How-to Guide to Finding the Best Insurance Agent in Sioux Falls South Dakota

If you’re looking for a good insurance agent in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, it’s recommended you do an initial search on the internet instead of making phone calls. For this article’s sake, it’s assumed you not only want a good agent that listens to you, but you also want the best rates possible.

With companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers all competing for business in Sioux Falls, consumers have a hard time knowing which auto insurance agent will provide the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To begin, it’s easy to use online price quotes to build a list of insurance agents from which to choose.

Quote online but still have a local agent

Agents can answer important questions and help submit paperwork. The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. And providing support for local agencies is important particularly in Sioux Falls.

To help locate an agent, after submitting this simple form, your coverage information is instantly submitted to local insurance agents in Sioux Falls who will compete for your insurance coverage. You never need to leave your computer as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy! You can find better rates and a licensed agent to work with.

Is a captive or independent insurance agency right for you?

When searching for a local agent, there are two types of insurance agents that you can select. Agents can either be captive or independent.

Independent Agents

Independent agencies do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage amongst many companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency. When comparing rates, you should always include price quotes from several independent insurance agents to have the most options to choose from.

Listed below are independent insurance agents in Sioux Falls willing to provide rate quotes.

Combined Insurance Co – 2200 W 49th St # 103 – Sioux Falls, SD 57105 – (605) 338-5762
Charles Elhoff Agency – 3710 S Westport Ave # B – Sioux Falls, SD 57106 – (605) 361-2235
Ron Dahl Agency – 3700 S Westport Ave – Sioux Falls, SD 57106 – (605) 333-9312
Farm Bureau Insurance – 3321 E 26th St – Sioux Falls, SD 57103 – (605) 330-8205
Kopfmann Agency – 305 S Conklin Ave # 6 – Sioux Falls, SD 57103 – (605) 339-3370

Captive Agents

This type of agents can only place business with one company such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agents are usually quite knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage.

Listed below is a short list of captive insurance agents in Sioux Falls that are able to give comparison quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 3015 E 10th St – Sioux Falls, SD 57103 – (605) 332-7857
Allstate Insurance Co – 800 E 41st St – Sioux Falls, SD 57105 – (605) 334-9926
American Family Insurance – 301 E 14th St # 300 – Sioux Falls, SD 57104 – (605) 336-3444
Farm Bureau Insurance – 5009 W 12th St # 9a – Sioux Falls, SD 57106 – (605) 332-0582
Farmers Insurance Group – 600 N Kiwanis Ave – Sioux Falls, SD 57104 – (605) 339-3203

For a full directory of captive agencies in Sioux Falls, view this link.

Picking an insurance agency requires more thought than just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:

  • Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
  • How often do they review policy coverages?
  • What insurance companies do they work with?
  • Can glass repairs be made at your home?
  • Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
  • Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
  • How long has their agency been in business in Sioux Falls?

After getting acceptable answers to any questions you have and a good coverage price, it’s possible that you found an insurance agent that can properly service your car insurance policy.

You may need specialized coverage

When it comes to choosing adequate coverage, there really is no perfect coverage plan. Every situation is different so your insurance needs to address that. Here are some questions about coverages that may help you determine whether or not you could use an agent’s help.

  • Will I lose any money if I cancel my policy before it expires?
  • When should I remove comp and collision on my vehicle?
  • Should I sign the liability waiver when renting a car?
  • Do I need added coverage for expensive stereo equipment?
  • Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
  • Do I need rental car coverage?

If you can’t answer these questions then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent.

Buying direct is an option

Insurance agents serve a purpose, but you can also buy South Dakota car insurance direct from companies that only sell online. A few companies that sell primarily through agents also give you the option to get a quote and buy online, so that should be considered.

If you’re anxious about whether or not you’ll have guidance when buying car insurance direct, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. All companies that allow you to purchase coverage all have client service departments for getting the best coverage.

Do online companies have better rates? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer because of the fact that insurance companies use many factors that can increase policy rates. It would make sense to think that shopping direct cuts out the middleman. But truthfully, advertising and marketing take a lot of money so this can offset any savings.

Sioux Falls SD insurance agencies

One last thing

Affordable car insurance is attainable online and also from your neighborhood Sioux Falls agents, so you should compare both to get a complete price analysis. A few companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.

As you shop your coverage around, don’t be tempted to sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. In many cases, consumers will sacrifice full coverage and learned later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your focus should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.

More information is available on the website for the South Dakota Division of Insurance located here. South Dakota consumers can find a variety of consumer forms, file complaints about a company, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and get help finding coverage.