Whether you’re looking to insure your business, your health, or something else, the right coverage is essential. And if you want to find great coverage for a fair price, it’s often a good idea to get quotes from multiple insurance companies.
That’s where an independent insurance agent can help. Independent agents work with multiple insurance companies, so they can gather quotes and explain coverage differences. They take the time to understand your needs so they can help you find the right commercial insurance, agriculture insurance, or personal insurance policy.
However, those aren’t the only benefits an independent insurance agent can provide. Here are more key reasons to choose an independent agent.
They Double as Insurance Advisors
Independent agents don’t work for the big insurance companies, so they make an effort to truly understand your unique coverage needs. When you meet with an independent insurance advisor, they will typically discuss the following with you:
- The type of policy you need
- Specific things you need in a policy (for example, prescription drug coverage if you’re buying health insurance)
- Whether you want a high-deductible policy, a low-deductible policy, or something in the middle
- Your budget
Navigating the world of insurance (and especially the world of commercial insurance) can be confusing. Fortunately, independent insurance agents can help. They simplify the process by assessing your insurance needs, understanding your budget, and finding you coverage that fits both.
They’re Insurance Agents
Insurance protects the things in life that are most important to you. You shouldn’t trust just anyone to offer you insurance advice.
Fortunately, independent insurance agents have a working knowledge of the insurance world, and they can prove it — before practicing, they must prepare for, take, and pass a rigorous licensing exam.
They Help Your Coverage Adapt with You
Maybe your business has expanded to include a second location, or maybe you need to add one of your children to your car insurance policy. In either case, you need to update your insurance coverage.
An independent insurance agent will be with you through every major life change. Whatever your new needs may be, they can help you find the peace of mind that comes with updated coverage.
Independent Insurance Agents Help You Save Money
If you want to get a good deal on any type of insurance coverage, shopping around for quotes is vital. Because independent insurance agents don’t work for a single company, they can compare rates across multiple insurance carriers and help you find a great deal.
Independent agents are also familiar with the discounts offered by different insurance companies, so they may be able to help you qualify for bundle discounts, good driver discounts, and more.
They Work for You, Not for the Insurance Company
As you may have already discovered, filing an insurance claim can be a complicated undertaking. Many people have trouble navigating the process and make errors when filing.
If you do need to file a claim, an independent insurance agent can be your advocate. They have your best interests in mind, and they also have enough understanding to work effectively with the insurance company on your behalf.
Independent Agents Help You Insure All That’s Important to You
More often than not, when it comes to buying insurance, an independent agent is your one-stop shop. You can often get personal insurance, commercial insurance, agriculture insurance, homeowners insurance, auto insurance, and more — all at the same time.
This consolidation can save you a good bit of time and effort, as you don’t need to shop around for each type of coverage you need.
They Make Sure You Understand Your Options
The language of insurance can be alienating. As a result, many people simply take the word of an insurance agent that a given policy is the right one for them. However, when you have a genuine understanding of your policy options, you’ll be empowered to choose the best policy for your needs.
Major insurance carriers often won’t take the time to explain the intricacies of coverage. Independent agents do. One of the major benefits of working with independent agents is that they break down and explain complex insurance concepts.
They Stay with You if You Switch Carriers
Research indicates that many consumers switch health insurance and other insurance plans frequently. If you become one of them and select a new insurance carrier, your independent agent stays with you. That way, you continue to benefit from their advice and guidance.
They Work with a Large Range of Insurance Companies
If you’re comparing insurance rates, you may get quotes only from the nation’s major insurance companies. Independent agents understand the insurance landscape, and they are familiar with regional insurance companies that may be able to offer you better coverage for a lower price.
You might be wary of an unfamiliar company name. But since your agent has extensive experience in the insurance field, they will be able to easily tell which regional insurance companies are legitimate and which ones you should avoid.
They’re Here for You (Even After You Buy a Policy)
Independent insurance agents offer you thorough advice when you’re deciding on the right policy. However, they’re also there for you long after you’ve made your purchase.
At some point, you may run into an issue with your coverage. If that happens, you can call your agent, and they can work with you to resolve the problem.
They’re Members of Your Community
Your independent insurance agent isn’t a faceless person in a call center — they’re someone who lives and works in the same community you do. They get to know you as a person, so they can offer service that’s tailored to your needs.
Having a local, independent insurance agent also brings you another advantage: they understand risks specific to your area. For instance, if you own a farm in an area with frequent tornadoes, an independent agent can help you make sure your agricultural insurance offers sufficient coverage if your farm suffers tornado damage.
Need to Find the Right Policy?
At Garrett Insurance, we’re proud to offer a wide range of insurance products. We’ve been in the business of insurance for over 100 years, and our company history and combined knowledge enable us to deliver exceptional products and service. If you’re looking to find the right insurance policy for the right price, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free quote.