How-to Guide to Finding the Best Insurance Agent in Des Moines Iowa

When trying to find an insurance agent in Des Moines, IA, you can always start your search using online quotes to save time. Consumers require a good agent, but also need the best possible price.

With consumers having so many online and local companies to choose from, it can be challenging to pick the lowest price car insurance company.

Why do I need an agent?

Insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you peace of mind. The best thing about price shopping on the web is you can get lower rates and still have an agent to talk to.

After completing this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is instantly submitted to agents in your area who will give you bids for your business. You won’t need to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy!

Selecting a car insurance agent requires more thought than just a low price. Some important questions to ask are:

  • If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
  • Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
  • Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
  • Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
  • Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
  • Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.

The type of insurance agent you choose is important

When searching for a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Des Moines are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive. While both can write coverage properly, but it’s important to know the differences because it can impact buying decisions.

Captive Agents

This type of agents write business for a single company and examples are AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. They generally cannot place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agencies are well schooled on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents. Some consumers prefer to buy insurance from these agents primarily because of the brand legacy and strong financial ratings.

Below are captive insurance agents in Des Moines willing to provide price quotes.

  • Shelter Insurance – 6151 Thornton Ave # 800 – Des Moines, IA 50321 – (515) 282-7995
  • Allstate Insurance – 5713 Madison Ave – Des Moines, IA 50310 – (515) 270-4818
  • American Family Insurance – 1314 Army Post Rd – Des Moines, IA 50315 – (515) 285-1130
  • State Farm Insurance – 7501 Douglas Ave – Des Moines, IA 50322 – (515) 278-2100
Independent Agents

These agents are not required to write business for one company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage and you don’t have to find a new agent.

When searching for an agent, you should always include several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. They also have the ability to place coverage with smaller companies which can save you money.

Listed below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Des Moines who can help you get comparison quotes.

  • Samuel E Stites Agency – 3520 Beaver Ave # D1 – Des Moines, IA 50310 – (515) 277-5949
  • Anderson Insurance – 5741 University Ave – Des Moines, IA 50311 – (515) 274-4022
  • Don Laster Agency Inc – 3116 104th St – Des Moines, IA 50322 – (515) 331-3773
  • Country Insurance – 4515 Fleur Dr # 201 – Des Moines, IA 50321 – (515) 953-7505
  • William A Little Jr Agency – 512 44th St – Des Moines, IA 50312 – (515) 274-5698

For a full directory of auto insurance agents in Des Moines, please click here.

Once you have received satisfactory answers to any questions you have in addition to an acceptable price estimate, most likely you have located an insurance agent that is a good match to properly service your auto insurance policy.

How do online company rates compare?

Local insurance agents are important to many people, but Iowa drivers can also buy direct from companies that only sell online. Some companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who sell through agents in Des Moines also allow you to buy online, and that is helpful.

If you’re uneasy about not getting proper coverage when shopping online, that shouldn’t be an issue. Companies all provide contact methods for getting advice on proper coverages.

Will auto insurance cost less online? It’s difficult to say for sure due to the fact that there are many factors that are calculated into your premium. Common logic is that buying online reduces premiums because there is no agent. But in reality, promoting brand recognition is pricey so there may not be significant savings.

To learn even more about auto insurance

Additional detailed information can be found at the Iowa Insurance Division website. Visitors are able to read consumer alerts, read industry bulletins, and discover disciplinary actions.

The following articles may also be useful.

In conclusion

Cheaper auto insurance can be purchased on the web as well as from independent agents in Des Moines, so compare prices from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some companies don’t offer online price quotes and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.

Best insurance agents in Des Moines IA

Consumers switch companies for any number of reasons including poor customer service, extreme rates for teen drivers, lack of trust in their agent or even unfair underwriting practices. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch switching auto insurance companies is not as hard as you think.