What is the advantage of working with an independent agent?

Asked by: Nona Gorczany Jr.  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (11 votes)

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 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.

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 do independent agents do?

Independent agents are insurance agents or brokers that are not employed by any specific insurance agency. Independent agents are, therefore, able to sell insurance policies from multiple companies, where they are paid on commission for each policy sold.

What is the advantage of an insurance agent?

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.

The Benefits of an Independent Insurance Agent

31 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Is it cheaper to get health insurance through an agent?

When it comes to shopping the Affordable Care Act's Marketplace, an agent or broker won't be able to offer you cheaper rates than what you would be able to get on your own by shopping through HealthCare.gov or HealthSherpa. Consumers can often get affordable health insurance directly through the Marketplace.

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.

Is it cheaper to get insurance through a broker?

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.

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.

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!

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.

What does Agent mean in insurance?

An insurance agent is a professional who sells an insurance company's products to consumers for a commission. To sell insurance, an agent helps consumers select the right insurance to buy, but represents the insurance company in the transaction.

What is it like to be a life insurance agent?

Life insurance agents enjoy a lucrative career, but it does involve a constant hustle, networking, and sales in evenings and on weekends and general hard work. And there can be a lot of rejection before each sale. Rejection is standard in every sales career, but insurance sales set you up for significant rejection.

How insurance is sold?

Insurance is generally bought directly through an insurer or through independent agents and commercial brokers who provide access to the products of several insurers. Direct writers dominate auto and homeowners insurance sales, while commercial insurance is more commonly purchased through independent agents or brokers.

How are captive agents paid?

A captive agent is paid by that one company, usually with a combination of salary and commission, plus benefits. They may be a full-time employee or an independent contractor.

Can you sell insurance for two companies?

Unlike captive insurance agents, independent insurance agents are not contracted to work with one single company, and they can sell policies from multiple insurance companies.

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 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 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.