Is it better to buy car insurance online or with an agent?
Asked by: Wilmer Feest | Last update: October 17, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (18 votes)
Is it cheaper to get insurance through an agent or online?
Online car insurance policies are generally cheaper than those offered by insurance agents as these don't include commissions and other fees. Most auto insurance companies also offer discounts if you purchase car insurance online. However, using an agent has its share of benefits.
What are the disadvantages of online insurance?
The disadvantages of buying life insurance online include limited customer support, limited customization options, and a higher risk of online fraud.
Is car insurance cheaper online or in person?
Buying online could also be cheaper because you won't pay agent commissions or other fees as you might when obtaining an auto policy in person. However, you could also miss out on potential savings by not working with a knowledgeable insurance agent in person.
Is insurance more expensive if you use an agent?
Working with an independent agent won't cost you extra because their commissions are rolled into the price of a policy. However, since an independent agent can only offer policies from companies they work with, your options may be limited.
Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online or through an agent?
Is there a benefit to using an insurance agent?
Access to More Options: Independent agents have access to a variety of insurance companies, which allows them to deliver more options. They will search through all the available options for you to bring you the best possible combination of price, coverage, and service. More options mean lower premiums for you.
Can insurance agents get better rates?
An insurance broker can save you a lot of time but can they save money for your business, compared to going directly to insurers? The short answer is yes. Insurance brokers get better rates by leveraging industry expertise and insurer relationships to find the right policy with proper coverage at appropriate costs.
How does your credit score affect your vehicle insurance in most states?
A higher credit score decreases your car insurance rate with almost every insurance company and in most states. Getting a quote, however, does not affect your credit.
Why is it cheaper to buy insurance online?
Buying insurance online can often result in lower customer costs due to the elimination of commission fees for the insurance agent. However, buying insurance through an agent can offer a more personalized experience and in-depth policy analysis, leading to finding the most cost-effective coverage options.
Is it better to go with a local insurance company?
Tailored Coverage Options
They have the flexibility to offer customized plans that ensure you're neither over-insured nor under-insured. Whether you need additional coverage for a high-value home, a vintage car, or special riders for unique circumstances, a local agent is more likely to offer personalized advice.
Can I get car insurance without an agent?
You may not need an insurance agent to purchase insurance but it depends on the insurance company. For example, you can buy insurance directly from both Geico and Progressive. However, other providers only sell insurance through agents.
Which insurance is best online or offline?
Online vs offline insurance comparison explains that online term plans are lower in cost than buying the same plan offline. If the premium cost is a concern for you, you should buy term plans online. Also, make sure you look into the fine print of the policies and avoid making the decision based only on price factor.
Is it safe to apply for insurance online?
The Marketplace, assisters, and your state will never threaten you or your household or ask for your credit card information or payment to keep or qualify for health coverage. Protect your online Marketplace account – Get a unique security code that's randomly generated and sent to you each time you log in.
Does it cost money to talk to an insurance agent?
Insurance agents are paid by insurance companies. You only pay for the insurance policy, or policies, you want. There are typically no agent or agency fees.
What is the disadvantage of an insurance agent?
Unpredictable Income
While the insurance industry is stable and the income is lucrative, it can sometimes be hard to plan ahead and know where your next paycheck will come from, since your income may be solely based on sales made. To succeed in this field, you must be a go-getter.
What percentage of insurance premiums go to the agent?
The common range is between 5% and 10% of a policy's total premiums for the first year, with the percentage going down after a plan is renewed.
Is there a way to make your insurance cheaper?
- Qualify for insurance discounts. ...
- Increase your deductible. ...
- Reduce your coverage. ...
- Compare rates. ...
- Try usage-based insurance. ...
- Take a defensive driving course. ...
- Get a car that's cheaper to insure.
Can you get car insurance online without talking to someone?
Most notable auto insurers offer the option to buy online without talking to someone. If you have questions during your online quote with Progressive or simply prefer to finish the quote over the phone, you can call 1-800-776-4737 to speak to a licensed representative for your state.
Is it better to shop around for insurance?
If you would like to know whether you could be saving money if you switched to a different carrier, you should shop around. Competition is designed to encourage insurance companies to offer their lowest possible premium to each driver.
What's a good credit score for car insurance?
Drivers with poor credit (a credit score under 580) pay 97% more, on average, for full coverage car insurance premiums than do their counterpart drivers with exceptional credit (a credit score above 800), according to a study by Bankrate.
Does Progressive use your credit score?
Most major car insurance companies like GEICO, Progressive and State Farm factor in your credit score when giving you a quote. Some smaller, regional insurers skip credit checks, though their coverage options (and available online information) can be limited.
Will my car insurance go up if my credit score goes down?
Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.
Do you pay more for insurance if you go through an agent?
Myth: It costs more to use an agent because you have to pay a commission. Fact: The insurance company pays the commission. You will pay the same amount for your health plan whether you use an insurance agent or buy it yourself. The difference is an agent can save you hours of time wading through choices.
What makes your insurance go up the most?
Incidents such as accidents (even if you weren't at fault), speeding violations, reckless driving, and driving while intoxicated can increase premiums. If you've filed a claim in the past few years, this might also result in an increase to your premium.
How to negotiate with insurance for more money?
- Understand the Insurance Company. ...
- Initiate the Claim as Soon as Possible. ...
- Never Admit Fault for the Accident. ...
- Stick to the Facts, Never Speculate. ...
- Know the Rough Value of Your Claim. ...
- Be Patient, Do Not Accept the First Offer. ...
- Get Everything in Writing.