Thousand Oaks California Auto Insurance Agents – Make the Right Choice

To locate an insurance agent in Thousand Oaks, California, you can always start your research by comparing prices online rather than picking up the phone. It’s assumed you not only want a competent insurance agent, but you also want the best rates possible.

With companies like State Farm, Allstate and Farmers Insurance all competing for your business, it’s hard to tell which one will provide you with the cheapest rates and the best coverage. Fortunately, you can use insurance quotes online in order to build a list of agents and price estimates.

Local Thousand Oaks car insurance agents

Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help submit paperwork. One of the best bonuses of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain the best rates but still work with a licensed agent. And providing support for local insurance agencies is important particularly in Thousand Oaks.

After filling out this short form, your insurance coverage information is sent to participating agents in Thousand Oaks who will battle for your business. You never need to drive around due to the fact that quote results will go immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier!

The different types of insurance agents

When finding a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Thousand Oaks are classified as either captive or independent. Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning how they differ since it can impact your selection of an agent.

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

These agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles amongst many companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house without you having to go to a different agency.

When comparison shopping, we recommend you include multiple independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.

Shown below is a list of independent insurance agencies in Thousand Oaks that may be able to provide comparison quotes.

Cisowski Insurance – 80 Long Ct – Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 – (805) 379-0866
Steve D Reich Agency – 2281 E Thousand Oaks Blvd – Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 – (805) 379-5159
AAA Insurance – 100 E Wilbur Rd – Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 – (805) 497-0911

Captive Agents

These agents have only one company to place business with and some examples include State Farm, AAA and Liberty Mutual. They generally cannot provide prices from multiple companies so they have no alternatives for high prices. These agents receive extensive training in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage.

Shown below is a list of captive insurance agencies in Thousand Oaks who can help you get price quote information.

State Farm Insurance – 1421 E Thousand Oaks Blvd # 4 – Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 – (805) 496-4508
Allstate Insurance – 1429 E Thousand Oaks Blvd #111 – Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 – (805) 449-1100
Farmers Insurance Group – 2521 E Thousand Oaks Blvd – Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 – (805) 379-1368

To view a full list of car insurance agents in Thousand Oaks, go to this page.

Choosing a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a low price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

• How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
• Will your rates increase after a single accident?
• Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in California?
• Does the agency support the community they serve?
• Are they full-time agents?

Upon receiving answers to your satisfaction for all questions you ask as well as a affordable price, you may have just found an insurance agency that can service your policy.

When might I need an agent?

When choosing the best car insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a “best” method to buy coverage. Everyone’s situation is unique and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. These are some specific questions could help you determine if your insurance needs may require specific advice.

• When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
• Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
• What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
• Is California a no-fault state?
• How can I get high-risk coverage after a DUI?
• How much liability coverage do I need in California?
• Why is insurance for a teen driver so high in Thousand Oaks?
• Will I lose any money if I cancel my policy before it expires?
• Should I buy only the required California minimum liability coverage?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an agent.

Keep your options open

Car insurance agents are important to many people, but California car insurance can also be bought direct from companies online. Certain auto insurance companies who sell through the agent channel also let you buy a policy online, and consumers should do that.

If you’re worried about not having professional advice when buying car insurance direct, don’t let it bother you. Insurance companies have customer service departments for getting advice on proper coverages. You can also use live help and 24/7 access that you can use before buying.

Is car insurance cheaper online? A lot of shoppers won’t buy anywhere else, but it’s impossible to say since there are so many components that can increase policy rates. Many people think that a shopper who purchases direct cuts out the agent as a middleman. For the majority of companies, however, the cost of constant advertising is expensive so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.

One last thing

People change insurance companies for a variety of reasons including extreme rates for teen drivers, delays in responding to claim requests, high prices or even poor customer service. Whatever your reason, finding the right car insurance provider is not as hard as you think.

Budget-conscious car insurance can be found online and also from your neighborhood Thousand Oaks agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance providers may not provide the ability to get a quote online and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

Additional car insurance information can be found on the website for the California Department of Insurance found here. Consumers can learn about specific coverages, learn about insurance regulations, and read consumer alerts.

Additional helpful sites include this site for California car insurance information and this link where you can make Thousand Oaks car insurance comparisons.