Local Auto Insurance Agent: Worth The Hassle?

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to use a local auto insurance agent or not. On the one hand, local independent insurance agents are familiar with your neighbourhood and can offer you multiple quotes from different insurance companies, saving you time and potentially money. They can also provide personalized customer service and act as your advocate, working to find you the best insurance options to suit your unique needs.

On the other hand, insurance agents may be motivated by commission and could try to sell you more coverage than you need. They may also have less in-depth knowledge of policies compared to captive agents who work for a single insurance company and are experts on their products. Ultimately, the decision to use a local auto insurance agent depends on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Local agents have local knowledge and can recommend the best coverage for your area

Local insurance agents have a wealth of local knowledge, which is a huge advantage when it comes to recommending the best coverage for your area. They know your community, the local risks, and the local repair shops and services. This means they can advise you on the right level of coverage for your needs, and you can trust that their recommendations are informed and relevant.

For example, a local agent will know that your beach storefront needs higher flood coverage or that your dental practice needs a certain level of malpractice insurance. They can also recommend the best repair shops and services in your area, which is especially useful in the event of an accident.

Local agents are also more involved in your community. They are often active in local charities and causes, and they understand the local economy and the needs of local businesses. This means they can offer a more personalized service, and you can feel confident that they have your best interests at heart.

Local agents can also save you time and money. They can quickly assess your needs and shop around for the best coverage options, saving you from having to call around and compare quotes from multiple companies. They can also ensure you're not paying for coverage you don't need, and they can often find more competitive rates than those offered by larger companies.

Overall, local agents' knowledge of your area and community means they can provide a more tailored, informed, and efficient service, ensuring you get the best coverage for your specific needs.

Independent agents can offer more coverage options

Independent insurance agents are not employed by any specific insurance company. Instead, they are licensed to sell insurance policies from multiple providers. This means they can offer a broader range of insurance products to meet consumer needs.

For example, an independent insurance agent can contract with many providers to find the best life insurance policy for a customer. They can also help customers find the right auto insurance for their needs, especially if they have a poor driving record or low credit score.

Independent agents can offer multiple quotes from different companies, saving the customer time and money. They can also stay with the customer if they switch providers and provide personalized customer service.

However, independent agents may have less in-depth knowledge of the policies they sell compared to captive agents, who work for a single company and are often experts on its policies.

Independent agents are your advocate and work for you, not the insurance company

Independent insurance agents are not employed by any specific insurance company. Instead, they act as a middleman, connecting insurance buyers and sellers. They are paid on commission for each policy sold and are not considered employees of any specific insurance company.

• They are familiar with your local area: Local independent insurance agents are familiar with your neighbourhood. They know the specific insurance needs of your area, such as higher flood coverage for a beach storefront or a certain level of malpractice insurance for a dental office.
• They provide more coverage options: Independent agents can provide quotes from multiple insurance companies, giving you a range of coverage options to choose from. This allows you to find the exact coverage you need at the most competitive price.
• They give unbiased advice: Independent agents work with multiple companies, so they can provide objective advice without ulterior motives. They are required by law to put the customer's interests first.
• They focus on building relationships: Independent agents accompany their customers through life changes, such as moving to a new home or adding a teen driver to their policy. They are also present during difficult times, such as accidents, tragedies, or the loss of a loved one.
• They can represent you even if you switch insurance companies: Independent agents can continue to represent you if you need to switch insurance providers. They can help you find another company with better rates or a more suitable product for your needs.
• They offer person-to-person assistance: Independent agents provide personalised assistance and are often locally owned, allowing you to do business face-to-face if needed.

They can offer expert advice and explain complicated policies in a way you can understand

Local insurance agents are experts in their field, and this knowledge enables them to explain complex insurance policies in a way that is easy for their clients to understand. They can clarify the diverse types of coverage, ensuring that their clients don't purchase insufficient or unnecessary insurance due to a lack of understanding. This is especially beneficial for those with unique insurance needs, such as SR-22 filing or home insurance near the coast.

Local insurance agents are also able to offer advice on the best course of action in the event of a claim. They can guide their clients through the process of filing a claim, which can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for first-time claimants. This includes explaining what their policy covers and what steps to take to ensure a smooth claims process.

Additionally, local insurance agents are familiar with the inner workings of various insurance companies. They know how each company operates, including their strengths and weaknesses, claims service, and competitive rates. This knowledge enables them to provide informed recommendations and match their clients with the most suitable insurance company and policy for their specific needs.

Local insurance agents also stay up-to-date with any changes or updates to insurance policies. They can explain rate changes and complicated policy adjustments in a clear and concise manner, ensuring their clients fully comprehend the modifications. This helps clients make informed decisions and feel confident in their insurance choices.

Finally, local insurance agents are easily accessible and can be contacted via phone, email, or in-person visits. This accessibility provides peace of mind and assurance that help is readily available whenever needed.

Local agents can save you time by shopping around for the best rates on your behalf

Local insurance agents can save you time by shopping around for the best rates on your behalf. They can help you find the best deal for your insurance needs without you having to spend hours calling around different companies.

Independent insurance agents are not tied to a single insurance company. They work with multiple companies and can provide you with quotes from a range of insurers. This saves you from having to do all the legwork yourself and means you only have to provide your information once. They can also save you from having to navigate complex online forms, which can be time-consuming and confusing, especially if you're not computer-savvy.

Local agents often have a good understanding of your local area and community. They can use this knowledge to help you find the right coverage for your needs. For example, they might know that your beachfront property needs higher flood coverage or that your dental office requires a certain level of malpractice insurance. They can also recommend quality local repair shops or help you find a rental car in the event of an accident.

Independent agents are also more likely to provide a personalized service. They can get to know you and your unique needs and circumstances, and they can be your advocate, working to find the best insurance options for you. They can also assist with policy updates, modifications, and renewals, and they can help you file a claim if needed.

Overall, using a local insurance agent can save you time and provide you with a more tailored, human-centred service.

Frequently asked questions