Five Minute Guide to Researching a Fort Collins Car Insurance Agent

If you’re trying to find a licensed insurance agent in Fort Collins, you can always do the preliminary legwork on the web instead of making phone calls. You require a good agent that listens to you, and also want to find the cheapest rates you can possibly find.

Popular companies such as State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive increase brand awareness with ads and it is challenging if not impossible to see past the geckos and flying pigs and do the work needed to find the best deal.

Compare online but buy from a local Fort Collins agent

Good agents can answer important questions and help in the event of a claim. One of the best bonuses of price shopping on the web is you can get lower rates but still work with a licensed agent.

For easy comparison, once you complete this quick form, your insurance coverage information is immediately sent to companies in Fort Collins who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to leave your house as quotes are delivered directly to your email. How’s that for easy!

Choosing an insurance agent should depend on more than just the price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:

  • What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
  • Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
  • How long has their agency been in business in Fort Collins?
  • Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
  • Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
  • Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?

Captive and independent Fort Collins car insurance agents

When looking for an insurance agent, you need to know there are two types of agencies from which to choose. Insurance agencies in Fort Collins can either be independent or captive. Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s good to learn how they are different because it can impact your selection of an agent.

Captive Agents

Captive agents write business for a single company like Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are unable to provide prices from multiple companies so keep that in mind. Captive agencies are trained well on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents. Some people will only buy from captive agents mostly because of high brand loyalty and strong financial ratings.

Shown below are Fort Collins captive agencies who can help you get rate quotes.

  • Liberty Mutual Insurance – 712 Whalers Way # A200 – Fort Collins, CO 80525 – (970) 493-8212
  • Shelter Insurance – 4025 Automation Way # C4 – Fort Collins, CO 80525 – (970) 377-2070
  • State Farm Insurance – 1630 S College Ave # 2a – Fort Collins, CO 80525 – (970) 484-9700
  • Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance – 335 E Mountain Ave – Fort Collins, CO 80524 – (970) 482-3952
  • American Family Insurance – 149 W Harvard St – Fort Collins, CO 80525 – (970) 377-0676
  • Allstate Insurance – 4519 S College Ave # B – Fort Collins, CO 80525 – (970) 482-7400
  • Farmers Insurance Group – 4700 Mcmurry Ave # B – Fort Collins, CO 80525 – (970) 225-9306
Independent Agents

Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with multiple insurance companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the business is moved internally and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparing rates, it’s recommended you contact at a minimum one independent agency for maximum quote selection. They often place coverage with smaller companies which may provide better rates.

Shown below is a short list of independent agencies in Fort Collins that are able to give price quotes.

  • Richard Johnson Agency – 4025 Automation Way # D2 – Fort Collins, CO 80525 – (970) 282-7200
  • Benedict-Campbell Agency – 262 E Mountain Ave – Fort Collins, CO 80524 – (970) 484-1400
  • Tuckers Insurance – 5225 White Willow Dr # C110 – Fort Collins, CO 80528 – (970) 223-2457
  • Conrad Manyik Agency – 5620 Fossil Creek Pkwy # 1100 – Fort Collins, CO 80525 – (970) 225-0304
  • Affordable Insurance Conslnt – 2500 E Harmony Rd – Fort Collins, CO 80528 – (970) 231-7645

For a full directory of auto insurance agents in Fort Collins, please view this page.

Once you have positive feedback to all your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that will insure your vehicles.

Can I save by cutting out the agent?

Car insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but Colorado drivers can also buy from companies direct over the internet. Certain companies like State Farm and Allstate who have local agents in Fort Collins also allow consumers to quote and buy online, so that should be considered if you are the do-it-yourself type.

If you’re uncomfortable with not getting advice from an agent, don’t be too concerned. All companies that allow you to purchase coverage give you access to trained agents that you can contact for information.

Is car insurance cheaper online? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer because there are many factors that are calculated into your premium. Common sense would say that buying car insurance online saves money by not requiring a commission. For most online online companies, however, marketing their products costs a lot of money and that can cost more than having to pay agents.

More quotes mean more savings

Cheaper auto insurance can be found both online as well as from independent agents in Fort Collins, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best selection. Some insurance companies don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.

As you shop your coverage around, do not reduce needed coverages to save money. Too many times, someone sacrificed full coverage only to discover later they didn’t have enough coverage. The ultimate goal is to purchase plenty of coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.

Fort Collins CO insurance agency

More Colorado auto insurance information

Additional detailed information can be found at the Colorado DORA Division of Insurance website. Visitors are able to view a list of available companies, find out industry alerts, and read state legal mandates and laws.