When it comes to buying insurance, did you know that you have a choice as to how you purchase your policies?
In fact, you have three choices! And in the article below, we’ll be going over these options and letting you know which one will be most convenient, valuable, and helpful for you and your family. Let’s begin!
How You Buy Insurance Matters
While most people would tell you that the type of insurance policy you choose is what really matters when it comes to insurance value, it’s all about how you buy your insurance.
There are three main ways that the public purchases their various insurance plans (auto, house, life, health, etc.):
Direct from the company
Buying insurance directly from the insurance company is what most people do. Companies like Geico have so-called easy to use website forms where you can peruse various policies and choose one that meets your needs on your own. By “cutting out the middleman,” most buyers assume that they’re saving money.
From a captive agent
Captive agents have been around for a long time. These are individuals who sell insurance for one specific company — for example, State Farm, American Family, or Farmers Insurance. Captive agents can sit down with you one-on-one to discuss your options, which is good, but they only work for one company, so you’re not getting an array of options from various providers.
From an independent agent
Independent agents arguably give you the most bang for your buck. You’re working with an independent agent, who, like a captive agent, can sit down with you face-to-face to discuss your options. They can tell you the benefits and drawbacks of various plans, which can be difficult to discern when you’re on your own buying insurance online. But the truly great thing about independent agents is that they don’t just work from one insurance provider. They work for multiple insurance providers; therefore, you see multiple plans in front of you, and you can choose from any of them.
Why Should You Always Work With an Independent Agent?
- They’re local.
Unlike calling direct to a huge insurance provider’s headquarters or going online and trying to navigate their system; independent agents (and captive agents) are local. They might even be someone you know from your community.
- They take care of everything.
Insurance agents who work independently can provide you with insurance of all types: Health insurance, auto and home insurance, life insurance, and more. It’s truly a one-stop shopping experience.
- They’re independent — they work for you.
Unlike captive agents who work for an individual insurance provider and therefore need to please that insurance provider, independent agents can truly be independent. They have more freedom when it comes to advocating for certain policies, giving you advice, and showing you various options from different providers.
- They provide the best value.
Unlike buying direct or buying from a captive agent, purchasing insurance from an independent agent means you’re going to get numerous quotes and prices. You’ll be able to choose from a long list of options — plus, your agent will be able to explain the pros and cons of each. We all know how difficult it can be to read insurance policies when we’re on our own.
Get to Know Your Local Insurance Agents
If you are already working with an independent insurance agent to purchase your insurance, tell a friend! Not many people know about the numerous benefits of this avenue.
Of course, if you’re still looking for an independent agent, consider speaking with one of our experienced agents at Krog Insurance. We are a multi-location independent agency with locations in St. Paul and Virginia. Stop in to see us today!
