Quick Guide to Researching a Bakersfield, CA Auto Insurance Agent

Comparing car insurance rates in Bakersfield can be a lot of work since you have many choices and picking a good California insurance agency is harder than just picking up the phone. There is a good chance you’re not only searching for an excellent agent, but you also need great rates as well.

With independent agents, Allstate and State Farm all competing for business in Bakersfield, it’s hard to tell which one will have the lowest rates and best service. Thankfully, it’s easy to use online quoting to get a list of insurance agents and price estimates.

Which policy gives me the best coverage?

When buying the best car insurance coverage, there is no cookie cutter policy. Every insured’s situation is different and your policy should reflect that. For instance, these questions can help discover whether you may require specific advice.

Who is covered by my policy?
Do I need roadside assistance coverage?
Will I lose any money if I cancel my policy before it expires?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Should I file a claim if it’s only slightly more than my deductible?
How high should my uninsured/underinsured coverage be in California?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with an agent.

How to find Bakersfield insurance agents online

Good agents can help determine the best coverages and give you someone to call. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is you can get better rates and still choose a local agent. Supporting local agencies is definitely important in Bakersfield.

For easy comparison, once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is instantly submitted to local insurance agents in Bakersfield who will give you bids for your coverage. There is no reason to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. Now that’s easy!

Multiple types of auto insurance agents in Bakersfield

When looking for local Bakersfield agents, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Bakersfield are categorized either independent or captive. Either one can do a good job, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ since it can impact the type of agent you choose

Independent Agents

Independent agents are not required to write business for one company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent.

When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to include price quotes from several independent insurance agents for maximum quote selection.

The following are Bakersfield independent insurance agents who can help you get rate quotes.

Premier Insurance Svc – 2105 Edison Hwy – Bakersfield, CA 93305 – (661) 324-5700
Logrecco Insurance – 7430 District Blvd – Bakersfield, CA 93313 – (661) 831-4313
Steve Snider Agency – 4646 Wilson Rd # 103 – Bakersfield, CA 93309 – (661) 836-1136
Wilmert Insurance Agency – 314 Chester Ave – Bakersfield, CA 93301 – (661) 864-1504
William K Lyons Agency Inc – 2100 F St # 200 – Bakersfield, CA 93301 – (661) 327-9731

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive agencies work for only one company and examples are State Farm, AAA and Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agencies are trained well on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage.

Below is a short list of captive insurance agencies in Bakersfield willing to provide rate quotes.

Farmers Insurance Group – 5405 Stockdale Hwy # 201 – Bakersfield, CA 93309 – (661) 325-5100
Allstate Insurance – 9910 Rosedale Hwy # B2 – Bakersfield, CA 93312 – (661) 589-5404
State Farm Insurance – 314 Norris Rd # B – Bakersfield, CA 93308 – (661) 393-1488

For a full directory of car insurance agents in Bakersfield, click here to link.

Picking a car insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap price. These are valid questions to ask:

Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
Is assistance available after office hours?
How are claims handled?

Upon getting satisfactory answers to your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, chances are good that you have found an insurance agency that meets your needs to service your policy.

Do online companies have better prices?

Insurance agencies are perfect for certain consumers, but you can also buy California car insurance directly from online companies. Even companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who sell through agents in Bakersfield also give you the ability to get quotes and purchase online, and online price comparisons are easy if you are the do-it-yourself type.

If you’re uneasy about not having an agent to talk to, that is normal but is not a big issue. Companies that allow you to purchase coverage give you access to trained agents for getting the best coverage.

Are car insurance rates lower online? It’s difficult to say for sure due to the fact that there are many factors that can increase policy rates. It’s a common assumption that buying direct prevents the agent from taking a cut. In many cases, advertising and marketing take a lot of money and that can cost more than having to pay agents.

If the lowest price is important, the best way to know whether prices are lower online or from agents is to get free quotes from both and compare them. Even though it sounds odd, people frequently get different pricing from the same car insurance company from their online quote form as compared to an agent.

For more information

Additional car insurance information can be found on the website for the California Department of Insurance located here. Consumers can learn about specific coverages, file complaints about a company, and view agent and company licensing information.

More related Bakersfield car insurance information:

Final thoughts

While you’re price shopping online, it’s not a good idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. In too many instances, an insured cut collision coverage and discovered at claim time that it was a big mistake. The proper strategy is to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.

Insureds switch companies for a variety of reasons including extreme rates for teen drivers, denial of a claim, delays in responding to claim requests and even high rates after DUI convictions. Regardless of your reason, switching car insurance companies can be easy and end up saving you some money.