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An independent agent is an insurance broker who represents various carriers rather than selling policies from just one. An independent agent acts as an intermediary, connecting buyers and sellers in order to facilitate transactions. The Allen Thomas Group . Independent agents receive commissions for selling policies they sell without being considered employees of any particular insurance company. A captive agent, by comparison, may only sell the products of the insurance provider they work for. Independent insurance agents, like independent financial advisors, tend to offer their clients more choices when it comes to insurance products. Insurance agents take into account their clients' diverse coverage needs when selecting an affordable policy that offers appropriate protection. An agent that sells policies from only one insurance provider, known as a captive agent.
Now we have learned about evaluating an insurance agency's reputation and stability. With proper research and consideration, finding the right insurance agency for your needs should become much easier. Evaluating an insurance agency's reputation and stability is crucial before purchasing insurance. With so many insurance agencies in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, taking the time to do your research can help you find an agency that meets your needs and provides you with peace of mind. One way to evaluate an insurance agency's reputation is by checking their customer reviews online. Many websites offer reviews and ratings of insurance companies based on their customer service, claim handling process, and overall satisfaction.
Check out today's auto loan rates and drive with ease knowing you compared insurance carriers and found an appropriate policy - we are an independent, advertising-funded comparison service! At our mission, our aim is to assist you in making wiser financial decisions by providing interactive tools and calculators, publishing original and impartial content, conducting research for free allowing comparison of information between institutions - so that you can make confident financial decisions. Established in 2003, The Allen Thomas Group has long been recognized for helping people make sound financial choices. We've upheld our reputation over four decades by simplifying financial decision-making processes and instilling confidence among people regarding what steps should be taken next. Our insurance team comprises agents and data analysts.
Independent agents may present you with an insurance quote from an unfamiliar company that still meets your needs and provides adequate protection for you and your family. There can be numerous advantages and drawbacks of working with an independent insurance agent; one advantage of engaging a captive agent may be their knowledge about your company and products they represent. Insurance agents specialize in specific policy types and coverages; understand discounts offered by insurers; and know the best way to negotiate for a good deal from them. Independent agents work with multiple insurers and may not know as much about each one's offerings or policy offerings. Independent agents typically receive less support than captive agents due to being independent from one company and therefore more susceptible to losing out on exclusive coverage or discounts that might otherwise have been available to you.
While price shouldn't be the only consideration when selecting an insurance agency, understanding the financial implications involved in selecting a company is essential to making an informed decision. It's always wise to balance coverage with costs so that you won't find yourself overpaying for coverage. Some may argue that they don't see the point in paying for an expensive policy if they have never had an incident which required them to file a claim. However, peace of mind is priceless; you could end up paying much more in damages than the amount spent on premiums. Selecting an insurance agency should be approached like building a portfolio given that both require investments made with long-term goals in mind.
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Successful independent insurance agencies strive for a balance of high retention and new sales. Independent insurance agents make an average of 10% to 12% in commission per insurance policy they sell. So, if an agent sells one car insurance policy with an annual premium of $1,000, they will receive $100 to $120 annually in commissions. Home and business insurance have similar commission levels. To receive policy discounts for the customer, many independent insurance agents try to “bundle" car and home insurance policies with the same insurance company. It's a win-win for the customer and the agent when policies can be bundled to the customer's advantage. In short, successful independent insurance agents can make a comfortable living while serving their communities.

The Allen Thomas Group's car insurance solutions are tailored to your unique driving habits and needs. Here's what sets our car insurance apart: 1. Coverage That Adapts to You Whether you're a daily commuter, a weekend road-tripper, or a parent chauffeuring kids to school, our car insurance coverage can be tailored to suit your lifestyle. We understand that each driver is different, and we take pride in creating policies that reflect that diversity. 2. Protection Against the Unexpected Accidents happen, and when they do, you want to be prepared. Our car insurance covers you in case of collisions, theft, vandalism, and more. You can drive with confidence knowing you have a safety net in place. 3. Affordable Premiums We believe that quality car insurance should be accessible to all. Our agents work diligently to find you the best rates without compromising on coverage. You can trust us to provide you with a policy that fits your budget. 4. Additional Benefits Beyond the basics, our car insurance policies may include additional perks like roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and more. We go the extra mile to ensure you're protected in every scenario.

They are also able to offer similar insurance products across a broad range of companies. Captive agents work with just one insurance company, offering only the products offered by that specific company. There are several potential advantages to working with independent insurance agents vs. captive agents. Working with an independent agent usually does not cost anything and can save the customer time by allowing the agency to shop for quotes from multiple insurance companies. An independent agent may be able to find a better deal for your insurance needs than you can. Ultimately, you will need to decide if these and other possible advantages are beneficial to you.

Their focus lies on what consumers care most about - price, customer service, policy features and savings opportunities - so you can feel confident choosing which provider best meets your needs. ATG has answers. Over two decades, our experts have been helping consumers successfully manage risk. We strive to equip consumers with expert advice and tools needed to navigate life's financial journey successfully. We strive to be open about how we're able to provide high-quality content, competitive rates and useful tools at reasonable costs by outlining how we make money. Finding car insurance may seem complicated; one way people can simplify this process is through speaking with an independent insurance agent. Independent agents are licensed to sell insurance from multiple companies rather than being direct employees of only one.

At The Allen Thomas Group, we are committed to offering you multiple insurance solutions that meet the most cost-effective requirements and standards suited for you. As an independent agency, we provide a full array of products including automobile insurance, homeowners' and business policies as well as life and health plans from multiple carriers that best meet each client's individual requirements. Give us a call or use the quote form button above to discover more of our insurance solutions. We look forward to speaking with you! If you are shopping around for new coverage but unsure where to begin, start with us and you won't look further!

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At The Allen Thomas Group, we believe in creating strong, long-lasting relationships with independent agents. Once appointed with The Allen Thomas Group, we’ll deliver what you need when you need it — because your agency is unique to us. The Allen Thomas Group's innovative telematics programs are easily adaptable to meet the needs of your customers and save them money. We have streamlined our process to get you an appointment decision as quickly as possible (you will hear back from us within 5 business days on next steps). The Allen Thomas Group the ability to quote, bind and issue at point of sale and an automated referral to an underwriter when needed. We provide independent insurance agents with access to top-rated markets, product training, and sales and marketing support–and we’re the only no-fee program of our kind! Home equity is the portion of your home you’ve paid off. You can use it to borrow for other financial goals. Life insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Find peace of mind and choose the right policy for you. Boost your business with rewards, perks and more.

Captive insurance agents work for one insurance provider and are accountable for selling its products. Independent agents assist people in finding insurance policies, and as they don't work exclusively for one insurer but instead shop around among various carriers for policies to find customers the best value possible. As opposed to brokers of specific insurance companies who must sell policies offered by those same insurers that might not fit exactly what a customer needs, the best insurance agents understand both worlds. We work with more than 40,000 independent insurance agents and brokers at thousands of insurance agencies nationwide, so you're guaranteed to find one who understands your needs and can get you the best policy and price possible. Find an insurance agent nearby and introduce yourself.

The parent company will usually provide resources, training and support to captive agents, whereas independent agencies will have to use their own interpretation of companies’ materials to run their business, which could affect the quality of their work. While some large insurance companies will work with independent agents, some do not. So, while you will likely see a greater breadth of quotes from an independent agent, it’s possible that you might miss out on better coverage options or rates from a company that does not work with independent agents. If you don’t want to work with an independent agent or agency, there are other ways to purchase insurance:

They'll take it from there! Your experience begins with a simple conversation as your independent insurance agent learns more about you before suggesting suitable policies to fit your individual needs. Should an accident happen, The Allen Thomas Group offers comfort in the form of guaranteed repairs, accident forgiveness and an streamlined repair process. As your life changes, from moving into a new apartment, house, having more children or purchasing an RV, boat or motorcycle - your independent insurance agent is always there for you. Independent insurance agents provide more than auto and home policies; they also offer coverage options to cover motorcycles, RVs, boats, etc. No matter your needs or lifestyle stage, independent insurance agents offer expert guidance, tailored policies, and personalized service - discover more of their advantages here.

In conclusion, choosing the right insurance agency requires careful consideration of many factors. By doing your research and taking the time to evaluate different options, you can find an agency that meets your individual needs and provides peace of mind when it comes to protecting what matters most in life. Insurance agencies offer a wide range of services that cater to the different needs and preferences of their clients. These services include consultation, risk assessment, policy selection, claims processing, and customer support.

Insurance Agency in Akron

We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients. When you choose The Allen Thomas Group, you become part of our extended family. Our agents are always just a call away to address your concerns and provide support when you need it most. Car Insurance: Protecting Your On-Road Adventures When you hit the road, you need more than just a vehicle; you need the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive car insurance.

A small insurance agency may have better customer service scores, better policies, and more competitive pricing than a large conglomerate. On the other hand, a large corporation may have more resources available for research and development or have better access to cutting-edge technology. Think of evaluating an insurance agency like hiring an employee for your business—their reputation, experience, and background matter just as much as what they are offering you in return for your investment. Service is another essential factor that can determine an agency's reputation and stability.

Mission of NAACB: to offer support for independent agents and brokers by offering membership benefits such as educational tools, informative publications, networking events and networking resources. These associations also act as advocates for independent insurance agents by working closely with insurers, state insurance departments, the federal government and other stakeholders to maintain a stable and profitable marketplace. Independent agencies benefit greatly from the combined efforts of the Big "I". When starting up an independent agency, membership of the Big "I" can offer many advantages; here are just a few benefits for startup independent agencies. Independent agents are essential partners in finding quality and affordable coverage; similarly, independent agencies have in The Big "I" as an ally when it comes to running an efficient operation. Signing up in your state is simple! Simply complete the online form to begin, with pricing varying by state, agency size, and revenue. Should any issues arise or if any questions arise, The Big "I" will always be there to assist.

These websites can give you insights into what current customers think about a particular insurance agency. This information can help you determine if the agency is reliable, trustworthy, and has a good reputation. Another way to evaluate an insurance agency's stability is by looking into their financial strength rating. An insurance agency's financial strength rating indicates its ability to pay claims. Insurance agencies are rated by independent rating agencies such as A.M. Best or Standard & Poor's. These rating agencies assess the company's financial health by analyzing several factors such as liquidity, profitability, and capitalization. It is essential to choose an agency with a high financial strength rating to ensure they can fulfill their obligations when you need them. Some people may argue that the size of an insurance agency dictates its stability and reputation; this is not always the case.

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Captive agents may offer cheaper policies than independent ones; however, it will be difficult for clients to determine whether they're receiving the best value if only one option is made available to them. Captive agents may show the prices offered by competitors, but will be unable to sell those policies directly to clients. On the other hand, independent agents offer policy options from various insurers but may not always be seen as impartial advisors. Due to commission payments from insurance companies for new policies sold, insurance agents may incentivize clients to select policies with higher commission rates - creating potential conflicts between client requests and agent goals.

However, there are other startup expenses such as creating an attractive website and buying computers and other technology tools. Depending on your business plan, you should have a minimum of at least $5,000 set aside in the beginning. You might even need as much as $50,000, depending on rent, furniture and other equipment. Estimate the potential revenue from the number of policies you'll need to sell to reach a break-even point. Of course, the amount needed for living expenses is a big factor as well. Lastly, do you have a wide group of social and business acquaintances in your community? That's an asset that'll help you grow. Most independent agents get involved in service organizations and nonprofit boards. However, many business and personal lines customers won't want to consider changing insurance agents until their annual policy renewal, unless they are experiencing a service problem. The insurance licenses you need to run an independent agency vary depending on your state. All states have different categories for these licenses and their own specific requirements.

An independent agent may present you with an insurance quote from an unfamiliar company but one that still meets your needs and offers the right insurance coverage for your family. While there are several potential advantages to working with an independent insurance agent, there are also some possible drawbacks. One benefit of working with a captive agent is they are usually experts on the company they represent. This means they know the policy types, coverages, available discounts and how to get you the best deal with the insurance company. Independent agents work with multiple insurance companies, so they may not be as knowledgeable about each one and their policy offerings. You may miss out on unique coverage or discounts because the independent agent wasn’t aware of it. Independent agents usually receive less support than captive agents because they are not partnered with just one company.

Working with an independent insurance agency offers numerous advantages, one being having them shop around for quotes on your behalf. As they have access to multiple companies' rates and coverage types, an independent agent can compare quotes quickly from various carriers at once. Information provided once saves time and can potentially save money as well. Independent insurance agents could know which companies possess the features that you are searching for - saving both time and potentially money in the process. As your policy comes up for renewal, be sure to inform an independent agent about any increases so they can shop around for better rates to help determine if it makes more sense to stay with the same insurance carrier or switch. Even if switching insurance carriers, your agent remains with you.

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You could miss out on significant coverages or discounts as a result. Captive agents typically receive resources, training and support from their parent company; independent agencies must rely on their interpretation of company materials in running their businesses - something which could compromise quality work. While some large insurance companies work with independent agents, others do not. Therefore, while an independent agent might provide more quotes and options than you realize, it could mean you miss out on better coverage options or rates from companies who do not work with independent agents. If this is something that concerns you, there are other methods available to purchase insurance:

Brokerage companies may either be independent or captive. Independent brokerages do not work under contract from any insurance companies and can advise and sell clients any product that would best meet their needs. Captive brokerages are affiliated with certain insurance companies and have contracts with certain providers to sell only their products. An example of an independent agent would be an agent working with someone seeking life insurance policies. An agent could utilize multiple providers like Northwestern, Mass Mutual and Prudential in order to locate the optimal life insurance policy for their customer. Benefits of Working with an Independent Insurance Agent [Independent agents provide more options, because they contract with multiple insurers instead of just one]. More options mean more tailored policies to your needs at more reasonable premiums compared with dealing exclusively with captive agents (the opposite of independent insurance agents).

Home and business policies offer similar commission levels. Independent insurance agents often attempt to bundle both car and home policies under one insurance company to maximize savings for customers, giving everyone involved a win-win solution. Bundling policies is mutually beneficial - customers receive significant discounts while agents also benefit. Successful independent insurance agents can make a comfortable living while serving their communities. The Big "I" is a national trade insurance federation consisting of over 50 independent state associations as well as the national association.

What is the difference between an Insurance Agent and an Insurance Broker?

Both insurance agents and brokers can help you purchase an insurance policy. Insurance agents, however, represent the insurer that employs them. They help to sell policies from this single provider. Insurance brokers can assist consumers in shopping for multiple insurance providers.

Do you pay less for car insurance if you pay monthly or annually?

Paying your auto insurance premiums annually instead of monthly is generally the most cost-effective option. If you pay in monthly installments, providers incur processing fees. These costs are then added to your monthly payment. Insurers offer discounts if you pay your premiums in full. This helps them keep their costs low.

Why do I require a local agent for insurance?

Local insurance agencies like The Allen Thomas Group know the area best. Local insurance agencies have the necessary experience to provide you with advice on local issues that may affect your insurance needs. Insurance laws and regulations can also vary from one state to another.

What causes a car to be more expensive to cover?

The car that you drive is an important factor when it comes to the cost of insurance. The cost of repairs, the engine size, and the safety record of your car are all factors to consider. Automobiles that have high-quality safety equipment may qualify for premium discounts.

Do you recommend using a local agent for insurance?

A local agent is a valuable asset when it comes to insurance. Local agents can provide individualized advice, assist you in navigating complicated insurance policies and give you peace of mind knowing that you or your business are adequately covered in case of accident or disaster.

Do you think it's better to use a local agent for insurance?

Local agents get to know their clients and can learn about changes they have experienced over the years. They offer advice, and they learn which companies provided satisfactory service to you in the past. Local insurance agents also have knowledge of specific risks in the area.

What is the role of an insurance company?

Insurance agencies, also known as insurance agents, are individuals or companies authorized by an insurer to sell their products for compensation. The laws in the state where they work regulate agents.