There’s more than one way to buy insurance. In fact, in an earlier post, we explained the three common ways to buy insurance , which are through an independent agent, through a captive agent, or buying directly from the company. Though in that post we explained some of the advantages and disadvantages for each purchasing model, buying through an independent insurance agency often provides the best choice for most people. Why is that? Review this list of five great reasons to buy insurance from an independent agent.
Local Representation
If you live in or around the Milwaukee area, there’s definitely an independent insurance agency within a couple of minutes of your home, workplace or business. These local agents know exactly what kind of insurance is required by Wisconsin Law, and what exposures may be unique to us here in the great state of Wisconsin. As an added extra benefit, when buying through an independent insurance agency, your money is supporting a small business and contributing to the local economy.
All of Your Insurance Can Be Handled By One Professional
Because they work with a variety of financially sound insurance companies, independent insurance agencies are able to offer various types of policies including property and casualty coverage as well as Life and Heath Insurance. Some, such as Smith Insurance and Financial Services, even offer investment advice. It’s nice to be able to offer every type of policy you need from one convenient location.
Choice
While it just a simple word, it can mean a lot when it comes to insurance. Because independent insurance agents work with multiple companies, they have a number of choices when it comes to coverage and cost. This is also a great benefit if other companies don’t want to insure you because of their underwriting rules. Having multiple options available, an independent agent may have a better chance of finding a company that welcomes your business.
Representing You – Not the Insurance Company
If you buy directly from an insurance company, every person you speak with about your policy is representing the best interest of the company they work for – period. While a captive agents don’t actually work for the company they represent in many cases, they still have the company’s best interest in mind, due to that singular relationship. Which brings us to one of the best reasons to work with an independent agent: Independent Insurance Agents work for you, not the insurance company.
Customer Service with a Personal Touch
When working with an independent insurance agent, it’s likely that you will have a relationship that continues to build for years to come. Your agent will get to understand how your insurance needs have evolved over time and can assist you with planning for the future. A dedicated independent agent can help you find the right policies if your situation changes, such as with a marriage, starting a family, buying a new home, or maybe a new car from time-to-time. In the event that you ever need to file a claim, your agent will be there to help you through the process so you don’t have to face the insurance company alone.
As you likely realize by now, it appears that buying from an independent insurance agent offers some substantial benefits and few, if any, drawbacks. Though it might seem like we’re tooting our own horn a bit, we hope to have at least piqued your interest in how an independent insurance agency can be beneficial.
Make an appointment today, to see what we can do for you. We’re quite confident that you’ll enjoy the service and options you will have from working with an independent agency like Smith Insurance and Financial Services.
