What is an Independent Insurance Agent?

What is an independent insurance agent?

The first thing to consider is that they are not just a "salesperson" trying to sell you an expensive policy but more of a producer who quotes through multiple insurance companies and works with you to guarantee that you are getting the best available option in terms of coverage at the right price. Think of them as a personal shopper who goes out to the store and picks out the groceries (policies and coverage) that fit your budget and your needs. 

They are trained and licensed experts:

Our agents have years of experience working to understand the complexities of the insurance industry so that they are able to explain to you what you are purchasing is easy to understand terms. This knowledge also gives them the ability to know exactly what to look for in getting you the best policy that fits your needs. 

They create a one-stop-shop:

By now we know that our agents can shop dozens of policies across dozens of companies all at once for you to guarantee you are getting the best option available, but did you know they can take care of all your insurance needs all at once as well? If you own a small business, you can secure commercial insurance coverage from Arnold Insurance Agency along with insuring your car and home too! Sometimes at a discount!

They are with you every step of the way: 

While you can buy insurance online yourself, too many people either buy too much coverage or not enough while paying way too much. Having an agent walk you through a tailored policy ensures that you have the right coverage and do the work for you in finding the right price. When the unexpected happens and you need to file a claim or need to change your coverage, your agent (and our amazing account managers) can be your advocate, working with the insurance company on your behalf.

Independent insurance agents save you time, save you money and build a relationship with you that can last a lifetime to ensure you always have peace of mind while buying the best policies. Arnold Insurances’ goal is to protect you and your family from those unexpected events by finding the right coverage at an affordable rate. Give us a call today at 614-863-0455!

7 Things to Consider Before Buying Insurance for your Business

Buying insurance for your business is a significant investment, and you’ll want to invest wisely. How do you find the business insurance that’s best suited to your operation? Here are some tips to consider and some questions you’ll want to ask before you make your decision.

7 tips to find the right business insurance

1. Let your agent shop around. There are many insurance companies and a wide variety of coverages out there. If you’re looking for clarification, you may want to consider working with an agent (who sells insurance for just one company) or through an insurance broker (who represents multiple insurance companies) instead of buying online directly.

2. Only buy insurance to maintain your existing standard of living. You don’t need insurance for events that won’t severely strain your finances. Start with your basic needs (home, auto, business), then work your way to include other needs. You can always add coverage later for something if you change your mind. You can minimize your risk and maximize your savings by buying insurance that suits your needs today.

3. Ask your insurance provider what the policy doesn’t cover. Every insurance policy lists perils that are not covered, known as “exclusions”. Ask your insurance provider to explain the exclusions in your policy at the outset, which will save you the stress and frustration of discovering them after you incur damage or a loss.

4. Consider bundling several policies with one insurance carrier. There may be value in bundling several policies with one insurance carrier. If you’re looking to insure multiple vehicles or obtain multiple types of business insurance (like liability, property, and cyber risk), then you may want to find a single insurance provider who carries multiple products — they may be able to offer you multi-policy discounts or loyalty programs.

5. Review your insurance needs on a yearly basis. As your needs evolve, so will your insurance policy. Maybe you’ve acquired a new vehicle since you got auto insurance for your primary vehicle, or perhaps you began to operate a small business out of your home. When you’ve made a change, it’s important to consider whether your policy needs to adapt to new risk exposures. Keep in touch with your insurance provider or broker to stay on top of your insurance needs.

6. Don’t defer payments. Default of payment is considered a “bad risk,” which can lead to a higher rate. If you decide you don’t want to renew your policy, you should immediately notify the insurer in writing. Keep in mind that switching your insurance provider before your policy is up for renewal may result in a penalty fee for premature cancellation.

7. Take measures to minimize risk and prevent loss. Risk management can go a long way in helping you stay protected. If you own a home, consider performing seasonal maintenance checks. If you have a home-based business, consider improving your digital defenses to better protect against cybercrime. Good planning and the right business insurance policy can help you stay ahead of risk in your day-to-day operations.

Team up with the experts

Buying business insurance doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Sure, there’s a good deal to consider, but remember, you don’t have to go it alone.

We provide much more than a policy document. Our risk management experts, knowledgeable brokers with a good handle on your industry, and responsive claims professionals can mean the difference between basic coverage and a comprehensive support system. Don’t rush into making decisions involving your business insurance without consulting an expert. Give us a call at 614-860-0455 today!