By Sherene Cole
January 29th, 2014 Edition
Insurance: It’s complicated, we need it, we hope we never have to use it, we don’t under-stand it…
These days there are many different ways to buy insurance, but there are good reasons to consider using an insurance broker’s expertise to help you make an informed decision.
Choice
More choice means better coverage options to meet your individual needs, and saves you time. Brokers have access to a distribution chan-nel of the best insurers in the county, none of whom sell directly to the public. Once your broker has properly assessed your individual insur-ance needs, they do the shopping for you, finding you the right cover-age at a competitive price. What’s more, in most cases you get “ONE STOP SHOPPING” to take care of your personal, business, and often your life insurance needs all in one place.
Expert Advice you can Trust
When you choose to do business with an insurance broker you get a highly skilled and licensed professional who provide expert, unbiased advice and puts your interest first. You can buy with confidence know-ing that the recommended coverage is right for your particular needs.
Knowledge
Brokers are a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of insurance and other preparedness. They know how to ensure that you receive all applicable discounts on the insurance you buy. They are experts at risk assessment and how to properly protect you and your family’s interests with respect to Auto, Home and Business coverage. Profes-sional education is ongoing and mandatory in the profession.
Personal Attention & Flexibility
Is building a relationship important to you? Would you prefer if you had your own personal advisor that you can contact at anytime? What about the option of having a face-to-face conversation when you need one? The independent broker network allows you to communicate in whatever way you are most comfortable with, that fits your preference. Some brokers, like myself, provide after hours, evening and weekend service.
On Your Side – Your Personal Advocate
If you have to make a claim, your broker is there to ensure that you are treated fairly. If you make an inquiry about a possible claim, it will not be automatically recorded as a claim. If an issue arise about the handling of a claim, your independent broker will go “to the mat” for you. Brokers are your advocate, and we understand you need us most, when you have the misfortune of a loss.
Transparency
It doesn’t cost extra to use the services of a broker. Be concerned if you are asked to pay a separate fee to a “consultant ” to connect you with a broker or arrange a policy. Brokers are paid a preset commission percentage by the insur-ance company they place your business with, and there is no financial incentive for them to pick one over another. What’s more, they are re-quired to be completely open about the transaction and any additional charges, where applicable, must be explained in detail. Should you choose me as your insurance advisor, you will get the service you deserve from someone you can trust!
