When pricing auto insurance in Westerville, Ohio, there are a lot of options and choosing the right Westerville auto insurance agent is not as easy as just calling the closest agent. For the sake of this article, we’ll assume you’re looking for a good agent, but you also want to find the best rates possible.
With companies like Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents all competing for business in Westerville, it can be hard to know which auto insurance agent will have the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To help decide, consumers can get online quoting to build a list of insurance agents from which to choose.
Car Insurance from Westerville insurance agents
Agents can point out coverage gaps and give you peace of mind. The best thing about getting online price quotes is the fact that you can find better rates but also keep your business local. And providing support for local agencies is important especially in Westerville.
For easy comparison, once you complete this form (opens in new window), your coverage information is instantly submitted to agents in your area who will return price quotes for your coverage. There is no reason to visit any agencies since price quotes are sent to the email address you provide. It doesn’t get any easier! You can find better rates and an insurance agent to talk to.
Independent or Captive: It’s your choice
When researching an insurance agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents to choose from. Insurance agencies in Westerville are either captive or independent.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agencies are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with multiple insurance companies and potentially find a lower price. To move your coverage to a new company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies. When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to contact multiple independent agents to get the best comparison.
Shown below is a short list of independent agents in Westerville who may be able to give you price quote information.
O’Neil Financial Svc Agency – 80 Dorchester Sq – Westerville, OH 43081 – (614) 898-5401
Douglas G Congrove Agency Inc – 570 N State St # 200 – Westerville, OH 43082 – (614) 776-5557
Kalmbaugh Insurance – 190 S State St – Westerville, OH 43081 – (614) 890-7222
Associated Insurance Inc – 63 Commerce Park Dr – Westerville, OH 43082 – (614) 882-2335
O’Neill Agency – 167 S State St # 20 – Westerville, OH 43081 – (614) 865-9257
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive insurance agents are contracted to one company such as AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. These agents are unable to shop your coverage around so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents receive extensive training on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Shown below are captive agencies in Westerville that are able to give price quote information.
Allstate Insurance Co – 659 Park Meadow Rd # I – Westerville, OH 43081 – (614) 882-2442
American Family Insurance – 5605 Westerville Rd # D – Westerville, OH 43081 – (614) 891-4859
State Farm Insurance – 1245 S Sunbury Rd # 200 – Westerville, OH 43081 – (614) 890-5440
For a full directory of Westerville captive agencies, go to this page.
Deciding on an insurance agency requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
Once you have received satisfactory answers to your questions and locked in a price quote, you’ve probably found an auto insurance agent that is a good match to service your policy.
Isn’t it cheaper to buy direct online?
Insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you also have the option of buying Ohio car insurance direct online. A few companies that sell primarily through agents also give you the option to buy online, and consumers should do that if you are the do-it-yourself type.
If you’re apprehensive about not having professional advice, don’t sweat it. Online companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide phone numbers and online resources for getting questions answered. You can also use anytime access to help and a customer research section to clarify any questions you may have.
Will buying online save you money? It’s difficult to provide an answer due to the large number of individual components which can raise or lower premium rates. It’s often assumed that buying car insurance online reduces premiums because there is no agent. But that assumption is generally incorrect because advertising and marketing take a lot of money so this can offset any savings.
Final thoughts
As you shop your coverage around, it’s not a good idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits to discover at claim time that it was a big mistake. The ultimate goal is to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.
Lower-priced auto insurance can be bought online as well as from independent agents in Westerville, so compare prices from both to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who don’t offer online price quotes and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.
Additional auto insurance information can be read on the website for the Ohio Department of Insurance through this link. Consumers can read consumer alerts, view a list of available companies, and view agent and company licensing information.
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