“Finding a suitable insurance policy can take time. One option to make the process easier is to work with an independent insurance agent.”  Nerdwallet – April 01, 2024

When it comes to choosing insurance, you might ask yourself, “Why should I work with an Independent Insurance agent versus using a Captive Agent?”  Independent agents are third-party salespeople who have a relationship with multiple companies and get paid commission when they sell you a policy. Because they aren’t bound to a single insurance company, they can help you compare options across several carriers to find the right policy for you. Insurance can be complex, confusing, and tedious. Local insurance agents make it easier to provide the proper protection for your assets and help you comply with legal requirements. A local insurance agent ensures you have the proper coverage, the best terms, at the most affordable price. 

What is the difference?

Captive Agents work for a single insurance company. Captive Insurance Companies include Farmers, Allstate, State Farm, and GEICO. They may show you price quotes from multiple companies for comparison, but captive agents can only sell you products from the company they represent. 

Independent Agents are licensed insurance experts that represent multiple insurers and can sell you a policy from any of the companies they represent. They are not bound to a single company and can represent a variety of insurers. This flexibility allows them to offer multiple options, helping you find the best coverage and price from a wide range of insurers. Independent agents act as your personal advisor.  They work for you, ensuring you have access to the best deals across different companies.

The Advantage of Working with Licensed Insurance Expert

With the proliferation of online insurance websites, you might wonder why you should work with an independent agent at all. It's a common question. When choosing your insurance provider, it’s important to consider the human factor. When purchasing an insurance policy, it is imperative to consider the claims experience and payout process first, and the premium second. While it may seem counterintuitive to think about having a claim before you even purchased the insurance policy, it is imperative to evaluate the claim paying abilities of the insurance company you are considering. While we hope you never have to experience a claim, it is important that if/or when you do, the insurance carrier can handle your claim in the most efficient and timely manner. Independent agents have extensive experience with their carriers claim paying abilities. In the event you do have a claim, they will act as your advocate and can help with the claims process. 

Insurance companies assess factors such as your credit rating and driving record to determine your individual risk. If you have a few “dings” on your driving record, finding coverage can be challenging. Standard companies like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, and Geico may not be suitable for non-standard customers. An independent agent or agency can help navigate the complexities of obtaining non-standard coverage.

The Bottom Line

In short, find an agent that will take the time to understand you and your needs. They should be a licensed insurance provider, offer the best coverage at the best price, act as your personal advisor, be your best advocate, offer one-stop shopping, live in your community, answer all your questions, listen to your concerns, and provide an excellent customer experience. 

Working with Rising Star Insurance Group (RSIG), you can expect personalized service that goes beyond just selling a policy. Our agents are dedicated to finding the best solutions for your unique needs, ensuring you have the right coverage when it matters most.



Rising Star Insurance Group – Protecting What Matters Most to YOU for over 40 Years.