Here are some important points about purchasing insurance from an independent insurance agent, as opposed to a direct response company.

• Your independent insurance agent treats you like a person, not just another number. You can develop a personal relationship with your independent insurance agent. Can you do that with a voice on the phone? Your independent insurance agent has strong customer and community ties.
• Your independent insurance agent offers a choice of insurance plans and programs. Dealing with a direct response company or a captive agent limits you to the plans available through only one company. An independent insurance agent offers many plans through many companies, giving the consumer the potential for the broadest range of coverage at a competitive price. Your independent insurance agent gives excellent service and competitive prices, because he or she can access coverage from more than one company.
• Unlike other agents, your independent insurance agent is not tied to one insurance company. You don't need to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
• Your independent insurance agent provides personalized claims service. When you purchase insurance from a direct response company or a captive agent, who is going to assist you in the event of a claim? Your independent insurance agent is there for you when you need help and can act as an important resource for you during the claims process. Your agent can contact the insurance company and get the claim process rolling, help you fill out claim forms, advise you on the progress of your claim and work closely with the insurance company to make sure you get a prompt and fair settlement of a valid claim.
• Your independent insurance agent offers one-stop shopping. Because of the variety of companies that an independent insurance agent represents, you have a full range of products available to you - home, renters, auto, business, life and health. One call puts you in touch with someone who can do the comparison shopping for you.