Compare Car Insurance Pricing From Portsmouth Agents

If you’re looking for an insurance agent in Portsmouth, Virginia, we recommend you do the preliminary legwork on the web rather than picking up the phone. For the sake of this article, we’ll assume you’re wanting a professional licensed agent, but you also need the lowest possible price.

With companies like Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents all competing for business in Portsmouth, it’s difficult to determine which one will give you the lowest rates and best service. To help decide, consumers can use online quotes to get a list of insurance agents and price estimates.

How to buy car insurance from an agent in Portsmouth

Insurance agents can answer important questions and give you someone to call. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the best rates and still have an agent to talk to. Supporting local agencies is especially important in Portsmouth.

Upon completion of this form (opens in new window), the coverage information is sent to companies in Portsmouth who will return price quotes for your business. There is no need to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent directly to your email. How cool is that?!

Independent or Captive: It’s your choice

When researching a local agent, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents are classified as either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ since it may influence your selection of an agent.

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage amongst many companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage and you won’t have to switch agencies.

When shopping rates, we recommend you include price quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from. Most have the option of insuring with smaller regional carriers which can be an advantage.

Below are Portsmouth independent agents who can help you get price quotes.

Nationwide Insurance – 6001 Portsmouth Blvd – Portsmouth, VA 23701 – (757) 488-4141
Bankers Insurance – 457 Court St – Portsmouth, VA 23704 – (757) 397-2311
Vestal and Benton Agency – 600 Loudoun Ave – Portsmouth, VA 23707 – (757) 397-1291
Integrity Benefits Agency – – Portsmouth, VA 23703 – (757) 484-5996

Captive Agents

These agents can only write with one company and some examples include State Farm, Allstate and AAA. They are unable to compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers sometimes purchase coverage from captives partially due to the prominence of the brand and strong financial ratings.

Shown below are Portsmouth captive insurance agencies that are able to give comparison quotes.

Allstate Insurance – 4357 Portsmouth Blvd – Portsmouth, VA 23701 – (757) 465-9200
Farmers Insurance Group – 4425 Portsmouth Blvd # 205 – Portsmouth, VA 23701 – (757) 488-1222
State Farm Insurance – 730 High St – Portsmouth, VA 23704 – (757) 399-1400

For a full directory of captive insurance agencies in Portsmouth, please view this page.

Choosing a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the premium amount. These questions are important to ask:

Who are their largest clients?
Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
Does the agency support the community they serve?
How are they compensated?

After receiving answers to your satisfaction to these questions and locked in a price quote, you may have just found an insurance agency that will adequately provide car insurance.

Will just any policy work for me?

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage, there is no “perfect” insurance plan. Each situation is unique.

Here are some questions about coverages that might point out whether you would benefit from an agent’s advice.

Do I need rental car coverage?
When should I not file a claim?
Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Virginia?
How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in Virginia?
Do I need added coverage for expensive stereo equipment?
What discounts do I qualify for?
At what point should I drop full coverage?
Is a new car covered when I drive it off the dealer lot?
How many claims can I have before being cancelled?

If you’re not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed agent.

You have the option to buy direct online

Car insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you can also find affordable Virginia auto insurance direct from companies online. Some car insurance companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who have local Portsmouth agents also give you the option to buy a policy online, and consumers should do that if the lowest rate is your goal.

If you’re uncomfortable with having to choose coverages yourself, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Insurance companies all provide contact methods for customer questions.

Can online rates save money? It’s hard to say exactly because there are so many things which can raise or lower premium rates. Common sense would say that a consumer who buys direct saves the cost of an agent commission. In many cases, there are very high advertising costs and this drives up their premium costs.

And the best car insurance company is…

When buying insurance coverage, it’s not a good idea to skimp on coverage in order to save money. In many instances, consumers will sacrifice liability limits or collision coverage and discovered at claim time that the savings was not a smart move. The ultimate goal is to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.

Discount car insurance is definitely available on the web and with local Portsmouth insurance agents, so you should compare both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies do not offer online price quotes and usually these smaller companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

For more information

Much more information about car insurance in Virginia is available on the Virginia Bureau of Insurance website located here. Virginia drivers can find a variety of consumer forms, find out industry alerts, and learn about insurance regulations.

The following articles may also be useful.