Finding the right insurance policy for your personal or business needs can be a daunting task. There are so many choices and consumers are overwhelmed with ubiquitous advertisements of companies claiming they are the easiest, quickest, cheapest, etc.
Most would agree they need adequate coverage to protect their financial security, but do not want to overpay for something they may or may not ever use. There are two main types of options for consumers looking to purchase insurance: Independent Agents and Direct Writers. While the independent insurance agent and the direct writer both share the common goal of protecting their customers’ assets, there are differences that should be considered.
Here are the top 3 benefits of using an independent insurance agent:
- Unbiased Advice – One of the main differences between an independent agent and a direct writer is that the independent agent works for you, the client, not the carrier. Independent agents represent a multitude of companies and products and provide the consumer with options of coverage at competitive prices. In contrast, direct writers offer only one specific portfolio of insurance products and work directly as agents for that one specific company.
- One stop shopping – Since independent agents can offer more choices and savings, a consumer doesn’t have to spend hours shopping and comparing policy forms. Sometimes a policy that sounds too good to be true may be just that. Just because the price is right does not always mean you are adequately covered. Independent agents not only find you competitive pricing that you can afford; they ensure proper coverage for your needs.
- Advocates for a lifetime –Over your lifetime, your financial situation and assets will likely change and evolve. An insurance solution that may have worked for you in one phase of your life may not be the best solution at another phase of your life. Because independent insurance agents review your account annually and represent a multitude of products and companies, they will be able to provide you with the proper coverage, not just at the inception of the relationship, but ongoing throughout the changes in your life. They also monitor rate increases to make sure you are paying the right price for your coverage and that coverages remain adequate and intact from year to year. If something goes wrong and the direct writer decides to non-renew your account, you must find a new company because your agent will not have the option of going elsewhere to find a coverage solution. Should the same situation happen with an independent agent, your agent can find a new carrier for you and you still maintain your trusted relationship.
Contact Avery today to learn more about how our independent agents can assist you!
