When the time in your life comes that you need to get insurance, you have a few options. You can go online and get a quick quote from a random company and purchase directly from the website, you could visit an insurance agency that employs its own agents and only sells one brand or type of insurance, or you can visit an independent agent.
What is an independent agent? An independent agent is an insurance agent that sells insurance policies provided by a number of different insurance companies. They are employed by an independent company and work for the client, not an insurance company. An independent agent’s job is to present coverage options that meet your needs and budget.
Independent agents have been around since 1896. Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America is the association that helps build the structure of independent agencies. Today, more than 7100 independent agencies are selling on behalf of many different insurance carriers across the country.
Independent agents can provide you a number of benefits that an insurance agent or the internet could not. These benefits include outstanding customer service, the ability to shop the market, improved knowledge/understanding, save time & money, increased protection & peace of mind and of course, personal customer service.
Personal Customer Service
An independent agent’s top priority is their client. Their goal is to provide you with high quality, personalized customer service. Part of that service is to strive to ensure that the client is offered insurance coverage that fits their lifestyle. Independent agents also assist if you request any changes or with claims that may arise. By having an independent agent, there is no need to sit on 800 numbers for hours on end or become frustrated with automated phone lines, your independent agent is there to be your advocate and help you through all things insurance.
Ability to Shop the Market
A part of providing outstanding customer service is that independent agents can shop the market for you. Independent agents can sell any number and type of insurance policies from numerous insurance companies. This means that they can check several different companies all at once and you only need to provide your information once. As more companies are contacted, independent agents are able to dial in the right coverage for you at a price that fits your budget.
Knowledge/Understanding
Independent agents are licensed and trained agents who are educated in the products they sell. Independent agents also understand that insurance can be complicated, they will take the time to make sure that you understand your insurance coverages. They will take the time to get to know you and your needs and suggest additional products you may need.
An independent agent is not an employee of an insurance company, they work for you. They can give you unbiased opinions and advice while offering you options.
Save Money & Time
Independent agents can save you time and money by making sure that your insurance needs are addressed quickly and appropriately. Independent agents can answer questions, shop the insurance market for you, service your policy, help with claims and more. Also, with an independent agent, you have the option to keep the same agent but change insurance carriers which can save you time and money. If your rates start to creep up or you become unhappy with the carrier, at your request, your agent can look for a new insurance carrier while still remaining your agent. Independent agents give their clients more options.
Protection & Peace of Mind
Above everything else, an independent agent will provide you with peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing that you have a trained insurance agent on your side.
When you are looking to get insurance for your home, business, car, life, or any other needs, an independent agent is a great place to start. Independent agents can be a great resource for their clients. There are thousands of independent agents across the country, not all of them will meet your expectations. Make sure to do your research and find the right independent agent for you and your needs.
At Gannon Associates Insurance, we strive every day to build customer loyalty by serving our customers and partnering with them in the
management of the risks they face and delivering quality coverage at a competitive price with unparalleled service. Give Gannon Associates Insurance a call at 844-GANNONS to discuss your insurance needs today!
