Where Do You Buy Your Insurance?

There are many distribution points for your personal insurance needs. You can get an insurance quote online, over the phone or you could walk into an insurance office. You may be dealing with a quoting service (aggregator), direct writer, or independent insurance agency like Atlantic Insurance.

When you respond to some online insurance offers, you might be talking and exchanging information with someone who’s going to package your information for sale. Many insurance providers purchase these leads, turn around quotes, and contact you by email or phone. You might even have multiple providers calling/bidding for your business. The emails and calls can be relentless. Depending on how you answered the online survey of your needs/wants will determine what kind of quotes you get. If you’re just looking for the lowest cost, this might be for you. You’ll get the lowest cost, but coverage options might not offer the best or even what you need. The company that you get could be from anywhere. If you need service for either an inspection or help with a claim, you may need to deal with a 3rd party, independent representative. After you get a policy with these companies, there will be minimal human interaction which again is fine if you’re looking for self-service options.

You can call on a direct writer like Liberty Mutual, where I got my start in insurance over 30 years ago. They may offer lower pricing due to reduced overhead. You will speak with different folks each time you call them, and you’ll have to advocate for yourself during claims or disputes. They will have only one company’s options for coverage which may or may not be a good fit.

Another option is calling on a local independent agent. Independent agencies work with multiple insurance companies, offering you a variety of options and prices. They provide personalized service and are familiar with specific risks and requirements of where you live and work. They help identify discounts and coverage you might not know about and can offer guidance through complex insurance decisions based on your specific needs. These agents will advocate on your behalf during the claims process. The same agent can help you as your insurance needs change over time. They usually live where you do.

What’s best for you and your family is a personal decision. Do you value convenience over personalized service? Are you knowledgeable about insurance or need guidance? Do you prefer building a relationship with an insurance professional? Do you have unique exposures to risk or even know how to identify exposures? I think that it’s best to make an informed buying decision when it comes to insurance. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell at the time of an insurance purchase doesn’t work very well when there’s an accident, weather related loss, attorney’s letter in your mailbox or a general situation you’re looking for help/relief from.

Please remember that if you have an insurance related question, ask Michael at Atlantic Insurance, “Where Having the Right Coverage is No Accident!” 

Contact Atlantic Insurance today to learn more about Buy Insurance coverage options and schedule a comprehensive review of your auto or home insurance. Remember Atlantic Insurance, “Where Having the Right Coverage, is No Accident!”