An Independent Insurance Agent Does the Shopping for You
How would you like to have a personal shopper — without having to pay extra for the service? With an independent insurance agent, that’s exactly what you get. An independent agent can shop around for the best insurance based on coverage and price, and you only pay your premiums, as you would for any insurance.
All you have to do is pick up the phone and call an independent insurance agency to provide personal details. The agent can then consider quotes from multiple insurance companies. This agent may also be able to find a deal that you couldn’t on your own. Take a closer look at how an independent insurance agent can benefit you in Texas and Kansas.
What Is an Independent Insurance Agent?
An independent insurance agent doesn’t work for one insurance carrier, but instead represents multiple insurers. By working with an independent firm, you get the convenience of an agent doing your shopping so that you can fulfill your insurance needs in one stop.
Within an independent insurance agency, your agent can take down your information one time and obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies for auto, home, and life insurance.
An independent agent is required by law to act in your best interests. Your agent gets paid by commissions from insurance companies, and commissions can vary. However, an independent agent should act ethically in presenting you with all options available for the coverage you seek.
Other insurance agents that work for one company are known as captive agents. Captive agents can only sell you insurance from the company they work for. You typically can also buy your home, auto, and life insurance with the insurer, but you’ll have to do your own shopping to compare quotes from other insurers.
Benefits of Using an Independent Insurance Agent
An independent insurance agent may be more motivated to win and keep your business. This means you can get personalized attention from your agent. This agent can help you with:
Understanding your rates and coverages
Filing a claim
Resolving issues that may arise with coverages
Answering any questions you have
Pursuing a better rate at renewal time
An advantage to buying insurance from an independent agent is that you can establish a relationship that can last even if you change carriers. An agent will get to know you and your family through working with you and understanding your insurance needs.
So when a premium increases on renewal or your insurer drops your coverage, you can continue working with the same agent, who can then find you new coverage.
How an Independent Insurance Agency Works
Independent insurance agencies can give you access to most large insurance carriers, except State Farm, which doesn’t work with independent firms. Independent agents also work with small and regional insurance companies, broadening the types of insurance and coverages you might be able to find.
Have an Independent Insurance Agent Shop for You
Independent agents aren’t restricted to showing you options from a single insurance company. When you partner with an independent insurance agent, you can enjoy a wider range of options — and let them do the shopping for you.