Agent or No Agent? How do you buy?

Question

Do you feel that agents have value in your decisions on whether to buy certain coverages or do you just look for the lowest price?

Answer 1

Lowest price is not always best.  Captive agents are just as good as brokers, but do not offer comparison prices.   But they do have the same knowledge as brokers.   There are good and bad in both.

Sometimes you not only pay for insurance but for good advice from a knowledgable insurance agent.   They are worth it if they are really there to help you.

Answer 2

Smart consumers realize that insurance is a fixed price product.  The professional help is free.

Answer 3

In the past I have gone with any company that has  a good reputation and the best price. I have different agents that I purchase insurance through. I had an insurance license years ago so have always felt qualified to go without professional advice.I am currently reconsidering this, and am looking for an agent I think really knows his stuff. As I've gotten older my assets have increased and I want to make sure that I am adequately protected in any case where I am liable for a mistake  I may have made or might make in the future. I also want to make sure to have enough life insurance to take care of my family and any estate taxes if something were to happen to me.

Answer 4

Lowest price with a company that has a good reputation for handling claims.  I've never had an agent.

Answer 5

Use a broker or multiple ones....the advice is free...why not take it?  Captive agents (agents that only sell one brand) are useless in my mind....they won't be able to give you the best advice or products becasue they are bias and tied to only offering you what that company sells.  

Lowest price isn't always best and any company will twist their companies "brag worthy" parts to make it sound like they are the greatest company on the planet.  A good broker that deals with multiple companies won't be bias to a company and will find one that suits what you need and what you're looking to accomplish.