Ten or twenty years ago, insurance was purchased one way and one way only — through an agent. Skip to today, and many people can be found shopping for insurance online with direct writer insurance providers.
So, what’s the difference? This is the topic we’ll be diving in today. Below, learn the three primary choices you have when it comes to buying insurance and most importantly, learn which choice will be best for you nearly every time.
Direct Writers Vs. Captive Agents Vs. Independent Agents
Again — whether it’s for your family or your business — you’ve got three main choices when it comes to purchasing insurance:
#1 – Direct Writers
A direct writer is an insurance company that doesn’t employ agents to write their insurance policies for their clients. Instead, they market directly to clients, who can go online to their website or give them a call to pick out their own plans. An example would be Geico Insurance.
Ostensibly, the advantage of going with a direct writer is that it cuts down on costs and maximizes flexibility regarding shopping around for rates and coverage.
#2 – Captive Agents
Captive agents work for insurance providers but are local. There are numerous captive agents with their own buildings and offices, and each one works for a different, centralized insurance provider. In fact, that’s the main quality of a captive agent: They write insurance policies for just one insurance provider. For example, you might go to a captive agent in Mesa who sells Farmers Insurance only or another who sells only American Family Insurance.
#3 – Independent Agents
Many people have trouble discerning between captive agents and independent agents. The core difference lies in how many insurance providers each of these professionals can write policies for.
You’ll remember that captive agents work for just one insurance provider. Independent agents, on the other hand, are different in that they can work for many providers. This provides a huge advantage to clients because it allows captive agents to produce a range of quotes and policy options. An independent agent may work for Travelers, Safeco, and Hartford, for example.
Your Best Choice for Buying Insurance Is Always an Independent Agent
As you may have surmised already, it’s always going to be easier, faster, and less expensive to purchase your insurance from an independent agent. Moreover, you’ll get better insurance from independent agents as well.
Here are all the benefits you can expect from taking this route:
Easy, local access: Independent agents have offices in Mesa. You can meet with an agent face to face and get to know them personally. Likewise, they’ll get to know you.
More options and plan flexibility: Out of all three insurance buying options, independent agents offer the most flexibility and choices. Plus, they’re going to be your advocates, first and foremost. They’re not worried about who you buy from or how much you buy. They want you to be satisfied and happy with their service.
Lifelong care: Change policies, switch coverage, or cancel plans altogether. It doesn’t matter; none of this means you have to leave your agent. They’ll help you find what you’re looking for again and again.
The best value every time: Agents need to earn a commission to earn a living. But with them, in the end, you’re still going to get the better value because of the exceptional plan options, coverage, and limits they can offer.
Already have an independent agent? Great! If you’re happy with the value and service you’re receiving, be sure and tell your friends about it. And of course, if you’re still on the lookout for an exception agent, look no further than Jarosch Insurance. We’re always here and ready to serve, so stop in or give us a call today!
