If you’re trying to find a licensed insurance agent in West Columbia, you can do an initial search on the internet rather than picking up the phone. It’s highly likely that not only do you want an excellent agent, but you also need great rates as well.
With companies like independent agents, Allstate and State Farm all competing for your business, consumers have a hard time knowing which insurance agency will have the best rates, service and coverage. To help decide, you can use online quoting to build a list of agents from which to choose.
How to compare West Columbia auto insurance rates
Insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and help file insurance claims. The best thing about comparing rates online is you can get the lowest rates and still choose a local agent. Supporting local businesses is important especially in West Columbia.
To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this simple form, your coverage information is sent to agents in your area who will return price quotes for your coverage. There is no reason to visit any agencies because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. How cool is that?! You can find better rates AND a local agent.
Multiple types of auto insurance agents in West Columbia
When searching for a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in West Columbia are classified as either independent or captive.
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agencies do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparison shopping, it’s a good idea to include at a minimum one independent agency to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Shown below are West Columbia independent insurance agencies who may be able to give you price quotes.
Clark Farley Agency – 1055 Sunset Blvd – West Columbia, SC 29169 – (803) 788-4211
Adams Agency Inc – 3941 Augusta Rd # B – West Columbia, SC 29170 – (803) 359-4108
Livingston Insurance – 100 9th St – West Columbia, SC 29169 – (803) 791-1120
Mobile Home Insurance Inc – 1082 Sunset Blvd # D – West Columbia, SC 29169 – (803) 796-6727
Fernell Hoffman Agency – 1315 Augusta Rd – West Columbia, SC 29169 – (803) 796-9598
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies can only write with one company such as State Farm, AAA, Farmers Insurance or Allstate. They are unable to compare other company’s rates so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. These agents are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Below is a list of captive agencies in West Columbia willing to provide price quote information.
Allstate Insurance – 3920 Augusta Rd # B – West Columbia, SC 29170 – (803) 939-0375
State Farm Insurance – 2921 Augusta Rd – West Columbia, SC 29170 – (803) 739-8885
To view a full list of captive agents in West Columbia, go to this page.
Selecting an insurance agency requires more thought than just a cheap price. Some important questions to ask are:
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- How long has their agency been in business in West Columbia?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
Upon getting positive responses and a good coverage price, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that is a good match to properly insure your vehicles.
Can you buy online and save?
Auto insurance agents can be invaluable at times, but you also have the option of buying South Carolina car insurance direct online. Certain companies that sell primarily through agents also allow you to get quotes and purchase online. This is something to consider if you don’t want to take the time to contact agents.
If you’re anxious about not getting proper coverage, don’t be too concerned. All companies provide phone numbers and online resources to help you decide which coverages are appropriate. Consumers also can use live chat and online tools to make it easier to purchase.
Can you save money buying online? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer because of the fact that insurance companies use many factors that can increase policy rates. Common logic is that buying directly from the company cuts out the agent as a middleman. But that assumption is generally incorrect because advertising budgets are huge so there may not be significant savings.
If the lowest price is important, the best way to know who has the best rates, online companies or local insurance agents, is to compare price quotes from both. It’s fairly common that you receive different coverage costs from insurance agents and online quoting from the exact same provider. But you can’t find out which way will be cheaper unless you actually compare identical quotes utilizing both methods.
Much more information about auto insurance in South Carolina is located on the website for the South Carolina Department of Insurance through this link. Visitors are able to read consumer alerts, report car insurance fraud, discover disciplinary actions, and find a variety of consumer forms.
Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal
As you restructure your insurance plan, do not sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There have been many situations where an insured cut full coverage to discover at claim time they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The aim is to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Drivers switch companies for any number of reasons including denial of a claim, delays in paying claims, poor customer service or even not issuing a premium refund. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, switching auto insurance companies can be easier than you think.
