Is it cheaper to get insurance without an agent?
Asked by: Edison Carroll | Last update: January 10, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (60 votes)
Is it cheaper to get insurance through an agent or online?
Buying insurance online can often result in lower customer costs due to the elimination of commission fees for the insurance agent. However, buying insurance through an agent can offer a more personalized experience and in-depth policy analysis, leading to finding the most cost-effective coverage options.
Is it cheaper to get my own insurance?
Individual vs.
Employer-sponsored health insurance usually has lower premiums than individual plans. According to KFF's 2023 survey: Annual Premiums: Family coverage averages $23,968, with employees contributing $6,575.
Is insurance more expensive if you use an agent?
Fees and taxes are set by the insurance company, and in CA, agents selling admitted insurance policies are not allowed to add any additional agent/broker fees.
Is it cheaper to get health insurance through an agent?
You can use an agent's services for free.
A plan never costs more just because you choose to buy with an agent. When you understand the benefits of shopping through a licensed agent – and the fact that you don't have to pay more for using an agent – it's easy to see why shopping with an agent is the smart way to go.
Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online or through an agent?
What is the disadvantage of an insurance agent?
Additional Costs: One of the main drawbacks of using insurance agents is the potential for additional costs. Insurance agents typically receive commissions from insurance companies, which can increase your premium costs.
How much do insurance agents make per deal?
For auto and home policies, captive insurance agents earn about 5% to 10% of the entire premiums paid for the first year, while independent agents receive about 15%. Commission rates for renewals range between 2% and 15%, averaging around 2% to 5%, regardless of the type of agent.
Is it better to deal directly with an insurance company?
Some companies that don't offer direct buying options may be cheaper for some individuals, while buying direct insurance providers is more affordable for others. The only way to know which option is right is for a customer to compare both options for themselves.
Is it cheaper to get car insurance without an agent?
Online car insurance policies are generally cheaper than those offered by insurance agents as these don't include commissions and other fees. Most auto insurance companies also offer discounts if you purchase car insurance online. However, using an agent has its share of benefits.
How much of my insurance premium goes to my agent?
Commission structures vary by policy and company. But typically, life insurance agents receive as commission 60% to 80% of the premiums you pay in the first year. They collect smaller commissions in subsequent years. Added up, 5% to 10% of all the premiums you pay over the life of the policy could go to commissions.
Is there a way to make your insurance cheaper?
- Qualify for insurance discounts. ...
- Increase your deductible. ...
- Reduce your coverage. ...
- Compare rates. ...
- Try usage-based insurance. ...
- Take a defensive driving course. ...
- Get a car that's cheaper to insure.
What is the difference between a PPO and a HMO?
HMOs (health maintenance organizations) are typically cheaper than PPOs, but they tend to have smaller networks. You need to see your primary care physician before getting a referral to a specialist. PPOs (preferred provider organizations) are usually more expensive.
Is there a benefit to using an insurance agent?
Access to More Options: Independent agents have access to a variety of insurance companies, which allows them to deliver more options. They will search through all the available options for you to bring you the best possible combination of price, coverage, and service. More options mean lower premiums for you.
Does it cost money to talk to an insurance agent?
Insurance agents are paid by insurance companies. You only pay for the insurance policy, or policies, you want. There are typically no agent or agency fees.
Why is it cheaper to buy insurance online?
You can comparison shop when you look for car insurance coverage online, getting quotes from several providers to find the best car insurance rates for your profile. Buying online could also be cheaper because you won't pay agent commissions or other fees as you might when obtaining an auto policy in person.
How does your credit score affect your vehicle insurance in most states?
A higher credit score decreases your car insurance rate with almost every insurance company and in most states. Getting a quote, however, does not affect your credit.
Who pays less for car insurance?
Women typically pay less for auto insurance than men, according to the III, because they're less likely to be involved in accidents or serious violations and are more likely to wear seatbelts.
Is buying insurance through an agent more expensive?
Working with an independent agent won't cost you extra because their commissions are rolled into the price of a policy. However, since an independent agent can only offer policies from companies they work with, your options may be limited.
Can I get car insurance without an agent?
You may not need an insurance agent to purchase insurance but it depends on the insurance company. For example, you can buy insurance directly from both Geico and Progressive. However, other providers only sell insurance through agents.
Is it best to have all your insurances with one company?
Insurers often offer attractive discounts to customers who choose to bundle their policies. This isn't merely a marketing ploy; bundling genuinely brings cost advantages. If you give them more business, they will provide you with more savings!
Can insurance agents get better rates?
An insurance broker can save you a lot of time but can they save money for your business, compared to going directly to insurers? The short answer is yes. Insurance brokers get better rates by leveraging industry expertise and insurer relationships to find the right policy with proper coverage at appropriate costs.
Do insurance agents make money off of you?
Agents typically get paid through commissions, which are a percentage of the insurance premium or on a federally regulated standard. This doesn't mean you should always try and sell the most expensive policy. When agents sell a new policy, they earn a higher commission rate compared to when that policy is renewed.
What percentage of insurance premiums go to the agent?
The common range is between 5% and 10% of a policy's total premiums for the first year, with the percentage going down after a plan is renewed.
How do car insurance agents get paid?
Do I Have To Pay The Insurance Agent A Fee? Insurance Agents get paid a commission (percentage of your premium) from your insurance carrier. You do not pay insurance agents directly. Instead, every time you make a premium payment, the insurance carrier pays the set commission rate to the agent or agency.