12 Aug Two Big Reasons Why You Should Be Working With An Independent Insurance Agent
An independent insurance agent can save you time, money, and frustration.
Buying insurance is much more convenient today than it was 15 years ago. Some companies even allow you to purchase and bind coverage online or through a smartphone app without ever speaking to a real-life human. These methods are quick and easy but may leave you underinsured and financially exposed.
Without speaking to an insurance agent, how do you know if your financial investment, family, and livelihood are protected and your premium costs competitive?
The short answer is: You don’t. This is why many homeowners, small business owners, and drivers who live and work in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Pioneer Valley area prefer to work with an experienced, local, and independent agent like McClure Insurance Agency, Inc.
What does it mean to work with an independent insurance agent?
Before we dive into why you should work with an independent agent, it is essential to define what an independent insurance agent is and what they do.
An independent insurance agent represents many different insurance companies, also known as insurance carriers. By design, an independent agent can offer a variety of personal and commercial insurance products and services that complement their customers’ unique needs. On the opposite end of the spectrum are direct writers or captive agents. Direct writers work for one major insurance company and are able to sell only their employer’s policies and endorsements. With the formal definition out of the way, let’s dive into the benefits of having a local and independent insurance ally looking after you.
We take a closer look at the top two reasons why we think everyone should work with an independent insurance agent. Once you make your way through our list, we think you will quickly see that an online insurance transaction facilitated by artificial intelligence, while convenient, is not all that it’s cracked up to be.
Reason #1: Unparalleled customer service and support.
The customer service provided by an independent agent is second to none. You can program a chatbot to be polite and approachable, but it’s hard to emulate genuine human connections and deep personal relationships.
Take our agency, for example. At McClure Insurance, we are with you through good times and bad. Our support doesn’t stop after you sign your insurance application. Instead, we encourage you to call us whenever your life ebbs and flows. We can help you find top-notch coverage for your teen driver, celebrate a new home purchase, or assist you with filing a claim with your insurance carrier when the unimaginable happens. With three office locations in West Springfield, Chicopee, and Wilbraham, you’ll be sure to speak to a real agent in real-time when it’s most convenient for you. We are available by phone, email, or in-person.
No task is too big or too small. The McClure Team can run to the registry for you, manage the claims process, assist with billing reconciliation, provide personalized policy reviews, and more.
Reason #2: The right insurance coverage at the right price.
Unlike direct writers, an independent agent has access to a variety of insurance carriers and coverages. This is an important distinction to note, as it will likely save you a lot of time, money, and frustration in the future.
Your life is bound to change over time. If you live in an apartment now but are looking to buy your first home, it’s no hassle to move from a renters policy to a home insurance policy with an independent agent. Gone are the days of trying to find another agency to work with to support you and your ever-changing needs.
An independent agency is set up to grow with its customers, which is why it makes a point to represent the highest-quality insurance carriers and products. At McClure Insurance, we offer a wide range of coverages from the top insurance companies in the industry, including but not limited to home insurance, renters insurance, flood insurance, car insurance, motorcycle insurance, and life insurance. And if you are a small-business owner, we have your commercial needs covered too.
An independent agent represents your best interests, which is not always the case when you work with a direct writer. No matter how friendly and experienced they are, they are trying to fit you into the one insurance product line they sell, even if it doesn’t perfectly align with you and your lifestyle. At McClure Insurance, we don’t settle for good enough or one-size-fits-all; we are committed to finding you the right coverage at the right price. If you don’t currently work with us, we encourage you to find an independent agency partner that operates under the same rule.
Additionally, having the ability to shop your policy around often means that an independent agent can save their customers some serious money. While cost savings aren’t the only reason you should partner with an experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable independent agent, they are a great added benefit.
McClure Insurance is the independent insurance agent you’ve been searching for.
Wide variety of products and services – check.
Knowledgeable staff with over 90 years of experience – check.
Dedication to our customers, no matter how much or how little insurance they need – check, check.
At McClure Insurance, we’re focused on keeping you and your investments protected. As a customer-centric independent agency, we will make sure you have the right coverages in place and that you understand how your particular insurance policy works and why it’s the right fit for you.
If you are looking for a new insurance agent, your search can end today. We offer high-quality and diverse insurance coverages that are sure to fit your distinct needs. Our independent agents are experienced, responsive, and eager to develop creative and personalized solutions for you. To get started with a complimentary policy review or quote, give us a call at (413) 781-8711 .