It seems that many insurance companies today no longer sell their policies through agents anymore, they sell insurance directly thru the company either online or over the phone. It might seem that having an agent to help you purchase auto insurance is a thing of the past, but don’t discount the insurance agent just yet. There are some very good reasons to consider using an insurance agent to buy care, home, renter’s, condo and motorcycle insurance.
Agents Know Their Products
Many of the customer service representatives who handle the phones at large insurance company call centers know the basics of the insurance policies, enough to help you select and purchase one. But insurance agents, especially those who have been around for a while, understand a lot more about coverage and policy limits. They can share with you a wealth of knowledge that will ensure you not only get the right policy, but the best rate and a good understanding of what you are paying for. An agent will help you select the best possible coverage limits to fit your needs and what you need to protect.
Agents Are On Your Side
If the day comes when you need to file a claim, it’s always good to have someone who is truly on your side. Especially in a complicated claim, your agent can walk you through the process and be there to answer all your questions. An agent is also there to step in when there are disagreements with the adjuster or other involved parties at the insurance company. Because your agent knows all about the policy and how the claims process works – and knows you, they will be able to go over any claims issues with you and your adjuster.
At this day and age I am sure almost everyone has had a bad experience with an automated phone system. When you are calling to report an insurance claim one of the last things you want to deal with is getting lost in an automated phone system. When you have an agent you can call your agent directly to report the claim and the agent can handle things for you from there. You will talk to someone who you’re familiar with to report the claim and you won’t have to press a bunch of numbers on your phone before you can speak to an actual person.
Agents Keep Your Policy Accurate
A good agent will take the time to review your policy with you and make sure that everything is accurate and you are still carrying the coverage you need. An agent knows when changes in your life might affect your insurance coverage needs, such as a marriage, change in job or a child getting their driver’s license. Large insurance company call centers can’t always provide that level of personal attention and if you have to call back there is a good chance you will end up talking with someone else and have to go over everything all over again.
Are Agents More Expensive?
There is a general view that an insurance policy purchased through an agent will cost more than one purchased directly. That isn’t necessarily true. The best rate for you may well be one from an agency, so don’t discount quotes from agents when you are shopping for car insurance. You might get the best rate along with the service only an agent can provide. And for some people paying a little more to receive personal service is more than worth having to pay a little extra, especially when there is a claim that needs to be filed or when you have important changes to make to your coverage.
You might not feel that you need an agent for your insurance, but there are certainly some very good reasons to take the time to meet with a one and see if it turns out to be right for you.
Here at the Daigneau Insurance Agency we are always willing to make time for our customers and potential customers whether it’s to make a payment over the phone, add a car to their policy, file a claim, change an address or they just have some questions (even the “what if”) questions.
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