04330 – (207) 620-8878
To view a full list of auto insurance agents in Augusta, please go to this site.
Once you have positive feedback for all questions you ask and locked in a price quote, most likely you have located an insurance agency that meets your needs to properly service your auto insurance policy.
Can you save by buying online?
Local insurance agents serve a purpose, but you can also find affordable Maine auto insurance from online companies direct. Certain companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who have local Augusta agents also permit you to quote and buy online, and consumers should do that and can also potentially find you lower rates.
If you’re uncomfortable with not having an agent to talk to when buying car insurance direct, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Car insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage give you access to trained agents to answer your questions.
The only way to determine if car insurance prices are lower online or from agents is to get free quotes from both and compare them. It’s even possible to receive different pricing from the same car insurance company depending on where you get the price quote from.
Does it save money buying online? The answer is complex due to the fact that there are multiple individual factors which can raise or lower premium rates. Some people will tell you that buying directly from the company saves the commission normally paid to an agent. But the reality is marketing their products costs a lot of money so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
A little work can save a LOT of money
As you prepare to switch companies, it’s not a good idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In too many instances, an insured cut liability limits or collision coverage to discover at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your focus should be to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.
Consumers switch companies for many reasons like high prices, delays in responding to claim requests, an unsatisfactory settlement offer and even delays in paying claims. No matter why you want to switch, choosing a new company is pretty easy and you might even save some money in the process.
More tips and info about auto insurance is located at the Maine Bureau of Insurance website. Consumers can read state legal mandates and laws, view a list of available companies, view agent and company licensing information, and download brochures.
The following information may also be useful.
