Is it Better to Have an Insurance Agent?
With the increase in technology, insurance sales have become more and more internet driven. The question that I’m asked the most is… “Do I get a better price online?” Sometimes yes, but there are many things to consider. Getting a better price is not always what it’s cracked up to be. You could be paying for a lot more than you bargained for.
When you buy insurance online you’re leaving out the ability to go up the street and visit with your local insurance agent and ask questions important to you on a personal level. With internet driven insurance sales this is not possible. You will speak with a different operator or sales assistant each time. It can be very impersonal, and that phone operator may not be aware of your needs, or your goals. For instance you may be cutting out coverages just to save on price when an agent may be able to accurately help decide if the coverage is necessary.
It’s also good to have an agent to go to with claims issues where you’re agent may have more ability to help speed up the process or answer questions. While nothing beats convenience there is sometimes a price to pay when you pay less for convenience and pay more when you need real one on one help from a knowledgeable agent. Sometimes an agent can even sometimes help put you in better pricing programs, or find discounts that you may be eligible for. Often times agents offer the same companies that are online!
When it comes to life insurance online quoting sites, these quotes are at times rated to give you the best possible rate. Meaning that your personal information that may realistically cause a higher premium are not figured in. This can cause you to be misquoted or to be given a higher rate later. Dealing with an agent can often eliminate these issues for you because an agent is trained to ask questions to offer you the right rate.
It’s also to know where your information is going online. Some sites sell or auction off your information to others to turn a profit. This can be a scary situation for you when your cell phone is ringing every few minutes from a telemarketer. So be careful on who you give information too online.
So yes sometimes cutting out the insurance agent saves some money, but you may pay in the long haul when you lose important coverages, miss out on discounts, and lose valuable personal one on one service.
It’s possible as well to get the best of both worlds like in Georgia where my agency offers online custom quotes, and personal agency service at GeorgiaInsuranceCenter.com. More agencies in your specific state outside of Georgia may do the same and often this is the best way to get online convenience and agency personal service.
E. Sam Williams
http://www.GeorgiaInsuranceCenter.com
http://www.GaLifeQuotes.com
