Key Considerations for Choosing Personal Auto Insurance

Shopping for personal auto insurance can feel overwhelming—rates, coverages, deductibles, and fine print all compete for your attention. As an employee-owned insurance agency with access to dozens of top-rated carriers, we’ve helped thousands of drivers find policies that protect them without overpaying. Below, we break down the must-know factors when comparing quotes, and explain why an employee-owned agency focused on long-term relationships is your smartest move.

Core Factors to Evaluate Beyond Price

Not all policies are created equal.  Below are some areas to consider when looking at an insurance company:

1. Financial Strength of the Carrier

   An high A.M. Best rating of A- or higher ensures the company can pay claims even after major catastrophes. Review the rating of the carrier to make sure they have the financial strength to pay future claims.

2. Actual Cash Value vs. Agreed Value

   Standard policies use “actual cash value” (ACV), which deducts depreciation. If you own a classic car, collectible, or a vehicle with custom upgrades, you should talk to your agent about agreed value or stated amount coverage.

3. Deductible Strategy

   Raising your collision deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce premiums, sometimes by 15–25%. Remember to make sure you have a higher amount of liquid in an emergency when you have a higher deductible.

4. Usage-Based or Telematics Discounts

   Safe drivers can sometimes save 10–40% with plug-in devices or mobile apps. Talk to your agent about whether telematics is available and review how the data is shared.

5. Multi-Policy, Loyalty, and Claims-Free Credits

   Bundling home + auto often yields 20%+ savings. Some carriers also offer “vanishing deductibles” or loyalty credits that grow over claim-free years. Review with your agent what options are available for the companies they quoted.

   
   

Why Choose an Employee-Owned Agency?

With insurance, you have many options. Below, we will show you the difference between going with a traditional captive agent, an online quote engine, and an Employee-Owned Independent Agency:

Traditional Captive Agent	Big Online Quote Engine	Employee-Owned Independent Agency
One carrier only	Algorithm-driven, limited options	Many rated carriers. We do the shopping for you to find the rate and coverage that fits your needs
Commission pressure to close fast	No human review of gaps	Owners are employees – our paycheck depends on your renewal, not the sale
Little post-sale service	Chatbot support	Dedicated account manager for life changes, and annual reviews

Because we’re employee-owned, every team member has skin in the game. We’re not measured by how many policies we write this quarter—we’re measured by how many clients renew with us 10 years from now.

Your Next Step

1. Gather your current declarations pages

2. Schedule a risk review or complete our online questionnaire — no cost, no pressure.

3. Receive side-by-side quotes from carriers matched to your driving profile, not a one-size-fits-all algorithm.

   
   

Protecting your finances—and your peace of mind—starts with finding the right coverage and the right partner. Contact us today and experience the employee-owned difference.