In our previous article, we wrote about the three major ways to buy insurance. These three methods were buying direct, buying through a captive agent, or working with an independent agent. In that article, we talked about some of the pros and cons of each, and we wrapped it up by explaining a few good reasons why buying through an independent insurance agent is a great choice for most families and businesses. While we listed some advantages to working with an independent agency, we thought we’d elaborate a bit more on why you should seriously consider buying your insurance through a local independent insurance agency such as Heinen & Associates.
Customer Service for Your Needs
Unlike working directly with the company or through a captive agent, independent agents work for you, not for the company that currently underwrites your policy. That affords us a lot of flexibility with servicing your account. While we’ve mentioned this before, it’s worth spending some time to explain this a bit further.
When you represent only one company, the rules are pretty straight-forward. There is one company manual, one set of underwriting rules, and one set of rates. While this makes things a bit easier for an agent to run his or her business, it also limits their ability to solve your problems.
For example, if you were unfortunate enough to have an accident, get a ticket, or have a loss at home, that might be reason enough for your insurance company to jack up your rates or cancel you altogether. If you chose to buy direct or through a captive agent, that’s the end of the story. You either have to live with the higher premiums, or find coverage elsewhere. However, if you have your insurance with an independent insurance agency such as Heinen & Associates, we have other options. We can talk to the other companies we represent and possibly move your coverage if the rules and rates are a better fit for your new situation. The point is that being independent, we’re not limited when it comes to solving your problems.
A Lifelong Relationship
This is perhaps one of the most convincing reasons to work with an independent agent. In addition to helping you with payment questions, changes to your policies, or possibly a claim, we’ll be able to help you manage your insurance as your life changes, such as when you move, get married, start a business, have kids, or even choose to adopt a family pet. Because of the vast number of companies we have relationships with, we’ll likely find a company that fits your needs, regardless of the changes in your life, keeping your coverage with the same agency and not forcing you to start a new relationship due to the limitations of one particular company.
Multiple Quotes for Each Type of Policy
Working with multiple insurance companies doesn’t just mean we can offer nearly any type of insurance you need. We can also offer more than one quote on each type of policy. We’re not obligated to any one insurance company, so we can shop around until we find a policy that fits your coverage needs, and your budget.
Working for You, Not the Insurance Companies
If you buy your insurance direct from the company, you have no agent to answer your questions. No agent to guide you to the best policy for your needs. And no agent to help out should you ever have to file a claim. When working direct, you may never talk to the same person twice throughout the entire time you are with that particular company. You’re simply a number, and the answers to your questions are scripted.
With a captive agent, you have someone to assist you with choosing a policy, but your options will be limited to whatever is offered by the company they represent, and if you ever need to file a claim, your agent will have to balance his or her loyalties between you, there policyholder, and those of the company they represent.
An independent insurance agent is there to serve you, not an insurance company. We’ll help you choose a policy that fits your needs and budget without bias, and if you ever have to file a claim, we’ll be there to represent your best interests. We work for you.
Summary
The need for insurance is a reality of modern life. If you have a car or a home with a mortgage, you need insurance by law and/or by contract. You need health insurance due to the Affordable Care Act. Businesses must carry many varieties of insurance to comply with the law, and various contracts they’ve entered into. When you have a choice, it just makes sense to work with an independent insurance agent, someone who has your best interests in mind and can provide the variety of services you will need.
Get the coverage you need at a competitive price give us a call at Heinen & Associates today.