The competition within the automobile insurance industry could not be fiercer. Our televisions bombard us with the logos of the large national insurance brands. Meanwhile, our neighborhood little league teams, boulevard billboards, and community events are supported by the local insurance agency.

 

When the time comes to shop your car insurance, you may be wondering if you should call one of the national insurance agencies, or walk into the agency down the street.

 

Ultimately, your insurance and budgeting needs may determine who you place your next insurance policy. But, understanding the differences between national and local car insurance agencies before you seek that first quote, will prepare you for what to expect.

 

Differences When Purchasing Car Insurance

 

It is highly probable you have seen the local agent down the street at the neighborhood grocery store or a nearby movie theater. Local agents know your community. This is one benefit of working with a local insurance agency.

 

The local agent’s knowledge of the area can help you choose limits and terms different than what an agent located far away might recommend. After all, the local agent has seen the most common types of claims near where you live and work.

 

For example, living in a college town may pose a higher than average accident rate than other towns. This may encourage consideration of higher limits of insurance or lower deductibles than someone who lives in a sleepy valley village.

 

Accidents are not the only claims your local agent sees. Collision claims vary across the country. If your area has a high deer population, collision coverage may be warranted even on that very old vehicles. Understanding local weather patterns can also drive conversations with local agents that a national agency may not.

 

Lastly, local agencies may also have a better understanding of local activities and interests that will prompt questions national agents would not necessarily think of. Seaside towns see more boats being trailered than others, while mountainous areas may have few paved roads. All are important considerations when finding the right car insurance policy.

 

Differences When Filing a Claim

 

Let’s face it, purchasing car insurance is a lot like owning a fire extinguisher. We’re are only glad we have when we need it. For many drivers, there will come a time when a claim will need to be filed. The difference between having a local or national agency behind will depend on your specific claims situation.

 

If you are involved in an automobile accident near your local insurance agency, many claimants can expect a very hands-on claim experience. As the years tick by, your local insurance agent may be more of a friend than a business associate. This can translate into a personal commitment ensuring you and your family are taken care of throughout the claims process.

 

On the other hand, if your local insurance agency is closed, out of town, or it is the weekend, you may be relegated to calling an 800 number on the back of your insurance card. In some instances, the company on the other line is not built to much more than take down your information. This may leave you waiting hours or days before you hear back from your local insurance agent.

 

National insurance agencies are built for remote, long-distance relationships. Although you will be calling an 800 number, the person on the other line likely has deeper training and authority to assist with your claim. This may not only provide you with around the clock accessibility but claims capability that stretch across the country should your accident occur hundreds or thousands of miles away from home.

 

Choosing the Right Insurance Agency

 

In the end, choosing the right insurance agency, whether local or national, becomes a matter of personal preference. National insurance agencies may fit your needs like a mitten, where you are provided adequate coverage quickly. A local insurance agency may fit your needs similar to a glove, by providing a more tailored program with a needs first approach.

 

To learn more about meeting your car insurance needs, contact our team at Protective Agency at (877) 739-9367). Our licensed insurance agents will be happy to answer any questions you have.”