The Leader-Herald/Bill Trojan Trudi Cromling, left, and Joseph C. Salvione Jr. discuss an automobile insurance policy at the Salvione Insurance Agency in Gloversville in this photo taken in January.

Local insurance agencies say drivers should shop around and do their research to enure they get the lowest possible rate.


Because local agencies carry a variety of insurers, it is possible to look around for a good deal, said Roxanne Specht, agent for the Hearn Agency in Canajoharie.


“It’s very possible to shop around for the best deal,” Specht said. “An insurance agency may have 20 different carriers in their office, and while another agency in close proximity may have a few that overlap, it’s usually not many. There’s kind of a gentlemen’s agreement.”


He said drivers should be aware of the multiple factors involved in the price of car insurance. Driving record, age, credit score, type of vehicle, household drivers and even the county you live in all affect the price of a premium.


There are options for drivers to lower their premiums.