How Is an Independent Insurance Agency Going to Find Me a Better Deal?
If you’re like many people seeking a new policy, your first thought is to go to a big insurance company. After all, the bigger companies will give you the best deal, right?
Believe it or not, the big insurance companies usually aren’t the ones finding the best deals for their customers. In the majority of cases, it’s actually an independent insurance agency that will be able to get you the best savings. Here’s why that’s possible.
Independent Insurance Agents Work for You — Not the Insurance Company
If you go through a particular insurance company, you work with what’s known as a “captive” insurance agent. This means that the agent works for the insurance company. They’ll still listen to your needs and help you find a policy that meets them, but their employer doesn’t permit them to compare rates across multiple insurers.
On the other hand, if your agent works with an independent insurance agency, their top priority is finding you the best coverage at the best possible rate. Because they can get you quotes from multiple insurance agencies, they have a much better likelihood of finding you superior coverage for a great rate.
You Get All the Coverage You Need — and None That You Don’t
Captive agents have to strike a balance between your needs and the needs of the company they work for. Their primary goal is to sell you the insurance company’s products, so they may convince you to pay for coverage you don’t actually need.
Sometimes, that extra coverage doesn’t seem like much per month, but it adds up over time. Agents who work with an independent insurance agency understand the need to keep costs down without sacrificing coverage, so they’ll make sure you aren’t stuck paying for anything unnecessary.
Independent Agents Understand Location-Specific Needs
Your exact insurance needs depend on where you live. Typically, an independent insurance agency operates in a limited geographical area, but major agencies are usually nationwide.
Here’s why that matters. If you’re in a flood-prone area, an independent insurance agent will understand that you need to make flood coverage a priority — possibly above other perils like fires or tornadoes. If you work with a nationwide agency, the agent you work with might not even know that there’s a significant flood risk where you live.
You Get Personalized Service With an Independent Insurance Agency
More often than not, major insurance companies prioritize speed. Buying a policy can be as simple as making a few clicks. That might seem appealing, but many people don’t understand potential gaps in coverage and the impact they can have down the line.
An independent agent can speak with you over the phone or even meet face-to-face to help you identify unique coverage gaps and how to address them.
When You Want the Best Coverage at the Best Price, an Independent Insurance Agency Is Your Best Bet
The right insurance policy often means the difference between adequate coverage and financial disaster. Buying a policy isn’t a process you should rush — and it also isn’t a process you should enter without the help of someone who is working in your best interests.
When you develop a relationship with a qualified independent insurance agent, you’ll get the benefit of great rates, personalized coverage, and a knowledgeable insurance advisor.