How independent insurance brokers differ from company-employed agents

One of the first things I end up doing when I meet with a new client: explaining how what I do, as an independent insurance broker in Nashville, differs from what agents at specific companies do.

At the core, we’re working with the same kind of products and helping clients with the same car insurance/homeowners insurance/life insurance needs, but how we do it and what we offer differs vastly. If you’re not sure how you want to approach getting covered, here’s a little explanation of what independent insurance brokers like me offer:

More choices

If you call a company-employed agent, they can give you an overview of your insurance options at their specific company. That might result in a policy that’s a good fit at a price you’re comfortable with, or it might not. An independent agent works with a broad mix of insurers, so I’m able to sift through a wider pool of options to find a policy that more completely fits your specific situation and needs, and that’s priced fairly for that coverage.

Finding insurance isn’t just about the cheapest way of fulfilling your baseline requirements. It’s making sure you’re protected effectively, based on your specific financial picture and needs. I can show you more options — a greater variety of policies that fit, in every sense.

More customization

I got into this a little when I wrote about the new car insurance law that went into effect in Tennessee in 2017. But a key point I try to stress to everyone: Insurance coverage isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing.

While there are minimum legal requirements for things like auto insurance, those minimums don’t reflect your specific financial situation and the potential damage that could result from an accident. Just because some employers offer a life insurance policy equivalent to one year’s pay doesn’t mean that’s an across-the-board adequate amount of protection for your family.

My expertise is in taking the information that’s specific to you and your family, painting a picture of what adequate protection looks like, and finding policy options that match.

Simply put, I’m working on a custom fit. I know my clients sleep easier — and with that, I sleep easier — knowing there’s a safety net beneath them that doesn’t have holes in it.

More convenience

One of the great things about the Internet age: There’s a world of information at our fingertips. If you had the time and inclination, you could research and calculate a smart and comprehensive insurance picture for you/your family, then compare and contrast a whole pile of insurance options.

Or, if that doesn’t fascinate/thrill you, I can do it for you. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and you benefit from having someone who lives and breathes this stuff searching for the right options.

Another added convenience: I work with a wide array of insurance companies, but I also specialize in a wide array of policy types — car insurance, life insurance, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, small business insurance and more. So you can call me, we can look at your insurance needs holistically, and find policies that cover everything, from your food truck to your left leg.

More help

My hope, for all my clients, is that you never have a problem that necessitates a claim. But if the need arises — weather damage to your home, a car wreck — I’m at your disposal, and ready to help. I’m here to advise and advocate for you every step of the way, from gathering the information you need to start your claims process to, if necessary, any appeals. I work for you, so your needs are my focus.

I take a lot of pride in that part of my job — being the real person who’s just a phone call away, able to help make a potentially frustrating situation less so. Even if all the other benefits of what I do weren’t there, I’d feel like this alone makes an independent insurance agent a valuable partner.

I’d love to talk with you more about what I do and how and why I do it. If you live in the Nashville area and have any insurance questions, reach out. If I can make your life easier, and get your family better protected, I’d be thrilled to do so.

Want to keep in touch/keep up with Nashville insurance info on social media? Join me at my Internet homes: Tucker Coverage on Facebook, Tucker Coverage on Twitter, Tucker Coverage on Instagram.