Benefits of Shopping for Insurance at a Small, Independent Insurance Agency

Investing in an insurance policy, whether for your family, home or car,  is a major decision that should not be influenced by gimmicky promotional ads. Well informed decisions regarding the right policy usually involve the knowledge and expertise of trustworthy broker at a local, independent insurance agency.
Independent insurance agencies are not beholden to “selling” the policies of one insurance carrier. While big box insurance companies can only offer variations on one product theme, smaller, independent insurance agencies enjoy the flexibility to choose the best insurance policy to fit your needs and budget, often providing a better price and a better fitting coverage package.

A local agency knows your community and the insurance needs of its businesses and residents. A local agency means representatives are right around the corner when you need to file a claim, drop off payments, update your policy or ask questions.
A small, independent insurance agency can advocate on your behalf and help help you in a number of other ways, from resolving a claim to clearing up billing issues. Such invaluable support, not available from most big insurance companies, illustrates the personalized help that you can get from your local, independent agency.

Brokers at independent agencies are available to discuss specific insurance questions over the phone, especially about mid-cycle changes, giving customers a stronger feeling that they are in safe hands. Customer service agents at direct or big box agencies don’t have the training to address specific issues of your plan, especially after the initial purchase. Indeed, studies show that brokers at independent agencies performed significantly better than their Big Box counterparts to customer queries or mid-cycle requests for changes, particularly later in the policy life cycle.

A small independent insurance company might prove to be a better choice if you are looking for more localized insurance, lower premiums and the very nominal price increases that only a small company can offer. What’s more, small, independent insurance agencies are more likely to approve applicants with a poor credit history.

Brokers at small, independent agencies are more efficient at cross-checking a number of different policy options across insurance providers, can educate their customers about the differences as they pertain to individual needs and explain the critical differences in policies and coverage.
Finally, insurance policies purchased through independent agencies are surprisingly more affordable than than policies purchased through direct insurance.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about whether to call a nationally recognized direct insurance agency or walk around the corner to meet with your local independent insurance company, now’s the right time to choose. In these times of uncertainty, why not rely on the knowledgeable, personable and patient expertise of your local independent insurance broker who will know you as a friend rather than as number on a screen.

If you want security for yourself and your family, then look no further than your local independent insurance agent. You couldn’t be more secure.