While marketing and sales are important, so is the agency's ability to provide service when their customers' requirements change or they have a claim. That's why providing customers a choice is important. One size doesn't fit all. Your independent agency will need to have a contract with each insurance company you represent. The contract describes the duties of each party.Many exclusive insurance agent companies also contract with independent agents. This was not always the case, but over time many exclusive companies have recognized the close relationship that independent insurance agents have with their clients.
Finding the right car insurance can seem overwhelming. The Allen Thomas Group . One way people navigate this complexity is by talking with an independent insurance agent. These agents are licensed to sell insurance products from multiple companies instead of being direct employees of just one company. An independent insurance agent could lighten the load for people who don’t want to do the legwork of collecting quotes and information from different companies. ATG’s insurance experts have put together some helpful information about the potential advantages and disadvantages of using an independent agent. An independent agent works with multiple insurance companies to offer a broader range of insurance products to meet consumer needs.
Captive agents may show the prices offered by competitors, but they will not be able to offer and sell those policies. While independent agents can offer their clients policy options from a variety of different insurers, they may not be considered completely objective. Because the insurance companies pay a commission to the insurance agent when a new policy is sold, the agent may push clients to select policies that provide the agent with a higher commission rate. Because independent agents are not fully supported by a single insurance company, they are often responsible for generating their own business. They may have to produce their own marketing material and manage their own operations, though they do benefit from the general advertising and marketing done by specific insurance companies; however, if the independent agent does not sell the policies offered by an insurance company that is conducting a large branding advertising campaign, the benefit will be limited.
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.
Captive brokerages are affiliated with specific insurance companies and have contracts with specific providers to sell only their products. An example of an independent agent would be an insurance agent that has a client looking for a life insurance policy. The agent would be able to contract with many providers, such as Northwestern, Mass Mutual, and Prudential to find the best life insurance policy for the customer. The main advantage of using an independent insurance agent is that you are given more options because the agent contracts with many insurance companies, not just one. Having more options means you can find policies better suited to your needs as well as lower premiums since you have many choices while shopping around. The opposite of an independent insurance agent is a captive insurance agent.
An independent agent may be contrasted with a captive agent, who can only sell the products of the company they work for. Independent insurance agents, like independent financial advisors, are thought to be able to provide their clients with a wider array of options when it comes to insurance products. They take into account the different coverage needs of the client and select a policy that provides the necessary coverage at a reasonable price. An insurance agent that sells policies offered exclusively by a single insurance company is referred to as a captive agent. While the policies offered by a captive agent may be less expensive than those offered by an independent agent, it will be difficult for the client to know whether they are getting the best deal if only one option is made available.
Home Insurance: Safeguarding Your Haven Your home is more than just a place; it's where your heart resides. Protecting it is paramount, and The Allen Thomas Group is here to provide the security you deserve through our home insurance solutions: 1. Comprehensive Home Coverage Our home insurance policies cover not only the structure of your home but also your personal belongings. Whether it's damage from natural disasters, theft, or liability coverage, we've got you covered. 2. Customizable Policies We understand that every home is unique, and so are your insurance needs. Our agents work closely with you to create a policy that safeguards your specific circumstances. From condos to single-family homes, we tailor our coverage to fit your requirements. 3. Cost-Efficiency Home insurance doesn't have to break the bank. The Allen Thomas Group is committed to finding you affordable home insurance options while maintaining comprehensive coverage. Your peace of mind should be accessible. 4. Protecting Your Investment Your home is likely one of the most significant investments you'll ever make. Our home insurance policies ensure that your investment is safeguarded against unforeseen events, giving you the financial security you need.
Property insurance covers any losses or damages to your property due to unforeseen events like floods or fires. This type of coverage includes homeowners’ insurance if you live in a house or renters’ insurance if you live in an apartment. Let's consider an example: You recently leased a new car and need to acquire auto coverage for it. After researching different auto policies, you realize that a policy with liability and collision coverages might be best for you since these will cover damages and injuries caused by your car as well as your own vehicle. While it can be quite challenging to choose from the wide variety of insurance policies available out there, it's important to consider factors such as the amount of coverage you require as well as the deductibles and premiums for different policies. Make sure to review multiple policies side-by-side so that you can make an informed decision. Insurance policies can be expensive, which is why some people forgo them altogether. However, when disaster strikes, not having sufficient coverage will cost even more in terms of recovery expenses and time spent dealing with legal issues.
Founded in 2003, The Allen Thomas Group has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next. Our insurance team is composed of agents and skilleddata analysts. They focus on the points consumers care about most — price, customer service, policy features and savings opportunities — so you can feel confident about which provider is right for you. You have insurance questions. ATG has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your risk management for over two decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Before selecting an insurance agency or policy, it's crucial that clients have a clear understanding of what types of coverage they need and what risks or vulnerabilities they're looking to protect against. This might involve assessing the types of assets they own, evaluating their current financial situation, and identifying any unique risks or challenges they face based on their lifestyle or profession. To give an example, a client who owns a home with valuable appliances and electronics may want to consider adding an endorsement that specifically covers those items in case of theft or damage.
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.
Health insurance is especially important, considering unexpected health complications or accidents that can result in catastrophic medical bills. Choosing an insurance policy is like building a house; a good foundation is key for its durability. Likewise, selecting the right type of insurance policy is essential for financial stability and long-term security. Now that we've covered the different types of insurance policies and coverages available, let's delve into the financial considerations involved in selecting an insurance agency. While selecting an insurance agency isn't solely about finances, understanding the fees and premiums associated with different policies is critical in ensuring that you're making a sound investment decision.
Agents represent multiple carriers and can provide you with quotes from different providers, giving you the best possible chance of finding affordable coverage that meets your needs. According to a survey conducted by JD Power, customers who worked with agents were found to be more satisfied with their overall experience than those who purchased insurance online (JD Power Auto Insurance Study). In conclusion, while purchasing insurance online may seem like a quick and easy option, working with an insurance agency provides many benefits that cannot be matched. Personalized service, expert advice, and the ability to compare multiple options make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for quality coverage.
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.
That will be invaluable as you grow as an independent agent. Many independent agents join service organizations or nonprofit boards, as this helps their growth. Businesses and personal lines customers typically wait until their annual policy renewal to consider switching agents, unless there is an issue with service delivery. Insurance license requirements depend on your state. Before beginning planning for your independent agency, make sure you know what licenses will be necessary in your state and their individual requirements. Understand which types of licenses will be necessary before diving in too deeply to the planning process. Without proper licenses, your agency might not be able to sell insurance to families and business clients. At first, most of your efforts will likely go toward finding new customers; over time though, make sure you can continue servicing existing ones effectively. Retention in the insurance industry refers to holding onto customers.
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:
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.
The Big “I" is a national trade insurance federation. It consists of more than 50 independent state associations as well as the national association. Its mission is to provide support for independent agents and brokers by offering membership benefits and resources such educational tools, informative publications, networking and more. These associations also serve as advocates for independent insurance agents by working with insurance companies, state insurance departments, the federal government and other stakeholders to maintain a stable and viable marketplace. Through the collective efforts of the Big “I," independent agencies are better equipped to thrive. When starting your own independent agency, there are many ways a membership with the Big “I" can help. Here are just a few benefits of a membership for a startup independent agency. Just as independent agents are an insurance customer's greatest ally in finding quality and affordable coverage, the Big “I" is an independent agency's greatest ally in running a knowledgeable, successful operation.
Prices vary based on how you buy. Prices for policies sold through agents and brokers are available from them. Because we’re an independent insurance agent, we can select the best insurance coverage for you from the insurance companies that we represent. At The Allen Thomas Group, we pride ourselves on providing numerous insurance options to find the best coverage and service — and the most competitive rates — to fit your individual needs. We offer a full line of products including automobile insurance, homeowners insurance, business insurance and life & health insurance.
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.
Why Choose The Allen Thomas Group Independent Insurance Agency? At The Allen Thomas Group, we understand that insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our seasoned insurance agents are committed to finding the perfect fit for your needs, be it car insurance, home insurance, or comprehensive business insurance.
Are You Searching for a Career or simply need to gain more information on The Allen Thomas Group? Find all of the resources here that you'll need, from answers to insurance queries to current trends analysis and tools for navigating life successfully in our resource center. We offer insurance via phone, online and independent agents; prices depend on how you purchase. Policy prices sold through agents and brokers are readily available from them. As we are an independent insurance agent, we can select the ideal policy from among those we represent.
What types of insurance does The Allen Thomas Group offer? We offer a comprehensive range of insurance services, including car insurance, home insurance, and business insurance. Our expertise extends to various specialized insurance products, ensuring that we can meet all your insurance needs.
Choosing the right insurance policy is similar to building a customized vehicle - it involves making choices about which features and components will best suit your individual needs and preferences. Just as two people might choose different car models based on their commuting habits, personality traits, and overall lifestyle needs, two people might also select different policies based on their unique circumstances. When it comes to insurance policies, there are numerous options available depending on your needs. Understanding the different types of insurance coverage can help you make an informed decision when selecting an insurance agency. Broadly speaking, there are four main types of insurance coverage: life insurance, health insurance, auto insurance, and property insurance.
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.
One of the best benefits to working with an independent insurance agency is having them shop for insurance quotes for you. With access to multiple companies, the independent insurance agent can check rates and coverage types with multiple companies at once. You only have to provide your household information once, which saves you time. Independent insurance agents may also know which companies have the qualities you’re looking for, which will also save you time and could potentially save you money. When your policy comes up for renewal, you can let an independent agent know about an insurance increase so they can shop for better rates to help you determine if you should stay with the same company or switch. Even if you switch insurance carriers, you can stay with the same insurance agent.
Business Insurance: Nurturing Your Enterprise Running a business comes with its own set of risks, but with The Allen Thomas Group's business insurance, you can focus on growth while we handle the protection of your livelihood: 1. Tailored Business Coverage From small startups to established corporations, our business insurance solutions are customized to meet the unique needs of your enterprise. We provide coverage against a range of risks, including property damage, liability, and more. 2. Risk Mitigation Minimizing risks is vital for business sustainability. Our insurance experts analyze your operations and industry to identify potential risks, allowing us to implement strategies that protect your business. 3. Competitive Pricing We understand that businesses need cost-effective solutions. The Allen Thomas Group ensures that you get the coverage you need at a price that aligns with your budget, helping your business thrive. 4. Business Continuity In the face of unexpected disruptions, our business insurance policies provide a safety net that ensures your operations can continue running smoothly. Don't let unforeseen events jeopardize your business's future.
The insurance company does not obligate you to accept their settlement offer. In some cases, accepting an offer immediately could be harmful as it might not cover your losses and injuries.
A six-month term policy is cheaper than a 12-month one, even though your average premium (or base price) does not change. This is because you pay for the coverage over a shorter time period.
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.