Car insurance agencies all have one thing in common – they sell car insurance. That, however, is where the similarities stop and the differences begin. When shopping for coverage, you already know having an agent in your corner can make the process a little easier, but did you know that not all car insurance agencies are the same? There are those who do what they must, and then there are those who will go the extra mile. Continue reading to find out the many ways car insurance agencies can differ and what features you should be looking for when shopping for coverage.
Open Door Policy
Car insurance agencies act as a conduit between you and your insurance company. One of the benefits of using an agent is being able to meet face-to-face with someone you know and trust anytime you have questions about your coverage. The agency you choose should be easy to reach, whether by phone, email, or by stopping by the office during your lunch break.
Claims Assistance
Technically, car insurance agencies are only obligated to facilitate the purchase and maintenance of your coverage. It’s when you actually need to use your coverage, however, that you can benefit most from having a quality car insurance agency on your side. Since your agent acts as an advocate on your behalf, look for someone who can assist you with questions about filing claims and help resolve disputes or miscommunication issues should they arise.
Life Changes
Car insurance agencies should keep up with your day-to-day life in search of any changes that might affect your coverage needs. Whether it is a change in your daily commute, the addition of new assets, changes in your household, the addition of new drivers, or even a new business startup, many things can impact your insurance needs as the seasons in your life change.
Trust and a Personal Relationship
When looking for an agent, find someone you can trust and feel comfortable talking to about personal matters. The agent-customer relationship is a private one. This is someone who will know details about your finances, credit history, driving history, and criminal history. Look for someone with a strong reputation within your community for putting the customer first, then schedule some time to meet with your agent in person to ask any questions you may have and review your coverage needs.
Price vs. Coverage
Any car insurance agency that emphasizes cost over coverage is an agency that might be more concerned about attracting your business than actually providing you with the protection you really need.
The coverage in a car insurance policy can run the gamut from basic, minimum protection to high-limit, complete protection for you, your passengers, your vehicle, and any assets you own that could otherwise be at risk if you are sued for causing an accident.
The amount of coverage a driver needs is highly individualized; there is no one-size-fits-all package. Make sure the agency you choose is matching your coverage to your actual needs – not a specific price point.
Independence
When shopping for car insurance agencies, you will find that there are two types – captive and independent. A captive agency writes coverage exclusively for one company. This limits the selection of coverage available to customers. An independent agency, on the other hand, contracts with multiple insurance companies, extending a wide selection of coverage options to their customer base.
If you are an Appleton or Kimberly area driver in search of an independent car insurance agency that will put your needs first, contact the team here at Thiel Insurance Group today.
