How to Get the Right Car Insurance Provider in Downey, CA

When trying to find a good Downey agent, you can start your search using online quotes instead of calling around. Chances are good you require not only a professional licensed agent, but you also want great rates as well.

With companies like independent agents, Allstate and State Farm all competing for your business, consumers have a hard time knowing which provider will provide the lowest rates and best service. To help decide, it’s easy to use online price quotes to get a list of agents and thier coverage prices.

Your local neighborhood insurance agent

Professional agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help file insurance claims. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is the fact that you can find the best rates and still choose a local agent. Buying from small agencies is important especially in Downey.

Once you complete this simple form, your coverage information is instantly submitted to participating agents in Downey who will give you bids to get your business. You won’t need to drive around as quotes are delivered directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier! You’ll get the best rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.

Insurance agent types

When finding local Downey agents, you need to know there are two different agency structures from which to choose. Agencies in Downey are classified as either independent or captive.

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with many different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency.

When searching for an agent, you should always include price quotes from several independent insurance agents to have the most options to choose from.

Listed below are Downey independent insurance agencies who can help you get pricing information.

Cecilia Martinez-Morris Agency – 8280 Florence Ave # 210 – Downey, CA 90240 – (562) 861-9211
ACA Insurance – 11430 Old River School Rd – Downey, CA 90241 – (562) 776-0993
Cecilia Morris Martinez Agency – 8280 Florence Ave – Downey, CA 90240 – (562) 861-9211
Silvia Hernandez Agency – 12000 Paramount Blvd – Downey, CA 90242 – (562) 622-2777
Plus Ultra Insurance – 8030 Stewart And Gray Rd – Downey, CA 90241 – (562) 869-3883

Captive Insurance Agents

This type of agents write business for a single company such as Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are unable to compare other company’s rates so always compare other rates. Captives are well schooled on the products they sell which can be an advantage.

Listed below is a list of captive insurance agencies in Downey willing to provide comparison quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 11445 Paramount Blvd # E – Downey, CA 90241 – (562) 861-8859
Allstate Insurance – 7840 Firestone Blvd # 202 – Downey, CA 90241 – (562) 861-2295
Farmers Insurance Group – 8416 Florence Ave – Downey, CA 90240 – (562) 250-0125

To view a full list of captive insurance agencies in Downey, please click here.

Deciding on an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Agents should be asked these questions:

• How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
• Is working in the agency their full-time job?
• Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
• How are they compensated?
• Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
• Does the agency support the community they serve?
• Do they assist clients in filing claims?

After getting answers to your satisfaction and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agency that is a good match to adequately provide car insurance.

Is my situation unique?

When buying coverage for your vehicles, there really is no single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s situation is a little different and your policy should reflect that. These are some specific questions may help you determine if you will benefit from professional help.

• How high should my uninsured/underinsured coverage be in California?
• Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
• Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
• Are my friends covered when driving my vehicle?
• Do I have coverage when pulling a U-Haul trailer?
• Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
• How can I get high-risk coverage after a DUI?
• Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Downey?
• How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in California?
• Do I need rental car coverage?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent.

Online car insurance companies

Insurance agents are important to many people, but you can also buy California car insurance direct from companies that only sell online. Some specific companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who have local agents in Downey also give you the ability to buy direct on their websites, and consumers should do that if you don’t want to take the time to contact agents.

If you’re uncomfortable with selecting your own policy coverages when buying direct, this really isn’t an issue. Auto insurance companies provide options to answer your questions.

Is online auto insurance cheaper? That question is hard to answer since companies use quite a few components that impact your final bill. Some people will tell you that purchasing direct online lowers rates due to not having any agent compensation. But the reality is getting their brand in front of customers is expensive so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.

A tidy conclusion

Lower-priced car insurance can be purchased online and with local Downey insurance agents, so you should compare both to have the best rate selection. Some companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

When you buy insurance online, do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many situations where consumers will sacrifice comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your goal should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

Informative consumer insurance sites

More information is available on the website for the California Department of Insurance located here. California consumers can find a variety of consumer forms, find out which companies have the most complaints, and discover disciplinary actions.