Is it important to have a local insurance agent?

Asked by: Dave Hirthe V  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 5/5 (20 votes)

You're investing in a local business: Purchasing a local agent can save you money, as they often have a ton of options to choose from. Local agents donate their time and resources to better their communities, and when a catastrophe strikes, they will be there to see their clients are taken care of.

Is it better to use an independent insurance agent?

Are independent agents worth it? Working with an independent agent usually does not cost anything and can save time by allowing the agency to shop for quotes with all the insurance companies it works with. An independent agent may be able to find a better deal for your insurance needs than you can.

What does a local insurance agent do?

Insurance agents sell and negotiate life, health, property, or other types of insurance to match the needs of their clients. As an insurance agent, you may work for an insurance company, refer clients to independent brokers, or work as an independent broker.

Is it cheaper to get insurance without an agent?

Commission costs tend to be higher for independent agents than captive agents. However, an independent agent can comparison shop among multiple insurers to find the best price for the coverage you need. ... Direct comparison shopping online, with no agent and no commissions, is the cheapest way to buy car insurance.

Why is it important to have an insurance agent?

Save Money

Assuming you make the right decision and go with an independent insurance agent, you have a much better chance at saving money. Independent insurance brokers use their experience as leverage to keep insurance companies honest with their rates. They also shop your policies annually.

Why is important to have a local insurance agent?

37 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.

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.

Do insurance agents cost more?

Agents add on additional fees to the insurance premiums you are paying each month. While this is not a huge increase in cost, it can bring your average cost up each month. Essentially, you are paying for the extra service you get by working directly with an agent.

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.

Can an insurance broker save me money?

While brokers can save you time and money, you may have to pay a broker fee for their services. Even with the fee, you may spend less overall. For example, if a broker saves you $100 on a policy per year for three years, and charges a $100 fee, you've still saved $200.

What's a typical day like for an insurance agent?

A typical day for a life insurance agent involves actively pursuing potential clients by phone, mail, email, or social media; making presentations to clients or groups; and meeting with clients to discuss long-term goals and coverage options.

How much do insurance agents make per policy?

Annual commissions for auto insurance range from 10 to 12.5 per cent, although a few firms pay up to 13.5 per cent. Property insurance offers commissions of 20 to 23 per cent. So if you use an insurance broker and pay $1,000 annually to insure your home, upward of $200 a year would be going to the broker.

Do insurance agents get commission?

Now, the commission that the insurance agents receive, from the insurance company, is a percentage of the premium. Since the premiums are low in a term plan, the commissions are low as well. Hence, the insurance agents are not keen to sell term plans as they cannot make good money out of it.

What is the advantage of working with an independent agent?

Independent agents work with a variety of insurance companies to get you the best coverage at the lowest prices. An independent insurance agent has access to many markets to provide you with the policies you need. This access to choices can mean lower rates, less restrictive policies, and better coverage.

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.

What are the qualities of a good insurance agent?

Top Ten Traits of Successful Insurance Agents
  • Problem-solver. Do you enjoy coming up with creative solutions to problems? ...
  • Self-motivated.
  • Honest. This might seem obvious, but unethical insurance agents rarely stay in business very long. ...
  • Sense of urgency. ...
  • Reslience. ...
  • Passionate. ...
  • Communication Skills. ...
  • Good Listener.

Are brokers worth it for car insurance?

Expert advice: Car insurance brokers should be experts in the car insurance industry, and should use their expertise to help you get a better deal on car insurance. Less time and effort: Using a broker should make it easy to arrange your insurance, while brokers can also often help you if you need to make a claim.

Can you trust an insurance broker?

So, can you trust insurance agents? The answer is: yes, but with caveats. If you want an agent that will advocate on your behalf, go independent.

Can you sue an insurance company for lying?

If they lied about your coverage, you could sue for misrepresentation. You can also file a negligence lawsuit if your insurer didn't perform their duties. It includes failing to respond to a claim or appeals letter or not conducting a proper investigation.

How do I report an unethical insurance agent?

The CDI toll-free hotline number is: 1-800-927-HELP (4357). Be aware that when you file a formal complaint the CDI contacts your insurance company, tells them about your complaint, and gets their side of the story.

Why do so many insurance agents fail?

The number one secondary reason agents quit selling insurance was that they ran out of money. The second most common secondary reason agents failed selling insurance was that they ran out of prospects to sell to. The third reason was the agency wasn't a good fit. And the fourth was personal issues.

Are insurance agents happy?

Insurance sales agents are one of the least happy careers in the United States. ... As it turns out, insurance sales agents rate their career happiness 2.3 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 2% of careers.

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.