Is It Better to Use an Independent Insurance Agent? Does It Cost More?

WV & OH ONLY

"I've always bought my car insurance from one company. Is it better to use an independent insurance agent in West Virginia or Ohio, and will it cost me more?"

You've got every reason to wonder what's in it for me. Let's talk about it.

An independent insurance agent is usually the better choice when you want more than one company's price, because an independent can compare several companies for you. In my experience, you don't pay anything extra to use us. We're paid by the insurance company you choose, and you pay that company's price for the policy.

If this were simple enough that nobody needed help, I'd be out of a job and happy for you. We do this because every client deserves the best rate.

This whole post is the answer. We quote with 13 companies, and we're the ones you call when something changes.

Plainly put, I'd like a shot at your quote. Even if you're happy where you are, a second look costs you a few minutes. If what you have is the best deal, I'll tell you so.

WV & OH ONLY

The states define it about the way I would. The West Virginia insurance commissioner's glossary says an independent agent doesn't work for any insurance company and sells the policies of more than one insurer, while an exclusive agent sells the policies of only one. The Ohio Department of Insurance's guide draws the same line.

Neither one is a better person. It's a difference in what's on the shelf.

Because companies don't agree about you. The one that likes clean records and homeowners may not be the one that's fair to a 22-year-old with a speeding ticket. West Virginia's 2024 auto insurance report counted 95 insurers reporting auto premium in the state and says comparison shopping is the key to getting the most for your dollar.

You're not going to call 95 companies. Most people call two, get tired, and stop.

The insurance company pays our agency a commission when you buy a policy through us. You don't write us a separate check for quoting you or for helping you.

That raises a fair question: would I steer you to the company that pays me the most? I'll answer it this way. If I put you in a policy that costs more than you could've paid, you'll find out at renewal and you'll leave. My whole living depends on people staying. Ask me to show you the other quotes, and I will.

I can't speak for every company's pricing, and I won't guess at what anyone else charges. What I can tell you is what I've seen: you pay the price the company gives for that policy, and we don't add a charge on top for using us. Don't take my word for it. Compare the actual quotes.

No, and you should be suspicious of anyone who says they can. Some companies only sell through their own agents or directly to the public. We quote the ones we're appointed with. Ask me who that is, and if I can't check somebody, I'll tell you so.

• One conversation. You give us your information once.
• A person when things change. New teen driver, new house, new truck.
• Help when your company changes its mind. If your rate jumps or you get a non-renewal letter, we can look at the others without you starting from scratch.
• Someone to ask about a claim. The company pays the claim and makes the decisions, but we can help you get through it.

If you've had an agent who stopped calling back, I wrote about what's going on there.

Sometimes the company you've got really is your best deal. That happens. If it does, you'll have spent a few minutes finding out, and you'll know something you only suspected before.

Happy where you are? Let's find out if you should be.

WV & OH ONLY

Next in the series: Part 35, What Is Non-Standard Car Insurance?