We as agents sometimes forget that most people do not understand what we do, nor do they understand the insurance industry. It is our job to clue them in! So today, we will be covering what the role of insurance agents are within the industry.
Independent agents (like me) are here to run rates through multiple carriers that we are contracted with. That means we can compare the different rates and make sure they meet your needs. Not every agency is going to have the same contracts, so you could very well get different quotes from separate agencies. Now, that leads me to our purpose: to get you the best rates. The independent agent is the agent that works closely with the client to ensure they have the right coverage and the best price. We are here to guide and provide!
Captive agents are those that sell policies for one company, such as Allstate or State Farm. Sometimes, they may earn contracts with carriers that are bought by or already owned by their company. They usually own their own business books and do the servicing for the policies. Their setup is usually at a satellite office. Their purpose is to help you shop directly with that carrier and make sure you have all the information you need to decide on coverage.
Direct company agents are the ones that work for the company and do not own their book of business. These are the agents you speak to if you are making a direct call to a single carrier, like Geico or Liberty Mutual. They run you through their company’s system to get you a quote, but they might not have as much wiggle room as the Captive or Independent agents.
All these agents are here to help you understand your rates, your coverage, and your overall insurance. Use them to your advantage and get the best rate for you!
