How to Find a Good Insurance Agency in Lafayette, LA

When searching for a good Lafayette agent, we recommend you begin your search by comparing rates online in order to save time. Most likely you require not only an excellent agent, but also the lowest possible price.

With insurance companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers all competing for business in Lafayette, it’s difficult to determine which provider will provide the lowest rates and best service. To begin, it’s easy to use online price quotes to get a list of insurance agents and thier coverage prices.

Best way to find Lafayette agents

Educated insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and give you peace of mind. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is that you can obtain lower rates but still work with a licensed agent. And supporting local agencies is important particularly in Lafayette.

Upon completion of this simple form, your coverage information is submitted to local insurance agents who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You never need to drive around because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy!

Do you need an independent or captive insurance agency?

When finding a reliable agent, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that you can select. Agencies in Lafayette are classified as either captive or independent. While both can insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know the differences because it can influence your agent selection.

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you won’t have to switch agencies.

When shopping rates, it’s recommended you contact several independent insurance agents to have the most options to choose from.Most can insure with smaller regional carriers which may provide better rates.

Shown below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Lafayette that may be able to provide price quote information.

  • Thomson and Smith Insurance – 241 1/2 LA Rue France – Lafayette, LA 70508 – (337) 262-0511
  • Direct General Ins Agency – 2014 Johnston St – Lafayette, LA 70503 – (337) 269-0600
  • James Burke Agency – 101 Quinlan Dr – Lafayette, LA 70508 – (337) 988-3396
  • Rod Guidry Insurance – 2229 Moss St – Lafayette, LA 70501 – (337) 237-6316
  • Hall-Wright General Agency – 920 W Pinhook Rd – Lafayette, LA 70503 – (337) 593-8211
Captive Insurance Agents

These agents have only one company to place business with like Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. Captives cannot shop your coverage around so keep that in mind. They are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers frequently buy from captive agents primarily because of the brand legacy and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.

Below are captive agents in Lafayette that are able to give comparison quotes.

  • Shelter Insurance – 2519 W Pinhook Rd – Lafayette, LA 70508 – (337) 234-0301
  • Allstate Insurance – 114 Arnould Blvd # B – Lafayette, LA 70506 – (337) 993-0552
  • Farm Bureau Insurance – 3112 W Pinhook Rd # B – Lafayette, LA 70508 – (337) 234-9994
  • Farmers Insurance Group – 103 Songbird Ln – Lafayette, LA 70506 – (337) 989-2335
  • State Farm Insurance – 5711 Johnston St – Lafayette, LA 70503 – (337) 988-6510

For a full directory of captive insurance agencies in Lafayette, visit this site.

Choosing an auto insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a cheap price. These questions are important to ask:

  • How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
  • If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
  • Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
  • What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
  • Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
  • Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
  • Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
  • Can they provide you with a list of referrals?

After receiving satisfactory answers to these questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, it’s possible that you found a car insurance agent that is a good match to adequately provide car insurance.

Don’t exclude online companies

Licensed agents are important, but you also have the option of buying direct from companies online. Certain companies who sell through agents in Lafayette also give you the option to quote and buy online, and that can save time if you’re trying to lower your rates.

If you’re worried about not having an agent to talk to, that is normal but is not a big issue. Online companies provide toll-free numbers you can use to get advice on coverages. Consumers also can use live help and 24/7 access so you can feel comfortable buying online.

Does coverage cost less online? It’s difficult to say for sure because there are a lot of things that impact your rate calculation. Common logic is that a customer who purchases direcly from an online company prevents the agent from taking a cut. But in most cases, getting their brand in front of customers is expensive so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.

A tidy conclusion

Cheaper car insurance is available from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Lafayette, so you should be comparing quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some car insurance companies don’t offer online price quotes and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

When trying to cut insurance costs, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. In too many instances, an accident victim reduced physical damage coverage only to find out they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your strategy should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.

Consumer car insurance information in Louisiana

Additional information can be found on the Louisiana Department of Insurance website. Click here for link. Visitors are able to read state legal mandates and laws, download brochures, find disaster information, and read consumer alerts.

The following information may also be useful.