Choosing an independent local insurance company ensures you get the best coverage options from various insurers in Humble, TX. With an affiliated insurance agency/agent, you receive the best deals from a select range of the insurance company’s partners.
Think of it this way–if you go to a big box store to buy a TV, do you prefer to see only the house brand or a full range of other brands? The house brand might be outstanding, but don’t you deserve more options?
What Is an Independent Insurance Company?
Insurance agents fall into three broad categories:
- Direct: This person works for one company and must recommend products within their firm’s rules–they may prefer less autonomy for a guaranteed paycheck
- Captive: These agents sell auto and homeowners insurance as well as life insurance from one firm
- Independent: A freelancer may start an independent insurance agency to provide their clients with the best choice of insurance policies from multiple carriers
An independent insurance agent acts as your representative with several insurers. Instead of working for one firm, they work for themselves.
The advantages of this arrangement are extensive:
- The insurance agency/agent has a broader range of products from which to build a portfolio
- Instead of making do with a second-rate policy because of an affiliate link, they can provide their clients with the insurance best suited to their specific needs
- They can customize a client’s portfolio by drawing in the best element from several companies
- They can opt for products they truly believe in because they are not dependent on one company for their entire income
- Clients often rightly feel that their independent insurance agent’s advice is more authentic because they must be knowledgeable about many products on the market
Why It’s Better to Shop Locally for Insurance
Conventional wisdom states that it pays to shop online for the best deals. However, this could cost you dearly when you need homeowners insurance, life insurance, or renters insurance. Why? There are various factors to consider.
You Have a Person to Contact
When you phone a call center three or four times, you deal with three or four people. Forming a relationship with any one of them is virtually impossible. However, developing a lasting relationship with a local insurance company is easy.
Therefore, you have an agent who understands who you and your family are and what you need. They can not only customize your insurance policy to fit your needs better, but they can make recommendations about updating it as your life circumstances change.
There’s also a lot to be said for dealing with someone in person. You can look them in the eyes and see they know their industry. You can also get a better idea of their intentions when you’re face to face.
A Local Insurance Company will Know Your Area
Their physical knowledge of the area could save you a lot of money when you need to make a claim. The agents at your local insurance company know where the flood areas are and which neighborhoods are prone to subsidence. Using this knowledge, they can ensure that you have full coverage when you need it.
Additional Regulations
There are many regulations in Humble and the state of Texas as a whole. Without experience in the industry or a good working knowledge of these regulations, your insurer might inadvertently land you in trouble. Worse still, if you need to make a claim, the insurance company might use the fact that you didn’t adhere to state regulations to refuse payment.
Founded in 1952, Lee Insurance Agency is a fixture in Humble, TX. We’ll provide you with the best possible advice every time.
How an Independent Local Insurance Company Makes a Difference
An independent advisor has to earn their salary by providing outstanding service. They must work harder than a captive or direct agent because they need to compare product offerings from several firms. This extra work leads to a fruitful, mutually-beneficial relationship with their clients. Below are other ways an independent local insurance company makes a difference for its clients.
Personalized Experience
An independent agent works for your benefit, not to boost the bottom line of a major insurer. They earn your business by providing something no call center can–a personal relationship. They’ll get to know you and your family because it helps them do a better job.
Instead of pushing through a certain number of calls an hour, they can spend time working on customized coverage options for your needs.
A Convenient Point of Contact
Call centers and chatbots have their place. However, sometimes you want to check if you’re covered for something to help you make the best decisions in the moment. In other words, you don’t have time to look for contact numbers or deal with “unexpectedly high call volumes.”
It’s easy to add your independent agent to your speed dial for when you have questions or need to make adjustments.
Independent Advice From an Independent Local Insurance Company
Do you want to deal with someone who has an ulterior motive to sell a particular product? Insurers may incentivize captive brokers with higher commissions or force direct consultants to push less-desirable policies by assigning higher sales targets.
An independent broker is not in it for a one-off policy sale, so short-term incentives do not sway them.
Speak With an Expert Local Insurance Company in Humble, TX, Now
Is your current insurance portfolio on track to help you meet your financial goals? When last did you review the protection your policies afford you? Do you have enough protection for your family and assets?
Schedule a meeting with one of the professionals at Lee Insurance Agency today to discuss your current and future needs. Let us look over your portfolio and see if there is room to optimize it for you.
Call us at 281-812-8400 or contact us via our website and see why we’re your top local insurance company in Humble, TX.
