Consumers Guide to Researching a Gainesville Florida Auto Insurance Agent

When searching for a licensed insurance agent in Gainesville, we recommend you begin your search by comparing prices online rather than picking up the phone. Chances are you’re not only searching for a decent agent, but you also want to find the lowest possible price.

With insurance companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers having offices in Gainesville, it can be hard to know which one will provide the best rates, service and coverage. To help decide, consumers can get online price quotes in order to build a list of agencies and price estimates.

Neighborhood insurance agents

Licensed agents can help determine the best coverages and help in the event of a claim. The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is you can get better rates and still choose a local agent. Buying from local agencies is important particularly in Gainesville.

To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this quick form, your coverage information is immediately sent to insurance agents in Gainesville who will compete for your business. You won’t need to leave your computer since price quotes are sent to the email address you provide. How cool is that?!

Is a captive or independent insurance agency right for you?

When researching a reliable agent, there are two different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Gainesville agents are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning how they differ since it may influence the type of agent you choose

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent agents do not work for one specific company but rather can write business amongst many companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part.

When comparison shopping, it’s a good idea to include at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection.

Listed below are independent insurance agents in Gainesville that can give you price quotes.

Sherouse Agency – – Gainesville, FL 32601 – (352) 377-4389
Federated Insurance Co – 2632 NW 43rd St # B96 – Gainesville, FL 32606 – (352) 372-8480
Nathan Williams Agency – 4908 NW 34th St # 4 – Gainesville, FL 32605 – (352) 384-9826
Steve Taber Agency – 5310 NW 8th Ave # 1 – Gainesville, FL 32605 – (352) 377-9819
Rod Whited Insurance – 3620 NW 43rd St # A – Gainesville, FL 32606 – (352) 335-2091

Agency Captives

This type of agents write business for a single company like Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They generally cannot compare other company’s rates so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agencies are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales which can be an advantage.

Listed below is a list of captive insurance agents in Gainesville that can give you comparison quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 2801 SW Archer Rd – Gainesville, FL 32608 – (352) 336-3551
Farm Bureau Insurance – 4432 NW 23rd Ave # 3 – Gainesville, FL 32606 – (352) 378-1389
Allstate Insurance – 4056 W Newberry Rd – Gainesville, FL 32607 – (352) 335-2505

To view a complete directory of Gainesville captive agents, visit this site.

Selecting a car insurance agent should depend on more than just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:

• How often do they review policy coverages?
• How are they compensated?
• Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
• Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Florida?
• If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?

Once you have answers to your satisfaction to all your questions and an affordable coverage quote, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that is a good match to properly insure your vehicles.

Can you buy online and save?

Car insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you can also find affordable Florida auto insurance direct over the internet. A few companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who sell through agents in Gainesville additionally provide the ability to quote and buy online, so that should be considered as an alternative to contacting agents.

If you’re uncomfortable with whether or not you’ll have guidance when buying direct, don’t sweat it. Online car insurance companies all have toll-free customer service for customer questions.

Are online rates lower? Many people think so, but it’s hard to say for sure since there are many things that influence how your policy is priced. It would make sense to think that buying directly from the company saves by not paying a commission. But the fact is, online and traditional media advertising are expensive and that can cost more than having to pay agents.

The only way to know if the cheapest policy comes from an agent or online is comparing prices for both of them. Lots of times people will get different prices for the exact same company depending on if you quote online or with their agents.

Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal

As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don’t reduce coverage to reduce premium. In too many instances, someone sacrificed physical damage coverage and discovered at claim time that it was a big mistake. The ultimate goal is to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford.

Insureds change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as poor customer service, questionable increases in premium, an unsatisfactory settlement offer and policy non-renewal. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, choosing a new company is not as difficult as it may seem.

Additional reading for car insurance information

Much more information about car insurance in Florida is located on the website for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Click here for link. Visitors are able to view agent and company licensing information, learn about specific coverages, and report car insurance fraud.