Basic Steps to Find an Insurance Agent in Norfolk, VA

Finding good car insurance in Norfolk can be challenging since there are a lot of options and choosing the right Norfolk auto insurance agent is not as easy as just using the same car insurance agent as your neighbor. Chances are you want an excellent agent, but you also need the lowest possible price.

With companies like Allstate, Farmers and State Farm as well as independent agents having offices in Norfolk, it’s difficult to determine which auto insurance agent will provide the best rates, service and coverage. To begin, it’s easy to use online price quotes to build a list of agencies from which to choose.

What is the best insurance coverage?

When buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a cookie cutter policy. Every situation is different.

These are some specific questions could help you determine whether you would benefit from professional advice.

Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
Does my insurance cover damage caused when ticketed for reckless driving?
Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?
Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
When should I not file a claim?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions then you might want to talk to an insurance agent.

Car Insurance from Norfolk insurance agents

Licensed agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you someone to call. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is you may find lower rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from local agencies is important especially in Norfolk.

To help locate an agent, after submitting this form (opens in new window), your insurance data is submitted to companies in Norfolk who will battle for your coverage. You don’t have to drive around since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. Now that’s easy!

Norfolk auto insurance agents are either independent or captive

When looking for a good insurance agency, you need to know there are two types of agencies to choose from. Insurance agencies in Norfolk can either be captive or independent (non-captive). While both can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the differences because it can influence your agent selection.

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent agents are not locked into one company but rather can write business with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent. When searching for an agent, we recommend you include price quotes from several independent insurance agents for maximum quote selection. They often place coverage with smaller regional carriers which can save you money.

The following are independent insurance agencies in Norfolk who may be able to give you competitive price quotes.

Ashley and Assoc Insurance – 834 Widgeon Rd – Norfolk, VA 23513 – (757) 855-3151
Pace Insurance Inc – 6914 N Military Hwy – Norfolk, VA 23518 – (757) 855-8033
Bouffard Agency – – Norfolk, VA 23510 – (757) 624-9176
Braun Agency – 1504 Granby St – Norfolk, VA 23510 – (757) 616-0616

Captive Agents

These agents can only place business with one company and some examples include AAA, Allstate and State Farm. These agents are unable to shop your coverage around so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agencies are very knowledgeable on the products they sell which can be an advantage. Some people will only buy insurance from these agents partially due to high brand loyalty and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

Listed below are Norfolk captive insurance agents that are able to give comparison quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 7510 Granby St # 200 – Norfolk, VA 23505 – (757) 587-1307
Farmers Insurance Group – 1500 E Little Creek Rd # 309 – Norfolk, VA 23518 – (757) 480-0300
Allstate Insurance – 1600 E Little Creek Rd # 106 – Norfolk, VA 23518 – (757) 480-3800

To view a complete directory of captive agents in Norfolk, click here to link.

Picking an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just a low price. These questions are important to ask:

If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
How are claims handled?
How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
Are there any discounts that you might be missing?

Upon receiving answers to your satisfaction to any questions you have and a low price estimate, most likely you have located an insurance agent that can properly service your car insurance policy.

The online company option

Licensed agents are indespensible for some people, but Virginia consumers also have the option to buy from online companies direct. Certain companies who have local agents in Norfolk additionally provide the ability to get quotes and purchase online, so this should also be taken into consideration if you want to do it yourself.

If you’re uneasy about not having an insurance agent’s advice when buying online, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide toll-free numbers that you can contact for information. They also make available 24/7 live help and a car insurance FAQ section so buying online is not difficult.

Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online? That is a tough question to answer due to the fact that there are multiple individual factors that influence the price you pay. It’s a common assumption that purchasing direct online saves by not paying a commission. For the majority of companies, however, the cost of constant advertising is expensive and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.

More information can be found on the Virginia Bureau of Insurance website located here. Virginia drivers can find a variety of consumer forms, file complaints about a company, read state legal mandates and laws, and learn about specific coverages.

In conclusion

Lower-priced car insurance can be sourced both online as well as from independent agents in Norfolk, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance companies don’t offer the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.

Insureds leave their current company for many reasons like not issuing a premium refund, poor customer service, an unsatisfactory settlement offer or unfair underwriting practices. No matter why you want to switch, finding the right car insurance provider can be easier than you think.