(Best) LOCAL INDEPENDENT CAR INSURANCE AGENTS AND BROKERS NEAR ME
Independent car insurance agents Near me
Why savvy consumers use independent car insurance agents to get the best rates, and how you can too.
You might be surprised at the Mind-blowing savings people receive when shopping online for a local independent car insurance broker.
But, before we get started you might have some questions about what insurance brokers do, exactly?
Let’s get some knowledge and learn what independent insurance agents do to help you save money and find affordable insurance with a local car insurance agency.
What are Independent Insurance Agents?
Independent insurance agents or brokers are basically agents that are not exclusive to any one insurance company.
As Independent car insurance agents, they are not required to sell any one company.
This gives brokers or independent agents the flexibility to offer many of the best insurance companies at the most affordable rates.
More choice gives you the opportunity for more savings, it's really that simple.
Independent insurance agents are also known as Insurance Brokers
Insurance agents that are independent and not employees of any insurance company.
You will find independent insurance agents represent many of the same insurance companies offered by local insurance agents.
The biggest benefit is the time savings individuals and business will find.
Because the selection of insurance companies for personal, commercial and life insurance is so comprehensive you don't have to contact several agents for quotes.
An independent insurance agent may represent 5 to 10 insurance companies.
You can see how independent insurance agents can be a real time saver when shopping for affordable insurance.
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Auto, home, motorcycle, boat, RV, commercial auto, golf cart.
Insurance Agent Vs Insurance Broker
What's the difference between An Insurance Agent and an Insurance broker?
It seems that the "term" Insurance Agents and Insurance Brokers are used in many of the same conversation when discussing insurance.
There are some differences you should understand between insurance agents and brokers.
Captive vs independent insurance agent
Insurance Brokers are independent agents that do not work for anyone insurance company. Insurance Brokers are free to work with many insurance companies.
Insurance Agents, such as Allstate, Farmers, AAA, State Farm represent only one company.
Independent insurance brokers contract with insurance companies directly to sell each company's insurance products. Once approved by each insurance company they have the ability to sell in multiple states and help customers around the country, not just locally.
Insurance Agents are bonded to one company and will recommend that carrier insurance products only. Insurance agents will typically only sell in their local territory and have no flexibility to offer other insurance company products or services.
Example: Insurance Brokers Group contracts with multiple carriers like, Safeco, The Hartford, Progressive, Nationwide, Liberty Mutual and more.
InsuranceBrokers.com is authorized to sell auto, home, commercial, life, umbrella insurance and other insurance products offered by those companies.
Having the flexibility to shop multiple insurance companies. A Local Independent Insurance Broker gives customers more options and a chance at lower insurance cost.
#1 reason customers LIKE using an Insurance Broker - Saving money and getting quality insurance.
In many cases bundling auto and home insurance together is a smart way to save money.
But, NOT always...
Some insurance companies may be very competitive with auto insurance but not with home insurance.
Having flexibility allows independent insurance brokers the ability to mix and match different companies for the best insurance rates.
Using A Broker For Insurance
How Brokering Insurance might be a better option
Insurance Brokers are not captive to any one company which means they are not required to sell just one company or product. The benefit to you means more choices and more opportunity to save money!
- This freedom allows an Insurance Broker to work for you, without favoritism towards any one company.
- Insurance Brokers are considered independent agents for each company they represent but called brokers because they are representing multiple companies.
Insurance Brokers are paid a commission from the insurance company for their service and free of charge for the consumer.
Insurance Brokers offer value by saving time, money and energy when searching for affordable insurance. Let's get started checking for lower premiums?
There are 2 types of Auto Insurance Agents
1. Captive Insurance Agents
The first kind of insurance agent is known as a captive agent. Captive insurance agents work directly as an employee of the insurance company or is “captive” to only sell that company's insurance products like: auto, home, life and umbrella insurance.
The captive car insurance agent is limited to only provide quotes for that company and are not allowed to search or even recommend a more affordable insurance company.
Most people are familiar with Captive insurance agents and didn’t even realize it. Insurance companies like AAA, Allstate, Farmers, State Farm, GEICO, American Family and others.
2. Independent Insurance Agents (aka Insurance Brokers)
Independent Car Insurance Brokers work for the customer and not the insurance company as an employee.
Local car insurance brokers will shop multiple companies to find the best auto insurance rates. Some may charge a fee, you'll need to ask, but many rely solely on the commission earned from the sale. Acting as the middleman between the insurance carriers and you to simplify the process of shopping.
The rates are the same regardless if you call the car insurance company directly or choose to use a car insurance brokerage.
Finding a local car insurance broker is easy - just search online for local car or auto insurance broker near me.
Independent Insurance Agents
There are many great insurance companies. But, if you are trying to get lower insurance from a captive Insurance agent you’re out of luck.
About the only thing they can offer is changing your deductibles or lowering your liability limits.
Both options may seem like ways to lower your insurance premium until you have a claim.
- The other type of insurance agent is called an independent insurance agent. Independent insurance agents are basically the same and insurance brokers.
- But, because most people are not as familiar with the term insurance broker they also say someone is an independent insurance agent. Same situation would apply being independent meaning not tied to any one insurance carrier or required to push a product you don’t need or want.
Local Auto insurance agents near me
Some independent insurance agents sell in multiple states like Insurance Brokers Group. Or, you can look for a local insurance broker near you for rate comparisons.
Depending on what state(s) an insurance broker is licensed, and what insurance companies they represent. You can simply call or go online to shop, compare and buy insurance.
Where in years past, there was an insurance agent on every corner. Today, people don’t have the time or energy for a sit-down meeting and review with several agents.
Ask a friend or family member for a referral to a local independent insurance agent in your area for quotes.
Jump start your car insurance shopping by going online.
But, be careful...
Sometimes you reach these online insurance marketing websites and receive a crushing amount of calls and emails from agents buying insurance leads.
You could receive calls from 5 - 10 agents non-stop, even after you make a purchase to quote your insurance.
Sadly, some websites are deceptive in their marketing and give shoppers the impression they’ll be contacted by just one company.
How can you avoid this problem?
If you notice several company names mentioned like Allstate, Farmer, State Farm, Esurance, etc. that will tell you they are selling “leads” to a captive and independent agents alike.
That's a sure way to spot a marketing company reselling your information to multiple insurance agents.
Is using a car insurance broker worth it?
The short answer is yes. Why spend hours and hours searching for better auto and home insurance when an insurance broker can do the same task in minutes.
Because insurance brokers are independent that can shop multiple companies without bias towards any one insurance carrier.
Plus, you get the advantage of them negotiating for better rates at your renewal without having to contact other companies every year.
Questions you should ask a car insurance agent near you
Call and speak with the insurance agent directly and ask if you are going to be receiving calls from multiple insurance agents or just the person you called.
1. Ask what companies they represent in your state.
2. How long have they been in business?
3. Will they automatically shop for lower rates at renewal?
Comprehensive Auto Insurance
DO THEY OFFER COMPREHENSIVE AUTO INSURANCE PLANS?
Getting quotes is important when shopping for affordable insurance and independent insurance agents will be able to give you several quotes. Make sure they offer comprehensive auto insurance plans that meets your needs.
- Do you need comprehensive and collision coverage?
- Does the quote include rental car if involved in an accident?
- What about towing and labor coverage?
- Is there loan or lease GAP coverage? (if your "new" vehicle is worth less than the current loan amount)
- Do they have accident or ticket forgiveness in the quote?
Insurance quotes are more than just a cheap price from a local insurance agent. Make sure they are offering all the coverage’s you need or may need.
One of the worst feelings after filing an insurance claim only to find out you didn't have coverage for that claim.
Something as inexpensive as rental car coverage can typically be added for about $1 per month.
You will never appreciate the small investment until you find out your car will be in the shop for repairs for the next 30 days waiting on parts and you get a $900 rental car bill.
Do the math $1-month x 12 months = $12. $900 rental car / $12-year rental car coverage = 75 years you would have to go without needing a rental car.
Yes, having a comprehensive auto insurance plan is not only smart it can save you money as well.
Benefits to use an Insurance Broker vs. Agent
There are small differences, but they can make a big change in what you pay for insurance.
Insurance agents and brokers both help you (the insurance buyer) purchase insurance.
They are required to be licensed in the state(s) they sell insurance.
They are also regulated by the law of each state by the respective department of insurance.
The difference is who they represent... You or the insurance company.
What do Insurance Brokers do?
Insurance Brokers works for the consumer vs. Insurance agents who work for the insurance company.
Brokers are very knowledgeable with both personal and commercial insurances.
Utilizing state-of-the-art rating software to find the most affordable insurance policies to fit your needs and budget.
An Insurance Broker can save time, money and energy when shopping for lower cost insurance.
Do you want some to represent you
or the insurance company?
Local Insurance Agent
Insurance agents have a responsibility of the insurance company, not you. Agents act as the insurance company representative in the buying process as they are typically salaried employees. Most insurance agents are “Captive” to represent only one company, such as: Allstate, State Farm, Farmers, etc. Because they contracted as captive insurance agents, they are not able to discuss or recommend other insurance companies.
Check Local Insurance Agencies Near Me for affordable insurance.
Insurance Broker
Insurance brokers represent the insurance buyer – you, the consumer or business owner. They are appointed or contracted with multiple insurance companies. They have the flexibility to discuss many options and companies that meet your needs and budget. Insurance brokers have been around as long as insurance agents. In many cases, people will refer to insurance brokers as independent insurance agents.
What Makes up The Cost of Auto Insurance Rates?
The insurance premium a motor vehicle owner pays is usually determined by a variety of factors including the type of covered vehicle, the age and gender of any covered drivers, their driving history, and the location where the vehicle is primarily driven and stored. Credit scores are also taken into consideration. Most insurance companies offer premium discounts based on these factors.
How do Independent
Insurance Agents
Get Paid?
All insurance companies vary on how they pay independent insurance agents commission and how much per policy as well.
Commissions earned are paid directly from insurance companies to the insurance broker.
This also gives brokers the opportunity to work with multiple insurance companies without passing the cost on to you.
Do Insurance Brokers charge a fee?
Insurance brokers are paid a commission based on the product you purchase. It can vary, depending on the type of insurance like: home, auto or business insurance.
Commercial insurance may pay a higher commission since they have complex underwriting requirements and time consuming to find the right company.
They are paid for new and renewal business.
The service is generally FREE to you, but they are required to disclose any potential brokerage fee before making a purchase.
InsuranceBrokers.com does not charge a fee for our service.
Some brokers charge a fee and here's why.
Another common question people shopping for auto insurance. Is there a fee or charge to use an independent insurance agent?
Most insurance brokers or independent agents do not charge for their service.
If an Insurance Broker would charge a broker fee, it would most likely be for a hard to place insurance policy (High Risk Driver).
Hard to place individuals who may have trouble finding insurance anywhere. There may a lot of research required to find a company willing to take the (risk) driver.
More commonly you'll find broker fees for complex commercial insurance policies. These policies can take days or weeks just to quote.
Some people have very poor driving records may find it difficult to find affordable insurance anywhere.
Because there are very few companies willing to help these individuals, brokers are their only alternative.
Higher Insurance Rates For Poor Driving Habits
How A Independent Car Insurance Agent Near Me Can Help
Rates can be extremely expensive for those types of drivers. Consequently, these policies are canceled shortly after being issued.
In many cases the policy is bought solely to renew their license plates and then canceled.
Because local, independent car insurance agents work on commission and work very hard to find the companies, a fee may be charged.
Since the insurance broker works on commission they would be required to return any money earned if the policy is canceled.
But, if you are like the 99% of the population that maintains a good driving record with continuous insurance coverage this would not be the case. You would not be charged a fee, but make sure to ask just in case.
Why Choose an independent insurance agent?
1. They are independent from any one insurance company
2. More choice of companies
3. 9 out of 10 times lower insurance premiums
4. Same service you would receive from an agent
5. No need to shop in the future
6. No additional cost or fees
How do I find insurance Brokers Near Me?
Insurance brokers are in any city you would find insurance agents.
The easiest way to locate local insurance broker is online by simply searching independent insurance agents near me or insurance brokers near me.
Most local brokers are licensed in multiple states so if you have property or vehicles others states you can most likely use the same broker.
Simple search terms like
- Independent Auto Insurance Agents Near Me
- Insurance Broker Near Me
- Local Insurance Broker
- Insurance Brokers Online
- Auto Insurance Agents Near Me
- Home and Auto Insurance Brokers Near Me
- Insurance Agencies Near Me
Or, you can simplify your life and get your insurance quotes from one of the Top Personal Insurance Brokers in the US and Click HERE for quotes now.
Why use InsuranceBrokers.com
Our automated software gives us the ability to shop multiple companies at the same time. We also review policies at renewal for more affordable insurance rates.
Our investment in technology is a real time-saver for our customers, but we still provide the personal service you expect.
InsuranceBrokers.com is owned and operated by the Insurance Brokers Group, LLC, located in Chesterfield, Missouri and licensed in multiple additional states to sell and service your insurance needs.
Can I Trust an Insurance Broker to find affordable insurance?
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Because of our Experience helping customers across the country Insurance Brokers.com are a sought-after resource for the media and the public.
We have contributed to many news and online resources such as NBC News, US News and World Report, Newsday, Realtor.com, Reviews.com, TheStreet.com, American Express, Forbes and many more publications.
They rely on our knowledge and expertise to provide the best insurance advice for their readers and we can do the same for you.
For more information on auto insurance quotes or to speak with an independent car insurance agent / broker call: Insurance Brokers Group at 314-569-1010 or click HERE for local insurance quotes.