How do I change car insurance agents?
Changing car insurance agents can be a good choice, as the right agent might get you lower rates and better coverage. Read on to learn how to find car insurance agents with the lowest rates.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
UPDATED: Jul 8, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 8, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Changing car insurance agents and carriers is about looking for good customer service, lower rates, and better coverage
- Company agents and independent agents offer different coverage and access to policies
- To change insurance agents, all you have to do is shop around and find the one who offers the best customer service, rates, and levels of coverage, and the company handles the rest
Insurance agents are much more than a connection between you and your policy. A good agent will shop rates around without being asked, check in with you regularly, and help you determine the right liability and deductible limits for your policy.
When it comes to choosing a new insurance agent, you’re not bound to any specific person for any period of time. You can cancel your car insurance policy and move to another agent quickly. However, make sure you stay insured the entire time. A lapse in insurance coverage can be a problem and raise your car insurance rates in the future.
How do you go about changing car insurance agents?
Your first step to changing insurance agents is to shop around. Look at different sites and speak to different agents. Each agent can give you quotes for the type of insurance you need, make sure you get the necessary coverage and apply any discounts you are eligible for.
Once you have researched several agents and found free car insurance quotes online, you can make a comparison between companies. When making your choice, several factors should influence your decision. Pay close attention to your deductibles, minimum and maximum coverage levels, and your rates.
Once you have made the decision and picked your preferred insurance agent, you need to cancel your old insurance policy. Depending on the company, they may require that you do this in writing and provide proof of your new insurance policy. This is because a lapse in insurance can be a huge problem, even if it’s just for a few days.
Once they have been notified, the old policy should be canceled, although you may want to follow up the next month to make sure.
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What is the difference between a company agent and an independent agent?
When looking for a new agent, keep in mind that there are two different types. The first is a company agent. This someone works specifically for one insurance company, such as State Farm or Allstate. Their quotes will fall within the price range of the company they work for, and that’s all.
The second type is an independent agent. These agents can shop with many different companies to find the best rate. You can often get lower prices from an independent agent simply because they have more options at their fingertips, but remember that the lowest rates aren’t the only reason to choose an agent or a company.
What are good reasons for changing car insurance agents?
As with many things in life, staying with the status quo is often easier. This doesn’t mean it’s the most profitable, and you may find that you can save money and hassle with just a few short phone calls.
The following are some reasons to consider looking into changing car insurance agents.
Steadily Rising Rates
You can pay for car insurance in two different ways. Some consumers opt to pay in one lump sum every six months or once a year. Others choose to pay their rates monthly to spread out the cost. There may be a discount for paying upfront, and that’s something you should discuss with your agent.
Throughout the months and years, you should pay close attention to how your rates change. Adding or changing drivers and cars can change your rates, and accidents and tickets may also increase your monthly costs. If none of these events occur and your costs are rising, it may be time to consider a new insurance agent.
A new agent within the same company may not be able to help you get cheaper quotes, but shopping through different carriers and with independent agents can save you money. Many companies also offer car insurance discounts for additional policies or employment. You may be due a discount if you have added coverage since you started.
Customer Service Issues
Since many insurance policies automatically renew, you may often not hear from your agent. This doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve an agent who regularly checks on your policy to see if they can save you money. It shouldn’t require a phone call from you for your agent to shop your policy around and lower your rates.
Many agents will check in regularly to determine if you are getting the service you deserve and the lowest rates they can find. If you don’t hear from your insurance agent unless there is a problem, you may want to consider finding a new one.
While you want your insurance agent to save you money, you don’t want to get lower rates at the cost of an expensive accident or ticket. Some carriers offer lower rates if your deductible is higher or your minimums are lower. This looks great until an accident and you’re forced to pay more than you should. Your insurance agent should give you good advice about all aspects of your policy when changing car insurance.
Moving Out of State
Some carriers and agents only operate within certain states. If you’re moving, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your insurance agent to find out if you can keep your current plan and company and discuss your best options. Some companies may offer coverage where you’re moving, but only minimal protection. Your insurance agent can help you determine the best option for your new home.
What should you look for when changing car insurance agents?
When you change insurance agents or carriers, it’s important to do a bit of research first. The following simple steps can give you peace of mind about your financial risks and insurance coverage:
- Speak to several agents to assess customer service
- Ask for several quotes from different carriers
- Make sure you have the appropriate coverage
- Stay insured until the switch is permanent
Changing insurance carriers or agents may seem like an intimidating process, but it’s actually simple. There is no reason to even contact your current carrier if you have chosen a new one. Your new insurance agent can handle the entire cancellation and renewal process. You can focus on getting an agent you like, rates you can afford, and coverage that gives you peace of mind.
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Case Studies: Changing Car Insurance Agents
Case Study 1: Steadily Rising Rates
John had been with his current car insurance agent for several years, but he noticed that his rates kept increasing even though he hadn’t made any claims or incurred any violations. Concerned about the rising costs, he decided to explore other options.
By shopping around and comparing quotes from different agents, John found a new agent who offered him a lower rate for the same coverage. This allowed him to save money on his car insurance without compromising his protection.
Case Study 2: Customer Service Issues
Emily had been with her insurance agent for a while, but she felt frustrated with the lack of proactive communication and customer service. She rarely heard from her agent unless there was a problem or renewal time approached.
Dissatisfied with this level of service, Emily decided it was time to find a new insurance agent who would be more attentive to her needs. After researching and consulting with different agents, she found one who prioritized regular check-ins and actively searched for ways to save her money on her policy.
Case Study 3: Moving Out of State
Sarah was planning to move to a different state for a new job opportunity. She contacted her current insurance agent to inquire about the possibility of keeping her current policy.
However, her agent informed her that the insurance company didn’t operate in the state she was moving to and could only offer minimal coverage.
Realizing that she needed comprehensive coverage in her new state, Sarah decided to find a new insurance agent who could help her navigate the requirements and find the best coverage for her new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to change car insurance agents?
There are several reasons why you might want to change car insurance agents. You may be dissatisfied with the service provided by your current agent, you might have found a better deal with another insurance company, or you may have experienced a change in your personal circumstances that requires a different type of coverage.
How do I know if it’s the right time to change car insurance agents?
Consider changing car insurance agents if you’re unhappy with the level of customer service you receive, if your current agent is unresponsive or does not address your concerns, or if you find that your insurance needs are not being met. Additionally, if you’ve found a more competitive rate or better coverage options elsewhere, it may be a good time to switch.
Can I change car insurance agents without changing my insurance company?
Yes, you can change car insurance agents without changing your insurance company. Your insurance company typically allows you to work with different agents or representatives within their organization. You can contact your insurance company directly and request a change of agent.
How do I find a new car insurance agent?
A: To find a new car insurance agent, you can follow these steps:
- Research insurance companies: Look for reputable insurance companies that offer the coverage you need and compare their customer reviews, rates, and policy options.
- Seek recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations based on their own experiences with insurance agents.
- Contact insurance companies: Reach out to the insurance companies you’re interested in and request to be connected with an agent. You can do this by phone, email, or through their website.
- Consult with multiple agents: Talk to multiple agents to compare their expertise, responsiveness, and the level of customer service they provide.
What information do I need when changing car insurance agents?
When changing car insurance agents, gather the following information:
- Policy details: Make sure you have your current insurance policy documents readily available, including the policy number and coverage details.
- Personal information: Provide your full name, contact information, and any other personal details required by the new agent.
- Driving history: Be prepared to share your driving history, including any accidents, tickets, or claims you’ve had in the past.
- Vehicle information: Have the details of your vehicle(s) ready, such as make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Claims history: If you’ve made any recent insurance claims, it’s important to disclose that information to your new agent.
How do I initiate the process of changing car insurance agents?
To initiate the process of changing car insurance agents, follow these steps:
- Research and choose a new agent: Select a new agent from the insurance company you wish to work with, or find an independent agent who represents multiple insurance companies.
- Notify your current agent: Inform your current agent of your decision to switch. This can usually be done by phone, email, or through a written notice.
- Complete the necessary paperwork: Your new agent will guide you through the paperwork required to initiate the transfer. This may include signing new policy documents, providing personal information, and authorizing the cancellation of your existing policy.
- Review the new policy: Carefully review the terms, conditions, and coverage of your new policy before finalizing the switch.
- Confirm the effective date: Ensure that the effective date of your new policy aligns with the cancellation date of your old policy to avoid any coverage gaps.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.