When it comes to buying insurance, the first step is to figure out
whether you want to purchase through an insurance agent or direct from a
company. While the two may seem one-and-the-same, the differences
between the two can majorly impact your trucking business. This article
aims to help you decide which option will work best for you and your
trucking company.
Coverage.
When you choose
to buy trucking insurance direct from a company, you are also choosing
to buy one of the standard insurance packages. These packages were
designed with a "one size fits all" mentality, so you might have to buy a
package with coverage you don't need in order to receive coverage you
do need.
Contrary to popular belief, insurance agents do not have
the ability to negotiate a policy rate. However, the agent will be able
to provide you a list of options at different price points. By being
independent, agents also have access to other carrier policies and are
able to tailor the policy to best suit your needs. Additionally, the
agents may reach out to insurance companies most people have never even
heard of, or don't know provide commercial trucking insurance, which
allows them to find even more coverage options for the insured (you) to
review.
Pricing.
As mentioned previously,
when you choose to buy a standard insurance package direct from an
insurance company, there's a chance you're overpaying. Since the package
is not tailored to your needs, there may be coverages within it that
you don't necessarily want or need. Additionally, when it comes time for
renewal these agencies will only show you rates from their employer
since it's their job to keep you insured with that company.
Agents
own their own business, thus must generate income by charging the
insured for the service provided. However, even with the additional fee,
going through an agent usually results in a cheaper premium-sometimes
up to 25%-due to their ability to price shop. Furthermore, when it comes
to renewal, independent agents are able to reevaluate your premium
based on new rates from multiple insurance companies. Therefore, the
chance for cost savings increases.
Experience.
One
of the biggest differences between buying direct and buying through an
agent is the experience. On one hand, when you call an insurance company
to talk to someone about your coverage, odds are you're going to get
transferred to someone in a call center. Yes, you will be speaking with
an individual who has passed the same exams as personal agents, and
therefore can address all of your needs. However, the biggest difference
is that the next time you call you most likely will not be speaking to
the same individual you spoke to previously.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire