I am looking for the best deal and am buying a house. I need to look for home insurance and I am looking for the cheapest cost. I already have car insurance through Liberty Mutual so I should get a discount.
So what are the advantages of going through an insurance agent? Am I paying any premium for their services? Is it cheaper if I directly go to the website?
Best reply by atdale:
Some companies are cheaper online b/c there is not a commission to an agent…some make no difference. An independent agent is good, as they can shop around for you with the several companies they represent. They are good if you like to have that local touch of service. Home Insurance is harder to get online b/c you have to have a lot of facts about the house/area where you live. Safeco (which is a sub of Liberty) has an online quoting tool for home insurance that finds all the information for you.
Read the original question here
Do I need an insurance agent or just go online?
Generally it’s no cheaper online than through a broker. For health and life insurance it is definitely the case as the same exact plans sold online match the ones sold direct and through brokers. It’s almost always the best to buy through a broker because they not only help you select a policy, but they help you later with claims and billing issues.
Most importantly, do you know ANYTHING about the policy you’re buying on your most valuable asset? If the house burned down, do you want it all replaced? Even if it were a few bucks a year more, I’d want the advice of a professional who can be held responsible for giving you incorrect advice.
Talk to an agent. Won’t hurt you to try online too. A (good) Agent can always show comparision to save money.