Are independent insurance agents better?

Asked by: Trent West IV  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (38 votes)

They give you a choice – Independent agents represent many different insurance companies that offer a wide variety of coverage options and price points. ... With their connections and their knowledge of the market, agents can often find a better value for your insurance dollar than you might find searching on your own.

What are some advantages of working with an independent insurance agent?

This is arguably the most important benefit of working with an independent insurance agent.
  • Responsiveness. ...
  • Help Throughout the Claim Process. ...
  • Faster, More Efficient Insurance Claim Processing. ...
  • Better Communication. ...
  • Personalized Coverage Reviews. ...
  • Save Money. ...
  • Stay With a Trusted Choice As Your Needs Change.

Do independent insurance agents handle claims?

Although the insurance company manages the claim, independent agents often are the point of contact for insureds and play a crucial role in the claims process.

Why do insurance companies use independent agents?

The independent agent acts as a middleman to connect insurance buyers and sellers in order to facilitate a transaction. Independent agents receive commissions for the policies that they sell and are not considered employees of any specific insurance company.

What makes an independent insurance agent different from other agents?

While independent agents do not have access to the support and referrals that insurance companies provide to their exclusive agents, independent insurance agents have the benefit of being able to offer their clients policies from multiple insurance providers, giving them the ability to offer a wider selection of ...

Captive or Independent! Which Is Better For New Insurance Agents?

16 related questions found

Why do insurance agents quit?

Most agents quit because they can't get enough sales to support themselves and their families. The only way to change that is to learn how to get more leads, better leads, and follow up on them. People go on fact-finding missions online. They don't care who answers their question, as long as they get answers.

Does State Farm use independent agents?

* State Farm agents are independent contractors and are solely responsible for office expenses and decisions regarding the employment and/or management of agent team members employed by them.

How do I choose an insurance agent?

7 Tips to Selecting the Right Independent Insurance Agent
  1. Know the Difference between Independent Agents and other Insurance Agents. ...
  2. Ask for Referrals. ...
  3. Decide If Location Is Important to You. ...
  4. Visit Their Websites. ...
  5. Look for Credentials. ...
  6. Interview the Independent Agents. ...
  7. Knowledge and Trust Are Key.

What is the difference between an independent agent and a broker?

A broker represents the insurance buyer. Agents serve as representatives of insurance companies and may be captive or independent. ... An independent agent represents multiple insurers. An insurance agency sells policies on behalf of insurers that have granted it an appointment.

Which insurance company is best to be an agent for?

Here are some of the best insurance carriers that accept independent insurance agents.
  • National General Insurance.
  • Nationwide Insurance.
  • Markel Insurance.
  • Progressive Insurance.
  • Selective Insurance Group.
  • The Hanover Insurance Group.
  • Travelers.
  • West Bend Mutual Insurance Company.

Do State Farm agents help with claims?

02 Claim Investigation

We'll review your claim and assess the damage. If needed, we'll contact you for additional details. We may also contact you to discuss your coverage and next steps. You'll be able to track your claim online or through our mobile app.

How do I find a life insurance agent?

Contact an Agent Association.
  1. American Agents Alliance (866) 497-9222.
  2. California Association of Health Underwriters (800) 322-5934.
  3. Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California (800) 772-8998.
  4. National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors-California (NAIFA-California) (916) 646-8600.

What do claim agents do?

A claim agent verifies the existence of an insurance policy and afterward determines the extent of the insurer's liability to the loss or damage suffered by the policyholder. ... Ultimately, a claim agent negotiates an appropriate settlement based on applicable laws and best insurance practices.

How do independent insurance agents make money?

Independent agents are paid primarily on commission. The more clients they serve, the more money they make. And as those clients renew each year, independent agents continue to make commissions of those policies. In general, however, independent agents receive larger commissions than captive agents.

What is the difference between a captive agent and an independent agent?

In short, captive insurance agents are contracted to work for one insurance company and can only sell that company's policies. On the other hand, independent agents are contracted to work with a variety of insurance companies and can sell policies from multiple providers.

Is it important to have a local insurance agent?

It is so important to have a local insurance agent because they can help you understand these things and counsel you on what options are best for you. One-Stop-Shopping. Home, Auto, Life, Health, Motorcycle, Business, Farm, Commercial and more, all at one place!

What is the most profitable insurance to sell?

The Most Profitable Insurance to Sell
  • It should not come as a big surprise that auto insurance is the best selling and most profitable insurance product. ...
  • Property or home insurance typically covers anything that can pose a risk to your clients' property like theft, flood, fire, and inclement weather.

What type of insurance agent makes the most money?

Overview of the Insurance Field

While there are many kinds of insurance (ranging from auto insurance to health insurance), the most lucrative career in the insurance field is for those selling life insurance.

Who makes more money insurance agent or broker?

Typically earn more commission from insurance companies than captive agents who enjoy more stability. Pay their own overhead costs for running an independent business.

What questions should you ask an insurance agent?

Start a conversation: 8 questions to ask your insurance agent.
  • What is my deductible? ...
  • What is my premium? ...
  • What happens if I get in a car accident? ...
  • Does my homeowners insurance policy offer enough protection? ...
  • Is it time for me to consider life insurance? ...
  • Do I have enough liability coverage? ...
  • Do I need an umbrella policy?

What do successful insurance agents do?

A successful insurance agent will be able to offer a comprehensive solution that can meet their customers' demands. They understand the products and services they are selling and can describe them in an easily understandable manner.

Are insurance agents trustworthy?

I just read this article, which includes this: “According to an Accenture study, only 27% of consumers consider insurers to be trustworthy. And Deloitte found that only 11% of people have strong trust in insurance agents and brokers.” I've seen studies like this over the years.

Does Geico have independent agents?

As a GEICO Local Agent, you own a local GEICO insurance agency and are an independent contractor exclusively writing business for GEICO and affiliated companies. We're looking for motivated, hardworking, competitive sales entrepreneurs in many available markets.

Which insurer does not use agents?

State Farm, Allstate, and Geico are all insurance companies that will only sell their products through their agents. They don't permit their agents to sell any products from any other insurance companies.

How do State Farm agents get leads?

However, State Farm Agents can level the playing field through SEO optimization or PPC marketing. If a State Farm Agent can improve their search results in Google, Bing, and other search engines, they will secure more leads on a consistent basis year after year.