As you shop around for auto insurance, you may come across providers advertising themselves as either captive or independent agents. What does that mean and does it matter to you as a customer? A Better Choice Insurance Agency in Concord, NC, is an independent agent here to explain the difference.

Captive Agents

A captive agent works for a particular insurance company, meaning they offer auto insurance policies and coverage options from a single carrier. As a captive agent, they usually undergo extensive training and learn a lot about that specific carrier’s options.

Often, captive agents can negotiate a few changes to the plans that carriers offer, but their ability to customize the policy to your needs and budget is limited. In the end, an exceptional agent may be able to get you the best possible rate within that carrier’s product offerings. However, they lack an independent agent’s freedom to work with other carriers in the market.

Independent Agents

While a captive agent represents one single brand, an independent agent is exactly what they sound like: independent. As a third-party, they aren’t bound to one company. Therefore, they can seek out policies from a variety of insurance carriers.

This freedom helps agents find customers the best possible deal marketwide, not just the best possible deal from one brand. Independent agents can also offer a wider variety of coverage types and have more flexibility in pricing. They’ll be able to hunt down the plan that meets your needs and budget.

However, be sure to find an independent agent with plenty of experience. Carriers don’t like to work with agents they don’t know, so an agent who is new to the market may have a harder time securing the best possible deal.

If you want to enjoy the perks of working with an independent agent, call A Better Choice Insurance Agency at (704) 782-2073 or check out their website for a free auto insurance quote. With more than 25 years of experience serving Concord, NC, their agents have put in the time to develop solid relationships with multiple carriers and secure you the absolute best possible rates on insurance.