Time

It is important for consumers to understand the benefits of using a local insurance agent VS a call-center based insurance company.  When was the last time that you had all your tasks accomplished, leaving you with time to yourself?  How did you spend that free time?  This free time was most likely not spent researching the best ways to protect you, your family, and everything you have worked so hard to earn.  This is one of the many reasons why it is crucial to the well-being of your family to have a knowledgeable insurance professional.  Local agento all the research work for their clients to provide the best options for insurance coverage.  Having an insurance agent who works directly with their clients and lives in the same area offers personalized attention, and a plan that makes sure everything is properly protected.

Personalized Attention

Call center based companies like USAA, Geico, and Progressive, naturally do not allow for the same personalized attention as with a local agent.  We all know the feeling of calling the 1-800 number only to get a different person on the phone each time we call.  With these types of companies, the client is expected to have the prior knowledge of their insurance needs.  One of the biggest benefits of having a local agent that facilitates a one-on-one relationship with the client is that policies get reviewed throughout the year.  When was the last time you heard of the Geico Lizard or Flo calling people for a review of their policies? The ease of being able to get all your insurance questions answered in a face-to-face setting, right in your backyard, is priceless.

Relationships

We know it is important to have insurance, but how important is it to have a personal relationship with your insurance agent?  This is an element that is often overlooked.  When a local agent has created that relationship with their clients, they are able to think ahead about changes in the lives of their clients.  They can offer advice if a client is getting married, having children soon, planning on leaving their current job, and even address the need for changes that non-insurance professionals probably wouldn’t see coming. They are also there for their clients when unforeseen and difficult life events happen, assuring their clients that somebody they know is ready to help!

Support

Regardless of trends in the economy, market, or the insurance company themselves, having a local agent to help you navigate change, mitigate price increases, and make sure that you are adequately covered is a huge benefit.  Additionally, trusting a local agent also means you are supporting the local economy which is always a positive.  Essentially you have two choices:  the quick and “easy” call center route, or trusting a local agent who personally cares about the well-being of you and your family and can help you understand your coverages.

More questions about the benefits of an insurance agent? Give me a call at (719).434.5600.