How to Find an Auto Insurance Agent in Buffalo, NY

When searching for a good Buffalo agent, it’s recommended you begin your search using online quotes to save time. We’re assuming you not only want a highly trained agent, but you also want the lowest possible price.

With companies like State Farm, Allstate and many independent agents having offices in Buffalo, it’s hard to tell which will provide you with the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To begin, it’s easy to use insurance quotes online to build a list of agencies to choose from.

Quote online but still have a local agent

Insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help file insurance claims. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is you can get the lowest rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local businesses is important especially in Buffalo.

Once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is transmitted to insurance agents in Buffalo who will return price quotes to get your business. You don’t have to visit any agencies as quotes are delivered immediately to your email address. How’s that for easy! Get lower rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.

Different types of Buffalo insurance agents

When researching a good Buffalo insurance agent, you need to know there are two different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents can either be independent (non-captive) or captive.

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent agents are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business with multiple insurance companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency. When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you get quotes from several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.Most can insure with different regional companies who may have lower rates.

Listed below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Buffalo who may be able to give you competitive price quotes.

  • Roehrig Agency – 3263 Delaware Ave – Buffalo, NY 14217 – (716) 873-8377
  • Rambuss Krochmal Agency – 3871 Harlem Rd – Buffalo, NY 14215 – (716) 833-8500
  • Frederick Meka Insurance – 1926 Clinton St – Buffalo, NY 14206 – (716) 822-6874
  • Mcmahon Agency Inc – 156 Kenmore Ave – Buffalo, NY 14226 – (716) 837-3943
  • Nationwide Mutual Insurance – 90 John Muir Dr – Buffalo, NY 14228 – (716) 636-1391
Captive Insurance Agents

Captive agents write business for a single company and some examples include State Farm, AAA and Liberty Mutual. They usually cannot give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. These agents are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage. Consumers sometimes buy insurance from these agents primarily because of high brand loyalty and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.

Shown below is a list of captive insurance agencies in Buffalo that are able to give comparison quotes.

  • Liberty Mutual – 1100 Southwestern Blvd – Buffalo, NY 14224 – (716) 677-2734
  • Allstate Insurance Co – 3957 Main St – Buffalo, NY 14226 – (716) 832-5433
  • Farmers Insurance Group – 43 Aspinwood Pl – Buffalo, NY 14223 – (716) 876-4545
  • State Farm Insurance – 2161 Sheridan Dr – Buffalo, NY 14223 – (716) 876-4767

To view a complete directory of auto insurance agents in Buffalo, simply jump to this page.

Choosing an insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap price. Agents should be asked these questions:

  • What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
  • If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
  • Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
  • Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
  • Do they make recommendations based only on price?

Once you have satisfactory answers to any questions you have and an affordable coverage quote, you may have just found an insurance agency that meets your needs to insure your vehicles.

What if I want to shop online?

Professional insurance agents are important, but New York consumers also have the option to buy direct from companies online. Some specific companies like Allstate and State Farm who have local agents in Buffalo also let you quote and buy online, so that should be considered if you want to do it yourself.

If you’re uneasy about not having someone to ask questions when buying online, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Insurance companies all provide contact methods to answer your questions. In addition, they usually offer live chat and online tools you can access prior to buying.

The only way to know if prices are better online or from an agent is comparing rate quotes from both. Even though it sounds odd, people frequently get different pricing from online quotes as they do from local agents for the exact same company. But you can’t find out which way will be cheaper until after you compare the same coverages for both.

Do customers save by switching to an online company? The answer is complex because there are a lot of things that impact your premium. Some people will tell you that buying directly from the company saves money by not requiring a commission. For the majority of companies, however, it’s expensive to advertise so the lack of a commission may be a wash.

To learn even more about auto insurance

Additional information can be read on the New York Department of Financial Services website found here. New York drivers can read industry bulletins, learn about specific coverages, and view agent and company licensing information.

The following articles may also be useful.

Final considerations

When buying insurance coverage, you should never buy poor coverage just to save money. In too many instances, an insured cut comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret at claim time they didn’t have enough coverage. Your goal should be to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford.

Buffalo insurance company

Insureds leave their current company for a number of reasons such as high prices, being labeled a high risk driver, poor customer service and even extreme rates for teen drivers. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch finding a great new company can be pretty painless.