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

Below is a list of advertising tips for your agency that may or may not work for you but they are something that should be considered as you enter the New Year. Remember stay within your budget and use what works for you.

Local Phone Book: Can be expensive depending on type and size of ad space used. Typically the cost of these ads increase each year and can eventually add up, so make sure you are selective.

Local Newspapers: Again can be expensive especially if ran each week.

Local Sports Teams: You can always sponsor a team or even purchase a sign. This is very common with local baseball, soccer and football leagues both young and old at the ball field.

Post cards: A nice way to get in front of your local community. The postal cost is fairly inexpensive so you get more bang for your buck.

Radio: Can be very expensive and can get out of reach over 50-100 miles from your place of business, thus taking away the focus of your local community.

Television: Another expensive form of advertising. See Radio above.

Local Sign Advertising: Billboard advertising, Neon Signs, Transit System Signs, etc.

Stationary & Supplies: Pens, Letterhead, etc.

Advertising & Promotional Materials: Magnets, Golf Balls, Tees, Calendars, etc.

Local Movie Theatre: In 2007 Hollywood drew in over 1.44 billion admissions.

Website: Relatively inexpensive to get started and if optimized correctly you can develop a great local presence.

Family Center Fairs: Many cities offer one year events for housing, gardening, and the like. There is plenty of foot traffic that passes through. You can rent a booth and give out brochures. Find ways to reach your local community on a consistent basis.

Local Insurance Agent Directory: For a nominal fee you can your secure your zip code thus creating market exclusivity. Sites like InsureMyHouse.com and InsureMyLife.org offer this type of service for a nominal annual fee of $80 per zip code.

Find what works for you and base your decision from there. Many of these will be trial and error but you need to find the best choice. You have to spend money to make money.

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