Times have certainly changed over the past couple of decades as to how people go about getting their insurance for auto, home and even business policies. In the not so distant past, most people would actually go to their local insurance agencies to get quotes, review their coverages, and even to catch up with their agent. Over time, the agent to insured relationship would build with familiarity and trust.
Have You Ever Been To Your Insurance Agent’s Office?
Fast forward to today and it is completely different. Almost no one ventures into an agency office, ever. In fact, most insurance customers never meet their agent in person and too many people don’t even have an agent, opting for 800 number services provided by some insurers. Although you can build a relationship of familiarity and trust over phone and email, it’s just not the same as communicating in person.
1-800 Insurers May Not Provide The Benefit And Protection You Need
We’ve all heard the commercials from 1-800 companies about getting cheap NY car insurance quotes in 15 minutes. For those that have a lot to protect and also to lose, that slogan doesn’t exactly come off as a ringing endorsement of the thoroughness and guidance you’ll be receiving once you make that call.
Many people use the 800 number insurers because they think they will get the lowest price on their insurance, but more often than not, that is not the case and they are normally captive insurers, meaning that they only have one product to offer. An independent agency that represents multiple carriers is more likely to find you the best deal simply because they have more options to shop your quote.
In 15 minutes, do you think you’ll receive the type of care that you need and deserve? Probably not, but at least it won’t cost you a lot of your time. Although, if you end up taking the policy it could cost you a whole lot of money if you get into an accident where someone is seriously injured and you find out that your auto policy liability limits are too low and should have been raised if anyone had bothered to ask you a few questions.
How Is The Fast Food Industry Like Current Insurers?
First of all, not all insurance agencies or agents conduct business like this but there are too many out there that are termed as “Order Takers”. Much like going through a drive thru, you are asked what you want, you pay, and you get your food. The order taker agent or company representative much the same will ask for your current coverage and quote that coverage without ever asking another question, explaining coverages, or providing guidance and suggestions for proper endorsements and limits based on your current and future life scenarios.
Whether you are properly covered or not is not a concern to the order taker. Getting you to take out a policy with them with as little friction as possible is their main objective.
If you are getting a quote and only being asked about your current coverage with no other questions relating to your specific financial situation or explanation of coverages, or just feel like you’re being rushed off, it’s probably in your best interest to find another NY insurance agency to get your quote.
It’s best to skip the fast food approach to insurance and opt for a fine dining experience. Proper coverage to protect you and your family are so worth it.
If you have any questions regarding auto, home and business insurance options, please contact us, we’re always glad to help. The NY Insurance Hub serves Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Latham, Cohoes, Watervliet, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs, surrounding Capital Region areas and all of New York State from NYC to Buffalo.