There isn’t anyone who looks forward to buying auto insurance, especially when they are aware that they could get a better deal.
A recent auto insurance study discovered that the vast majority of auto insurance customers have stayed with the same insurance company for over three years, and practically 40% of auto insurance customers have never shopped around. Drivers in Bakersfield could save nearly 35% every year just by shopping around, but they don’t know the actual amount they would save if they switched to a more affordable policy.
Steps to buying lower priced Pontiac GTO insurance in Bakersfield
If saving money is your primary concern, then the best way to find cheaper car insurance rates is to make a habit of comparing prices annually from different companies who provide auto insurance in Bakersfield. You can compare rates by following these steps.
Step 1: Get an understanding of how auto insurance works and the changes you can make to prevent expensive coverage. Many rating criteria that increase rates like your driving record and an imperfect credit rating can be controlled by making minor changes to your lifestyle. This article provides more ideas to help prevent costly coverage and find overlooked discounts.
Step 2: Get rate quotes from exclusive agents, independent agents, and direct providers. Exclusive and direct companies can provide rates from a single company like GEICO or Allstate, while agents who are independent can give you price quotes from multiple companies.
Step 3: Compare the new rate quotes to your existing rates to see if a cheaper price is available in Bakersfield. If you can save money and make a switch, make sure the effective date of the new policy is the same as the expiration date of the old one.
Step 4: Tell your current company to cancel your current coverage and submit a down payment along with a completed application to the new insurer. Once received, put the new certificate verifying proof of insurance along with the vehicle’s registration papers.
The most important part of this process is to use identical deductibles and limits on each quote request and and to get quotes from as many companies as feasibly possible. Doing this ensures a level playing field and the best price selection.
Because there are so many insurance providers from which to choose, it can be difficult for drivers to choose a more affordable auto insurance provider.
It’s smart to quote other rates as often as possible because auto insurance prices are adjusted regularly by insurance companies. Just because you had the lowest rate on Pontiac GTO insurance in Bakersfield two years ago you can probably find a lower rate today. Forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because we’re going to demonstrate how to use the internet to lower your rates without sacrificing coverage.
The following companies provide quotes in California. If several companies are displayed, we suggest you visit as many as you can in order to find the cheapest rates.
Local Bakersfield auto insurance agents and auto insurance
Many drivers just prefer to get advice from a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. Insurance agents can answer important questions and give you someone to call. A good thing about comparing auto insurance online is that drivers can save money and get the lowest rates and also buy local. Putting coverage with neighborhood agents is still important in Bakersfield.
To find an agent, once you fill out this quick form, the coverage information is emailed to local insurance agents in Bakersfield who will gladly provide quotes for your business. You don’t have to even leave your home because prices are sent to you. If you want to compare prices from a specific insurance company, you just need to jump over to their website and complete a quote there.
Two types of Bakersfield car insurance agents
When looking for a reputable agency, there are two different types of agencies and how they function. Agents in Bakersfield are categorized either exclusive or independent. Both handle auto insurance, but it’s worth mentioning the differences since it can impact the selection process.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These agents are appointed with more than one company and that is an advantage because they can write policies with many different companies and find the cheapest rate. If you are not satisfied with one company, they simply switch companies in-house which is easy for the insured.
When comparison shopping, you absolutely need to get several quotes from independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Shown below is a partial list of independent insurance agencies in Bakersfield that can possibly get you price quote information.
William K Lyons Agency Inc
2100 F St # 200 – Bakersfield, CA 93301 – (661) 327-9731 – View Map
Stockdale Insurance Agency Inc
1675 Chester Ave #310 – Bakersfield, CA 93301 – (661) 327-3321 – View Map
Walter Mortensen Insurance
8500 Stockdale Hwy – Bakersfield, CA 93311 – (661) 834-6222 – View Map
Exclusive Insurance Agents
Agents in the exclusive channel normally can only provide a single company’s rates such as Allstate and State Farm. Exclusive agents cannot provide rate quotes from other companies so you need to shop around if the rates are high. Exclusive agents are usually quite knowledgeable on their company’s products which helps them compete with independent agents.
The following are Bakersfield exclusive agents that are able to give price quotes.
Dennis Stitt – State Farm Insurance Agent
1811 Oak St Ste 155 – Bakersfield, CA 93301 – (661) 327-6990 – View Map
Allstate Insurance: Megan Waite
4200 Easton Dr #1 – Bakersfield, CA 93309 – (661) 327-3486 – View Map
James Banks – State Farm Insurance Agent
1525 Columbus St #400 – Bakersfield, CA 93305 – (661) 872-5140 – View Map
Picking the best car insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a cheap quote. Any good agent in Bakersfield should know the answers to these questions.
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Is there a 24/7 contact number?
- Do they reduce claim amounts on high mileage vehicles?
- Do the agents have professional certifications like CPCU or CIC?
- Are there any extra charges for paying monthly?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- Does their agency support local causes in Bakersfield?
- Do they offer accident forgiveness?
Car insurance companies ranked
Picking the highest-rated auto insurance company can be challenging considering how many different companies there are to choose from in California. The information in the lists below can help you analyze which insurers to look at when shopping around.
Top 10 Bakersfield Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Customer Service
- AAA of Southern California
- GEICO
- State Farm
- The Hartford
- Mercury Insurance
- The General
- Progressive
- Allstate
- AAA Insurance
- American Family
Top 10 Bakersfield Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Claims Service
- AAA of Southern California
- State Farm
- Esurance
- AAA Insurance
- Progressive
- Liberty Mutual
- GEICO
- Allstate
- Titan Insurance
- The Hartford