January 18, 2024
Agency
Getting the Best Rates: Working With an Independent Insurance Agent
Insurance is an essential loss control measure for millions of individuals, families and businesses across the United States. The coverages and policies provided by insurance agents can play a critical role in limiting financial losses that might otherwise incur catastrophic fiscal consequences. Even the most responsible homeowners, safest drivers and most experienced businesses must be prepared for accidents and other incidents. Working with the right insurance agent can make all the difference as you ensure you have the right coverage to manage these difficult situations.
What Is an Independent Insurance Agent? 
There are two primary classifications of insurance agents, and their ability to serve your coverage needs may vary significantly. To identify the right partner to work with, you should consider the following:
- Independent agents, such as those at Lone Star Insurance Agency, can work with you to explore the offerings of multiple insurance companies.
- Captive agents generally work with a single insurance company, such as Nationwide, Geico or Progressive, and are subsequently bound to sell those policies.
How Can Working With an Independent Agent Help You Find Lower Rates?
As you seek to build an insurance portfolio for yourself, your family or your business, working with an independent insurance agent may garner many advantages, including the potential to find lower prices and increase the cost-effectiveness of your premiums.
Independent agents may be able to find advantageous rates in the following ways:
- Wider selection—Because these insurance professionals can work with multiple insurance companies, they may have access to a broader range of products and lower rates for the same level of coverage.
- Objective guidance—Captive insurance agents must sell a single company’s products, meaning that they may not always be able to recommend the best available value.
- Bundling opportunities—Independent agents often work with multiple types of coverage, allowing you to bundle policies and access lower rates. Meanwhile, captive agents may be more likely to specialize in a single type of insurance.
- Personalized options—Your insurance needs are unique, meaning you may need to customize your coverage with endorsements or additions. However, with their greater selection of policies, insurance agents may be able to procure policies that already include the features you need.
We’re Here to Help
As an independent agency, Lone Star Insurance Agency is well-equipped to help you analyze your circumstances, identify your coverage needs and explore an extensive selection of options. Through this process, we can help ensure you have adequate coverage at the best rates. Contact us today to learn more.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.