Everyone has seen insurance advertisements that feature a lizard, a man who creates trouble, and a wacky woman in white trying to sell you insurance. These ads may be entertaining, but how in the world can you really tell these companies apart? What are the differences? Is one company really better than any other? Will the coverage, price, and service meet my needs?
There are two distinct kinds of agents in the United States; Independent agents/brokers, and direct writers. Let’s define these for you. Independent Agents An independent agency is a business that is owned and operated by local business professionals. Some larger agencies may have a board of directors and many partners, but usually the ownership is local and independent. These agents offer many different insurance products through many different insurance companies. Independent agents sell the products that most appropriately meet the needs of their clients. Independent agents typically are very well trained and knowledgeable of the complexities of the insurance market and insurance law. Most independent agents have multiple companies from which to shop your insurance needs. This makes it more likely that they will find the exact fit for your specific situation. It also allows for greater competition, which benefits their clients. The goal of the independent agent is to provide their clients with the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service. For example, independent agents have experience in understanding what services insurance companies provide and are able to match unique services with client needs. Not all insurance companies are alike. Direct Writers A direct writer is an agent who distributes policies for only one insurance company. Direct writers are agents paid by the insurance company and cannot utilize the entire insurance market. If your roof needed replacement would you go to just one roofer for a quote? Would you hire a roofer because their ads are funny? Wouldn’t it make good financial sense to go to more than one roofer to get options and pricing comparisons? The True Value of Your Agent The value of the insurance you buy truly is established when, and if, you have a claim. Independent agents advise and help clients through the claim process. Our job is to find you the best possible combination of coverage, price, and insurance. Independent agents/brokers work for the customer, direct writers work for the company. Enough said! As an Independent Insurance Agency we represent many insurance companies to fit your businesses dynamic needs. Whether you're a new business or a small business, we can help. Being an Independent Agent means we are not only your agent, but we are your insurance broker as well. We understand every business and industry is unique, so we will work with you to find the best business insurance coverage at the lowest rate. Contact us today for a free quote. Leave a Reply. |
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1/9/2019
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