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There are many ways to purchase an insurance policy these days, whether it be online, over the phone, or in person. Ultimately, you will obtain insurance directly from an insurance company or through a licensed insurance agent. To drill down even more, there are multiple types of insurance companies and insurance agents to choose from.
For this discussion, we’re going to look at the benefits of using an independent agent vs. a captive agent.
In this day and age, it’s all about choices and options. This is where the value of an independent agent comes to light. Put simply; they can offer more choices than a captive agent.
Independent agents represent, in some cases, over 100 insurance companies. This means they can look at your situation and shop your needs with several dozen insurers to make the best recommendation for you.
Each insurance company will have different rates, liability limits, and in some cases, coverage types, so it’s important to look at them all. Additionally, one insurer might have spectacular pricing in your area that is much lower than the competition. Moreover, you may never know that because it could come from a company that doesn’t advertise much or at all.
Let’s look at an example of a potential insured shopping with both an independent agent and a captive agent.
You visit your local independent agent armed with the necessary personal information to obtain a car insurance policy. After answering all of the questions needed to correctly fill out an application, the agent “shops” your application to three different companies that typically accept risks of your nature.
Here are the potential results:
Company A: $750 for a one-year policy Company B: $918 for a one-year policy Company C: $430 for a six-month policy ($860 for one-year of coverage)
Assuming the limits and coverage types are similar, your agent may recommend Company A, as that policy would save you $110 over the course of one year. If you agree and proceed, the agent will bind your policy, and you will be covered.
Captive Agent:
In contrast to the example above, let’s look at the captive insurance agency. By nature, a captive agent only sells insurance for a single company. An example of a captive agent would be State Farm, Allstate, American Family, Horace Mann etc. All of the steps would be the same, up to the point where you receive your quote.
State Farm: $814
As you can see, State Farm is not the highest priced policy versus the independent agent’s options. They are cheaper than two of the three.
Here is where you will be limited though. The captive agent is not going to offer you any more quotes. They don’t have the option to do so. If this were the only place you shopped for insurance, you would be led to believe that this is the best rate available to you. You would be overpaying for the same coverage by $64 compared to Company A offered by the independent agent.
Independent agents may also have a leg up on the renewal process as well. Imagine in the example above that State Farm was the least expensive policy when you purchased coverage. What would happen the following year when your policy renewed? It’s possible State Farm had to increase their rates.
If you called your agent to see about getting another insurance quote, you would be out of luck. They can only sell you a policy from their company. You will likely hear “rates are going up everywhere because of the economy.” Take a break to roll your eyes if you’ve already heard that one before.
Additionally, I’ve personally heard stories where captive agents offer to reduce coverage as a means to lower your premium. You should never reduce your insurance coverage solely as a means to lower your premium unless you are out of other options.
Any agent who suggests this because THEY don’t have other options for you is not looking out for your best interests; they are looking out for their checkbook! Of course, the odds your agent would tell you to shop with another company are nil, zero, zilch, as they would not receive a commission from that sale.
On the flip side, what if your policy premium goes up with an independent agent? Well, the independent agent can “re-shop” your rate with any of the companies they represent and move your policy if necessary.
The independent agent can ensure you’re getting the best deal available every year. Just make sure your independent agent binds your policy with a stable, highly rated insurer.
There is something to be said for service. I’ve heard complaints about service from both large captive agent companies and companies who use independent agents to sell their product.
Don’t let anyone convince you that if you don’t go with one of the well-known national carriers that you’re risking anything. It just isn’t true. Every insurer operating in every state is watched by an associated State Department of Insurance to ensure their business practices are up to snuff.
Don’t let a multi-million dollar national advertising campaign be your only guide for information regarding your insurance choices.