Pittsburgh Insurance Agents – There is a Difference

If you’re trying to find a licensed insurance agent in Pittsburgh, it’s recommended you start your research for an agent online rather than looking in the yellowpages. Consumers require a professional licensed agent, and also want to find the best auto insurance prices in Pittsburgh.

Drivers have so many auto insurance agents to buy insurance from, and although it’s nice to have a selection, so many choices can make it hard to compare rates and cut insurance costs.

Don’t assume everyone needs the same coverage

When it comes to buying adequate coverage, there is no cookie cutter policy. Everyone’s situation is a little different and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. For instance, these questions could help you determine whether your personal situation will benefit from professional help.

  • Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?
  • How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in Pennsylvania?
  • What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
  • What are the best liability limits?
  • Do I need medical payments coverage since I have good health insurance?
  • Do no-fault laws apply in Pennsylvania?
  • Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
  • Can I afford to pay high deductible claims out of pocket?
  • When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but one or more may apply to you then you might want to talk to a licensed agent.

Online quotes with a local Pittsburgh insurance agent

Good agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you peace of mind. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the best rates and still choose a local agent.

To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this simple form, your insurance coverage information gets sent to local insurance agents who will battle for your coverage. There is no reason to visit any agencies since price quotes are sent directly to your email. How cool is that?! Get lower rates and an insurance agent to talk to.

Selecting an insurance agency shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price. These questions are important to ask:

  • Are they full-time agents?
  • Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
  • Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
  • Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
  • Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
  • Do they make recommendations based only on price?

Different types of car insurance agents in Pittsburgh

If you’re trying to find an insurance agent, you must know there are a couple types of insurance agents that you can select. Pittsburgh agents are either captive or independent (non-captive).

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive agencies work for only one company and examples are AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives are very knowledgeable on their company’s products which can be an advantage.

Below are Pittsburgh captive agencies who may provide you with comparison quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 5301 Grove Rd – Pittsburgh, PA 15236 – (412) 885-1717
Allstate Insurance Co – 4518 Liberty Ave – Pittsburgh, PA 15224 – (412) 688-0108
Liberty Mutual Insurance – 4 N Shore Ctr – Pittsburgh, PA 15212 – (412) 321-9211

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent. When shopping rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from multiple independent agents to get the best comparison.

Listed below are independent insurance agencies in Pittsburgh willing to provide price quotes.

Fireman’s Fund Insurance – 2 Chatham Ctr # 300 – Pittsburgh, PA 15219 – (412) 263-4400
Fred Wallisch Agency – 23 Green Glen Dr – Pittsburgh, PA 15227 – (412) 884-4973
Kartsonas Agency Inc – 421 Cochran Rd # 2 – Pittsburgh, PA 15228 – (412) 563-5900
Bartosiewicz Agency – 4311 Butler St – Pittsburgh, PA 15201 – (412) 683-0220
Selective Insurance – 603 Stanwix St – Pittsburgh, PA 15222 – (412) 471-2952

For a complete listing of licensed insurance agents in Pittsburgh, please go to this site.

After receiving good answers for all questions you ask and an affordable coverage quote, most likely you have located an auto insurance agent that will service your policy.

Does buying direct online save money?

Auto insurance agents serve a purpose, but Pennsylvania car insurance can also be bought from online companies direct. Some companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, that sell primarily through agents also permit you to quote and buy online, so this should also be taken into consideration if you don’t want to take the time to contact agents.

If you’re uneasy about whether or not you’ll have guidance, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Online insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide options to help you decide which coverages are appropriate. In addition, they usually offer online help and live chat so buying online is not difficult.

Are online companies cheaper? The answer to that question is complicated because of the number of factors which can adversely affect your policy premium. You may think that buying online saves money because there is no commission. In reality, the cost of constant advertising is expensive and that can cost more than having to pay agents.

More detailed Pennsylvania auto insurance information can be found at the Pennsylvania Insurance Department website. Pennsylvania consumers can get help finding coverage, view agent and company licensing information, and read industry bulletins.

Find Pittsburgh insurance agent

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One last thing about your coverage

Lower-priced auto insurance is possible from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Pittsburgh agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best selection. A few companies may not provide online quoting and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

When buying insurance coverage, make sure you don’t reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced comprehensive coverage or liability limits and discovered at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.