Shopping for insurance can be a complicated process. If you’re looking for guidance from an agent, working with an independent insurance firm is a great option. Because they’re smaller and more local, independent firms are more likely to see you as an individual rather than a number. This makes it easier to get personalized service and attention. Independent insurance agents can give you expert advice along with the flexibility to consider policies from multiple insurance companies.
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Access to Multiple Insurance Providers
Independent insurance firms aren’t tied to a specific insurance company. Unlike captive agents (employees of a single company),independent agents can offer an array of policies from multiple insurers. While independent insurance firms do receive commissions for the policies they sell, they’re in a much better position to give you objective advice than an agent who works for an insurance company. An independent firm will help you compare quotes and coverage so you can find a policy that fits both your budget and insurance needs.
Expert Advice From Independent Insurance Firms
If you don’t want to be limited to a specific agent’s company, consider shopping for insurance on your own. Of course, this means you’ll miss out on the expert advice that an agent can offer. An independent insurance firm can talk to you about factors like your lifestyle, concerns, and risk tolerance. They’ll then be able to use this information to help you find the best possible coverage. Insurance policies can be complicated, and an independent agent can help you understand coverage limits and important policy features.
Leveraging Cost Savings
Because independent insurance firms are separate from insurance companies but maintain relationships with them, they’re in a great position to help you get the best rate. As with any product, shopping around is how you’ll find the best price. However, comparison shopping with insurance policies can be time-consuming. To get an accurate quote, you’ll need to give each company details like your age, address, and car model. Going through this process with every insurance company in your area can be tedious. If you work with an independent firm, you’ll provide this information only once and your agent will use it to generate a variety of quotes.
Your independent agent’s expertise can also come in useful during the comparison shopping process. It might not seem immediately obvious how the minor variations between policies will affect your coverage. An agent can ensure that you’re making accurate comparisons between policies that offer the same level of coverage. Your agent can also employ various tactics to get you the best price possible. For example, they can identify deals insurance companies may be offering for bundling multiple policies. Agents have a working relationship with each company so they’ll know when it makes sense to negotiate for a better rate as well.
Claims Assistance From Smaller Operations
Independent insurance firms tend to be smaller operations where you’ll get personalized attention from the agent if you need it. This means the assistance your agent can provide won’t stop after you purchase coverage through them. When you need to file a claim, you can talk to your agent directly. They’ll be able to help with any concerns you have, make sure you’ve submitted all the paperwork you need for your claim, and advocate for you if necessary.
Since your agent is familiar with you and your policy, they’ll also be able to help with any questions you have about your coverage. For example, you might want to discuss how to file a homeowners insurance claim for storm damage. Your agent can help you understand what you’ll need to pay, along with what your policy includes. If there’s a problem with your claim or your claim is denied, your agent will be able to help you find a solution.
Building a Long-Term Relationship
Working with an independent insurance agent means that once you find a good agent, you’ll be able to stay with them over the long term. You’ll have the flexibility to switch insurance companies as your life changes without having to start over with a new agent. This type of long-term business relationship will give you the time to build trust with your agent. As you get to know each other over the years, they’ll be able to give you better and better advice that you’ll feel more and more confident about taking. If you want to establish this type of connection with a captive agent, you’ll need to commit to getting insurance from that agent’s company.
State and Local Knowledge and Understanding
Insurance companies are often large national businesses. This means that even if their agents live locally, they won’t have the same focus on your area. An independent insurance firm is usually smaller, which means the agents will have more knowledge of the local area and better familiarity with Utah’s insurance rules. As an example, each state sets its own requirements for the types and amounts of car insurance coverage drivers need to have. Utah requires personal injury protection, which pays for the policyholder’s medical expenses in case of an accident. Not all states require this coverage. A Utah-based independent agent will be familiar with this requirement and prepared to help you select the best policy.
If you’re looking at options, working with an independent insurance firm in Utah is worth consideration. Independent insurance professionals can help you compare rates and get the coverage you need at the most affordable price available. If you decide to switch insurance companies in the future, your independent agent will still be around to support you. ALINK is a customer and community-focused independent insurance agency, and our Utah office has a thorough understanding of the state’s insurance market and requirements.
About Carson Derrow
