An independent insurance agent offers consumers numerous choices—translating to better coverage, and better value—with policies tailored to each client’s unique needs.
What’s the difference between a direct/captive agent and an independent agent?
A direct/captive agent works for the insurance company, while an independent insurance agent (also known as an insurance broker) works for the customer. An independent agent works with many different insurance companies and offers the consumer choices. Direct/captive agents, in contrast, are limited almost exclusively to one company’s products, services, and coverages. The standard of care offered by a direct/captive agent is often less than that of an independent agent.
What are the benefits of working with an independent agent?
Choice
It’s not a one-size-fits-all proposition with an independent agent. Because they have no exclusive relationship with any one insurance company, independent agents are able to offer consumers unbiased guidance on a wide variety of products, coverages, and prices from multiple companies.
Personal Relationship
You can develop a lasting relationship with your independent agent. With a direct/captive agent, if something goes wrong and the agent’s company decides to non-renew your account, you have to find a new agent. Should that happen with an independent agent, your agent can find a new insurance company for you—and you still maintain your trusted relationship.
Equipped for Challenges
Independent agents also have the ability to write even the most challenging accounts—from basic home and auto package policies all the way up to major corporations with international exposures. It’s highly unlikely that an independent agent will have to turn away a potential customer with all the choices and options available to them.
Custom Fit
Working with an independent agent is like having your own personal shopper—an authority on many different types of insurance and exposures—who will take the time to understand your unique situation, needs and goals, and recommend coverages and policies that are best-suited to you.
Savings
An independent agent can save time and money—with both premiums and claims. A consumer doesn’t have to spend hours gathering quotes from multiple companies. You can accomplish this with a single phone call and application with an independent agent. And those better fit coverages—that suit your needs and not someone else’s agenda—provide better value in the long run.
Key Advocate
Because independent agents represent the consumer with multiple companies, they can be key allies come claim time. Don’t underestimate the value of having a knowledgeable, experienced advocate to guide you through both the shopping—as well as the claims—process.
The Bottom Line
The true role of an independent agent is not just about providing information, it’s about guiding customers through choices that will best identify their needs and provide sound solutions. With agents boasting more professional insurance designations (reflecting specialized knowledge and expertise) than any other local agency, it’s no wonder Forest Insurance has been the area’s trusted resource for more than 60 years.
We welcome your insurance-related questions. Contact the independent insurance agents at Forest Insurance at 708-383-9000, email us at info@forestinsurance.com, or visit us at www.forestinsured.com to learn more about the best fit coverage for your home, auto, life, and business.
