Let's start with a couple definitions from dictionary.com...
Independent (adjective, noun), by definition, means 1not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself, 2not subject to another's authority or jurisdiction; autonomous, free, 3not influenced by the thought or action of others, 4not dependent; not depending or contingent upon something else for existence, operation, etc.
Captive (adjective, noun), by definition, means to be 1made or held prisoner, especially in war, 2kept in confinement or restraint, 3enslaved by love, beauty, etc.
So, what does it mean to be an independent insurance agency? It means that the agent works for YOU. It means that the agent is "free" to have relationships with many different carriers. It means that YOU have a choice in which carrier covers your risk and the price you pay for it.
In a captive agency, it means the agent works for the company. It means the agent is "captive" with the company's carrier, and is not able to develop relationships with other carriers outside of the company. It means you have ONE choice in which carrier covers your risk and the price you pay for it.
Doing business with an independent insurance agency is a process. It takes the agent time to get your information sent to all the different carriers made available to them and then for the carriers to get it back to the agent. But, isn't it worth that time to make sure you are getting exactly what you need and at a price that is fair?
After being a capitve agent for a few years, I knew right away it wasn't for me. I hated seeing people walk out the door that I couldn't help because I only had one product to offer that wasn't exactly what they needed. Or, I had the right product, but the price wasn't feasible. Kind of like fitting a square peg into a round hole. That's why I founded Insurance & Financial Design! I love helping people and teaching people. My goal is to educate my clients so they understand what coverage they need, why they need it, and what a fair price is. I understand how daunting insurance can be. Before I was in the industry, I got whatever coverage they said I needed, had no idea what it meant, but just knew I had to have it. Well, I'm hoping to change that with my clients!
So, get ready! I am going to make the most basic, simple videos on all these different coverages available so that you all can learn and understand what you are getting and why you need it! Coming soon, 2 Minute Tuesdays!