Insurance is not simple

In the past 20 years what determines your insurance premium has undergone huge, complex changes.   At one time car insurance premiums were based simply on your age, vehicle and driving record, but those days are over.   Credit history and stability are becoming huge factors in your premiums in addition to claims history, homeownership, and prior insurance coverage.   There are dozens of insurance carriers who want your business but their premiums to cover you can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same coverage.   If you call an insurance company directly to get a policy you will only get one price and it may be way too high.  By using an independent insurance agent, you will have the advantage of an insurance expert working on your behalf to find the lowest price for great coverage.

Many people ask why an agent will get the the lowest price.  It is   

because agents know that if they don't find you the best price you will look elsewhere for insurance.   Like any other retail store an agency won't stay in business if they are selling products at a high price.  

You may wonder if you are getting the best coverage.  This is what agents are trained to do.   Selling poor coverage will ultimately lead to you being dissatisfied in the event you have a claim.  If you are dissatisfied then the agent loses a customer.  Local agents depend on making sure their customers are satisfied and coming back year after year.   Agents know the difference between quality carriers and carriers that may not be there for you when you need them.