Picture this: You're on a plane, 13,000 feet above ground, ready to jump into the great unknown, when your skydiving instructor turns to you and says, "You're on your own." Skydiving without the guidance of an experienced instructor, believe it or not, is much like buying insurance without the help of a trusted independent agent. Alone, you're left to put the pieces of your insurance puzzle together and determine what coverage you need, what price is best, and what company should protect your life's most important possessions. Before you dive into the insurance world alone, let us help point you in the right direction.

Not All Insurance Agents Are The Same.

Insurance agents can be grouped into three main categories: Independent Agents, Captive Agents, and Brokers. Read more for a breakdown of each group:

Independent Agents

Independent agents have access to a variety of insurance carriers to ensure you get the best coverage at a price that works for you. Think of independent agents as your neighbors. They live and work in your community and are conveniently nestled right down the street, when you have a question and need guidance. What's even better? When you buy insurance through an independent agent, you're buying local, placing your business in your community with a person you trust and see daily.

Captive Agents

Captive agents do not have access to multiple insurance carriers. Because they are bound to one insurance carrier, they can only offer their customers one product, whether it is the right price and coverage, or not. While captive agents are easy to find, often with multiple office locations from town to town, it may be difficult to get the level of personalized coverage desired due to limited options.

Brokers

Brokers, like independent agents, can offer you products from multiple insurance carriers. However, brokers are not hired or appointed representatives by an insurance carrier. They work for their clients who often have unique and unusual insurance risks which may be hard to place with standard insurance coverage.

Why Choose An Independent Agent?

Because we have offered coverage exclusively through independent agents for nearly 150 years, we've seen first hand the positive impact it has had on our policyholders. Take a look at the reasons we feel working with an independent agent will benefit you too:

More Choices

With unlimited access to a variety of insurance products and a vast knowledge of the market, your independent agent can make sure you're given all the options you need to determine the best coverage for you. Only they can provide you with the right blend of price, product, and protection, to fit your life, no matter where it takes you.

Personalized Customer Service

Because your independent agent is right around the corner, you won't have to go far for the personalized service you need. Insurance is complicated, filled with unfamiliar terms and guidelines, but your independent agent can sit down with you and educate you to help determine the coverage that best suits you and your wallet with ease. They aren't an unfamiliar voice recording at the end of the phone line. They're real people with real concern for taking care of you. It's not just about selling a policy for them - it's about making sure you're protected and satisfied with your insurance buying experience.

Advocates For Life

Should you need to file a claim, change your billing schedule, or make any changes to your coverage, your independent agent is there to be your advocate. They will walk you through any concern with ease and work on your behalf with your insurance company. At the end of the day, you won't have to do any of the heavy lifting because your independent agent will do it for you.

One-Stop Shop

Independent agents can find you coverage for more than just your home. They can provide you quotes for auto insurance, life and health insurance, renter's insurance, and more. Your independent agent's capabilities are endless when it comes to getting you all the types of coverage you desire. And the best part is you won't have to do any of the shopping or paperwork because your independent agent does it for you. So sit back, relax, and only do the shopping you like to do.

While we can't help you become a more seasoned skydiver, we can help educate and navigate you through the world of insurance. Find an independent CFM agent near you today for even more guidance.