If you look around online for insurance, you’ll find many different providers with varying products and services. Amid so many choices, selecting the right insurance agent to represent your interests and serve as a trusted advisor may seem overwhelming.
Why Pick an Independent Agent?
There are two types of insurance agents: Captive and Independent.
A Captive Agent works exclusively with one insurance provider and can sell only their products.
An Independent Agent does not work for a specific insurance provider and may sell insurance products from a variety of providers.
The independence of an agent means clients have greater selections of insurance products and services. Shopping around also enables these agents to compare policy costs against multiple insurers, finding their clients the most affordable rates.
Agent Selection Strategies
- Verify Licenses: Insurance brokers must be licensed in each state individually. Ensure the agent you’re considering is licensed in your state. Often, agents are licensed in several states.
- Review Credentials: Look at the agent’s credentials and designations, often listed next to the person’s name on their website or email signature. These demonstrate an agent’s expertise and commitment to professionalism.
- Check Online Reviews: Use online review websites and testimonials on the agent’s website to find out the opinions others have about the person’s services.
- Consider Location & Responsiveness: Working with a local independent agent can make them more accessible when you need them since you can meet them in person. If you’re considering someone further away, ensure they offer multiple communication channels to reach them.
- Consider Industry Involvement & Expertise: Is the insurance agent part of industry associations and active in them? Does the agent specialize in your industry? These are critical items in selecting an agent.
- Exclusive and Custom Programs and Products: Your agent should bring something to the table that others cannot. Whether that is an insurance program, a risk mitigation process, or loss control, there needs to be a reason that the firm and agent you choose is different than others.
Choosing the right agent for your needs can be challenging. But through a bit of research and communication, you can narrow your search and determine who may serve your insurance needs best.
Contact our independent agency today to discover how we can help you.
