The task of looking for car insurance can be daunting. With a long list of mandatory and optional coverages and the advertisements for all of the different carriers claiming that switching to them will result in massive savings; one wonders where to begin. As an insurance buyer for many years, I wanted to offer my ideas on the three things to look for in Ocala car insurance.

First, the quality of the company is important.

At premium payment time, all companies appear equal. However, when you need service or to file a claim, the differences in carriers become apparent. A few ways to test the waters are to look up the company’s ratings with the body shop industry, call a few shops or ask a trusted personal injury lawyer. These groups know who pays a legit claim fairly and promptly.

Second, do business with a respected local agent.

When you need an advocate with the company, you are better served to have an Ocala Car Insurance Agent that has some clout with the carrier but is working for you. A local Ocala Car Insurance Agent has a vested interest in keeping you happy. If it is a large, successful agency, you have a good chance that the agent has some pull with the insurance company and can make things happen for you, if at all possible. The West Marion Citizen publishes a listing of “readers choice” businesses. It is a good bet that the winner of that award is probably a good agency.

Finally, select a company that is large.

In insurance, the customer makes a buying decision twice a year for each car policy (as most policies are six month policies). It is a good bet that a large company is doing something right most of the time. No insurance company has found a way to be the cheapest for each six month period forever. However, the large companies have found a way, over time, to give enduring value to their clients for the premium dollars paid. With size comes an advantage in a large employee pool that can be drawn on if there were a catastrophe (like a hurricane), usually a higher degree of financial strength and less drastic price fluctuations. So, in this way, bigger may be better.

For my money, I have selected Scott Cameron Insurance Agency as my Car Insurance Agent. His office has a dedicated staff of licensed insurance professionals. They represent State Farm, America’s leader in car insurance and home insurance. State Farm is consistently rated by the body shop industry as one of the top three carriers in body shop satisfaction. Finally, Scott’s office has won the West Marion Citizen’s Readers Choice Award for five years running.

Visit Scott Cameron’s page here