In the world of insurance there are many options for the
customer, this week we will discuss two different types of agencies and how
those differences affect you.
The first type is the direct
write agency (for example, State Farm or Farm Bureau). So, what does direct
write mean? It means that the agency works exclusively for a single insurance
company that they represent; they are really just an extension of the parent
company. This means you only get pricing from that one company when you request
a quote. If you happen to have a claim, you deal with a claims adjuster that
represents the insurance company. Many times the agency through which you
bought your policy has very little to do with the claims process.
In contrast, an independent
insurance agency (for example, PCE Insurance) works for YOU. They are able
to write policies through multiple companies, which means they can shop around
for you to find you the best coverage for the best price. Also, as your
policies near the time of renewal, your independent agent can review your
policy to make sure your needs are still being met, and that you are still
getting the best value possible. Another bonus is that if you happen to run
into any questions or issues with the insurance company, your agent can and
will be there to assist you every step of the way.
Bottom line your local independent agent has your best
interests in mind and they are not beholden to a single, larger parent company.
They have so many more options, and really, who would want fewer options?
Call us today to learn what your options are at 616.261.2222
