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THEODORE THURSDAYS
blog

10 reasons to choose an independent insurance agent

10/31/2018

8 Comments

 
1. Customer Service – If you have coverage questions or worse, need to report a claim, would you rather reach an automated recording or an actual person when you call your insurance provider? More and more companies have switched to automated systems, often making it difficult and time consuming to reach the right person. However, at many independent insurance agencies, an actual person will still greet and assist you. In the unfortunate event of a claim, your agent can help you report the claim as well as explain what exactly your policy covers. If you’ve experienced a significant loss, such as water damage to your business, your insurance agent can help you there as well, connecting you to a reputable remediation company right away.

2. Personal Shoppers – Working with an independent insurance agent can be compared to having a personal shopper. Similar to the way in which a real estate agent sorts through properties to help you find your ideal home, an insurance agent reviews many different insurance companies’ rates and coverage options to help you secure policies that best suit your needs. You may believe that this comes at an additional cost to you, but independent agents do not add extra charges to insurance companies’ rates. So you can choose to work with an independent agent, who will handle your coverage needs, assist you with claims reporting and answer any questions you may have, from billing issues to coverage concerns, always advocating on your behalf, at no additional cost to you.

3. Community Involvement – In addition to assisting you, many independent insurance agents also actively help your local community. As local business owners, many insurance agency principals place a strong emphasis on giving back to the community. From sponsoring fundraisers and donating to local charities, to volunteering and serving as board members for non-profit organizations, there are many ways you may witness your local insurance agents giving back to the community, which can make you feel confident about your decision to do business with them.

4. Local Knowledge – It can be rewarding to witness your insurance agent supporting the community, but another local benefit you may not think of is your agent’s knowledge of your community. As local residents, many insurance agents have lived in your area for years and use their knowledge of the community to help you better reduce your risks and protect your assets. For instance, would an insurance company in the South be as familiar with New England’s high water tables in the spring that increase flood risks? If not, this provider may not be as likely to recommend basement water coverage, which is typically not included in a standard policy. Similarly, many independent agents will provide you with seasonal tips to help you reduce your risks, such as how to prevent ice dams and when you should consider raking your roof.

5. Understanding – Independent insurance agents understand that insurance can seem complicated and confusing, especially when you don’t deal with it on a daily basis. For this reason, your insurance agent will work to ensure that you fully understand your coverage, from what is and is not included, to the deductibles and limits you should carry. After you purchase your policies, an independent agent’s work isn’t over – instead, he/she is available year-round to help answer your questions, update your policy and make coverage recommendations.

6. One-Stop Shops – At many independent insurance agencies, you can take care of all your coverage needs at once, limiting the number of different companies you deal with and helping you stay organized. For example, if you own a small business, you can likely secure commercial insurance coverage from the same agency that insures your car and home. If you’re looking for health, life, or dental insurance, whether for your family or business, many insurance agents can help you there as well.

7. Reputation – Reputation plays a crucial role in finding a company you can trust, and many independent agencies take pride in the years, if not decades, they have spent serving their local communities. Not only can a company’s many years of service speak to its well-established reputation in the community, but it can also help you feel confident about its financial stability. Although there are many different ways to obtain insurance, would you rather obtain a quote from a startup Internet-based insurance provider that advertised on television, or call a local agent who your friends, co-workers and neighbors could recommend?

8. Knowledge – When you require legal advice, you contact a lawyer, and when a health issue arises, you visit your doctor, so when you need assistance with your insurance coverage, why not rely on an industry expert? In addition to having many years of experience in the industry, independent insurance agents have also worked with many different insurance companies and are knowledgeable about their individual strengths. Although one insurance company may provide unmatched claims service, another may offer more competitive rates. Based on what’s most important to you, whether it be a company’s service, rates, financial stability or a combination of all three factors, an independent agent will find the best match for you.

9. Saving Money & Time – Insurance companies that promise to drastically reduce your rates in minutes may seem cost-effective at first, but working with an independent agent can save you money and time over the long term. Instead of providing you with an instant rate, independent agents will ask questions and take the time to familiarize themselves with your business to ensure that the coverage they design will adequately protect you and your assets in the event of a claim.
​
10. Protection & Peace of Mind – Above all, working with an independent insurance agent will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that when you save money on your insurance, it won’t come at the expense of comprehensive coverage. When it comes to protecting your home, family, business and other invaluable assets, relying on an independent agent you can trust is a great place to start.
8 Comments
Randy Chorvack link
8/5/2019 01:37:51 pm

I agree that insurance can seem complicated and confusing. When I was 18 and I was starting to truly learn about how insurance worked, it was very overwhelming. It would be nice to have an agent that can help you navigate through that confusion.

Reply
Theodore & Associates link
8/5/2019 02:08:37 pm

Hey Randy,

Thanks for your comment! So many people are intimidated by insurance - and that's where we come in! Our agents are here to walk you through the process and make sure everything is explained to the fullest.

Reply
Ron Booker link
9/25/2019 12:26:26 pm

I like that you said that companies that promise drastically reduce rates, can be cost-effective but it can save you money in the long run. My aunt told me that she wants to look for home coverage apart from her home-mortgage. I'm going to suggest her finding an independent insurance broker.

Reply
Theodore & Associates link
9/25/2019 12:56:13 pm

Thank you for your comment, Ron! We strive to always find our clients the most comprehensive coverage at the best rate possible - and it stays that way! Please tell your aunt to give us a call and we would be happy to give her a quote.

Reply
Tori Raddison link
11/26/2019 12:47:14 pm

It's good to know that an actual person will be there to greet and assist you when you go with an independent insurance company because I find that a lot more reassuring. Having somebody who actually cares about getting you help makes it a lot easier to relax. I want to find a new insurance agency, so maybe I'll have to go with an independent one this time.

Reply
Theodore & Associates link
11/26/2019 02:36:20 pm

Hi Tori,
Thanks for your comment! We pride ourselves in knowing our customers and providing them with the best customer service possible. You're right - it definitely allows you to relax a little more knowing that your agent will take care of you!

Reply
Tammie Houston link
11/27/2019 05:07:36 pm

I have been receiving a lot of emails from different insurance companies that offer different packages suited for my monthly income. I highly agree when you said that checking the company's reputation is essential in order to earn the trust of their clients. Hence, it is truly advisable to hire a responsible insurance agent to fully explain the whole coverage and its benefits.

Reply
Theodore & Associates link
12/2/2019 01:44:32 pm

Thanks for your comment, Tammie! It is absolutely important to do some research on your insurance company and agent to make sure you're making the right decisions!

Reply



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  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Team
    • History
    • Summerville office
    • Why an Independent Agent?
    • Featured Carriers
    • Trusted Choice® Pledge of Performance
    • Introducing Health, Life & Employee Benefits
    • Our Columbia Office Has Moved!
    • Midlands Green Business
    • Referral Program
  • REQUEST A QUOTE
  • INSURANCE
    • Vehicle Insurance >
      • Auto Insurance
      • Motorcycle Insurance
      • Classic Car Insurance
      • Boat & Watercraft Insurance
      • Motorsport & ATV Insurance
      • RV and Mobile Home Insurance
    • Property Insurance >
      • Homeowners Insurance >
        • How Much Home Insurance is Enough?
      • Renters Insurance
      • Condo Insurance
      • Landlord Protection
      • Flood Insurance
      • Earthquake Insurance
      • Personal Umbrella Insurance
      • Pet Insurance
      • Home Warranty
    • Business Insurance >
      • Condominium Homeowners Association Insurance
      • Cyber Liability Insurance
      • Business Owners Insurance
      • Commercial Property Insurance
      • Commercial Umbrella Insurance
      • General Liability Insurance
      • Commercial Auto Insurance
      • Workers' Compensation Insurance
      • Surety Bonds
      • Specialty Insurance
    • Health, Life & Employee Benefits Insurance >
      • Individuals >
        • Health Insurance
        • Short Term Health Insurance
        • Dental Insurance
        • Vision Insurance
        • Life Insurance >
          • How Much Life Insurance is Enough?
        • Disability
      • Employers >
        • Group Health Insurance
        • Group Dental Insurance
        • Group Vision Insurance
        • Group Life Insurance
        • Group Disability Insurance
        • 401(k)
        • Worksite Marketing Plans
      • Seniors
    • Insurance FAQs
    • Insurance Tips
  • ONLINE SERVICES
    • Manage My Account
    • Report a Claim
    • Applications
    • Customer Reviews
    • Social Media
    • Blog
    • Flood Claim Information
    • Helpful Links
  • CONTACT