Category: Insurance Agents

Introduction

Insurance is a vital part of our lives, protecting us from unexpected financial burdens. While there are numerous ways to obtain insurance, working with an independent insurance agency often offers unique advantages. This guide explores why choosing an independent insurance agency could be your best decision.

Understanding Independent Insurance Agencies

Independent insurance agencies are businesses that sell insurance policies from multiple insurance companies. Unlike direct or captive insurance agencies that primarily sell policies from a single insurer, independent agencies provide a broad spectrum of options. 

Wide Range of Choices

One of the main advantages of an independent insurance agency is the extensive variety of choices. Independent insurance agents represent multiple insurers, meaning they can present a wide array of policy options and coverage. This variety ensures you can find a policy that fits your specific needs rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all plan.

Personalized Coverage

Independent insurance agencies excel at tailoring policies to suit your individual needs. Because they are not tied to a single insurance provider, independent insurance agents can mix and match policies from various insurers to provide the best possible coverage. This ability ensures you're not just purchasing a policy but a personalized protection plan.

Cost Effectiveness

In the world of insurance, competition drives cost-effectiveness. Independent insurance agencies can compare prices from different providers, ensuring you get the best deal. Instead of accepting the rates of a single provider, independent agents leverage the power of choice to deliver competitive pricing.

Unbiased Advice

A significant benefit of independent agencies is the unbiased advice they provide. Since independent insurance agents are not employees of a specific insurer, they can offer impartial recommendations based on your unique needs and circumstances. This unbiased guidance can be invaluable in helping you make informed decisions.

Local Expertise

Independent insurance agents often possess robust local knowledge, which can be incredibly beneficial. They understand local risks, legal landscapes, and unique community needs, allowing them to offer advice and coverage that's particularly relevant to you. 

Comprehensive Customer Service

When it comes to service, independent agencies shine. These agencies serve as your advocate during the claims process, providing assistance when you need it most. They work for you, not the insurance company, making your needs their priority. This commitment often leads to a better, less stressful insurance experience.

Long-term Relationship

Working with an independent insurance agency can lead to a valuable long-term relationship. Over time, your agent can get to know you and understand your evolving needs, providing relevant advice as your life changes. Whether you need to add a teen driver to your policy, insure a new business, or update your life insurance, your agent will be there to guide you.

Conclusion

When choosing an insurance provider, the importance of understanding your options cannot be overstated. Independent insurance agencies provide a wide array of choices, personalized coverage, competitive pricing, unbiased advice, local expertise, comprehensive service, and the potential for a long-term relationship. All these benefits make a compelling case for why choosing an independent insurance agency may be a better decision for your insurance needs.

A home surrounded by trees is a picturesque scene that can make even small residential home lots feel a little more natural.

Yet those trees can cause a great deal of damage when they fall on the house or drop large branches on the roof.

Depending on the size of the branch or tree and where it falls, the damage can be extensive, requiring tens of thousands of dollars worth of repairs.

The bigger question then becomes - will homeowners insurance cover it? 

Did It Happen During A Covered Loss?

While not every homeowner's insurance policy sold by an insurance agency is the same, most seem to cover the damage caused by trees or tree branches and other objects falling on the house if it occurred as a result of a covered loss.

To confirm this, homeowners can speak to their insurance agent if they feel they are at risk for this type of damage or add it to their policy if they are not already protected against it. 

What If A Neighbor's Tree Falls On My House?

What if the tree that fell on a policyholder's house belongs to a neighbor - whose insurance agency is responsible for paying the damage claim?

If the tree fell as the result of what would normally be a covered peril, the neighbor’s insurance policy is not required to pay that damage claim.

On the other hand, if the tree fell due to some kind of negligence by the neighbor, that person's insurance should pay for the damage.

Homeowners who have had their houses damaged by a neighbor’s tree should contact their own insurance agents to file a claim and seek reimbursement from their neighbor's insurance. 

What About Fallen Trees and Cars?

What about a tree or limb falling on a car?

A car insurance policy will only pay for the damage caused by falling trees or tree limbs if the policy includes comprehensive coverage.

Unfortunately, in cases where there is no comprehensive coverage on the vehicle, the homeowner’s policy typically will not cover it.

If the tree belongs to a neighbor and negligence can somehow be proven, their homeowner's liability insurance might cover the vehicle, but it will depend on the circumstances. 

See an Experienced Homeowners Insurance Agent For Help

Generally speaking, falling trees or branches are considered to be acts of nature that no one is responsible for.

The owner of the home or vehicle that is damaged can file a claim with their own insurance agency to have the damage repaired.

Knowing this, home and vehicle owners who are at risk of damage from trees falling should ensure their policies have the right coverage to protect them should it happen.

Adding this protection to a homeowners insurance or vehicle policy in areas where there are many trees or where severe weather is common, can be an inexpensive solution just in case.