NFT: Opinions/Advice on independent insurance Agents

they’ve been fair and responsive which is all I want. Doesn’t cost more? Probably, but they pick up and respond when needed. I also like giving mom and pops business when I can.

It depends on why you are unhappy though, is it purely cost? If so the independent route may not be cheaper but they can guide you a hell of a lot better IMO.

I have used Chris for years. If you decide to contact him, let me know.
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Though not in Northern Virginia. It is nice having someone who can compare multiple carriers when needed. Not sure how much it saves versus if I went directly to the carrier, but the customer service is much better.

Good independents will have a number of companies that they can place business with, often smaller and lesser known companies who can write quality policies at more advantageous rates than the big guys who spend millions on advertising.

I've had great luck with agents that I was referred to by satisfied friends who were their customers. In another case, the agent was someone I had peripheral contact with from work. He was worth his weight in gold to me - steered me right on some far-reaching decisions. So ask around.

One caveat - sometimes an insurance company will do things that will make it necessary for you to move your business regardless of the agent. I once had a situation when a company who had my vehicle business took on a new-to-them re-insurer who refused to write a vehicle that I had then. I had to move that policy and several others to get affordable quality coverage.

It's certainly worth a phone call to get the process started. It costs you nothing, except for answering a few questions about your home or your cars.

I used an Independent Agent this year and she saved us $150 on our 6-month Auto policy -- switched us from Allstate to Progressive. She said there were no savings in switching our Home Owners policy.

It's good to compare these policies every few years.

2 things are motivating me on this. First, my adult daughter left our insurance recently and got a better auto rate than we have despite being under 25. They’re also being unreasonable about the rate and coverage on the umbrella policy.

My dad always used an independent agent for their insurance in NJ, but the agency was family.

There are three parts
1) Price
2) Benefits
3) Verbiage, or the fine print.

You can pick two…
I know it sounds dumb, but we all just look at price. When one appears it’s more expensive for no reason, ask them to compare the benefits and verbiage to one you are thinking of switching. Sometimes it really is just more expensive. Sometimes there is a detail we’d overlook - which may or may not matter to you.

Just food for thought while you go through this. I unfortunately learned this lesson years ago lol

Once they sign you they will forget about you and just cash checks. Thats been my experience.

He's easy to reach by email with questions, needing to add a vehicle to a policy, etc. He can shop rates for us around multiple carriers and isn't tied to just one. He's not going to leave the company (large carrier) so you get passed around to a different agent with whom you have no rapport, or worse, as happened to me once with Liberty Mutual, I was assigned no agent at all...sort of like a robo-agent. Highly recommend the IA model.

Ive had one that signed me up to a fantastic policy (price wise) and saved me a boat load of money. Then 6 months in, the insurance provider drops the Agent and then dropped me after the policy term.

Long story, short, I called the Agent and he said he would get me another quote (6 months notice) and he ended up calling me 24 hours before the expiration (you could imagine my response).

I had already called another Agent and ended back with the same insurance company but 20% higher due to the 1st agent not properly insuring my property.

Too early to tell on the 2nd agent but they were very very thorough...maybe too thorough but there it is.

but independent is the way to go. A ggod broker can sho[ multiple carriers- 10- 20 or more- to find you the best policy. and the best policy does not always equate to price. Coverage is importnat and a professional will giude you the most apprpriate policy. I am very happy with my broker here in NJ. When my policy term is up, he shops to see if there is a similar policy at a lower rate.

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we are not salaried employees like Allstate or State Farm. We need to earn your loyalty by doing the best we can. As others above have said we represent several different carriers and often have to mix and match to get you the best rates and coverages. Captive agents mentioned above don't have that ability. Essentially we do the shopping for you.

In comment 16440108 give66 said:

Quote:

Once they sign you they will forget about you and just cash checks. Thats been my experience.

Sorry you had that experience. I tell our clients they can call us as often as they wish with questions etc at no additional cost. Try that with your accountant or lawyer.
You must have picked a lemon.