Why would you hire an independent agent?

Asked by: Kaylie Kassulke Sr.  |  Last update: August 4, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (17 votes)

They offer one-stop shopping – Independent agents can often meet all of your insurance needs with the companies they represent, providing auto, home, renter's, and business coverage. Many offer life and health insurance as well. They are consultants for a lifetime – Independent agents periodically review your coverage.

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 are two 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.

What is a characteristic of an independent agent?

Independent agents typically are very well trained and knowledgeable of the complexities of the insurance market and insurance law. Their expertise allows them to advise their clients about appropriate amounts of insurance and insurance coverages for their particular needs.

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

An insurance broker represents consumers in their search for coverage and can sell policies from several different insurance companies for a commission. Unlike captive and independent agents, who represent one or more insurance companies, a broker's primary duty is to the client.

Independent Insurance Agent: Why You Should Hire A Local Agent

23 related questions found

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.

Which insurance company pays highest commissions?

Comparing the commission payment with new business premium (FY 2021) shows that Max Life has the highest commission ratio at 18%, followed by LIC (12%) and ICICI Prudential Life (11.3%). The high commission payouts reflect the high dependence of life insurers on individual agents.

What are the benefits of being an insurance agent?

Let's dive into the top five benefits of being an insurance agent.
  • You can give back to your community. ...
  • You'll find an abundance of opportunities. ...
  • You can develop a broad skill set. ...
  • You'll enjoy job security. ...
  • It's easy to get started.

How do I know if my insurance agent is good?

People skills are the number one characteristic of a successful insurance agent. They must be able to communicate with others easily without using technical terms or insurance jargon that could mislead clients. Agents must have the ability to listen and empathize with clients to understand what they need and want.

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?

Is it better to be a captive or independent insurance agent?

Generally speaking, there isn't one better type of insurance agent. Whether you choose to work with a captive agent or an independent agent depends on you. The main benefit of working with a captive agent is that they have extensive knowledge of their insurers products and policies, because they have one carrier.

Is it good to be a captive agent?

Captive agents are usually paid a salary and commission and are provided with benefits. The advantages of being a captive agent include the benefits of working for a company, such as administrative tasks, a national advertising budget, and a client list.

Which insurance company is best to be an agent for?

What are the best insurance companies for independent agents?
  • National General Insurance.
  • Nationwide Insurance.
  • Markel Insurance.
  • Progressive Insurance.
  • Selective Insurance.
  • The Hanover Group.
  • Travelers Insurance.
  • West Bend Mutual Insurance.

Why do insurance agents earn so much?

Because the amount of money insurance agents earn is comprised largely of commissions and bonuses, the number of sales an insurance agent makes is the biggest factor that contributes to the disparity between the highest and lowest paid of insurance agents.

What is the most important part of an insurance agents job?

The most important part of an insurance agent's job is to sell the client what they need, so you'll need to avoid suggesting policies that don't benefit them. Insurance companies remain competitive by offering potential customers a better policy.

Why do insurance agents quit?

26.2% voted a lack of money for leads as their primary reason why they quit. Less important reasons agents quit selling insurance include running out of prospects, personal issues like health problems, and discovering the business wasn't a right fit.

What are pros and cons for an insurance agent?

That's why we candidly offer what we believe are the pros and cons of being an agent.
  • PRO: Your Career is Self-Directed. ...
  • CON: You Don't Have a Boss. ...
  • PRO: Your Income Potential is Unlimited. ...
  • CON: You Never Know How Much You'll Make from Week to Week. ...
  • PRO: You'll Have a Diverse Product Line to Fit all of Your Clients.

Can I work for 2 different insurance companies?

Yes, you can write policies with more than one carrier, depending on the contract you set up with each carrier. Keep in mind that not all insurance providers allow their products to be sold with other insurance. GEICO and State Farm are good examples. They are both considered captive insurance agencies.

How much does an insurance agent make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an insurance agent can earn more than $100,000 in their first year. The median annual wage for insurance sales agents was $52,180 as of May 2020. The lowest 10% of earners in the industry made less than $29,000, and the highest 10% earned more than $127,840.

What percentage of life insurance agents succeed?

More than 90% of new agents quit the business within the first year. The rate increases to greater than 95% when extended to five years.

Can you become a millionaire being a life insurance agent?

Is It Possible To Become A Millionaire Selling Insurance? A big yes. But like any other job, it takes time to be good at what you do and attain such income levels. Top agents earn anywhere between $100,000 to one million dollars.

How do insurance agents calculate commission?

As per Insurance Act, 1938, The insurance companies are allowed to pay a maximum commission of 40 per cent of the first year's premium, 7.5 per cent of the second year's premium and 5 per cent from there on. The commission paid is limited to 2 per cent in case of single premium policies.

What is the difference between an insurance broker and an insurance agent?

While both agents and brokers work with insurance companies and insurance buyers, they differ in who they represent during the purchasing process. An insurance agent represents each of the insurance carriers they work with, while an insurance broker represents the insurance buyer.

How many policies does an insurance agent sell?

About on average 25 to 40 per month. 2.5 policies per month is the Official Number from the financial reports. But many people do it part time.

Is selling life insurance difficult?

Even when pitching to the most-qualified prospect, do not assume you have an easy sell. Life insurance is a very difficult product to sell. Simply getting your prospect to acknowledge and discuss the fact they are going to die is a hard first step.