A “captive (or dedicated) insurance agent” works for a certain insurance carrier and can only sell insurance policies provided by that carrier. An “independent insurance agent” has the freedom to get quotes through multiple insurance carriers.
Have an advocate on your side
The most obvious difference from a captive agent is that independent insurance agents work for YOU, not for the insurance carriers. They are unbiased and do their best to get the best deals and coverage for their clients.
Options
A captive agent can offer you policies from one carrier, but an independent agent has access to often dozens of carriers. This gives you increased flexibility and coverage options that one carrier is unable to provide.
Save time
An independent agent will do the research and shop policies for you with different carriers.
Easy to understand coverage
If you’re only presented with one insurance carrier’s offerings, you may not realize how it compares to other carrier’s policies. Independent agents are licensed professionals who will do all the legwork and research for you. They’ll make it easy for you to understand what exactly you’re getting and how you’ll be protected.
All your policies under one roof
A “full-service” insurance agency (such as A and H Insurance) can meet all the needs of you, your family, your business, and your employees. Many captive agencies are narrowly focused on auto insurance, or business insurance, or simply don’t have access to a full range of insurance products. An independent agency that is full-service, can handle your home, auto, health, life insurance, and more under one roof, even if your policies are with several carriers.
Personal service
An independent insurance agent will get to know the insurance needs of you or your business. They aren’t some national chain or faceless internet carrier, but active members of your community. They won’t offer you policies that have insufficient coverage or policies that have excessive coverage. Independent agents are there for you and on your side in the event of a claim, rather than being biased towards the insurance carrier a captive agent works for.
Shop the policy at renewal
The policy you purchase initially may be perfect for you, but your business could grow, your life situation could change, or perhaps your current carrier isn’t meeting your needs. An independent agent can shop your policy around at renewal time to try to get a policy that is better for your current needs or budget.
Best value
Many times you will get superior pricing by shopping through an independent agent. However, you’ll almost always be getting the best value, coverage, and service for your dollar. If you’re getting insurance through some faceless online insurance carrier, you won’t be getting a partner to navigate the complexities of the insurance industry. A good independent agent will not offer you insufficient policies, such as state minimum insurance coverage. In the event you’re in an auto accident, you could be on the hook for potentially hundreds of thousands or more in damages and medical bills. So, just because an insurance policy is “cheap”, doesn’t mean it’s a good deal.
A and H Insurance in an independent insurance agency founded in 1957. We help our clients find the best insurance for themselves, their families, their businesses, and their employees. Give us a call, request an appointment, or request a quote (on the right side of the page) today to experience The A and H Insurance Difference!
