When buying insurance, you have several options — three, to be exact.
First, you can purchase insurance from a provider like Geico or Esurance. Second, you can work with what is called a captive agent. And finally, you can work with an independent agent.
So how do you know which service is best? This is the topic we’ll be covering in this article. Read on to find out more.
Buying Direct — Companies Like Geico and Esurance
Buying direct entails purchasing your insurance either over the phone or online. You’re buying your insurance policy directly from the insurance company, without the help of an agent or broker.
While you may find some advantages by buying direct, keep in mind that these companies aren’t local, so you won’t have anyone that you can talk to on a consistent basis.
Buying From a Captive Agent
A captive agent works for one insurance company, but they would likely have their own office in Waukesha. The primary benefit is that you can work with one agent for all of your insurance — as long as the insurance company the agent works for provides all the types of insurance, you’re looking for.
The drawbacks involved when working with a captive agent include the following:
- Limited choices of coverage and price
- An agent that works for the insurance company, not always able to be a true advocate for the consumer
- Limited insurance options (you may only be able to buy auto and home insurance, for example)
Buying From an Independent Agent
Finally, we have independent agents.
Independent agents are actually quite similar to captive agents with one key difference. Like captive agents, they have one location in your local Waukesha area and provide personalized advocacy for finding the best insurance.
The difference is that independent agents can work for a number of different insurance companies at one time. For instance, an independent insurance agent might work for Safeco, Travelers, and Hartford. This greatly broadens the number of choices you have when choosing insurance. It also makes purchasing all of your insurance in one single go much more likely.
Why Buying From an Independent Agent Is Always Better
Insurance protects you and your family from disaster and unexpected events. It’s the safety net you invest in to ensure your protection and security. This makes it extremely important.
Not only is it important to, therefore, find the best coverage plans with adequate limits, but it’s also essential to find the best rates. A lot of people think that independent agents’ commissions and overall insurance prices are too expensive, but this actually isn’t the case when you factor in the value you’re getting with an independent agent. You’re also getting:
- More choices
- Better advocacy
- Broader flexibility in plan options
- Local assistance
- Long-term service
If you already purchase your insurance from a local independent agent, be sure to tell your friends about the value you receive from this avenue of insurance buying.
If not, speak to Carrigan Insurance about the policy options we office. We’re always here to assist you as your local independent agent.