With the growing popularity of business internet use, many people have turned to the convenience of online shopping. Insurance companies have taken advantage of this fact and have expanded their businesses to the computer. People who wish to buy insurance can now go online to purchase insurance through the insurance company itself. Many of these insurance companies use commercials to advertise their easy purchasing options and claim to save you money. However, does purchasing insurance online directly through a company really benefit you?
According to the October 2010 Consumer Reports, the answer is oftentimes no. The reports said that “those quirky characters in insurance TV ads might give you more laughs than actual savings. According to a 2009 survey, only 14 percent of consumers who compared premiums found that they had saved money by switching to these direct carriers”.
Sometimes you will actually receive a cheaper policy by purchasing insurance directly from a company, but at what cost? Just because you receive a cheaper policy does not mean you also have a better quality policy. You might not have enough coverage to protect you should you have to file a claim.
When you go through a local insurance agency, however, you have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with an agent to discuss your personal issues and budget requests. Being able to discuss these matters allow the insurance agent to find a company and policy that is right for your specific needs.
When it comes to filing a claim, it will end up being you versus the insurance company, if you purchase your policy directly from the company. However, if you purchase your insurance through a local agency, you will have your personal agent to defend and support you should you have to file a claim.
If you purchase auto insurance directly through Progressive, for example, you will have to find yourself another company to insure your home, since Progressive does not sell home insurance. However, when you purchase your insurance through a local agency, you have the opportunity to have all of your personal policies in one place.
If your insurance rates go up, your local agent has access to many different companies and can see if there is another company that will give you the same coverages in a cheaper policy. However, if you purchased your insurance directly through an insurance company, you will have to search for another adequate company yourself.
Here at Westgate-Jones Insurance Agency, you are more than a number, and we make an effort to get to know you personally so that we can find the best company and policy to suit your specific insurance needs. If you would like to see whether or not your current Florida insurance policies are right for you, contact Westgate-Jones insurance agency at 352-787-7548 and check out our website at www.westgatejonesinsurance.com.