Unless you’ve been in hiding for the past decade, chances are pretty good you’ve been bombarded with advertisements for online insurance quotes. Whether you’re talking about the little talking gecko spokesperson for Geico, or whether you’re talking about that kooky Progressive cashier Flo, it seems like everywhere you turn someone wants you to log on and get an online insurance quote.
This is relatively new concept. In decades past, if you wanted insurance, you needed to talk to an agent. Whether it was car insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance or even travel insurance, an insurance agent was the one person who could help you out.
Of course, like many other industries, the insurance industry has been greatly impacted by the speed and relative ease of buying things online. Thus, we see all of the commercials for online insurance quotes.
Still, there are some possible advantages you might want to take advantage of by going with a local insurance agent:
- Local insurance agents have the big picture. When it comes to your insurance needs, a local agent is often going to be much more familiar with your situation. When you call an 800 number or you log onto a website, you’re going to answer just a few questions, and that won’t really tell the whole tale. An insurance agent can make recommendations he believes to be in your best interest because he knows you.
- Local insurance agents are familiar with local issues. If your area is prone to flooding, for example, your local insurance agent may be able to help you get the most cost-effective flood insurance rider available. Your online insurance quotes often will miss these kinds of issues.
- Local insurance agents are real people, just like you. Yes, computers are getting pretty good at predicting what kinds of products we want and need. But they’re not people. Your local agent understands your fears, frustrations and worries, and can address them specifically.
Yes, local agents operate on commission, and so there’s always the concern that what your agent is recommending might be more than what you need. That’s why you need to find an agent you’re comfortable with and confident in, and one who will follow your lead when you say “no, thank you.”
