If you’re looking to buy car insurance, finding the best Alabama car insurance agent is not as easy as just using the same car insurance agent as your neighbor. You need a competent insurance agent, but also the cheapest rates you can possibly find.
With consumers having so many options when it comes to car insurance, it can be hard to find the right insurer.
Your local neighborhood insurance agent
Licensed agents can help determine the best coverages and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain better rates but also keep your business local.
Upon completion of this quick form, the coverage information is transmitted to agents in your area who will return price quotes for your business. You don’t have to leave your computer since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. Now that’s easy! It’s the lowest rates AND a local agent.
Selecting an insurance agent requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- How are they compensated?
- Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
Compare rates from both independent and captive insurance agents
When looking for a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Opelika agents are classified as either independent or captive.
Agency Captives
Captive agents are contracted to one company like American Family, State Farm and Allstate. These agents are unable to place coverage with different providers so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. These agents are very knowledgeable on their company’s products which can be an advantage. Consumers often buy from captive agents partially due to high brand loyalty and solid financial strength.
The following are captive agents in Opelika willing to provide comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 601 1st Ave # A – Opelika, AL 36801 – (334) 745-5555
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agencies do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To move your coverage to a new company, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency. When shopping rates, you should always get quotes from at least one independent agent to get the best comparison.Many can place coverage with smaller companies which can be an advantage.
Shown below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Opelika who can help you get comparison quotes.
- Chase Agency – 2112 Frederick Rd – Opelika, AL 36801 – (334) 749-8111
- Nationwide Insurance – 3903 Pepperell Pkwy # B – Opelika, AL 36801 – (334) 741-9979
- Mc Lain Agency – 107 18th St – Opelika, AL 36801 – (334) 741-0080
- Real Estate Title Insurance – 223 S 9th St # 3b – Opelika, AL 36801 – (334) 704-0110
To view a full list of insurance agents in Opelika, please view this page.
Upon getting positive feedback to your questions and a good coverage price, you’ve probably found a car insurance agent that is a good match to properly service your car insurance policy.
Are online companies an option?
Car insurance agents are a valuable resource, but you can also find affordable Alabama auto insurance direct over the internet. Some specific companies that sell primarily through agents also give you the ability to buy direct on their websites, so keep that in mind if you’re trying to lower your rates.
If you’re concerned about not having an agent to talk to, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. Companies all have client service departments to help you decide which coverages are appropriate. They also have the ability to chat online live with a sales rep and online research you can access prior to buying.
Can online rates save money? Many people think so, but it’s hard to say for sure since there may be dozens of rate factors which can raise or lower premium rates. It’s a common assumption that buying online cuts out the agent as a middleman. For most companies selling online, however, it’s expensive to advertise so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.
Affordable insurance is out there
When you buy insurance online, it’s a bad idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In many cases, drivers have reduced collision coverage only to regret at claim time that the savings was not a smart move. Your goal should be to buy a smart amount of coverage for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Affordable car insurance can be bought both online and with local Opelika insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some companies do not offer online quoting and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
Additional detailed information is available at the Alabama Department of Insurance website. Alabama consumers can learn about specific coverages, read state legal mandates and laws, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.
Additional helpful sites include Wikipedia and this list of agents in Opelika, AL.
