Top 3 Myths/Misconceptions of Working with an Independent Insurance Agent
Individuals & Families | Business Insurance | Team Berry Insurance
Even in an age where answers are just a click away, it can be difficult knowing exactly what to believe. Myths and misinformation still plague just about everything, including perceptions of insurance.
As an independent insurance agency ourselves, our team at Berry Insurance is used to hearing persistent myths about working with an insurance agent - ones that we frequently have to debunk.
So, if you’re hesitant about working with independent insurance agents because of rumors you’ve heard, let's sift through these misconceptions together so you can definitively know what independent agencies can offer you!
Table of contents:
- Working with an independent insurance agent is more expensive
- Independent insurance agents have less options
- Independent insurance agents are obsolete
Myth 1: Working with an independent insurance agent is more expensive
This is actually incorrect. Most independent agencies will not charge you any additional fees when working with them. Independent agencies are instead paid through the insurance companies and providers they work with.
In fact, since an agency works with multiple carriers, they can often save you money by finding premiums lower than your current policy or potential deals/discounts you could be eligible for.
At the end of the day, insurance agents work as your own personal insurance shopper, putting your interests first. While captive agents that represent a single carrier are stuck with one option to provide you, independent agents can compare coverages, prices, and deals to ensure you receive the best policy for your needs.
Even with the wider pool of options independent agents can offer you, insurance will still cost you. Especially nowadays with inflation affecting the price of numerous types of policies. At Berry Insurance, we often work with clients recommending different ways they can bring the cost of their home, auto, or other insurance policies down by bundling or other discount options.
Myth 2: Independent insurance agents have less options
Many believe that independent insurance agents are partnered with one carrier, meaning they can offer clients less options when searching for coverage. This is false, as independent agents instead work on behalf of multiple carriers.
This allows independent agents to cast wider when looking for the right insurance policy for whatever you need covered - whether that be for auto, home, business, life, and more.
Because independent agents work with multiple carriers, they also have access to exclusive carrier specific programs that captive agents would not be able to offer you.
Myth 3: Independent insurance agents are obsolete
With companies touting self service tools that can provide you a quote in seconds, many consumers think that using an independent agent is ineffective nowadays. And while it can be easy to receive a quote online, it’s another thing to understand said quote or ensure there are not any gaps in coverage.
Independent agents offer not only their expertise but advice on what coverages and policy will be perfect for you and your unique situation. Your agent will also be there to advocate on your behalf to your insurance provider, so you aren’t stuck trying to handle a difficult claim yourself in the event you experience an accident or loss.
Personalized support for your insurance needs is simply something a quick quoting quiz can never match in terms of expertise.
Demystifying the world of insurance
Understanding every bit of insurance you need is daunting, making having an agent just a call away all the more invaluable.
Now that we’ve debunked the major myths surrounding independent insurance agents, and the many benefits one can offer you, you can decide if working with an independent agent is right for you (we’d definitely recommend it!).
Worried switching insurance agencies will be difficult? That’s another myth! Switching agencies or carriers is actually a lot easier than you may believe, and another instance where the agent will walk you through the entire process. Learn more about how you can make the switch in this article: How to Switch Insurance Agencies.