You can purchase insurance in a few different ways. You can purchase straight from the company or through an agent. Which is the better option? In terms of the insurance buying experience, it primarily depends on your needs and desires, although there are benefits and drawbacks to each.
To help you determine which choice is best for you, below are the benefits and drawbacks of getting insurance through an agent versus buying insurance directly.
Should I get Insurance Through an Agent?
Purchasing insurance through an agent is similar to having your own personal assistant assisting you with your purchase. Captive agents and independent agents are the two categories of insurance agents. An independent insurance agent normally works for an agency that sells insurance products for multiple companies, whereas a captive agent solely sells for one business.
At the end of the day, you want to ensure that you get the most comprehensive coverage at the lowest possible cost. Purchasing your insurance policy from a reputable, knowledgeable insurance agent can assist you in making the best decision. Before making a final selection, be sure you understand your policy service alternatives.
There are advantages and disadvantages to purchasing insurance through an agent, which should be considered before making your decision.
Advantages of Getting Insurance Through an Agent
An insurance agent can assist you throughout the entire insurance purchasing process, as well as thereafter. The following are some of the advantages of purchasing insurance through an agent:
- An insurance agent can assist you in acquiring a policy and ensuring that you are purchasing the appropriate level of coverage for your needs.
- An agent can assist you in comprehending the many insurance terms and coverages.
- An independent agent can assist you in comparing pricing from a variety of insurance companies in order to locate the best offer. They can assist you in obtaining the finest, most inexpensive rate.
- Captive agents have a lot of experience and knowledge of the organization they work for.
- Agents are usually local to your area and familiar with the needs of your community.
- If you have any questions, need to make adjustments, or need to submit a claim, an agent can assist you at any time during your policy.
- Whether you work with a captive or independent agent, your agent can assist you in determining your insurance needs. Captive agents sell for a single company, whereas independent agents sell for multiple companies.
Disadvantages of Purchasing Insurance Through an Agent
Buying insurance through an agent is a terrific way to obtain help picking a coverage rather than doing it on your own, but it isn’t always the quickest approach. If you choose to buy insurance through an agent, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of.
- Because you rely on your agent for so much, some things may take longer to process than if you did it yourself.
- Captive agents work for a single company, while independent agents work for a few. You can miss out on chances because your agent doesn’t sell for the companies you’re interested in.
- Agents are paid a commission on your insurance, and they may be paid more if they sell you a policy from a specific business.
- It’s crucial to understand that if you employ an agent, you won’t be able to acquire insurance quotes from all firms. You’ll be limited to the companies that an agent represents.
- If you want a quotation from a company that your agent does not sell for, you must either buy straight from the company or find a new agent that offers that company’s insurance. While agents only represent a few firms, some companies only sell through agents, thus buying through an agent will be your only option if you want a policy from one of those companies.
- Because captive agents only sell for one firm, they are unable to recommend or assist you in obtaining quotations from other companies. They also won’t be able to assist you in changing companies. You’ll need to find a new agent or go direct if you wish to switch.
Should You Buy Insurance Directly or Through an Agent?
If you don’t require the assistance of an agent, you can get insurance straight from the company. This is frequently the quickest way to obtain coverage. It eliminates the need to go via an agent and wait for responses and estimates. Instead, you can obtain the quotations on your own, compare them, and select the finest option.
There are advantages and disadvantages to buying insurance directly from the company, just as there are to buying insurance through an agent.
Advantages of Purchasing Insurance from the Provider Directly
Purchasing insurance directly from the provider has a number of advantages. The following are some of the advantages of obtaining insurance directly:
- Directly purchasing insurance from the provider is a quick and simple approach to obtain coverage.
- When you go direct, you eliminate the back-and-forth that occurs when you go through an agency.
- Purchasing insurance straight from the provider is convenient, and most of the time it can be done online.
- If you buy insurance directly rather than through an agent, you may save money.
- You have more say in which businesses you get quotes from.
- Buying insurance directly from the firm can be faster, easier, and more convenient than going via an agent, as long as you understand insurance and what your needs are.
- You cut out the middleman (the agent) and get coverage faster when you buy insurance directly from the firm. Many firms allow you to obtain an insurance quote and purchase a policy entirely online. You can usually acquire prices online from the larger and more well-known insurance providers.
If you buy an insurance policy directly rather than through an agent, you may save money. Because you acquired your coverage on your own, the insurance company did not have to pay an agent commission. The savings made by the insurance company could be passed on to you in the form of a lower premium, but going straight isn’t always cheaper.
Disadvantages of Purchasing Insurance Straight from the Company
While buying insurance directly may be the quickest option, you may be foregoing crucial advice if you do not employ an agent. The following are some of the disadvantages of purchasing insurance directly from an insurance company:
- You won’t get the same customized service if you buy directly rather than through an agent.
- You may need to rely on the company’s customer support call center if you need assistance with the quoting process, the purchase process, or with your policy once you have it.
- Companies who exclusively offer their items through agents may be missed.
- You can end up with coverage that isn’t appropriate for you or is insufficient.
- If you purchase insurance straight from the firm rather than through an agent, you will miss out on the individualized service that an agent provides. An agent can assess your insurance needs and assist you in finding the right carrier for you. Furthermore, if you don’t have an agent, you won’t have someone to whom you can address all of your insurance queries or who can assist you with any policy modifications.
- Some insurance businesses sell their goods exclusively through agents. While the major firms (Geico, Progressive, and so on) often enable you to acquire quotations online, you may lose out on smaller, more local companies that do not allow you to buy insurance directly.
- The most significant disadvantage of obtaining insurance directly is that you may end up with too much or too little coverage. When you buy it on your own, rather than having an experienced agent handle it for you, you’ll have to examine your demands yourself. For example, you may not be able to determine whether or not you require flood insurance. There may also be certain insurance terms that you are unfamiliar with. This could result in you paying for either too much or insufficient insurance coverage.
What’s the Difference Between Buying Insurance Online and Getting it Through a Broker?
The ideal option for you to purchase insurance is primarily determined by your personal preferences and requirements. People who need assistance with the insurance purchasing process should use an agent. It’s excellent for first-time insurance buyers or those who have recently had a major life transition, such as getting married, purchasing a home, or adding a teen driver to their auto insurance policy. An agent can guide you through the insurance procedure if it is confusing or stressful for you.
Buying directly from the firm can save you time if you’re confident in your insurance needs, know what you want from a provider, and know what to watch out for.
Is buying Insurance Online or Through an Agentless Expensive?
Buying insurance straight from the provider online or through an agent isn’t always the most cost-effective option.
An agent can assist you in obtaining insurance quotes and comparing them to find the best deal for you. Insurance brokers have a lot of knowledge in the sector and can frequently find you a decent rate. They can also look into discounts to see if you are eligible for any. To discover a local agent or firm, go to Clearsurance’s agent ratings website to check which ones customers feel are trustworthy in your area.
When you buy insurance directly, you have the option of getting quotations from a variety of insurance providers, not just the ones your agent works with. If you are comfortable buying directly, getting numerous quotations may help you locate a lower coverage.