agents vs. company direct

Getting Insurance: Agents vs. Company Direct

There are several ways of getting insurance. You can deal with intermediaries or you can deal directly with an insurance company. You may get better service and lower insurance rates by dealing with agents rather than directly with an insurance company.

Insurance Agents

Intermediaries such as insurance agents and brokers represent both the interest of the insured (the client) and the insurance company. Good insurance agents and brokers will provide you the following:

1. Fast and personalized service.
2. Assist you in insurance claims and vehicle repair.
3. Remind you when it is time to renew.
4. Explains your policy.
5. Tries to secure the very best rate and coverage for your specific needs.
6. Pick up and deposit your check payments.
7. Personally delivers your insurance policy.
8. Represent insurance companies that promptly pays valid insurance claims

Company Direct

You may also deal directly with an insurance company by calling their office or visiting their website and filling out their online forms. However, note the following issues in dealing directly with an insurance company:

1. You will usually have to do administrative tasks such as going to the insurance company's office to request for a quote, get a policy issued, and personally pay the cashier.
2. You might not get as fast a service as what a good agent can provide you.
3. You will have to remind yourself about renewing your policy on the correct date.

Insurance Intermediaries or Company Direct

You will be best served by dealing with a good insurance agent because of the following:

1. Better rates - You might think that an agent's quote is more expensive than dealing direct with an insurance company. But it is usually not the case. Companies would usually give a standard quote. Good insurance agents negotiate with an insurance company to give a better rate (i.e. lower quote).
2. Time - Insurance agents will take care of all administrative tasks involved in getting and maintaining an insurance policy.
3. Hassle free - Good insurance agents make it easy and hassle free to get insurance and assistance in insurance claims.

To sum up, dealing with a good insurance agent will usually result in lower insurance premiums, better service, and less hassle for you.

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NonLifeInsurance - Car, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Online Quotes
Guide to getting car insurance and other non life insurance products such as fire, affordable health, homeowners. Plus articles and tips such as agent vs. direct, where to buy, and links to other useful resources.