I am unhappy with my current insurance carrier (Home, Auto, Umbrella) and am thinking about using an independent insurance agent. Any advice on whether you think they’re worth it and any pointers would be appreciated.
And if anyone knows an agent in the Northern Virginia area they recommend I’d appreciate hearing of them.
TIA
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.
LINK. - ( New Window )
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.
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.
My dad always used an independent agent for their insurance in NJ, but the agency was family.
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
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.
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.