Are Insurance Agents Worth It?

When you go to look for a house to buy, you may do so with a real estate agent or a Realtor®. If you go to court, you get a lawyer. When you have a medical question, you go to a doctor. But when it comes to insurance, you find the cheapest option, click a few buttons and call it a day.

STOP! Your insurance coverage is important.

 Choosing coverage that doesn’t align with your needs may lead to significant out-of-pocket costs after a loss. Introducing: the insurance agent.

What is an insurance agent?

An insurance agent is a licensed professional who represents one or more insurance companies to sell insurance policies, manage policy renewals and assist with claims. They act as intermediaries between insurers and clients, providing advice, assessing risks and binding coverage.

It’s important to note that insurance agents do not have a fiduciary responsibility to clients in the same way that a financial advisor would. An insurance agent must offer to sell you “suitable” insurance, but an agent does not necessarily have to offer you the “best” insurance.

Why work with an insurance agent?

Expertise — Insurance is complicated, and insurance agents know how to navigate that complexity. When you work with an insurance agent, you have a knowledgeable resource who can help answer questions and walk through available coverage options. This can help you make more informed decisions and feel more confident about your coverage.

Accountability — Unlike when you get insured directly through a carrier, working with an insurance agent allows you to put a face to your policy and vice versa. If you have questions, or need assistance, you can easily contact your agent instead of going through a customer service line.

Familiarity — Insurance agents can help you review and compare coverage options based on your individual needs and circumstances. They will seek a deep understanding of what’s important to you and offer coverage options that match what you select.

Economical — One of the most common insurance discounts is a multipolicy discount. Multipolicy discounts can occur when you have two or more policies from one insurance carrier, but savings opportunities can be optimized across carriers too. Finding the right blend of coverages for an affordable cost is a lot to handle on your own, but when you work with an insurance agent — that’s one thing they can help take off your plate!

Ready to start working with an insurance agent? Find an agent near you.

Form number & Revision Date: 9030457 5/26

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