Your car insurance agent is the person who is in your corner when it comes to getting the insurance protection you want and need. In an ideal world, this would be a long-term relationship with an agency that gets to know you, your family, and your changing needs throughout the seasons of your life. However, there are times when switching car insurance agencies might be appropriate. Continue reading to find out when you might want to consider shopping around for a new agent and when you’re better off sticking around.
Stick Around: When You Get a New Car, or Pay Off an Existing One
Getting a new car does not have to mean choosing a new car insurance agency. Often, obtaining coverage for your new or used car is as simple as giving your agent a call and providing details about the vehicle and the lender you financed it with. If buying a new car or paying off the loan of an existing vehicle has you considering a change in the coverage, your agent can take care of that, too.
Switch: If You Aren’t Using and Independent Agency
Not enough can be said about the value of independent car insurance agencies versus captive agencies that only represent one company. When it comes to insurance, more options results in better selection, and most of the time, better value.
Independent insurance agents do not work exclusively for one company. Instead, they make insurers compete for your business, offering an array of coverage options under one roof. You avoid the burden of shopping around for quotes on your own, letting your independent agent handle the comparison on your behalf. Once you choose a policy, your agent continues to provide support as your coverage needs change and assistance when you need to file a claim.
Stick Around: When Your Budget Changes
Coverage should always come first when it comes to car insurance, but what happens if you lose your job or experience a loss of income that affects your ability to afford your existing coverage? Before you think about switching to a new car insurance company that touts rock bottom rates for bare bones coverage, talk with your independent agent instead. Sometimes, small changes in your policy, such as raising your deductible or combining your home and auto coverage with the same company, can qualify you for much lower rates without affecting the quality of your coverage.
Toss-up: When You Move Out of State
Moving to a new town doesn’t always necessitate the purchase of new car insurance or moving to a new agency – especially if you have developed a long-term insurance relationship with an agent you know and trust. However, If you move to a new state, and your agent isn’t licensed in the state that you are moving to, it might be time to look for another agent.
You will almost always have to purchase new car insurance when you move to a new state since insurance laws vary across state lines. In addition, it helps to be close enough to your agent that you can pop in to ask questions, review your coverage needs, and get claims assistance should you need it.
If you are looking for a new agent, consider giving Tagge Insurance a call. We’d be glad to help out.
