If you live in Columbia, Missouri and need car, home, business or life insurance, finding the right Auto-Owners Insurance agent is key The independent agents representing Auto-Owners in your area have the expertise to find you coverage that fits your needs and budget In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain how Auto-Owners Insurance operates, what makes them stand out, and how to pick the best local agent to work with in Columbia and the surrounding towns.
Overview of Auto-Owners Insurance
Auto-Owners Insurance is a Fortune 500 company founded in 1916 and headquartered in Lansing Michigan. Here are some key facts about them
- Operates exclusively through local independent agents, with over 6,000 agencies across 26 states
- Specializes in auto, home, business, and life insurance products
- Rated “A+ (Superior)” financial strength rating from A.M. Best
- Over $10 billion in assets and $3 billion in policyholder surplus
- Consistently high customer satisfaction ratings
- Known for claims service, handling over 385,000 claims per year
The key advantage of Auto-Owners is that you work directly with a local agent who has the flexibility to create customized packages. Their focus is on building long-term relationships and providing exceptional service.
Auto-Owners Insurance Products Offered
Some of the major insurance products offered by Auto-Owners agents include
Auto Insurance: Coverage for personal vehicles, ATVs, RVs, motorcycles, and classic cars. Options exist for liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, rental reimbursement, and roadside assistance.
Home Insurance: Policies to insure houses, condos, mobile homes and rental properties. Protection available for dwelling, personal property, loss of use, liability, and more.
Business Insurance: General liability, property, loss of income, commercial auto, workers compensation, bonds, and umbrella insurance for small and mid-size businesses.
Life Insurance: Various life insurance policies including term, whole, and universal life. Disability income insurance is also available.
Specialty Insurance: Coverage like flood, identity theft protection, professional liability, contractor equipment, event, and cyber insurance.
Umbrella Insurance: Extra liability coverage above auto and home insurance limits.
Finding the Best Auto-Owners Agent in Columbia, MO
The Auto-Owners website has an agency locator tool to find local agents. But how do you pick the right one? Here are some tips:
-
Check online reviews: Search for the agency name on Google, Facebook, etc. to see feedback and star ratings from past clients. This can indicate customer satisfaction.
-
Look for experience: The number of years an agency has been in business can reflect their stability, reputation, and insurance knowledge. Look for 10+ years in most cases.
-
Ask about licensing: Agents must be licensed by the state. Verify their licenses are active and in good standing on the Missouri Department of Insurance website.
-
Seek referrals: Ask nearby businesses, family, and friends who they recommend. Referrals from trusted sources are invaluable.
-
Compare multiple quotes: Get quotes from a few agencies before deciding. Having options allows you to compare costs and coverage.
-
Look for full-service support: The best agents provide guidance as your needs change, handle claims smoothly, provide billing and policy updates, etc.
-
Check financial strength: Make sure the agency represents Auto-Owners Insurance companies with top financial strength ratings.
Top Auto-Owners Agencies in Columbia, MO
Based on online reviews, longevity, and reputation, here are some of the top Auto-Owners agencies in the Columbia area to consider:
- Dave Berry Insurance Services
- Crane Agency
- CFM Insurance Agency
- Carrie Smith & Company
- CRI Insurance Group
- Coulter Insurance Services
- Cline Insurance Agency
I suggest contacting 2-3 of these agencies to get quotes and meet with the agents in person. Ask plenty of questions and go with the agency you feel most comfortable with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about working with Auto-Owners agents:
Do Auto-Owners agents only sell Auto-Owners insurance?
Most Auto-Owners agents only sell Auto-Owners products. In some cases, an agency may also represent 1-2 other insurance companies.
How can I pay and manage my policy?
You can pay bills and manage your policy 24/7 by creating an online account. Agents also have an app to support policy service needs.
Is flood insurance available?
Yes, Auto-Owners agents can provide quotes and policies for flood insurance to protect higher-risk homes.
Can discounts be applied?
Yes, you may qualify for discounts like multi-policy, safe driver, anti-theft device, and new home. Ask your agent what’s available.
How quickly can coverage start?
Auto-Owners pledges to process applications in 48 hours or less in most cases, so you can receive proof of insurance very quickly.
Final Thoughts on Choosing an Auto-Owners Agent
Finding the right Auto-Owners insurance agent for your vehicles, home, or business takes a bit of research and comparison shopping. But the effort pays off when you secure customized coverage at competitive rates, along with responsive support when you need it.
I highly recommend connecting with a few of the top Auto-Owners agencies in the Columbia, MO area to ask questions and get quotes. Meeting face-to-face and building a relationship with your agent can give you confidence they’ll be there for the long run.
If you have any other tips or experience working with Auto-Owners agents in Columbia, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!