Consumer Reports Says This Is One Of The Best Ways To Save Money On Car Insurance

Figuring out how to save on your car insurance can sometimes feel like an almost impossible chore. According to ValuePenguin, average auto insurance rates in the United States rose 11.57% in 2023, 17.13% in 2024, and 7.56% in 2025. Even though ValuePenguin estimates rates will increase less than 1% in 2026, you might still be trying to catch up with the big increases in recent years.

Reducing your bill is easier when you reach an age bracket where car insurance is cheapest, which is the early 60s for most drivers. However, if you aren't close to that milestone yet, Consumer Reports has some advice. The independent, nonprofit organization says one of the best steps you can take to save money is to work with an independent insurance agent.

Consumer Reports says one of the biggest advantages of independent agents is their ability to put together plans that feature smaller local companies operating in your state. These providers don't always appear when you use auto insurance policy price comparison websites (which might also collect and sell your personal information). When Consumer Reports selects car insurance companies that are the most trustworthy or that offer some of the highest levels of satisfaction to consumers, it often lists these smaller, regional companies. Independent agents may have the ability to represent these companies and obtain some cheaper-than-expected price quotes for you.

When you choose to work with an auto insurance agent, you can select between two different types. A captive agent represents a single insurance company. Many of the largest auto coverage providers employ these professionals, who can only sell their companies' products. The captive agents should know their company's offerings extremely well, meaning they can answer any questions you may have. However, they cannot compare costs for certain features in policies among several companies.

On the other hand, an independent auto insurance agent can represent multiple companies at the same time. This person operates as a small, independent business rather than serving as an employee to the insurance company. Consumer Reports says these professionals often give customers better service after an accident or may respond quicker to questions than a captive agent. (Some insurance companies may work with both captive and independent agents.)

When you visit an independent agent, this professional will ask all the affiliated companies to submit proposals to meet your insurance needs. They will then compare the quotes, ensuring you receive the best possible price. If you have some unusual or specific needs for your auto insurance coverage, an independent agent may be able to find the specific coverage you need among the several companies being represented. Smaller, regional companies may have coverage options customized specifically for your state, too. 

The 2024 Agency Universe Study from several independent agency companies estimated the number of independent agents operating in the United States in 2024 to be about 39,000. Meanwhile, other sources estimate the number to be substantially higher. Either way, there are lots of agents to choose from. 

To start your search, focus on locally based professionals. The local professional understands the needs of drivers in the state and can recommend policies that meet the state's necessary coverage requirements. Consumer Reports suggests asking friends and coworkers about the independent agents they use, helping you judge the responsiveness and quality of service they provide. You can also search online databases to find representatives who are in your area. Trusted Choice's National Directory of Independent Insurance Agents offers a searchable database that can help you find a local agent. 

Before choosing to work with any independent agents, make sure they're licensed to operate in your state and have credentials offered by key insurance associations. All 50 states have departments that manage insurance regulations and provide help to consumers. You should be able to search these departments” websites for information about individual independent agents. Once you've found professionals who are trustworthy, request a price quote from them. Most agents will give you free price quotes for your auto insurance policy requirements with no obligation to purchase.