Why You Need an Insurance Agent to Buy Insurance

Do you need an insurance agent to buy insurance? 

In the age of the internet, there are plenty of options when it comes to buying insurance without the help of an agent. But if you only think of your insurance agent as someone who is trying to sell you something, it might be time to reframe your thinking. 

What is an Insurance Agent’s Job? 

Many people don’t enjoy talking to an insurance agent. Their reputation as pushy salespeople is partially deserved- some companies have valued sales over people. 

But an insurance agent’s job has never been to sell you a product.

Their job is to help you through complex topics and difficult conversations when it comes to managing risk in your personal and professional life. An insurance agent helps you find policies that provide the coverage you want, at a price you can afford. Their job is to be your trusted advisor. 

A quick Google search will show you thousands of companies trying to sell you small-business insurance. If you’re the do-it-yourself type, this may be the type of experience that you’re looking for, but you may be sacrificing the coverage you need in the process. 

Working With an Independent Agent

Most online companies only offer one or two types of insurance. While you can get general liability or professional liability from one company, you’ll have to go to a different company for your worker’s compensation insurance. 

By working with an independent insurance agent, you’ll be able to find all of the coverages you’re looking for from one source. You also get the added benefit of talking through how the different types of coverages work together- even if they’re from different companies. 

This knowledge is important because preparing for hits to your balance sheet is essential while positioning your business for future growth. 

At the most basic level, insurance policies are contacts. And in contracts, words matter. Not all insurance is created equal. The specific wording of a policy dictates how and what it will cover. Many times, there are endorsements or changes to your policy that limit or exclude coverage. Understanding how the policy and endorsement works before you buy makes a huge difference at the time of a loss.

Isn’t Working with an Insurance Agent More Expensive?

Unfortunately, “cutting out the middle man” won’t do you any favors. Of course, premium insurance may be a larger investment than something you found online, but because independent insurance agents work with a variety of companies, they have a range of policies and price ranges to choose from. These resources allow them to help you to make the most valuable decision for you and your business. 

An independent agent can save you time and money. Their familiarity and expertise within the industry will always be more valuable than what you can find on any search engine. 

If you’ve been looking at your insurance agent as someone who only wants to sell you a product, it might be time to get a second opinion. Feel free to reach out to us for a general liability, commercial property, workers compensation, garage liability.