Download File - Allendale Insurance Agency

1. Where to start: Choose your agency
It is important to know the different ways to buy insurance:
1 Direct. (Esurance, Geico, The General, etc.) DON'T DO IT!!!!
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Advantages: There aren't any. Most times, you can find an agency that can
give you the same coverage for the same cost, or less.
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Disadvantages: It is all on you. You lose out on an agent who can tell you
when you have gaps, define coverages, fight for you if the company
denies a claim, etc.
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Myths: They don't save you money by cutting out the agent- they have to
spend it on marketing.
2 Captive. (State Farm, Farm Bureau, Allstate, etc.) BETTER THAN DIRECT
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Advantages: You have an agent to help with coverages, billing, paperwork.
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Disadvantages: Your agent is directly employed by the only company they
offer- their hands are tied when a fight comes. They can only offer you
one policy/set of coverages/premium.
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Myths: These companies are not more financially sound or better
with customer service. Click the graphics to see your company!
3 Independent. (Agency like us. Represents multiple companies) IT IS OKAY IF IT IS NOT ME, BUT
IT IS YOUR BEST OPTION
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Advantages: Ability to compare multiple companies and their unique
coverages/pricing, all at once. Are not employees of their companies
and can fight for their customer.
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Disadvantages: It is harder for us to market because each Independent
agency is comprised of an entirely different crop of companies (Our
brand recognition is not as strong!!)
Myths: Our companies are not inferior, nor are their rates or service- often times it
is just the opposite. Independents fight for the best companies to offer the best
service to their customers because they are locally owned and every inch counts
for them!