Local independent insurance matters because the vehicle is covered against future risk. In fact, there are real differences between independent insurance agents and other agents, and knowing the differences can have a real impact on your policy choices, insurance discounts you receive, and ultimately on your insurance protection.
If you do have an accident or need to file a claim for any reason, independent insurance agents will help you manage the claims process, from dealing with the insurance claim’s adjuster to dealing with the insurance company itself. For the most part, your agent is “high touch” when it comes to working with you as the client.
It is important to make informed decisions about your insurance. Getting quotes from a variety of insurance agents can ultimately help you obtain the coverage that is right for you, whether you are a small-business owner seeking liability coverage, or you are a new driver who has questions about comprehensive car insurance, or you are a homeowner seeking to upgrade your homeowner’s insurance policy, or you just have questions about your current insurance policies and whether you qualify for an insurance discount
independent agencies represent multiple companies and use them to shop the policy around and find the best coverage/price combination. Generally, if there is a problem or a change is needed an assigned representative from the agency will handle the task. The customer also has the option to contact the company directly.
Here are a few benefits that come with buying your insurance through a local agent.
Personal Customer Service
In an age where so many things are automated, agencies pride themselves on delivering great personal service. Unlike large direct writer companies where customers speak to a different person each time they call, Bright Insurance assigns a personal customer service representative to assist the customer whenever a change is needed. Bright has a personal in-house claims representative as well.
Personal Shopper
Customers don’t need to worry about sorting through all the insurance companies and policies. At independent agencies, a personal customer service representative will shop the customer’s needs to all of the carriers the agent writes with to find the best fit.
Community Involvement
In addition to being there for the insureds, most independent agents are active in supporting their community. From sponsoring events to serving on boards and committees, there are many ways to witness an independent agent such as Bright Insurance impacting the local community.
Local Knowledge
A local agent will know the ins and outs of the often complicated local registry rules and regulations. Many agents can perform some registry services. In colder weather, the agent can give tips for preventing ice dams, and help customers avoid a surcharge if there is enough bad weather to be considered a catastrophic event.
Now that we have discussed why buying your auto insurance through a local agent is important and outlined the benefits here are some of the ways that a local agent will save you money.
How Independent Insurance Agent can find cheaper car insurance rates
When shopping around for car insurance, it’s important to make sure that you are comparing like-for-like cover. Some policies may seem cheaper, but you may find you don’t have the same level of cover when you have to make a claim.
Use an online comparison service to do the hard work for you. Put in your details and check the prices that come up. You can alter the excess that you are willing to pay and the mileage you will drive and get new quotes.
Don’t put everyone on your policy
Ensure that only regular drivers are named on the policy. You can always add someone for a few days when they really need to drive the car.
Protect that no-claims bonus
A long no-claims bonus is the single best way of cutting car insurance costs, so protect it. The definition of a protected no-claims bonus can vary widely between insurers though accidents caused by another driver will normally have no impact on such a bonus, those caused by the insured could.
Take a higher excess
Increase your voluntary excess. Agreeing to pay more towards the cost of any accident repairs will bring down premiums. If you are not at fault in an accident, the excess can be recovered. Beware being tempted to allow it to rise too high, however, especially if you have a lower value car.
Secure your car
Fitting an approved alarm, immobilizer, or tracking device can attract a discount of around 5%. Many newer cars will come with these as standard, so make sure you check if you have them and then declare them.
Watch out for insurance trap cars
If you decide to change your car, check with your insurer if the model will have a significant effect on the premium.
Remember what the garage is for
If your garage is full of junk, clear it out and use it for your car. Insurers like cars kept in garages overnight and this can dramatically cut your premium. Aside from the benefit of not having to scrape the ice off in winter, there is a higher risk of theft by keeping the car on the road, so keeping it in the garage will be reflected in your premium.
How About We Talk “Comparison Shopping”
It is a proven fact that if you want to be sure that you are getting a decent rate on your insurance coverage, comparison shopping is essential. Be that as it may, it can be a very long and disturbing period, if you decide to do it on your own. Whether you are calling individual organizations for rates or asking for them on the web, you will be required to give every company a great deal of individual data including your name, address, telephone number, social security number, and lots of data about your auto, home or whatever else you might attempt to protect.
For every situation, you may need to hold up to get your quote and will oftentimes receive a callback from an insurance agent who may make repeated follow-up calls in an attempt to get your business. Who has time for all that?
This is the place an independent agent can truly offer assistance. You are required just to give your agent personal information once and together you can discuss your individual coverage needs. The agent will then do the comparison shopping legwork for you and give you an assortment of strategies and quotes that you can look at together. Comparison shopping along these lines spares you more than simply time; it can likewise spare you loads of cash by guaranteeing that you are getting a great policy at a competitive rate.
The most effective method to Avoid Buying Coverage You Don’t Really Need
When it comes to a great policy, you are prone to have many inquiries.
In the event that you possess a vehicle, you are required to own auto insurance, yet do you truly require more insurance than the state’s least prerequisites? Are collision and comprehensive coverage a smart thought? How high ought your deductible be?
On the off chance that you have a mortgage on your home, you should convey homeowners’ insurance, yet shouldn’t something be said about policy riders and optional coverage? It is safe to say that they are a smart thought? What amount of coverage is adequate to secure your property? Does your policy offer enough liability coverage?
Life insurance is less costly when you are youthful and healthy, however, is it truly a smart thought for you? Should you put resources into whole or term life insurance? What amount of insurance is sufficient to secure those you leave behind?
The truth of the matter is the responses to these and other insurance-related inquiries will differ as per the person who is asking them. Often individuals require the advice of an educated proficient to help them settle on the right insurance choices.
When you work with a captive agent, that operator works for a particular insurance agency. Their job is to sell you as much insurance as possible. They may give a word of wisdom, however, given their restricted alternatives, the coverage they offer you may be overpriced or unnecessary.
Independent agents, on the other hand, work specifically for you. Since your operator will help you build a policy that is planned particularly to meet your special needs, you can be sure that you are not paying for coverage.
Filing Insurance Claims Can Be Tricky
Your protection strategy is set up to help you financially in the wake of a fiasco or mishap, however, filing a claim can be complicated. When you have the greater part of your insurance policies in one place and administrated by one agent, things can be much less demanding. Your specialist can advise you about the correct steps to take to report your losses and can help you document your case. When you have an educated operator pushing for you, you will probably get everything for which you are entitled, which is another way an independent agent can spare you some genuine money.
Independent agents know their business
Insurance is a complicated subject. It’s an agent‘s business to comprehend it and convey it to you so you comprehend it also. In all cases, a conventional consumer will profit by having somebody who manages this subject as a profession prompt them on a 50+ page contract. In the event that there are any concealed shocks, a licensed agent is the one prepared to know where they are. Regardless of the possibility that you comprehend insurance policies altogether, you can still get tripped up: The industry is controlled on a state-by-state premise. Move to start with one state then onto the next and you’ll see that the coverages may have a striking resemblance at first look, however, on nearer examination things work a bit in an unexpected way. The agent’s loyalty is to you, the customer, not the insurance provider as mentioned above if a company’s policy isn’t suitable for you, they won’t try to get you to buy it just for the commission.
New to Cheapest Auto Insurance?
We know that no one likes being on the phone for hours calling different insurance companies looking for quotes so let Cheapest Auto Insurance do the work for you! We have insurance professionals who are ready and waiting for your call! You can call us at 918-744-5145 or if you would like an online quote you can click here!