This applies to auto insurance, home insurance and even life insurance.
There are a few differences between a Broker and a call center company when dealing with your insurance. The biggest difference is that a Broker works on your behalf as opposed to the call center representative who works for the insurance companies. Yes, Brokers are paid a commission by the insurance companies but Brokers only get paid a commission if they have clients (you) and those clients are happy with the service they receive.
Although call centers only make money if they have clients as well, the call center rep you speak to when you get a quote, have a claim or change your car have a lot less to lose then a Broker does and usually you will not receive the level customer service a Broker will always be willing to offer.
Would you use a call center Lawyer or Accountant? Although we all hate paying for insurance and the general perception of the insurance industry is far from spectacular, if there is one edge you can have to your advantage, it's a personal Broker working on your behalf to keep you happy and in-turn, keep you as a client and more importantly, get you to refer them new clients.
Take a more personal approach when dealing with an insurance broker. They build business on personal relationships and with a Broker you have the chance to build a relationship and get the best possible advice on how not to get screwed over by insurance companies. Also, when you have a claim, your broker will go to bat for you and work with you to get the best settlement possible from your insurance company.
When you call a call center to deal with your insurance needs, make no mistake about it, they work for the insurance company and not you.
With that said, Brokers try to gear their market towards multi-vehicle owners who also have a home. When it comes to price, the discounts associated with having more then one car and a home (or tenant) policy are what make Brokers prices competitive. If you are a young driver with little experience and only one vehicle, the rates a Broker can offer might be as good as the call centers rates, but the real savings come when you have two cars and a home.
Regardless of whether you are with a Broker or call center, ALWAYS insurance your home and cars with the same company, you may be paying hundreds of dollars more then you need to for the same insurance if you don't.
| For more useful insurance tips, please see http://www.miketheinsuranceguy.blogpot.com |
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