If your objective is all of the above with the added value of a trusted, local, experienced insurance professional, the one who thinks of you as a real person and not an unknown internet shopper, then the Independent Insurance Agent is the only way to go.
So, what is your objective: solely price, or price combined with quality service, local experience and good old-fashioned “looking out for my reputation by looking out for the customer” business sense?
That’s not to say you can’t get lucky and find a direct connection online with an Insurance Carrier who can provide such experience, accessibility, superior service and price. It’s easy enough to spend your time searching.
In our experience as Independent Agents, we’ve heard the stories, lots and lots and lots of stories about consumer experiences when working with online quotes and purchasing from an unknown representative on the internet. Pretty much every time, these horror stories result because the consumer focused solely on lowest price.
Too often the lowest price online quote comes with no explanation of what exactly it is the consumer is buying. The coverage can be horribly mismatched with the customer’s needs. Many times, the online quote fails to consider local conditions that must definitely be taken into account to provide an accurate insurance policy for real risks unique to a locality.
Your local Independent Agent knows about those risks that may be unique to where you live. And your Independent Agent wants to work for your best interest, not the interests of the quick “low-price” sale.
Compare next time you need to purchase or renew insurance. Consider the time spent by your Independent Agent just on the initial interview questions. Those questions, and your answers to them, affect the advice you’ll receive on the best coverage for your unique situation.