The internet has made shopping for insurance easier. Instead of driving around town to meet with an agent, you can compare rates, benefits, and apply online. Some insurance companies even let you apply right from their website.
Does it still make sense to have an agent help you choose a plan? You bet.
Agents are insurance experts. Itýs their job to help you shop plans from leading carriers so you can be confident youýve found the best rates and benefits for you.
4 Reasons To Work With An Insurance Agent
When you consider all the benefits, working with an agent just makes good sense.
Agents guide you through the process. Buying an insurance policy can be complicated. An agent walks you through each step of the process and helps you make sense of all the "insurance-talk".
Agents offer you choice. Your agent has a portfolio of plans to choose from, and will know which policy will protect you the best.
Agents troubleshoot mistakes. A mistake on your application can cause a company to raise your rates or even reject your application. Your agent will help you fill out your application correctly so you get the rates you deserve.
It's free. This is the best part about getting insurance through an agent. Agents collect payment from the companies they represent. So you get all the advice you want, absolutely free.
As professional agents, we're happy to help you find the best plan. You can compare popular plans on our website, too. Get started now with your free online quotes.
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Showing posts with label independent insurance broker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label independent insurance broker. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Are all insurance agents the same?
To get the best deal on insurance, many people consult an insurance agent or broker. But did you know that there are different kinds of insurance agents and brokers — and the one you choose can make a big difference in the type of service you get and the choices you’re offered? Here’s the difference:
Captive Agents and Brokers — Captive agents work with a specific insurance company, and as part of their business agreement with that company, they can offer only that company’s insurance products. They may also be required to sell other products from that company, such as annuities and investment plans.
Independent Agents and Brokers — Independent agents and brokers can offer products from many insurance companies. This helps them better serve your interests, as they can review multiple options to find a policy and rate that’s right for you. Insurance rates vary from company to company. Independent agents can put together a customized insurance plan.
If you’re ready to contact an independent agent to talk about saving money on car insurance, here are a few things to consider:
•Has your life situation changed recently? Many factors determine auto insurance rates, not just vehicle year, make, model, body type and engine size. If you’ve recently moved, gotten married, had a birthday or experienced a similar life milestone, mention this to an independent agent or broker. You may be eligible to save money on your car insurance.
•Is your car getting older? You don’t always need the same level of physical damage coverage on older cars as on newer ones. If you drive an older car, an independent agent or broker can advise you on what level of coverage makes the most sense. Raising your deductible could save you money each year, too.
•Do you have another type of vehicle that also needs coverage? If you have a motorcycle, boat, RV or other “toy,” you might save money by having it covered by the same company that insures your car. Talk to an independent agent or broker about it.
Another plus to working with an independent agent or broker is their ability to offer guidance for all your insurance needs—auto, home, life, business and more. They can customize a package of policies just for you.
Did You Know?
Unlike captive agents, independent agents and brokers can offer products from many insurance companies. This helps them better serve your interests, as they can review multiple options to find a policy and rate that’s right for you. visit selectinsuranceteam.com for more details
Captive Agents and Brokers — Captive agents work with a specific insurance company, and as part of their business agreement with that company, they can offer only that company’s insurance products. They may also be required to sell other products from that company, such as annuities and investment plans.
Independent Agents and Brokers — Independent agents and brokers can offer products from many insurance companies. This helps them better serve your interests, as they can review multiple options to find a policy and rate that’s right for you. Insurance rates vary from company to company. Independent agents can put together a customized insurance plan.
If you’re ready to contact an independent agent to talk about saving money on car insurance, here are a few things to consider:
•Has your life situation changed recently? Many factors determine auto insurance rates, not just vehicle year, make, model, body type and engine size. If you’ve recently moved, gotten married, had a birthday or experienced a similar life milestone, mention this to an independent agent or broker. You may be eligible to save money on your car insurance.
•Is your car getting older? You don’t always need the same level of physical damage coverage on older cars as on newer ones. If you drive an older car, an independent agent or broker can advise you on what level of coverage makes the most sense. Raising your deductible could save you money each year, too.
•Do you have another type of vehicle that also needs coverage? If you have a motorcycle, boat, RV or other “toy,” you might save money by having it covered by the same company that insures your car. Talk to an independent agent or broker about it.
Another plus to working with an independent agent or broker is their ability to offer guidance for all your insurance needs—auto, home, life, business and more. They can customize a package of policies just for you.
Did You Know?
Unlike captive agents, independent agents and brokers can offer products from many insurance companies. This helps them better serve your interests, as they can review multiple options to find a policy and rate that’s right for you. visit selectinsuranceteam.com for more details
Sunday, July 10, 2011
An insurance broker can help you save cash!
We all like having to pay our monthly insurance fees, right? We simply can't wait until those payments start emptying our accounts like clockwork soon after payday, right? I am certain that you will agree that those are two of the silliest assertions you've heard in a long time!
Then why, if paying our premiums leaves such a terrible taste in our mouths, do we accept the very first policy we can get our hands on? Why don't we do a bit of homework until we discover the most cost effective insurance policies with the best cover? Won't paying our insurance policies month after month then be a bit less agonizing?
One of the best ways to discover insurance plans is by making use of an insurance broker.
Most "normal" people don't possess extensive knowledge of the insurance industry.
If the insurance company suggests that I take advantage of policy A, and that I must also select policy B, C, and D in addition to that (to receive the best coverage of course!) it's almost guaranteed that the average buyer will believe them and that I will most likely end up paying 5 times more than necessary.
An insurance broker in contrast, makes a living off insurance! Selling insurance policies is their "8 hours a day 5 days a week" job and that makes them experts in the field!
The good thing about having a broker is that they will not be charging you anything more - you might in fact end up saving cash! Yes, of course these brokers have to get paid for their products and services, but this is usually in a form of commission from the insurance companies. These commissions already form part of your month-to-month premium, regardless of whether you use a broker or not. Yes it's true! If client An opts for policy A from company A without using a broker, client A will be paying the same for this specific policy than client B would be when making use of a broker.
Another positive point about using the expert services of an insurance broker is that they do not work for a particular insurance provider (don't confuse an insurance broker with an insurance agent like a state farm, american family, farmers, shelter, or allstate). For this reason your broker will be able to provide you with numerous quotations and choices from various insurance agencies. They will also know which policies and companies to steer away from.
Having access to an insurance broker is almost like having your own insurance personal assistant. You can settle back and relax while they handle everything - from the first quote to the actual pay-out of a claim following an accident!
Then why, if paying our premiums leaves such a terrible taste in our mouths, do we accept the very first policy we can get our hands on? Why don't we do a bit of homework until we discover the most cost effective insurance policies with the best cover? Won't paying our insurance policies month after month then be a bit less agonizing?
One of the best ways to discover insurance plans is by making use of an insurance broker.
Most "normal" people don't possess extensive knowledge of the insurance industry.
If the insurance company suggests that I take advantage of policy A, and that I must also select policy B, C, and D in addition to that (to receive the best coverage of course!) it's almost guaranteed that the average buyer will believe them and that I will most likely end up paying 5 times more than necessary.
An insurance broker in contrast, makes a living off insurance! Selling insurance policies is their "8 hours a day 5 days a week" job and that makes them experts in the field!
The good thing about having a broker is that they will not be charging you anything more - you might in fact end up saving cash! Yes, of course these brokers have to get paid for their products and services, but this is usually in a form of commission from the insurance companies. These commissions already form part of your month-to-month premium, regardless of whether you use a broker or not. Yes it's true! If client An opts for policy A from company A without using a broker, client A will be paying the same for this specific policy than client B would be when making use of a broker.
Another positive point about using the expert services of an insurance broker is that they do not work for a particular insurance provider (don't confuse an insurance broker with an insurance agent like a state farm, american family, farmers, shelter, or allstate). For this reason your broker will be able to provide you with numerous quotations and choices from various insurance agencies. They will also know which policies and companies to steer away from.
Having access to an insurance broker is almost like having your own insurance personal assistant. You can settle back and relax while they handle everything - from the first quote to the actual pay-out of a claim following an accident!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Independent Agent "broker" vs Captive agent.
Some people think it doesn't really matter where they buy their insurance. But this misconception could be costing them money, service and protection. Buying insurance isn't like buying bread or milk. Insurance is an important safety net for your family, your home, your car or your business. Don't treat the purchase lightly!
There is a difference in where you buy your protection. Many people don't realize there are three sources for insurance:
Captive agents, who can sell you the insurance of only one company.
Telephone representatives, who can offer you the insurance of one company and only on the telephone.
Independent insurance agents, who represent an average of eight insurance companies and research with these firms to find you the best combination of price, coverage and service.
Here are some important points about purchasing insurance from an independent insurance agent:
Unlike other agents, an independent insurance agent is not tied to one insurance company. You don’t need to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
An independent insurance agent treats you like a person, not a number. You can develop a personal relationship with your independent insurance agent. Can you do that with a voice on the phone? Your independent insurance agent has strong customer and community ties.
An independent insurance agent offers one-stop shopping. Dealing with a direct response company or a captive agent limits you to the plans available through only one company. An independent insurance agent offers many plans through many companies, giving the consumer the potential for the broadest range of coverage at a competitive price. One call puts you in touch with someone who can do the comparison shopping for you.
An independent insurance agent provides personalized claims service. When you purchase insurance from a direct response company or a captive agent, who is going to assist you in the event of a claim? Your independent insurance agent is there for you when you need help. Your agent can contact the insurance company and get the claim process rolling, help you fill out claim forms, advise you on the progress of your claim, and work closely with the insurance company to make sure you get a prompt and fair settlement of a valid claim.
There is a difference in where you buy your protection. Many people don't realize there are three sources for insurance:
Captive agents, who can sell you the insurance of only one company.
Telephone representatives, who can offer you the insurance of one company and only on the telephone.
Independent insurance agents, who represent an average of eight insurance companies and research with these firms to find you the best combination of price, coverage and service.
Here are some important points about purchasing insurance from an independent insurance agent:
Unlike other agents, an independent insurance agent is not tied to one insurance company. You don’t need to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
An independent insurance agent treats you like a person, not a number. You can develop a personal relationship with your independent insurance agent. Can you do that with a voice on the phone? Your independent insurance agent has strong customer and community ties.
An independent insurance agent offers one-stop shopping. Dealing with a direct response company or a captive agent limits you to the plans available through only one company. An independent insurance agent offers many plans through many companies, giving the consumer the potential for the broadest range of coverage at a competitive price. One call puts you in touch with someone who can do the comparison shopping for you.
An independent insurance agent provides personalized claims service. When you purchase insurance from a direct response company or a captive agent, who is going to assist you in the event of a claim? Your independent insurance agent is there for you when you need help. Your agent can contact the insurance company and get the claim process rolling, help you fill out claim forms, advise you on the progress of your claim, and work closely with the insurance company to make sure you get a prompt and fair settlement of a valid claim.
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