Comments on: Give Local Insurance Agents A Shot

By: aua868s

aua868s — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 09:51:43 +0000

thats interesting…because i switched from progressive (online) to state farm (local agent)and saved about 150 bucks/6months.

By: Jared

Jared — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:00:21 +0000

I won’t deny that having an agent is a fantastic option for many, but it’s just not a service I value.

I personally use Progressive simply because they have the best rate by far. Sure, I’m just a number in their database, but they also have the best web site, in my opinion.

Of course, I also work in the property/casualty insurance industry and know a lot about it, so an agent’s knowledge has little value to me. Ironically, I don’t purchase my own company’s insurance either because it’s mega-expensive.

By: Carlos

Carlos — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:18:04 +0000

Watch out for NJM (New Jersey Manufacturers). The are great when it comes to small claims like scrapes and dents, but they fight tooth and nail to get out of paying big claims (when it really matters).

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 28 May 2009 19:01:19 +0000

Ahh you have seen the light. I am a sales rep for a local independant insurance agency and I truly feel our service and other local agencies will far surpass dealing with the big boys. For most insurance, it’s the exact same price whether you deal with us or the carrier directly so why wouldn’t you want to help out the locals? I think there is a big misconception that buying from a big company will always lead to better prices. Not true! The other side is that you buy insurance in case something happens. When that “something” happens you will get personalized service from someone that actually cares for you and for how your claim is handled. You won’t be just a number. Just my 2 cents.

By: lostAnnfound

lostAnnfound — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:44:33 +0000

We just switched back to our local agent (and a company that they write) from Progressive Insurance. The new policy on our truck will cost $30.00 per year, but the folks at Progressive were not able to understand that we needed them to stamp the registration for our camper, as required by the DMV, because liability coverage comes from the vehicle towing the camper, and so they declined to stamp it. Also, they did not have an office I could go to get the stamping done if they would do it. Our agent is familiar with all the ins and outs of insurance in our state and is only a 3 minute ride away. Prompt & polite service well worth the extra $30.00 per year.

By: DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad

DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:28:25 +0000

Good advice. I would rather know the local face when I have an issue, then to have to call some 1 800 number and speak to a stranger halfway around the world . . .

By: My Journey

My Journey — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:38:53 +0000

I 100% agree with using a local agent, the only thing I’d like to chime in with…

I would use a local agent that has the OPTION of checking out other companies. For instance in my office, the agents will usually check out multiple companies and the compare the price differences.

Just a thought

By: Bargain babe

Bargain babe — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:48:12 +0000

I’ve had great luck with AAA. Their prices are probably higher than Geico, but when I got into an accident they were prompt and professional. That’s not to say Geico would have produced the same results. I used Geico for car insurance when I lived in NJ and never had a problem. (Never had an accident, tho).

By: thomas

thomas — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:44:48 +0000

Local is so much better for everything.
1) You almost always get better customer service
2) You are giving to your community
3) You are treated as a person, not a number
4) When problems come up, they will be more willing to work with you and not against you.

This goes for insurance, banks, pharmacies, grocery stores, markets, you name it.

By: nickel

nickel — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:41:00 +0000

I hope that 5-10% markup is still worth it when you’re paying it every single year over the duration of the policy!

By: nickel

nickel — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:39:54 +0000

For certain policies, I would agree that local is the best option. When it comes to something like term life, however, all I really care about is: (1) stability/reputation of the issuing company, and (2) cost. I don’t need a personal relationship, as filing a claim is literally a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.

By: SimplyForties

SimplyForties — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:15:48 +0000

I live in a very small town and try to do all my shopping and retain all my services locally. Even if I have to pay more, the better service is worth it. My insurance agent knows me and has known me for 25 years. He advises me what insurance I need and explains what I don’t understand. I can call him anytime and know I’ll get a good answer.

Last year I had my water heater break and my basement, where my washer and dryer were located, flooded. I had no idea what my insurance covered in that regard I just knew that I had bought what my agent had advised. Turns out I had replacement cost insurance and got a new washer and dryer for no additional cost.

There are so many examples. Online pharmacies may be cheaper but they won’t bring your meds to your house on a Sunday when the drugstore is closed and you’re too sick to go out. My local pharmacist will and has. Shop local – it’s the way to go!

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:03:52 +0000

I would think the local guy has a vested interested in the customer service experience whereas the employee at Lowes has less of a vested interest, it makes all the difference. There’s also something to be said about supporting local businesses too.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:58:39 +0000

I remember waiting for over an hour for 4 cans of custom color paint at Lowes. The next time my local hardware store filled my order in less than 10 minutes. I spent more time waiting at the checkout lanes in Lowes than the entire time it took at the local guy.

If I can get something locally I always do. Plus it helps keep my local community going strong.

By: ManVsDebt

ManVsDebt — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:53:07 +0000

This is a very timely post as I just bought Term Life Insurance from a local insurance agent that I knew.

The price was competitive, but certainly not the best anywhere. Maybe 5-10% mark-up, but I was willing to pay this due to the outstanding service that I got!