What is an Independent Agent?

Being an independent agency, like we are, includes many advantages to our clients. We work with 10+ different insurance companies that offer many different coverages and premiums. This means that when it is time for renewal and you are not happy with your rates, we can easily go out and shop you with our other companies. To get a better understanding of what this means, I have created a scenario below - one as an independent agency and one as a captive agent (ex: State Farm). 

Say your auto renewal has just come out with Company A for 15% higher than what you were paying before ($1,300 annually). Because of this, you reach out to your agent to see if there is anything they can do for you. 

Independent Agent: 

We see the significant increase in premium and go shop your rates with our multiple other companies. While we are looking for low premiums, we are also searching for identical coverage levels to be consistent. After shopping rates, we find the top 3 rates listed below. 

Company B: $1,113 annually

Company C: $1,009 annually

Company D: $625 biannually (or $1,250 annually) 

We provide these rates and you let us know which one you are interested in; most likely, Company C. After that, we issue your policy and you're good to go! 

Captive Agent: 

They see that your renewal has increased, but as they only offer one company that is the only rate they can offer you. Oftentimes, clients believe that what their captive agent offers them is the only option. Although, there are many different insurance companies out there that can offer the same amount of coverage if not more. 

After providing examples of both types of agents, it is obvious to see that independent agencies truly want what's best for their clients: low premiums and good coverage. If you're interested in receiving quotes from us, give us a call at (877) 892-4565 or send us an email to ScottReed@Shop2Insure.com.

You can also click here for a home quote and here for an auto quote!