01/23/2014
Benefits of Working with an Independent Agent
Independent agents work for you, not a company. This means that as your insurance needs change, you won’t have to change agents. You can work with your independent agent to find the better option. Furthermore, when you have a claim, your agent will be there to represent your interests. You are, after all, his client not the insurance company. He has every incentive to ensure you aren’t cheated by the company to which he sold you insurance.
They can also be the agent you go to for all of your insurance needs: auto, homeowners, business, life, health, etc. This will make it easier for you to find the policies at lower prices without having to contact multiple companies yourself. Your independent agent can sell you auto insurance with one company, health with another, and homeowners with still another.
Because independent agents work exclusively off of commission from sales, they have every incentive to ensure you are satisfied. They tend to know their clients and maintain strong relationships with them. Many also make sure they review the policies of their clients to ensure they are still getting the best deals for their needs. Captive agents might do this with policies within their company, but they would never be able to offer their clients policies from other companies, even if they know they would be better for them. This is one less worry for you, should you go with an independent agent.
Source: http://www.ask.com/explore/benefits-using-independent-insurance-agencies
When shopping for insurance, most people take little time to consider whether they are talking to an agent working for a company or an independent agent. In fact
