Independent Insurance Agents – How to Find a Good One

Independent insurance agents come in a variety of flavors, so to speak.

Some agencies tend to focus on larger commercial or agricultural risks, and the insurance contracts they have tend to be with companies that can underwrite this business.

Other agencies, and probably the majority, focus more on personal lines such as car insurance, homeowners insurance, life, health, etc. These agencies tend to be smaller in size and staff, and the contracts they hold are with companies that can provide their personal lines customers with good claims service and insurance rates in their area.

Some agencies balance personal lines with commercial lines, and often have staff dedicated to both areas. Commercial insurance is much more complicated that personal lines, so it usually requires dedicated staff in order to adequately service their clients.

When looking for an independent agent in your area, ask you agent where their focus lies.  If you are shopping for car and home insurance, you want to find an agent who’s bread and butter comes from his or her personal lines book of business. This agency may have better companies to place your coverage with, and may be able to get you better rates than an agency that just “dabbles” in personal lines insurance.

Independent insurance agents tend to belong to organizations such as the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (iiaba.net) or the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (pianet.com). These organizations provide training and certification for members and are a good thing to look for when trying to find an independent agent.