Why Choose an Independent Agent over a Captive Agent?
Recently I made a career move change and left a “captive insurance agency” to work at an “independent insurance agency”. You may ask yourself what’s the difference between a “captive agent and an “independent agent”. So, in this article I explain why you too might want to choose an independent insurance agent.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, who are the chief insurance regulators from each of the 50 U.S. states, describe the difference between a captive and independent agent as follows. An independent agent has contacts with several different insurance companies and a captive agent writes exclusively with one company.
That being said you might already see the advantages to using an independent agent over a captive one. The biggest advantage to you is CHOICE. You might have read my previous blog “How to choose the best Insurance Agent in Indiana” where I ask the question what’s important to you about your insurance. A captive agent doesn’t have the ability to shop the premium for you. They can only increase deductibles or lower the coverages to affect the price.
“As an independent agent I have multiple insurance carriers to choose from to look out for your best interest.”
In addition to the choices you have when trusting an independent agent over a captive agent, I believe you get more of a personal experience than the “cookie cutter” corporate one. You might relate what I’m saying to shopping at a “Ma & Pa shop” to a “Big Box Store”. Have you ever felt like just a number when dealing with a corporation?
My goal as your independent agent is to provide you with the right coverage at the best price. That’s why I chose to make the switch to better serve you. Here at Blake Insurance Agency our founder Debbie Blake makes this statement. “For the coverage you need and the service you deserve, your family can count on us.” That’s a great reason to call, text or email us now to see how we can serve your family’s insurance needs.
Bryan McCarty
Trusted Insurance Advisor