Once upon a time, insurance agents were your sole resource for purchasing auto
direct insurance. Today, companies like Geico and Esurance have changed the auto
direct insurance landscape. When purchasing auto direct insurance, you have two
choices. You can purchase through an auto direct insurance agent, or you can
choose auto direct insurance from the company itself. So you really must compare
auto direct insurance with agency insurance before you buy.
Even with the advent of auto direct insurance online and over the phone, local
agents still serve a valuable purpose. Not only can they sell you auto direct
insurance, but they can also advise you on auto direct insurance matters. For
example, if you're unsure whether to file a claim for fear of your auto direct
insurance rates rising, you can speak with your auto direct insurance agent and
get advice at no charge.
There are two types of agents:
1.) Captive agents work for the auto direct insurance company and represent that
company exclusively.
2.) Independent agents, also known as brokers, represent several auto direct
insurance companies. These agents have no vested interest in any particular auto
direct insurance company.
Purchasing auto direct insurance is much simpler than purchasing through an
agent. You can make a quick phone call or go online, and an auto direct
insurance policy is yours. You can even compare auto direct insurance rates
online. Contrast this with the effort of driving to see an agent. You might have
to endure the possibility of timeshare-like sales presentation for other
insurance products. It's also a little more work and less efficient to get auto
direct insurance quotes from agents.
On the other hand, an auto direct insurance agent is someone with whom you can
build a relationship. He or she will be attuned to your needs. An independent
agent, for example, can help guide you to get insurance through the best auto
direct insurance company for your particular needs. Not all auto direct
insurance companies are created equal!
Beware, however, that independent agents may charge a fee for their auto direct
insurance services. Before agreeing to any auto direct insurance services, make
sure you get the auto direct insurance fee in writing. Look for auto direct
insurance agents that are certified by Independent Insurance Agents of America
(also known as "The Big 'I'") or Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).
When purchasing auto direct insurance, weigh the pros and cons between dealing
with an auto direct insurance company or with an agent. Look at your own
situation and determine if the potential monetary savings of going with an auto
direct insurance company outweigh the personal attention of an auto direct
insurance agent. After all, saving money isn't everything!
