Do I Need an Insurance Agent?

With the proliferation of the Internet, you might be thinking that you don’t need an insurance agent. After all, can’t you just go online to find everything you need?

The truth is that an insurance agent can help you avoid major pitfalls while also saving you money in the process. And, when you have a question that Google doesn’t have a consistent answer to, having an insurance agent you can trust can be a lifesaver.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of having an insurance agent and dispel some common myths. 

5 Benefits of Having an Insurance Agent

If you’re on the fence about whether you need an insurance agent, consider these five potential benefits:

1. You Get an Advocate to Champion for Your Needs

Even though the Internet is a wealth of information (this article is, after all, on the Internet!), it can also be somewhat impersonal. You may be able to find a bunch of insurance quotes online, but how do you know which one is ideal for you and your situation?

By working with an insurance agent, you’ll have someone who is experienced guide you toward the best solution that fits your needs.

2. You Can Save Money

If you’re looking to save money, shopping around is always a good idea. The challenge is knowing where to shop and how to negotiate. The insurance industry can sometimes feel like a black box, and there’s not always a lot of transparency. 

When you have an independent insurance agent like Encore Insurance on your side, you can be confident that you’re getting a great deal. We routinely shop around for the best rates that provide our customers with an ideal level of protective coverage. 

3. You Have More Freedom 

One of the biggest advantages of working with an agent not tied to a specific insurance provider is that you can mix and match different policies. For example, you can get auto insurance from one company and home insurance from another. By contrast if you work with a State Farm agent, you are restricted exclusively to buying insurance that is under their brand umbrella.

With an agent, you can also call them any time to discuss your current lifestyle and upcoming life decisions that could warrant a change to your current insurance policies.

4. You Can Save Time

We mentioned earlier that shopping around is a vital step in getting a policy that fits your needs at an affordable price. The process of shopping around and comparing quotes is time-consuming, though, and it can lead to being bombarded with emails and phone calls from a plethora of insurance companies.

If you deal with an agent, that person will do all the heavy lifting for you. And, later, if you need another policy, you already have an agent that you know, like and trust to help you.

5. You Get Valuable Advice

Insurance agents have seen it all and can help design a policy that’s ideal for your unique circumstances. For example, if you are debating between coverage that includes actual cash value versus replacement cost, there are several factors to consider. An insurance agent can walk you through various scenarios to help you make a choice that puts you in a secure position.

Also, because insurance agents have helped people from all walks and stages of life, they’ll be uniquely qualified to tailor a policy that includes coverage for common pitfalls that you might not have considered.

For example, let’s say that you do not have a garage for your vehicle and park it on the street. Your insurance agent can figure out whether it makes sense to pay for additional coverage or find discounts that could be available if you upgrade your anti-theft system.

3 Common Myths About Insurance Agents

The insurance industry sometimes gets a bad reputation. Prominent scandals, fine print on contracts, and vocal customers who have had experiences can all combine to make the average consumer believe that insurance companies and their agents can’t be trusted.

Though there are good and bad people in every profession, there are several myths about insurance agents that we’d like to dispel, including the three below.

Myth 1: Insurance Agents are Nothing More than Middlemen

While it’s true that you may have to wait for them to shop around and find you the best policy, an insurance broker is much more than just the person in the middle of an insurance transaction.

During the process of shopping around, insurance agents are evaluating up to hundreds of policies to find the best match. Insurance is useless if it doesn’t provide coverage that protects you. An agent’s job is to find that ideal fit.

Myth 2: Insurance Agents Will Sell Me Policies I Don’t Need 

If anything, you are more likely to buy a policy you don’t need if you opt out of using an agent. Understanding the different terminology in an insurance policy can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the industry. An agent knows the ins and outs of a policy and helps you maximize coverage while still keeping that coverage affordable.

For example, you might believe that you need a specific type of coverage for your vehicle, but an insurance agent may be able to show you that it’s not necessary or there’s a less expensive alternative.

Myth 3: Once You Buy Insurance from an Agent, They’ll Never Be There to Support You

It’s a common misconception that insurance agents are only out to close the deal, and that once you sign the dotted line, you’ll never be able to get help.

Though the level of service among agents varies, as a rule of thumb, insurance agents are constant advocates for you. Whether you need to file a claim, adjust your policy, or have a question, a good insurance agent will always be there to support you and protect your financial security.

Choosing the Right Insurance Agent

If you’re looking for an insurance agent, Michigan has a lot of choices! We firmly believe that Encore Insurance is your best choice. With more than 10 years of experience and a team of passionate, caring individuals, we offer our customers personalized service and policies that provide peace of mind.

Contact us at 248-466-0200 to find an insurance policy that is perfect for you.