How to Switch Car Insurance with Help from an Insurance Agent
Ray Cogan
Switching car insurance can be a smooth and stress-free experience with the right insurance agent.

Switching car insurance might sound like a hassle, but it can be a smooth and stress-free experience with the right insurance agent. Whether moving to a new area, unhappy with your current rates, or looking for better coverage, a local independent insurance agent can help you make a smart, simple switch.
If you're located in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, here’s everything you need to know about how to switch your car insurance the right way—with help from a local expert who understands your needs.
1. Know Why You're Switching. Before you make the switch, it's helpful to know why you're considering a change. Some of the most common reasons include:
- High premiums
- Poor customer service
- Limited coverage options
- Life changes like moving, buying a new car, or adding a driver.
- Better value found through other providers
- Knowing your reason helps your insurance agent find a policy that better fits your lifestyle, budget, and driving habits.
2. Work with a Local Insurance Agent You Can Trust. Choosing an independent insurance agent in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC gives you access to multiple insurance companies—not just one. Unlike agents who work for a single brand, independent agents can compare quotes and coverage options from several top carriers to find what works best for you.
Why work with a local agent?
- Personalized service — You’re not just a policy number.
- Local knowledge — Agents understand regional risks and requirements.
- Expert guidance — They can explain coverage in simple terms.
- Ongoing support: Your agent is there if your needs change later.
At Lindquist Insurance, we take pride in helping our Maryland and DC neighbors get the coverage they need—without the headache.
3. Gather the Right Information. Your insurance agent will make switching easy, but you'll need to provide a few things:
- Current insurance policy details (so they can match or improve it)
- Driver’s license(s) for all drivers in the household
- Vehicle information (make, model, year, VIN)
- Driving history (accidents, violations, etc.)
- Desired coverage types (liability, comprehensive, collision, etc.)
With this info, your agent can start comparing policies and premiums tailored to your situation.
4. Compare Quotes and Coverage Options. Your agent will present a few options, explaining the pros and cons of each. This is where their expertise comes in handy.
You'll be able to compare:
- Premium costs
- Deductibles
- Coverage limits
- Add-ons like roadside assistance or rental car coverage
- Discounts you may qualify for (safe driver, bundling, etc.)
- Don’t just focus on the cheapest price. Make sure you understand what’s covered—and what’s not—so there are no surprises down the road.
5. Review the Timing. One of the most common mistakes people make is canceling their old policy before the new one starts. This can lead to a lapse in coverage, which may affect your driving record and future rates. Your agent will coordinate the timing so your old policy ends on the same day your new one begins, ensuring you stay covered 24/7.
In Maryland and Washington, DC, a lapse in coverage—even for a day—can result in fines or license suspension. Avoid the risk by letting your agent handle the transition.
6. Cancel Your Old Policy (The Right Way). Once your new policy is active, your agent can help you cancel your previous insurance. Most companies require this in writing, and it's important to get confirmation of cancellation.
Be sure to:
- Ask for a cancellation letter or email
- Double-check your billing to make sure no extra payments are taken.
- Save your proof of insurance switch for your records.
7. Get Proof of Insurance and Notify the Right People. Once your new policy is in place, your agent will send you proof of insurance. You’ll need this for:
- Vehicle registration (especially if you’ve moved)
- Your employer (if they require it)
- Financing company (if your car is leased or financed)
- It’s also a good idea to keep a printed and digital copy in your glovebox or phone—just in case.
8. Enjoy Better Coverage and Service. The best part of switching with the help of an agent? Peace of mind.
You’ll know your policy was chosen by someone who understands local laws, insurance carriers, and what matters when you’re on the road in Maryland or DC.
At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way.
Call Lindquist Insurance today at (301) 694-3008 or visit www.lindquisinsurance.com
to request a free, no-obligation quote.
We serve the Frederick, MD; Annapolis, MD; and Washington, D.C. areas.
*** For more information, visit the state website for rules on Maryland car insurance coverage.

Whether you're grilling in the backyard in Annapolis or planning a mountain getaway from Frederick, our team is just a phone call or email away. Let’s have that conversation now, so your summer, and every season after, is secure.
Contact us today for an appointment with our experienced insurance specialists.
Serving Annapolis and Frederick, MD

At Lindquist Insurance, we offer personal, proactive service that keeps you focused on growth, not guesswork. Whether you're expanding, hiring, or just refreshing for the season, we’re here to ensure your business is covered from every angle. Call us today at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com to schedule your Spring Business Insurance Checkup.
We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.

Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .
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