In an earlier post, we laid out the three most common ways to buy insurance , which were buying direct from the company, through a captive agent, or through an independent insurance agent. Though we discussed some of the benefits and drawbacks for each option, buying through an independent insurance agent is by far the best way for most individuals and businesses. Why you might ask? Here are five great reasons to work with an independent insurance agent.
#1 – Awareness of Local Insurance Requirements
Regardless of where you live in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area, there’s an independent insurance agent near your home, workplace or business. These local representatives know precisely what type of coverage is required for each of your exposures, from properly covering your vehicle or home, to the coverages you might need for your Minnesota-based small business. Additionally, because they’re located in your community, buying through a local independent insurance agency means you’re supporting a small business and the local economy.
#2 – Ability to Cover All of Your Exposures
Because independent insurance agencies work with multiple companies that offer many types of insurance coverage, it eliminates the need for you to go elsewhere to cover special insurance exposures. While captive and direct writers may sell the same type of coverage, they are bound to a single set of underwriting rules that can sometimes disqualify you from being able to buy coverage.
#3 – Provides Choice
Because we work with several insurance companies, we will request quotes from a few of them for each type of coverage you need. You can think of us as being an insurance “broker,” who has associations with numerous companies, but is obligated to serve no single provider. With more than one company to choose from, we’ll be sure to find the best coverage for your needs, while watching out for your budget at the same time. Whether it be auto and home insurance, small business insurance, or life coverage, independent insurance agents have many companies that are not only willing to provide coverage, they’ll compete for your business.
#4 – Personalized Customer Service
When you work with a local independent insurance agency, you can count on a exceptional relationship with your agent. Beginning with your first meeting, we will begin to learn about you, your family, your lifestyle, and your true insurance needs. A dedicated agent can help you anticipate and adjust your insurance when changes in your life take place, such as getting married, having a kid, or buying a new home. If you ever have to file a claim, we can help you with that as well.
#5 – An Agent on Your Side
Speaking of not having to go it alone, one of the best reasons to choose an independent agent is that we don’t work for the insurance company, we work for you. A captive agent has certain obligations to the company they represent, and when you buy direct, you have no agent at all. So when it comes down to having someone in your corner, an independent agent will be there every step of the way.
As you can see, working with an independent insurance agent offers some distinct benefits. We made a conscious choice to be an independent insurance agency so we could take advantage of this fact. We believe being independent gives us a considerable advantage over captive agencies and direct writers, and we’re pretty sure that anyone that takes the time to learn the difference will agree. If you’re ready to enjoy the benefits outlined above, then give us a call. We’re confident that you’ll enjoy the entire experience or working with an independent agency such as Andreotti Insurance.
