7 Reasons To Work With An Independent Insurance Agent

Navigating the complexities of insurance can be daunting for homeowners and small business owners, especially if they don’t have the time to compare insurance policies or understand the process.

That’s where an independent insurance agent comes in. By acting as intermediaries between clients and insurance companies, independent agents can simplify the insurance buying process, making it less confusing and better tailored to your specific needs.

Read on to understand the benefits of working with an independent insurance agent, or use our interactive map to find an independent agent in New York!

1. You Can Access Multiple Insurance Options

Unlike a captive agent, independent insurance agents aren’t tied to specific insurers. Rather, they represent multiple insurance companies based on the strength of their policies, quotes, and market research. The result: a wide array of vetted insurance products from various carriers to choose from.

Policyholders get:

Increased Choice: With contracts from multiple insurance carriers, independent agents can offer a broader selection of policies, helping you find the coverage that best suits your unique needs.
Better Coverage Options: They can compare policies from different companies to ensure you get the most comprehensive coverage available.
Competitive Pricing: By shopping around, independent agents can find the most competitive rates, potentially saving you money. They also look out for group discounts or bundles, ensuring you get the best possible deal.

2. One-Stop Shop for Insurance Needs

Besides providing a larger insurance product selection, independent agents act as a go-to resource for insurance needs. The average policyholder will likely need some form of auto, homeowner’s, renter’s, or business insurance throughout their life. An agent can hunt for the right policies based on your requirements.

Having more options allows you to tailor your insurance policy more closely to your requirements, giving you peace of mind and potentially lower premiums.

Custom Packages: Independent agents review multiple policies and work with insurers to craft realistic insurance packages. That could mean going with a specific insurer to take advantage of bundled rates, or creating a custom package from multiple insurers to maximize coverage.

3. Personalized Service & Customer Support

Similar to insurance brokers, independent insurance agents prioritize the policyholder, not the insurer. They’re individuals that provide personalized service to meet your needs. You can think of them like a personal shopper. They take the time to understand your situation and research insurance products so you don’t have to.

This human-centric approach is also more personal and helps build trust between you and your independent agent, rather than dealing with a faceless online platform or a captive agent with limited options. After all, sometimes you just want to talk to someone to walk through your concerns rather than go through an automated menu.

Key benefits include:

Superior Customer Support: Many independent agents have an open-door policy. Policyholders can reach them through a call, email, or visit in case of any emergencies or questions regarding their policies or claims.
Advocating on Your Behalf: Independent agents help policyholders navigate complex insurance processes, ensuring the policyholder receives the correct services from the insurer. They’re in your corner and work on your behalf when dealing with insurance companies, whether you’re disputing a bill, submitting a claim, or shopping for new carriers.
Advice on Reducing Exposures: Policyholders might have blindspots on their coverage that they haven’t considered before. For example, if you move to a new state, you might not account for seasonal environmental hazards. Independent insurance agents can inform policyholders of unexpected risks.
Tailored Insurance Policy Shortlist: By understanding your situation, they can research the best coverage options at the most reasonable rates and provide a shortlist to choose from. Work with them to understand the pros and cons of each option.

4. Independent Insurance Agents Are Lifetime Advisors

Independent insurance agents understand the importance of cultivating genuine relationships with their clients and insurers. Instead of one-off support, good agents will check in periodically, working with clients to ensure their insurance policies are still relevant.

With an independent agent, you get:

One-on-One Consultation: Independent agents work closely with you, taking the time to understand your needs and preferences. This personalized approach helps in finding the best policy tailored specifically for you.
Ongoing Insurance Support: Their service doesn’t end once you purchase a policy. Independent agents are available year-round to assist with policy reviews, address questions, and handle other insurance needs. This continuous support helps build a trusting relationship, ensuring you feel secure in your coverage choices.
Lifetime Advice: Certain milestones in life may require insurance policy reviews, such as getting married, having children, moving homes, and more. Independent agents are excellent resources to ensure you’re properly prepared, regardless of your stage in life.

5. Licensed & Experienced Insurance Experts

Independent agents are experts in their field. Whether they’re a seasoned professional or are new to the scene, all independent insurance agents are required to hold licenses in their state by fulfilling core education courses and passing an extensive exam. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable when exploring policy options.

The best independent agents:

Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Insurance policies, trends, and practices shift over time, and they can differ from location to location. Savvy, independent insurance agents will do their due diligence when researching market trends. This proactivity helps policyholders rest easy knowing an agent is on the lookout.
Convey Policy Terms Clearly: With their deep understanding of the insurance market, independent agents can explain terms and conditions in simple, understandable language. They can guide you through the insurance process, making it less stressful and more transparent.
Are Compliant With Industry Standards: Independent insurance agents follow strict industry regulations, which enforce ethical practices and prevents price. Insurance compliance protects policyholders by ensuring insurers and agents

6. Unbiased Insurance Product Review

Independent insurance agents are free to sell insurance products from multiple insurers, unlike captive agents who sell products from a single company and often have specific quotas to meet. As a result, independent agents put the policyholder’s needs first, offering impartial advice.

No Hidden Agendas: Independent agents do not have to push a specific company’s products. Their recommendations are based solely on what’s best for you.
Customer-Centric Approach: Without the pressure of meeting sales targets, independent agents can focus on finding the best possible solutions for your insurance needs.

7. Independent Agents Find Cost-Effective Solutions

If you aren’t tired of reading it, here it is again: independent agents can help you save on insurance rates because they shop around on your behalf. They work within your budget constraints, comparing quotes and analyzing policy terms to find solutions that fit your situation.

- Knowledge of Discounts: They are well-versed in available discounts and savings, knowing how to apply them to your advantage.
- Relationships With Insurers: Independent agents have established relationships with multiple insurance companies, which can result in additional savings and more favorable terms for you.
- Compare Quotes on Your Behalf: By shopping on your behalf, agents save you time and stress.

Find an Independent Insurance Agent Near You

Working with an independent insurance agent offers numerous benefits, from access to a wide range of insurance options to personalized, unbiased service and cost-effective solutions.

If you’re looking for comprehensive insurance coverage tailored to your needs, explore our interactive map to locate agents in your area. Security Mutual is represented by over 400 independent agents across New York state.