I wanted to talk to you about the beauty and freedom that being with an independent agency brings. I just love the independent agency delivery system!
I started out with a captive agency for the first ten years of my career, and for the last twelve, I’ve been independent. Having had an opportunity to be on both sides of the fence is a powerful advantage that I have. As an independent agency, it means that we represent many different companies so we can go out to the insurance markets and shop for you, putting together what is the best fit for you. When you’re with a captive company it’s one agent or one agency representing one company or family of companies and then you’re just really getting one option. The problem is, even if they are cheaper now than some of the independent carriers, long term you’re not saving money because you just sit and renew over and over because captives don’t have any other options to give you other than possibly reworking your policy which usually doesn’t improve coverage.
Currently Aspire represents seven of the top twelve insurance carriers, so we have a very strong group of carriers. We represent well over 70 different companies, so even if it’s just some monoline workers comp policy or maybe you just want all your jewelry insured with one nice high-end company we can do that. Being Independent allows us the freedom to shop and tailor coverage to you and your needs specifically, so no one-size-fits-all here.
Lastly, I will also share that independent agents have a fiduciary responsibility to our clients, so we work for our clients we don’t work for the company. Our commitment is to our clients, and I feel like that’s a powerful that you know that you have an advocate in your corner. Should that the unfortunate event happens, like car accidents or hail damage, a house fire… you have one person to call, and you know them it’s not a call center! You know us, you have a relationship with us! I very strongly believe in the power of the independent agency sector.
Little side note, the Independent Agency sector has been growing for the last ten years straight, the captive agency sector has been consistently shrinking (with even some captive companies turning their agents to independent).