As someone who came of age in the technology era, I understand why you would ask "Why should I have an independent agent when I can purchase insurance online?" However, as an insurance agent, I also understand why it is so important for you to have your own agent.
For many people, insurance is simply something they are required to have. They do not want to spend the money to buy it, but they do so because they're required, either by law in the case of car insurance, or by a lienholder or mortgagee in the case of financed vehicles and home insurance. Some businesses only buy insurance because they are required by contract to carry general liability or by law to carry workers compensation. It's hard to give your money to an insurance company when you feel like you are not getting anything in return, so you may look for the fastest, easiest, and least expensive option to get it over with.
And that is where things can go wrong. If you purchase the first policy you find with the lowest rates, you might be missing out on coverage you need.
Independent agents are here to serve you and we are uniquely positioned to give you all of the options for the coverages that are available. We represent multiple insurance companies and are not bound to only sell you one name, one product, one plan. We have the resources to find you the options that best fit your needs.
As a licensed insurance agent, I can explain to you the complicated parts of your insurance policy. Do you know what your co-insurance percentage is under your homeowners policy? Do you know what co-insurance means for homeowners insurance? I can explain it to you.
The biggest reason you should have an independent agent, and I run into this regularly, is because I can guide you through what to do and what should happen in a claim. I am regularly asked, and most often this question comes from individuals that are not my clients and who do not have their own independent agent, is "What should I do about [X] claim situation?" I love to help people and I don't mind answering these questions at all, but I can give the best advice to people who are my clients. This isn't because I reserve knowledge for people who buy policies from me and my agency, but because I can best advise you about what your policy should/should not cover if I have access to your policy and am your appointed representative with your insurance company.
The second most frequently asked question I receive is "I am having trouble with my claim. Can you help me?" If I am your agent, the answer is unequivocally "YES!" The claims process can be confusing and frustrating sometimes if you don't know what to expect. Most of us hope not to have insurance claims because that means something has gone wrong, but insurance exists to help put things back to how they should be when something does go wrong. An independent can guide you through the claims process and can talk to your claims adjustor on your behalf.
Independent insurance agencies are locally owned businesses. We are a part of your community; we are your neighbors. We are here if you want to come in for a visit and we can be there for you if you need us. Sometimes, it is easiest to understand your insurance coverage and needs if you meet with someone face to face. An independent agent is here to do just that.
Wilson Timmons & Wallerstein, Inc. is a member of the Keystone Insurers Group. This means we are backed by a network of independent insurance agencies across 11 (and counting) states. Keystone Insurers Group agents work together to continually educate ourselves about changes and updates in the industry, as well as to find the best markets for your coverage. We are backed by industry experts with decades of experience. If I don't have the answer to your question readily available, I have access to all of the right people who do.
Insurance can be confusing. Independent agents are there to guide you.