Imagine being able to walk into your insurance agent’s office, tell him or her what you’re looking for regarding all of your insurance needs, and find exactly the right policies … at exactly the right prices.
Seems like a dream, doesn’t it?
Fortunately, it’s a reality that could be yours. It all comes down to how you buy your insurance. In this article, we’ll be going over the three main ways one can purchase insurance. And then, we’ll let you know how you should be purchasing insurance, in order to get the best rates and the best coverage.
Top Ways to Buy Insurance
There are essentially three ways you can purchase insurance.
Most of the public these days purchases insurance direct. This means buying policies directly from an insurance company like Esurance or Geico. Generally speaking, you can simply go online, browse policies from one of these companies, and choose one that seems like it fits.
Another way that the public buys insurance is through a captive agent. Unlike buying direct, a captive agent is an individual, locally located, who can help you select the best policies for your needs; they do most of the work. Let’s say, for example, that you need auto insurance. You can easily go to a captive agent who sells auto insurance and purchase the policy from them. But the caveat is that captive agents always work for only one company. So, if you go to a captive agent that works for State Farm, for instance, you’ll only be able to choose from auto policies through State Farm — even if they’re not actually offering the best rates and limits.
The final way to purchase insurance is through what’s called an independent agent. Independent agents have been around for decades, but because so many people are buying direct these days, they’re a little-known gem in the insurance industry. Unlike captive agents, these agents work for a multitude of insurance companies. For example, one single agent may work for Travelers Insurance, Safeco Insurance, and Hartford Insurance all at the same time.
In this way, you, the client, can look at a range of options when choosing your insurance plans. Far and away, working with an independent agent will give you the best value, the best rates, and the best limits on all of your insurance policies. It’s a one-stop shop that offers a great value every time.
Why Should You Go With an Independent Agent?
All independent agents are going to be able to give you better coverage, limits, and rates on your insurance policies. That’s because they can take quotes from a number of insurance agencies as opposed to just one — as is the case with a captive agent. Furthermore, they’re working for your best interests instead of working with the best interests of the insurance company in mind.
When working with an independent agent, you’ll have a multitude of choices, and that will be from the short list that your agent has already narrowed down for you. They are doing the legwork, and you’re reaping all the benefits, one of which is saving money. It’s a win-win.
Yes, agents do earn commissions, but remember that in most cases, because of the excellent advice you’ll be receiving — and the fact that an independent agent will inevitably be able to give you the best value — that commission won’t matter much. You’ll still be saving money … and time … and energy.
Looking for an independent insurance agent? Billy Brown Insurance is here to serve your needs! Give us a call today to learn about our policy options, and don’t forget to tell your friends and family about the advantages of working with an independent agent — it’s information you’ll want to share!
