Does It Cost More to Get Auto Insurance From an Agent?

By Brad Davis, CIC (January 21, 2026)
Davis Insurance Associates – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you’ve ever asked your phone, “Does it cost more to get auto insurance from an agent?” or “Should I use an insurance agent near me for car insurance?” – you’re definitely not alone. We hear these questions all the time from drivers in Myrtle Beach and across South Carolina.

The short answer is simple:

No, it usually does not cost more to get auto insurance from an agent.
In many cases, working with a local insurance agent near you can actually save money — and help you avoid costly coverage mistakes.

Let’s walk through how this really works.

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Do Insurance Agents Charge Extra for Auto Insurance?

This is the biggest myth out there.

When you buy auto insurance through a licensed insurance agent, you are not paying an extra fee for using an agent. The insurance company sets the price and pays the agent’s commission. The cost is in there whether you buy the policy online, over the phone, or through a local agent.

So if you’re asking:

          “Am I paying more because I’m using an insurance agent near me?”

The honest answer is no.

👉 Insurance rates are filed and regulated, and agent commissions are already built into the cost whether you buy online or through an agent, as explained by the Insurance Information Institute.

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Is Auto Insurance Cheaper Online Than Through an Agent?

Not always, and sometimes not even close.

Buying car insurance online can feel cheaper because it’s fast. But speed often comes at the cost of:

• Lower liability limits

• Missing uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage

• Overlooking discounts

• Choosing coverage without understanding how it works in South Carolina

A local auto insurance agent helps make sure the policy actually fits your situation – not just your budget.

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What a Local Auto Insurance Agent Does for You

When you work with a local insurance agent near you, you get more than a quote.

A good agent will:

• Compare auto insurance from multiple companies

• Apply discounts you might not know to ask about

• Explain coverage in plain English

• Make sure you meet South Carolina insurance requirements

This is especially important when it comes to coverages like uninsured motorist insurance, which many online shoppers skip – until they need it.

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Independent Insurance Agent vs. One-Company Agent

This part matters more than most people realize.

Captive Insurance Agents

• Represent one insurance company

• Can only quote that company’s rates

Independent Insurance Agents

• Represent multiple insurance companies

• Can shop for the best fit

• Can move you if rates increase

If you’ve searched for an independent insurance agent near me, this is why.

At Davis Insurance Associates, we’re a local independent insurance agency serving Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, which allows us to compare auto insurance options instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all policy.

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Can an Insurance Agent Near Me Actually Save Me Money?

Very often, yes.

An agent can help save money by:

• Bundling auto and home insurance

• Matching you with a company that fits your driving history

• Avoiding unnecessary coverage

• Preventing underinsurance that leads to big out-of-pocket costs

Many clients tell us:

          “I thought buying auto insurance online was cheaper.”

After a review, we often find better coverage for a similar, or sometimes lower, price.

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What About Companies That Advertise “No Agent Needed”?

Some direct-to-consumer insurance companies are competitive. Others are not.

The real difference shows up when:

• You have a claim

• You receive a non-renewal

• Your rate jumps and you don’t know why

When you work with a local insurance agent near you, you have a real person who understands local rules, coverage options, and how companies operate in South Carolina.

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Does Using a Local Insurance Agent Matter in South Carolina?

Absolutely.

A local auto insurance agent understands:

• South Carolina minimum liability laws

• How uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage works

• Local claim trends

• Which companies tend to be more stable in our market

That local knowledge can make a big difference when it matters most.

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Final Answer: Does It Cost More to Get Auto Insurance From an Agent?

Here’s the bottom line:

• ❌ You don’t pay extra to use an insurance agent

• ✅ The price is usually the about the same or better

• ✅ You get advice, comparison, and service

• ✅ You avoid costly coverage gaps

For most drivers, using a local insurance agent near you provides more value without costing more.

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Final Thoughts

Auto insurance doesn’t have to be confusing or impersonal. Working with a local independent insurance agent in Myrtle Beach gives you real guidance, real options, and real support – without paying more.

If you’ve only ever bought car insurance online, it may be worth talking to an agent who can walk you through your options and make sure everything actually makes sense.

Sometimes the smartest savings come from having the right conversation.

👉 Request an auto insurance quote.