5 Reasons to Use Local Independent Insurance Agents

Looking to save on insurance while still getting great coverage?

Local independent insurance agents can help!

Maybe you’re starting a new business. Or perhaps you’re just curious about whether you’re overspending on your premiums. Getting a rate comparison is a great way to research your insurance options and get a policy that’s right for you.

But you have a choice: use up next week’s lunch breaks calling every insurance company you can or working with an independent insurance agent.

If you’ve never worked with a local independent insurance agent before, you might be a bit confused. After all, why contact a person when you can get coverage with a simple click of the mouse?

As it turns out, there are a lot of great reasons to use an independent agency!

What Is the Purpose Of an Insurance Agent?

In the simplest terms, an insurance agent sells policies and coverage to interested consumers. But to think of your local independent agent as an “insurance salesman” would be selling them short.

There’s an incredible depth of knowledge involved in matching you with the right life, auto, home, and business policy!

There are two different types of insurance agents: captive and independent.

Captive agents can only sell policies from a single insurance company. One agency might be a State Farm agency. Another might be an Allstate agency. But one thing an Allstate agent can’t do is sell you a non-Allstate policy.

What do independent insurance agents do?

Unlike captive agents, independent agencies work with a variety of insurance companies. As a result, you get multiple quotes for a number of insurance options that fit your needs.

Benefits of an Independent Insurance Agent

If you’ve never considered using an independent insurance agent, you might be shocked at everything your local agency can do for you.

Not only are they completely free (yep!), here are five reasons why local independent insurance agents are better than buying your policies online.

1. They’re Locally Focused

It can be difficult for national insurance companies to focus on your local area when they have about a million other ones to look out for.

Local independent insurance agents, on the other hand, are familiar with your neighborhood. They know that your beach storefront needs higher flood coverage or that your dental office needs a certain level of malpractice insurance.

Local agencies are also more involved in your community. (Our insurance agency participates in the Make-a-Wish Walk for Wishes each year and uses our referral program to benefit local charities.) Who says you can’t manage risk while giving back?

2. More Coverage Options

This might be news to you, but no single insurance company can lay claim to being “the cheapest.”

Why?

Because your life, car, home, or business insurance premium is based on a number of different factors : your age, marital status, address, business type, and many others.

So how do you know which insurance company will give you the best rates? You get quotes from several different companies. But who has that kind of time?

Local independent insurance agents do!

You can turn dozens of calls into just one by giving your info and coverage needs to your agent. They’ll do the work for you and come back with the best quotes for you to choose from.

You’ll be getting the exact coverage you need at the most competitive price.

3. They’re Your Advocate

Your independent insurance agent is called “independent” because they work with many different insurance companies, but they work for you.

If your lifestyle and insurance needs mean that State Farm or Nationwide is not the best option for you, they’ll recommend another company. If your insurance company drops you because your roof is too old, they can find a different company before you’re even aware that there’s a problem.

They also have access to insurance companies that you may never even heard of. Auto-Owners, for example, is only available through a local independent insurance agent.

Basically, independent insurance agents like us aren’t looking out for the insurance company’s bottom line; we’re looking out for your interests.

4. They Give Expert Advice

Independent insurance agents live, think, and breathe insurance, so they’re able to explain any complicated policies or rate changes in a way you can understand. Plus, they’re familiar with lots of different insurance companies, so they are used to how each one works.

If you’re having issues contacting the insurance company to file a claim, you can speak to your independent insurance agent for advice. (And you won’t have to sit on hold for 45 minutes, either.)

5. They Know You

Local independent insurance agents are a trusted choice for many households because they can custom-fit your insurance coverage to your unique needs.

They know your kids’ names, what’s featured on your restaurant’s menu, and why you need worker’s comp insurance even if you don’t have any employees. As your business’ or family’s needs change, they’re able to stay one step ahead and make suggestions that will benefit you.

Being able to whittle down your insurance needs to hit that perfect balance of “not too much, not too little,” means you’ll only be paying for the coverage you need.

Having an insurance agent that knows you also means getting answers to basic questions easier. Drop in, call, or shoot us an email. (Try that with the corporate office and see how far you get.)

Local Independent Insurance Agents: The Smart Choice

Rather than calling around for hours to get your insurance quote—or, worse yet, not comparing quotes at all—call a local independent insurance agent. You’ll get expert, unbiased advice from someone who knows you and wants to see you and your business succeed.

At Harry Levine Insurance, we always keep our customers first and foremost. It’s how we’ve always done business. We keep ourselves up-to-date with everything insurance-related (seriously, you should see how often we travel for work!).

If you’re looking for an insurance rate comparison for your personal or business needs, we’d love to help out.