When searching for a good Meriden agent, we recommend you start your search by comparing rates online in order to save time. It’s highly likely you require not only a decent agent, but you also want the best rates possible.
With Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents having local Meriden offices, it can be hard to know which insurance agency will have the cheapest rates and the best coverage. Fortunately, consumers can get online quoting to get a list of insurance agencies from which to choose.
Compare online but buy from a local Meriden agent
Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help submit paperwork. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is you may find better rates but also keep your business local. And supporting local insurance agencies is definitely important in Meriden.
To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is sent to local insurance agents who will return price quotes for your insurance coverage. You won’t need to leave your computer since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. How cool is that?!
Auto insurance agents in Meriden come in two varieties
When researching a local agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents that you can select. Agents are classified as either independent (non-captive) or captive. While both can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know the difference between them since it may influence the selection process.
Independent Agents
Independent agencies do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier without you having to go to a different agency. When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you include price quotes from multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection. Many write coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.
Shown below are independent insurance agents in Meriden willing to provide pricing information.
- James F Canning Agency and Assoc – 1237 E Main St – Meriden, CT 06450 – (203) 634-4082
- A Parrella and Assoc Insurance – – Meriden, CT 06450 – (203) 235-0598
- Edward Zavaski Agency LLC – 8 W Main St – Meriden, CT 06451 – (203) 237-2888
- Meriden Insurance Inc – 92 W Main St – Meriden, CT 06451 – (203) 235-4493
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents write business for a single company and examples are Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. These agents are not able to compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. Captives are trained well on the products they sell which can be an advantage. Some people will only buy from captive agents partially due to the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Shown below are Meriden captive agents that can give you rate quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 862 E Main St – Meriden, CT 06450 – (203) 238-4200
For a complete listing of Meriden captive agencies, click here to link.
Choosing an insurance agency shouldn’t rely on just a low price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- 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 able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Connecticut?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
- Are they full-time agents?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
After receiving good answers to these questions and locked in a price quote, most likely you have located a car insurance agent that can service your policy.
Online companies can help you save
Auto insurance agents serve a purpose, but you also have the option of buying direct over the internet. A few companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, that are more known for using agents, also allow consumers to get a quote and buy online, and that is helpful and can also potentially find you lower rates.
If you’re apprehensive about not having professional advice when shopping online, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. Companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages have customer service departments to answer your questions. They also offer the ability to chat online live with a sales rep and online research to help with the buying process.
Can you find lower rates online? The answer to that question is complicated because there are so many things which can adversely affect your policy premium. Common sense would say that shopping online for auto insurance prevents the agent from taking a cut. In many cases, online and traditional media advertising are expensive and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Additional information can be found on the Connecticut Insurance Department website. Click here for link. Connecticut consumers can read state legal mandates and laws, file complaints about a company, get help finding coverage, and discover disciplinary actions.
Other related articles:
- Uncover Proven Ways to Save on Meriden Connecticut Car Insurance
- Learn How to Quote Meriden Car Insurance Like an Informed Consumer
Final considerations
While you’re price shopping online, it’s very important that you do not skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. In many cases, someone dropped liability coverage limits and discovered at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your goal should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage for the lowest price.
Budget-conscious auto insurance can be bought both online and also from your neighborhood Meriden agents, so compare prices from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some auto insurance companies may not provide online quoting and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.
