You’ve no-doubt heard the expression, but is it true? Even if it was true, will you end up with the coverage you actually need? Those are good questions, so we thought we’d spend a minute or two to let you know what your options are when it comes to buying car insurance, or any kind of insurance for that matter.
You might not be aware of it, but are three basic ways that you can buy insurance nowadays, and depending on which one you choose, it could make a big impact on both your coverage and your overall experience with insurance.
Buying Direct
Buying insurance direct from a carrier such as GEICO is something that everyone has been exposed to. You can’t go online, turn on your TV, or open a magazine without hearing or reading the phrase “15-minutes could save you 15%.” What they fail to tell you is that when you go this route, you’re on your own, and when it comes to a choice of buying the right coverage, vs. the least expensive coverage, you might want someone in your corner to ask questions of, or help explain a few things.
Another thing to consider is that some of the savings you might experience through by buying direct is in part due to the fact that you don’t have an agent. When buying direct will likely have the option of getting help through customer support or via online chat, but if you value talking to the same person twice – good luck. Where is all of this leading to? Because no one is really available to help you decide the best policies for your particular needs – you might end up saving 15%, but at the expense of not having the right coverage. Additionally, if you have questions after the sale, or are unfortunate enough to have to file a claim, you may be hearing another catch phrase we’ve all become accustomed to: “Six callers ahead of us Johnny!”
Buying Through a Captive Agent
Buying through a captive agent is definitely a step in the right direction when it comes to buying insurance. One major drawback, however, is that they are “captive” to a single company, and sometimes the interests of that company. It could be compared to shopping for a truck and stopping by the Ford dealership, what kind of truck do you think they are going to recommend? A Ford of course – it’s the only truck they can offer you. So while a captive insurance agent can offer professional advice on coverage options available through the company they represent, they are limited in what they can offer you in both coverage and price.
Another consideration is that is not hard to imagine is that someday you’ll decide to buy a new home, start a family, or get a pet for the kids. Or maybe something happens that’s outside of you control such as getting a speeding ticket, or having to file a claim, if any of these things happen to you, there’s a chance that your premiums could skyrocket, or worse yet, your policy could get cancelled. Because your agent represents only one company, you may find yourself starting all over.
Working With an Independent Agent
Independent insurance agents provide you advocacy and choice. Like a captive agent, they are licensed and trained agents that are there when you have a question or need advice. A big difference, however, is that they are “independent”. They are independent because they are a local small business much like other local professionals that work with a number of “suppliers”. In the case of an independent insurance agent, they have relationships with many different insurance companies, so they can give you unbiased advice as to which is best for your particular situation. You could almost compare them to the mega dealership that offers Fords, Chevys, Dodges, and a whole lot more. They don’t’ work for a particular company, and they are not beholden to any one company either.
Benefits of Buying Through an Independent Insurance Agent
We’ll be the first to admit that we’re a bit biased, as the Reis Agency an independent insurance agency. But we can say without hesitation that we chose to be an independent insurance agency because of all the benefits it affords. At Reis Insurance, we work for you, not an insurance company, and we will always look out for your best interest first and foremost. We provide a wide range of insurance options, including personal policies such as auto, home and life insurance, as well as business insurance, and workers compensation.
Over time we learn about our client unique situations and offer personalized service that you would expect. We’re there when you have changes in your life that could impact your insurance, such as moving, getting married, having a child, buying a home, adding a teenage driver, or starting your own business.
There’s nothing wrong with buying some things online, especially when you can’t find them elsewhere, but it comes to insurance, there are more than a few good reasons to buy it from a local professional. Give Reis a call today or visit us online at reisagency.com.
