When you purchase your auto or home insurance directly with a Michigan insurance agent, you essentially cut out the ‘middle man’. Direct underwriting companies are those such as Geico or Progressive. These same big-name insurers are also doing business with independent insurance agents. You may think that dealing directly with the insurance company is beneficial for you, but in reality, you may be creating a greater risk.
Decades ago, insurance companies did not sell to the general public the way they do now. Instead, they only offered their products through agents who had to be professionally licensed to deal with the public. Consumers did not pay the agent (or ‘middle man’) at all because it was the insurance company who provided the commission incentive.
Nowadays, although the traditional agency system is still in place, there are dozens of direct-deal insurers vying for consumers’ attention. It typically doesn’t take much more than typing out a few words and filling in a few forms to get on-the-spot coverage. The process might be quick and easy and headache free, but when you need to actually use your insurance, you might find out that less than personal experience doesn’t fare well. And of course, their ads are funny and clever, but is anyone ever really laughing after a car accident or a house fire? Not usually.
Having an agent is your best bet, period.
An independent insurance agent is your legal representative to your insurance company in the case of having to file a claim. A local, personal agent will act on your behalf and is licensed by the state of Michigan to be your advocate. We will always put your interests first, whether it’s finding you the best coverage at the best rate or negotiating damages after an accident.
Here are a few reasons why a local Michigan independent insurance agent is the right choice:
- We can quickly check prices and coverages with hundreds of different reputable insurance companies, some of which you may not know about. Rates vary, and we work hard to make sure you are not paying more for anything you don’t need. On the flip side, we make sure you aren’t missing a coverage that you do need. The rates are surprisingly lower than what you think you could get on your own.
- We are a one stop shop for all of your insurance needs. We have the ability to bundle and save, without making you stay brand loyal to one company. This means you may have two different insurance companies for your auto and your home, but we managed to find you better coverage at better rates this way. We do the work for you.
- Insurance is complicated, and it isn’t as cut and dry as filling out a few forms online. That’s why we are here. It’s our business to understand you, your lifestyle, your individual needs and property. Consumers benefit more from having an independent agent because the legal contract is what you will depend upon in the case of a claim. You don’t want to wish you’d had someone review it with you after the fact. Hidden surprises aren’t fun in this scenario!
- Without a licensed agent, you are taking full responsibility for your coverage decisions. If you don’t have a Michigan independent insurance agent, you have no real safety net.
Don’t get us wrong, there is nothing wrong with using a direct-writer insurance company. However, when you deal with a local Michigan insurance agent, you’ll benefit from certain services and protections you will not get from a direct-writer insurance company. When it comes to your belongings, your car, your family, your business – why risk taking on the responsibility yourself?
