Independent insurance agents sell insurance policies from different insurance providers, rather than being captive agents to a single insurance company. We are not considered employees of a specific insurance company and do receive commissions for the policies that we sell. Captive agents are allowed only to sell the policies of the company that they work for, even if those policies are insufficient for a homeowners needs, or the homeowner could get a better rate from a different company. Independent agents have many options to offer our customers, while captive agents are allowed only to sell one option – and one option is really no option at all.
Real Independence
Independent agents can be counted upon to select from a wide variety of insurance policies to pick the one that is right for you and to counsel you on matters related to your coverage. In the event of a claim, they will guide you through the process and help you to settle your claim quickly and fairly. In addition, an independent agent can offer you one-stop shopping for all of your insurance requirements, such as life insurance, auto insurance, homeowners or renters policies, insurance for your business, and specialty coverage.
For instance, let’s say that you have just moved into the area. You need a homeowner’s policy, insurance for your boat, your car, and your business. An independent agent can check prices and coverage specifications with dozens of different providers, then put together a package to keep you seamlessly covered in all areas of your life. The driving reasons to use an independent insurance agent are cost, ease, speed, peace of mind, and data security. Since an independent agent has multiple companies that they represent, they are better able to offer competitive prices and packages than a career agent who only sells insurance from one source.
Covering Your Assets
You might think that you can get a better deal, or put together a better coverage package if you go direct. The problem is that going direct tends not to take into account the complexity of your insurance picture, leaving the customer in the lurch if they have any unusual requirements. The problem is that insurance is something that requires training and licensed professionals who are up on all the current rules, laws, and regulations related to insurance.
If you needed to have your appendix removed, would you set up a carving knife and salad spoons, then perform surgery on yourself stretched out on the dining room table and watching an instructional video on YouTube? Just like dealing with other licensed professions such as doctors and lawyers, independent insurance agents are required to carry a kind of malpractice insurance which is called “errors and omissions.” This policy is in place so that if something does go wrong they can be sued in a court of law. If you are going direct, you do not have this option. So when it comes time to review your insurance needs, get in touch with the local independent agent who can help you put together the best coverage for you.