8 Reasons To Choose an Independent Insurance Brokerage

Choosing your insurance provider can be a confusing process.

How do you find the best coverage when presented with so many options?

After all, it’s not like you’re buying a carton of eggs or a new pair of shoes.

Insurance coverage is a major financial investment in your future.

Choosing the wrong provider or coverage could drastically affect your financial well-being.

No wonder there’s so much stress around the decision!

How do you ensure you’re making the right choice? How do you know there aren’t better coverage options out there?

At Mackay Insurance, we believe in giving our clients the best coverage at the best price. That’s why we remain an independently-owned insurance agency!

Since 1977, this independence has freed us to work solely for your best interest. Today, we continue to uphold that mission fiercely.

Need help determining if an independent insurance agency is the route for you? Keep reading!

Below are eight reasons why an independent insurance agency is the way to go!

1. They become your personal advisers.

An independent brokerage has 100% freedom to serve its clients first. They have no ulterior motives. Their only goal is to provide their clients with the best coverage at the best price.

This mission allows them to,

a) Offer insurance from many different carriers, and

b) Provide unbiased advice for your unique needs.

The opposite of an independently owned agency is a captive agency.

A captive agency sells insurance for only one carrier - limiting its coverage scope and options. It also means that they cannot provide unbiased advice. Their focus is on making sales for their specific insurance carrier. 

This is one of the biggest differences between independent and captive agencies.

2. They focus on your best interest.

Many local competitors are under ownership by larger insurance companies.

This ownership limits their ability to,

• Create trusting relationships with their clients,
• Offer honest expertise and advice, and
• Provide affordable coverage options.

An independent agency doesn’t agree with this. They believe they should freely and solely work for their client's best interest!

3. They share your interest in the community.

Picture your local, independent insurance agency as your next-door neighbour.

Independent insurance agencies typically operate exclusively in their own communities. 

This local servicing allows them to better,

a) Understand the challenges/common risks of living in that locale,

b) Involve themselves with local businesses, charities, sports events, etc.,

c) Provide support and sponsorships to local organizations,

e) Have a say in their local Chamber of Commerce.

4. They are your one-stop shop for insurance needs.

Since these agencies have more than one carrier, they aren’t limited to the type of coverage they can offer. 

They work with a variety of carriers to offer a multitude of insurance services.

The best part?

Clients can have many forms of coverage from different carriers under one broker. 

This makes insurance shopping easy!

Instead of using a different company for each of your insurance needs, trust one to keep your coverage all under one roof!

Tip: Keeping all your policies under one agency means you could be eligible for multi-discount savings!

6. They walk with you and your family through all life’s adventures.

New chapters of your life call for different coverages. An independent agency has the resources to walk through these chapters with you - adjusting your policy as needed.

Whether buying your first home, insuring your son’s first car, starting a business, etc. - an independent agency is there for you. You can work with the same agent for a lifetime, even as your coverage needs change!

7. They offer more coverage options.

As we’ve mentioned above, independent agencies have more flexibility. 

Because they aren’t under a parent company working with one carrier, they can,

• Work with more than one insurance carrier,
• Provide a variety of coverage options,
• Advocate on their client’s behalf.

That’s what these agencies are all about!

They don’t believe that insurance is a one-size-fits-all solution. They work with each client to determine the right coverage for their lifestyle, budget and financial goals. 

This allows them to offer the best coverage at the best price for each client.

7. They do the research for you.

Researching insurance providers and coverage options can be stressful, confusing and time-consuming.

While this research is necessary, it’s not an easy process.

Thankfully, an independent insurance agency can help!

These agencies handle all the research on your behalf. They advocate for your best interest and ensure you get the coverage you need at a fair price.

They’ve already done the work of getting to know you, your lifestyle, needs and budget. Now, it’s up to them to find you the coverage that fits you best.

They do the shopping so you can focus on saving - that’s the deal!

8. They help you save money.

One of the best advantages of working with an independent agency is the cost savings! 

Did you know that, regardless of the extra services provided, there is no extra cost to you?

Your broker researches different coverage opportunities and advocates on your behalf. All without adding a dime to your bill!

At this point, you may be wondering how the agency benefits by doing this extra service.

It's simple. By earning commission!

These agencies earn commissions through the carrier they place their client’s business. 

There’s no higher financial incentive to pick a certain one. So it doesn’t matter which carrier the client chooses. 

This freedom allows your agent to work on your behalf and in your best interest with 100% commitment!

Mackay Insurance: Quinte’s Fiercely Independent Insurance Brokerage

At Mackay Insurance, our clients are always our number one priority.

That’s why we operate as a 100% independently owned agency! This freedom allows us to provide the best service, coverage and rates.

Have questions? Contact our team of brokers today!