There are three ways to buy insurance, and they're not the same deal. Knowing the difference explains why the same risk gets very different prices depending on who you ask.
You go straight to one insurer's website or 800-number. Fast — but you see one company's price and one company's appetite. If that carrier doesn't like your trade, your roof, or your claims history, that's the answer you get.
A friendly local face — but they represent one company. They can only sell you that carrier's products at that carrier's price. Great if that carrier happens to be the best fit for you; a dead end if it isn't.
Represents several carriers. One application, multiple markets, and you see who actually wants your risk this year. When a carrier raises rates or drops an appetite, an independent can move you instead of making you start over. That's what we are — see our FAQ for how we work.
Carriers specialize. One loves contractors and punishes restaurants; the next is the reverse. No single company wins every risk — which is exactly why shopping several beats loyalty to one.
One caution: "captive" and "independent" both look like a local agent from the outside. Ask how many carriers they can quote — one, or several.
That's the whole idea — one application, several carriers, and you see who actually wants your risk. Start a quote.
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