What are the benefits of an independent insurance agent?

Asked by: Oswaldo Schuster  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.7/5 (61 votes)

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.

What is the advantage of using an independent insurance 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.

Is it better to have an independent insurance agent?

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 the benefits of 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.

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.

The Benefits of an Independent Insurance Agent

42 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.

Can you get rich selling insurance?

There's no limit to how much you can make selling insurance provided you have the passion and commitment to put in the extra work. However, insurance sale is a lucrative business that can earn you substantial profit margins once everything is up and running.

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.

What does an insurance agent do on a daily basis?

The daily tasks of an insurance agent

Ensure all paperwork is filled out and properly filed in order to put policies in place. Customize insurance policies to meet your client's needs. Ensure all policy requirements are fulfilled. Inspect properties to evaluate current conditions and decide on potential risk.

How does an insurance agent make money?

The primary way an insurance broker makes money is from commissions and fees earned on sold policies. These commissions are typically a percentage of the policy's total annual premium. An insurance premium is the amount of money an individual or business pays for an insurance policy.

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.

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.

How do I choose an independent 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.

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!

Is an insurance business profitable?

Insurers and Profit Margins

Many insurance firms operate on margins as low as 2% to 3%. Smaller profit margins mean even the smallest changes in an insurance company's cost structure or pricing can mean drastic changes in the company's ability to generate profit and remain solvent.

What do insurance agents need to know?

Below are some of the characteristics a successful insurance agent needs to complete their puzzle:
  • People Skills. People skills are the number one characteristic of a successful insurance agent. ...
  • Good Salesmanship. ...
  • Customer Service Skills. ...
  • High Energy Level. ...
  • Honesty. ...
  • Knowledge on a Variety of Products. ...
  • Choose the Right Carrier.

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.

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.

How do independent insurance agents work?

An independent agent is an insurance agent that sells insurance policies provided by several different insurance carriers, rather than just a single insurance company. The independent agent acts as a middleman to connect insurance buyers and sellers in order to facilitate a transaction.

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 are the different types of insurance agents?

There are two types of insurance agents:
  • Captive Agents. Captive agents work for one insurance company either full-time or as independent contractors. ...
  • Independent Agents. ...
  • Retail Brokers. ...
  • Wholesale Brokers. ...
  • Surplus Lines Brokers.

Can you sell life insurance from home?

In general, you can sell insurance from home as long as you are licensed to do so in your state. The average annual income for a “Licensed Insurance Agent Work From Home” in the US is $64,435. The most common insurance to sell is auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance and health insurance.

Can insurance agents make millions?

Insurance agents can make more than a million dollars per year, but most don't because they focus on marketing to people they know and rely heavily on referrals. Insurance agents that obtain online insurance leads open the door to becoming financially free.

Is selling insurance hard?

On the bright side, selling life insurance offers a few benefits difficult to find in other careers. First, life insurance sales jobs are abundant and easy to find. ... However, even when you locate a good prospect, the product itself is hard to sell. People are loath to discuss or even acknowledge their own mortality.

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.