The Insurance Agent You Choose Matters
Insurance agents are all pretty much the same, right? You get an insurance quote, you
sign the paperwork and your home, condo, car or other vehicle is covered against future
risk (if you pay the premiums on time).
In fact, there are real differences between independent insurance agents and other
agents, and knowing the differences can have a real impact on your policy choices,
insurance discounts you receive and ultimately on your insurance protection.
Independent Insurance Agents Shop around for You
Large, nationally known insurance providers often employ the agents who sell their
products. This means they only offer insurance plans marketed by their employer. That
marketing can take the form of expensive advertising campaigns, which are paid for
with your premium dollars.
Independent insurance agents, on the other hand, are small-business owners whose top
priority is finding the right plan for clients, no matter which company it is from.
Independent agents have the flexibility to work with many insurance companies to help
find clients the best coverage at the right price. This allows customers to compare and
contrast a variety of plans to find the one that’s right for them.
Agents who are employed by large companies may be limited in their ability to offer the
specific type of insurance protection best suited to their client’s exact needs. For
example, if the potential policyholder has had traffic citations or a DUI, some insurance
companies won’t do business with them. Some insurance companies are not willing to
take on some types of risk, such as a swimming pool at your home.
Independent agents are not limited by one company’s limitations of risk or a customer’s
driving record. They can shop a range of insurance providers for their clients to access
the right policy at an affordable price.
Local Business Owner or Large National Company?
All insurance agents are not the same. Most independent insurance agents are small
business owners or work at small independent agencies. They are, for the most part,
members of the community in which you live.
When you call an independent insurance agent with a question or with a claim, you will
not get a telephone team, which can be the case with an agent working for a large
insurance provider. It can feel more personal, working with an independent. These
agents give you their cell phone numbers and respond to your phone calls promptly.
And customer service is a core component of what makes their business successful.
Seeing You through the Claims Process
If you do have an accident or need to file a claim for any reason, independent insurance
agents will help you manage the claims process, from dealing with the insurance claim’s
adjuster to dealing with the insurance company itself. For the most part, your agent is
“high touch” when it comes to working with you as the client.
It is important to make informed decisions about your insurance. Getting quotes from a
variety of insurance agents can ultimately help you obtain the coverage that is right for
you, whether you are a small-business owner seeking liability coverage, or you are a
new driver who has questions about comprehensive car insurance, or you are a
homeowner seeking to upgrade your homeowners insurance policy, or you just have
questions about your current insurance policies and whether you qualify for insurance
discounts.
Source: Project CAP Marketing