For buying auto insurance, which is better: direct to the company or thru an agent? What are the pros & cons?

Question

For buying auto insurance, which is better: direct to the company or thru an agent? What are the pros & cons?

Answer 1

Try using http://My-InsuranceSearch.com to compare car insurance rates for all the major providers in your area.

Answer 2

I think it's really just a matter of personal preference.  As some of the others have said, with an insurance agent, you will definitely get more personalized service, but you could pay higher rates for that service.  If you go direct, you won't get that same level of service but you could get cheaper rates.  The pros and cons of each kind of balance each other out.

My fiance has had the same insurance agent for 10 years and when her car got stolen, he did everything he could for her.  She got her money for the car in 2 weeks and they paid her more than the car was even worth because her insurance agent did everything in his power to speed up the process.  Sometimes its just helpful to have someone on your side to help you out when you need them.

No matter what you decide, make sure you do your research and compare multiple quotes before you pick the insurance company/agent you are going to go with.  The site below is a really good resource because it allows you to compare quotes for free by simply entering your zipcode.

Hope this helps! :)

Answer 3

If you don't expect to ever need customer service (such as file a claim, have a question), then direct is probably ok.  But agents can usually get you the insurance just about as cheap as you can buy direct (the companies just keep the sales commission--they don't necessarily pass much of the savings along to the customer) and you will have to deal with a voice mail menu system and lots of red tape to ever ask a question, file a claim, etc.

Our customers really like the personal service, which includes paying cash in our office to have payments transmitted electronically (same day) vs. mailing payments ahead of time, and acting on behalf of them with separate agent phone lines for billing or claims inquiries.

Answer 4

Pros: They do the work for you

Cons: They will take a cut, so you likely might pay more.

Answer 5

always through a local agent!!!  you WANT an agent you can go to anytime you need help.  this is especially important in case you ever have to file a claim.  if you go direct through the company you will never get the same person twice.  with a local agent he/she knows you and your needs.

Answer 6

An agent is better by far.  I work for the DMV in NY and when people deal with a company directly there usually are problems.  Many times, people need something specific and can't get a hold of a person so they wind up dealing with a computer.  In my experience, the computer can't change anything and wind up sending the same thing out to the customer.  So, it's a wasted phone call and an irritated customer.

Answer 7

Great Question. More people should ask it before they buy insurance. The ONLY people who should buy direct are people who are in the insurance business themselves.

I am not an agent. I am a claim adjuster and see what happens to people when they buy direct without any assistance and s***w themselves over in the process.



Car insurance is too important and complex for people who don't work in the business to get it right the first time.

Having an agent will allow you to have somebody explain why it is not a good idea to get the minimum liability coverage required by your state. (It is NEVER enough)  

An agent will also know all the "fine print" that you probably wouldn't even notice if buying direct, especially online. They advise on many things you won't get help on buying direct.

Go with a local agent most will work very hard to do what is best for you and your family.