This Is How an Agent Can Help You Buy Insurance

It’s natural to want to protect things that are valuable. From homes to cars, insurance is not only nice to have, but also often required by law. Finding an insurance policy that provides the right projection at the right time at a manageable cost can be challenging but not impossible.

Keep reading for some helpful tips when shopping for insurance and learn no how to decide if you should buy directly from the insurance company or through an agent.

Insurance Products in the Market

There are several insurance products that most people purchase. However, some of the most common include the following: car insurance, life insurance, business insurance, homeowner’s insurance, and renter’s insurance.

Benefits of Hiring Insurance Agents

When it comes to purchasing insurance products, you may notice that the process can be daunting. Finding insurance coverage that meets your needs may comparing the myriad of insurance companies, various rates, and understanding the different coverage options available.

Fortunately, buying insurances has been made infinitely easier thanks to the internet. You can read reviews, get tips and tricks, and obtain online quotes from various insurance companies. However, many people wonder if they should be enlisting the help of an insurance agent for more personalized service.

There are pros and cons to dealing with an insurance agent vs. buying insurance directly from the company. The key to making the decision is understanding how hiring an agent can benefit you in your search for the right insurance.

Agents Provide Better Customer Service

Some people complain of sub-par service and long hold times when they call customer service at big insurance companies to start a new policy, make policy changes, or follow up on insurance claims. In the case of claims, it can often take weeks or even months before you’re the claim is successfully resolved.

While agents don’t directly control how fast an insurance company resolves a claim, you will have someone who is in your corner. An insurance agent offers personalized service and can save you time by dealing with the insurance company on your behalf.

Insurance agents can also be an asset when it comes to understanding policy terminology, which is often confusing. An experienced agent is trained to understand the intricacies of insurance policies and relevant laws and can advise you accordingly. For example, if you were to purchase insurance through an agent, you might have more confidence that you are fully protected.

Agents Offer a Wider Variety of Options

Buying insurance products on your own gets arduous when you must call different insurance companies to ask about their coverage options, discounts, and policy premium amounts. You may get tired or frustrated after just a few calls and buy from the wrong company, which you will later regret.

However, independent insurance agents usually work with multiple insurance companies and are in a position to advise you on the best coverage based on your unique needs. Those who work for a particular insurance company will know the best tips and tricks to save you money on your coverage.

A skilled insurance agent will ensure that the recommended policy aligns with your insurance needs. You may potentially save money as the agent will interview you to get a better idea of your financial limits and suggest an insurance policy that provides quality coverage you can afford.

In the event you need to make changes to your insurance products, an agent can assist you without you having to spend time sitting on the phone with customer service. For example, if you were living in a rental property and had renter’s insurance before and you know you need homeowner’s insurance, an agent can help you navigate this major life change.

Agents Prioritize Your Needs First

When you hire an agent, you get peace of mind that the services they offer will be tailored for you. A knowledgeable agent understands what insurance products will be best for you with a background of your insurance needs and their experience in the industry.

The agent will consider both quality and price. Why? Independent agents are not in business with a specific insurance company — though they may have relationships with several companies to better serve their clients.

Agents May Give You Peace of Mind

Another major benefit of dealing with an insurance agent is peace of mind. When dealing with an insurance company directly, it gets uncomfortable when you must talk to different people every time you call. Dealing with an agent, you will build a rapport over time and have a familiar voice on the other end.

That said, it may be faster and less expensive to obtain coverage on your own. Often times, this can be done in less than a day online. It is a particularly good option if you enjoy doing research on your own. You may even turn finding the best coverage into a game!

Regardless of which option you choose, you will need to do your due diligence before deciding on an agent. Take the time to read reviews online or get recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues. If you have a need for various insurance products, an agent may be your best bet to make sure all your bases are covered.