Choosing an Auto Insurance Agent: Tips For Buying Auto Insurance Online

Information may not be reliable

Auto Insurance Agent Charlotte NC play a huge role in helping people get affordable car insurance rates. While most auto insurance agents are pretty much forced to be up-to-date on all the current regulations and changes from all the different companies they represent, occasionally they are only authorized to sell car insurance in one specific state. Because of this, people may be surprised when they visit an Auto Insurance Agent in their town only to find out that they do not live in that state and therefore are not eligible for any discounts or higher rates. For example, if you are from California but moved to Florida, you would most likely expect to be able to get lower rates from Florida Auto Insurance Agents than from those in California. However, you may find yourself in a position where you would rather go to a Florida Auto Insurance Agent than a California Auto Insurance Agent, simply because of where you currently live.

This can be a frustrating situation that often makes people wonder if there is anything they can do about it. Fortunately, there is. By obtaining and completing a free auto insurance comparison chart provided by several different insurance companies, you can easily tell the difference between agents who are licensed to work in your state, as well as those who are not.

Most companies will be happy to provide you with a copy of the chart upon request. They will ask you whether or not you live in their state, and will then give you a quick look at the charts and provide you with a free car insurance quote based on those rates. After you have downloaded the chart, print it out and take it with you to your local auto insurance agent. Ask the agent if he can do anything for you to lower your rates. Many times, the agent will know what discounts he can apply to you that you won't find anywhere else.

Ask him if he can refer you to a website that is designed to help consumers like yourself find a lower rate. The website will ask for your zip code. Entering your zip code is important because it will allow you to only receive information from auto insurance agents whose addresses are available in your area. That way you won't have to repeat it to multiple auto insurance agents. After providing the zip code, you will be directed to a page with a list of auto insurance agents in your area.

Use this list to see which of them will be able to help you save the most money. It's smart to spend a few minutes calling each of the agents on the list and asking what they can do for you. If you don't speak much to an auto insurance agent during the course of a car insurance policy, that doesn't count. If you can, simply call to request a quote. Most agents will be more than willing to provide you with one.

After you've gotten a quote, go online and compare all the quotes you received. You can visit the website for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to find out the average annual wage for auto insurance agents. Remember that lower wages for auto insurance agents does not mean they are less qualified to provide you with coverage. Lower wages also doesn't mean the agent is a bad broker or that you should avoid using him.

After you've determined that one company is the best for you, contact the agent you've chosen to work with. Ask questions about his/her services. Inquire about his/her level of education. If he/she has an associate degree, tell him how many years of experience that includes. If he has a bachelor's degree, take the time to ask how much experience he has had with insurance issues he should know about.

Do not forget to ask for references from people who are satisfied with the services of one auto insurance agent over another. You can also check out your state's department of insurance to see which auto insurance agents are licensed to do business in your area. Once you have narrowed down the field to one or two companies, call them up. Ask to speak with an agent by phone so you can get an idea of how friendly and helpful he/she is.