5 Reasons Why Independent Insurance Agents are Superior

Nowadays, there are a variety of ways to purchase insurance. Some companies are direct-to-consumer, some go through what’s called the captive agency model, and some, like us, go through the independent agency model.

Let us break those down for you:

• Direct-to-consumer: You can go to a company website and buy insurance on your own without having to consult with an agent (we’ll tell you why we don’t recommend this in a minute)
• Captive agency model: Agencies that sell for one insurance company only
• Independent agency model: Agencies that sell for multiple insurance companies

Here’s why we believe in the independent agency model:

1. You have options. Yes, even insurance companies believe that having options is a good thing. Your agent can place you with the company that meets your specific insurance needs. A direct or a captive agent is limited to one option, while an independent agent has access to several.    
2. If your biggest concern is price, they can find the rates that work for you. Since different companies offer different pricing, if you only check one company’s rate you might be missing out on a better deal.
3. You can rely on their expertise. Since these agents work with a variety of companies, they know a lot. They have to remember different policies, systems, forms, verbiage, legalese, and so on and so forth. You can rest easy knowing that they have your back.
4. And on that note, their expertise takes the guesswork out of it for you. If you go with the direct-to-consumer approach, you may not know what you’re purchasing because you have nobody to help steer you in the right direction. Agents can give you the basics on appropriate policy limits and help you understand your insurance needs.
5. And, lastly, these agents are actual human beings and Michiganders too, so they understand what you need and will know what company makes sense for you. Independent agencies work for themselves (and for you) not for any one specific company. They’re not trying to sway you into choosing one product, they’re trying to help you figure out what’s best for you.

Independent insurance agents are superhuman insurance experts. They retain a wealth of information from each company they represent and then have to pare it down and explain it to the general public. It’s no easy task and, yet they make it seem so easy.

10/10: Would recommend.

If you are in need of an independent insurance agent, you’re in luck. We have this handy tool on our website called the Agency Locator Tool which helps you find an independent insurance agency near you.

Have any questions about what you just read? Please contact your Independent Insurance Agent or email us at socialmedia@psmic.com!