When trying to find a licensed insurance agent in Ashland, we recommend you begin your search by comparing prices online to save yourself time. Chances are you not only want a good professional insurance agent, but you also need great rates as well.
With insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate and many independent agents having local Ashland offices, it’s hard to tell which auto insurance agent will give you the best rates, service and coverage. To help decide, consumers can use online quotes to build a list of insurance agencies from which to choose.
Ashland agents and online quotes
Licensed agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you peace of mind. The best thing about comparing rates online is the fact that you can find the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to. And providing support for local agencies is definitely important in Ashland.
Upon completion of this form (opens in new window), your insurance data is immediately sent to agents in your area who will give you bids for your business. There is no reason to leave your house because quoted prices will be sent to the email address you provide. Now that’s easy!
Different types of Ashland auto insurance agents
When searching for local Ashland agents, there are a couple of different agency structures to choose from. Agents are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). Both insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the differences because it can impact the type of agent you choose
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent insurance agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business amongst many companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparison shopping, it’s a good idea to include price quotes from several independent insurance agents for the best price selection.Many can place coverage with different regional companies which can save you money.
Shown below is a short list of independent agencies in Ashland that are able to give price quote information.
- Rupert Insurance – 4332 13th St – Ashland, KY 41102 – (606) 324-1080
- Thoroughbred Agency Inc – 1430 Winchester Ave – Ashland, KY 41101 – (606) 325-2491
- Putnam Agency Inc – 1557 Winchester Ave – Ashland, KY 41101 – (606) 329-2200
- Midland Insurance Inc – 2841 13th St – Ashland, KY 41102 – (606) 329-1122
- Richard Dowdy Agency – 2401 Carter Ave – Ashland, KY 41101 – (606) 324-6574
Captive Agents
Captive agents can only write with one company like Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They generally cannot compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents are well schooled on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some consumers prefer to buy from captive agents partially due to the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
The following are captive insurance agents in Ashland that are able to give comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 4332 13th St # 1 – Ashland, KY 41102 – (606) 325-7700
- Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance – 905 Bob Mccullough Dr – Ashland, KY 41102 – (606) 928-9561
- State Farm Insurance – 1013 Carter Ave – Ashland, KY 41101 – (606) 325-8591
For a complete listing of car insurance agents in Ashland, please click here.
Selecting an insurance agency should depend on more than just the price. Some important questions to ask are:
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- Are they full-time agents?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
Once you have received good answers to these questions as well as a affordable price, you may have just found an insurance agent that is a good match to provide car insurance coverage.
Don’t forget about online-only companies
Insurance agents are a valuable resource, but you also have the option of buying direct from companies online. Certain auto insurance companies like Allstate and State Farm who employ agents also allow consumers to quote and buy online, so that should be considered if you prefer to buy online.
If you’re apprehensive about selecting your own policy coverages, don’t be too concerned. Online car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages give you access to trained agents you can use to get advice on coverages. Also available are anytime access to help and a customer research section to clarify any questions you may have.
If you’re trying to save the most money, the best approach to discovering if agents have better prices than online companies is getting rates for as many of both types of providers as possible. It’s even possible to receive different pricing for the exact same company when they compare quotes from both. But you won’t know whether online or agents have the lower rates without quoting identical coverages each way.
Are online companies cheaper? It’s difficult to say for sure since there are many things that influence how your policy is priced. Common logic is that a customer who purchases direcly from an online company prevents the agent from taking a cut. For most online online companies, however, marketing their products costs a lot of money and that impacts the rates consumers pay.
Shop smart and save
While you’re price shopping online, it’s a bad idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, someone dropped physical damage coverage only to discover later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The ultimate goal is to get the best coverage possible at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.
Consumers switch companies for a variety of reasons including denial of a claim, poor customer service, questionable increases in premium or unfair underwriting practices. No matter why you want to switch, switching companies is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
Learn more today
Additional information is available on the Kentucky Department of Insurance website through this link. Consumers can file complaints about a company, read consumer alerts, find out industry alerts, and learn about insurance regulations.
The following information may also be useful.
