One of the most important commodities in life is insurance, yet it’s also something that’s extremely challenging to navigate unless you’re a professional insurance agent.
And that’s exactly what we’re going to be talking about in this article: the lost art of working with insurance agents to purchase your insurance. Let’s get started.
Then and Now: Buying Direct & Buying From Agents
Essentially, there are three different ways to purchase any type of insurance:
Option #1 – Direct from the insurance carrier
Today, one of the most popular ways to purchase insurance is direct from the insurance carrier. For example, if you were looking for the best deals on auto insurance, you might go direct to the Geico website and purchase your plan there. You can also call up some insurance carriers directly to speak with a representative who will sign you up for a plan.
It’s important to note that when you purchase insurance direct from a carrier, you’re not going to get the personalized help that you would when you work with an agent. The representative on the other end of your phone call is simply directing you to optional plans. They won’t give you personalized care. In fact, it’s possible they don’t have your best interests in mind; they simply want you to buy from their company.
Option #2 – From a “captive agent” or “direct agent”
Captive agents are an interim between you and the insurance carrier. A captive agent is thusly named because they are essentially “captive” to one specific insurance carrier. For instance, you may have a captive agent who works for State Farm Insurance only — or another who works only for American Family Insurance.
The good thing about captive agents is that they are personable and can help you navigate the challenging aspects of purchasing insurance. They are professional, licensed, and locally-situated.
Option #3 – From an “independent agent”
Lastly, you can also purchase your insurance from an independent agent. These agents differ from captive agents because they don’t only work for one insurance company; they work for numerous companies. As stated in the beginning of this article, this is your best shot at getting a great value on insurance and losing the hassle associated with buying direct.
Key Advantages of Working With an Independent Agent
Unlike captive agents, insurance independent insurance agents offer a better value every time. This is because they give you choice and freedom when it comes to choosing your plans.
Not only can an independent agent help you choose every different type of insurance plan that you need, but they’ll also give you the best, most authentic advice because they’re not allegiant to just one insurance company. This is just one of the reasons that you should share the value that an independent agent can provide if you have friends or family who are shopping for insurance.
Another keynote to make about independent agents is that they’ll actually save you more money than if you were to buy direct from a carrier. Many people don’t realize this because independent agents do receive a commission. The truth is, that commission gets ironed out in the end. You’re getting a better deal on your premiums as well as better coverage, and therefore, you’ll nearly always be saving money.
Patriot Insurance is an independent agency who can help you find the best plans for you and your family.
Buying direct is the old way of purchasing insurance. Smart buyers today are going with independent agents for the best plans, the best rates, and the best service. Call or stop in today.
