If you’re looking for a good New Orleans agent, you can begin your search on the internet rather than looking in the yellowpages. Chances are good you’re wanting a highly trained agent, but you also want the lowest possible price.
With companies like independent agents, Allstate and State Farm having offices in New Orleans, consumers have a hard time knowing which one will have the lowest rates and best service. Fortunately, consumers can use online quoting in order to build a list of agencies and price estimates.
Quote online, buy local
Good agents can help determine the best coverages and help file insurance claims. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is you can get the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to. And providing support for local insurance agencies is important especially in New Orleans.
Upon completion of this short form, your information is submitted to insurance agents in New Orleans who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. There is no need to leave your computer as quotes are delivered to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!
Insurance agent types
When searching for local New Orleans agents, there are a couple of different agency structures from which to choose. New Orleans agents are classified as either captive or independent. Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know the difference between them because it can influence your agent selection.
Independent Agents
These agents are not locked into one company but rather can write business with multiple insurance companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally and that require little work on your part.
When comparing rates, we recommend you include at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from.
Listed below are New Orleans independent agents who may be able to give you price quote information.
Martin General Agency – 715 N Saint Patrick St – New Orleans, LA 70119 – (504) 484-6871
Direct General Ins Agency – 5703 Read Blvd # B – New Orleans, LA 70127 – (504) 244-0733
Messina Insurance – 1363 Holiday Pl – New Orleans, LA 70114 – (504) 368-6455
Direct General Ins Agency – 6023 Chef Menteur Hwy – New Orleans, LA 70126 – (504) 241-1055
Great American Insurance Group – 3835 N Teak Ave – New Orleans, LA 70131 – (504) 433-9898
Agency Captives
Captive agents write business for a single company such as State Farm, AAA, Farmers Insurance or Allstate. Captives cannot give you multiple price quotes so always compare other rates. They are trained well on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Below is a list of captive insurance agents in New Orleans that are able to give comparison quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 3501 Holiday Dr # 202 – New Orleans, LA 70114 – (504) 367-6267
State Farm Insurance – 6560 Morrison Rd # 200 – New Orleans, LA 70126 – (504) 246-3685
To view a complete directory of captive insurance agencies in New Orleans, go to this page.
Choosing a car insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap price. Here are some questions to ask:
- How long has their agency been open in New Orleans?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Louisiana?
- Can they give you a list of client referrals?
- Are they full-time agents?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
After getting positive feedback to all your questions and an affordable coverage quote, it’s possible that you found an insurance agent that is a good match to properly insure your vehicles.
Your personal situation dictates your coverage
When buying adequate coverage, there is no “best” method to buy coverage. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s so your insurance needs to address that. For instance, these questions might point out whether or not you might need professional guidance.
- Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
- Is my vehicle covered for smoke damage?
- Does liability extend to a camper or trailer?
- Do I need PIP coverage since I have good health insurance?
- How much liability coverage do I need in Louisiana?
- I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
- When should I drop full coverage on my vehicle?
- Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
- Do I benefit by insuring my home with the same company?
- Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you may need to chat with an insurance agent.
Also consider buying direct
Insurance agencies can be invaluable at times, but you also have the option of buying Louisiana car insurance from companies direct over the internet. Some specific companies who sell through agents in New Orleans also permit you to buy direct on their websites, and consumers should do that if you’re trying to lower your rates.
If you’re apprehensive about whether or not you’ll have guidance, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Auto insurance companies all have toll-free customer service that you can contact for information.
Does buying online save money? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer because there are many factors that influence your rates. It’s often assumed that purchasing direct online prevents the agent from taking a cut. In reality, there are very high advertising costs and that impacts the rates consumers pay.
If the lowest price is important, the best way to know if the cheapest policy comes from an agent or online is comparing prices for both of them. You may actually get a different price for the same auto insurance company depending on where you get the price quote from. You won’t discover if the company’s rates are lower online or from an agent without getting separate quotes for both.
Better coverage you can count on
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, make sure you don’t skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. In many instances, an insured dropped liability limits or collision coverage only to regret at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your focus should be to buy the best coverage you can find for the lowest price.
Consumers change insurance companies for any number of reasons including delays in paying claims, being labeled a high risk driver, lack of trust in their agent or high rates after DUI convictions. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch switching companies is actually quite simple.
Much more information about auto insurance in Louisiana is located on the website for the Louisiana Department of Insurance located here. Consumers can find a variety of consumer forms, find out which companies have the most complaints, view agent and company licensing information, and download brochures.
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