When shopping for insurance you may be overwhelmed with the amount of choice. From insurance companies, brokerages, coverages, limit options and price differences – there’s a lot to deal with. A broker can help you sort through everything. Insurance brokers work for you instead of a single insurer and can provide you with guidance on selecting the best options for your needs.
What is an insurance broker?
That’s a question that we’ve often heard here at Acera Insurance. The short answer is that insurance brokers are experts who build strong relationships with their clients in order to find the best coverage solutions at the best possible rates. In fact, most people who choose to work with a broker do so because they love the relationship and consistently dealing with one person.
Independent insurance brokers, like Acera Insurance, are not owned directly by an insurance company or a “direct insurer”. This is an important distinction. Being independent means the brokerage and its individual brokers are able to make impartial recommendations. Their first and only responsibility is to serve your interests, so it’s advice you can trust.
Whether you’ve just bought your first car, a new home or need insurance for your business, the same worries remain:
- How do I know I have the right coverage?
- Am I getting the best value?
- What if something happens, will I really be covered?
- How do I cope with a loss and then file a claim?
Insurance brokers act as your personal advisor on these types of insurance matters. They work for you, to make sure your family; your possessions and your business are properly protected.
Why choose an insurance broker?
Here are just a few of the reasons why you should choose an insurance broker:
Insurance brokerages are not call centres
Making changes, requesting documentation and getting answers can be frustrating with direct insurers (especially if you’re bounced around from person-to-person, or department-to-department.) But insurance brokers take the time needed to ensure that you know all of your options, understand them and receive the coverage you need.
Brokers offer expertise
Brokers are licensed professionals that know the ins and outs of the coverage provided by many different insurance companies. With a broker you will have the advantage of their experience and expertise in selecting the right coverage options for you from all of the different coverage that insurers offer. A broker will help you secure the best value for your needs. After all their goal is not to promote one insurance company.
Brokers work for you, not the insurance company
Independent insurance brokers strive to act in the best interest of their clients. That means building close relationships to understand their needs. Brokers also have the ability to shop around to various insurance providers, which means that with one call to a insurance broker, you are guaranteed the best products for the greatest value. Conversely, if you went directly to an insurance company you’d only have access to their products and prices. Buying from a broker means you can buy with confidence knowing that the recommended coverage is right for your particular needs.
Brokers offer a tailored solution
Insurance brokers are independent professionals. Whether you are looking for home car RV or business insurance the options can seem endless. Insurance companies may try and upsell you packages that may not truly meet your needs or your budget. A broker can help you understand the options and explain what will be covered and whether it fits your lifestyle and risk needs saving you research time and costly premiums. You will have the advantage of comparing all of the details and fine print from insurance providers and deciding with guidance from your broker which choice fits your needs.
Working with a broker means less paperwork
Having a broker on your side comes with the added perk of having much of your paperwork taken care of with minimal effort. They will also proactively alert you to any changes to your policy or what can impact your rates or likelihood of having a claim approved. A broker will keep you informed of everything you need to know and when you may need to adjust your coverage or when changes occur that could impact that coverage.
Brokers make the claims process easier
Filing insurance claims can be a frustrating and lengthy process. A broker can support you in navigating the claims process and understanding what your insurance provider will and will not cover in the event of a claim. Brokers can help alleviate the stress involved in the claims process by ensuring that your claims are complete when filed and advocating for you so that you get payment as quickly as possible. If a claims dispute arises you can rely on the experience of your broker to help you resolve it as quickly as possible and secure the money you deserve. This is why you should deal with a local broker with local management.
There are no additional costs for broker services
It doesn’t cost you any extra to use the services of a broker. Brokers are paid a commission by any insurance company they place your business with; there is no financial incentive for them to pick one over another. You receive all of the services and benefits listed above at no additional cost to you.
Insurance brokers build long-lasting relationships with their clients. Most people who choose to work with a broker do so because they love the relationship and dealing with one person on a consistent basis. It’s not unheard of for insurance brokers to have clients as long as the brokerage has been operating. Regardless of whether you choose an insurance broker over a direct insurer, the most important thing is to find a provider you trust and that has your best interests in mind.
Find a broker today to discuss your insurance needs and options.