Top Reasons To Choose A Local Independent Insurance Agent

Published on: 19 March 2024 Last Updated on: 13 June 2024

Selecting an independent insurance agent is a critical decision that can greatly impact financial well-being.

An insurance agent can offer guidance and protection for your most valuable assets. Therefore, finding the right agent can be overwhelming, specifically when considering the myriad options available.

Since insurance is a complex field, having a trustworthy agent is crucial when considering getting the required coverage.

In this article, you will discover the top reasons for selecting an independent insurance agent.

List Of Top Reasons To Select A Local Insurance Agent

Below is a list of reasons for selecting a local independent insurance agent.

1. They Give You A Choice

Independent insurance agents represent several insurance companies offering different price points and wide coverage options. Most of them sell to five to eight different insurance companies on average.

Thus, there is no requirement for you to accept one quote from one company, and you do not have to spend long hours filling out online applications.

Similarly, with the agent’s connection and expertise, the agent will be able to find better insurance than you might find for yourself.

Hence, they will find you the right blend of coverage, price, and services.

2. Are Personal Advisers

The agents will not only help you find the right competitive pricing, but they will also make sure that you are adequately covered.

Thus, when you work face-to-face with an agent, it becomes your source of personal advice. Furthermore, they also take time to listen to your query and understand your individual needs.

Moreover, a local insurance agent will assist you to be appropriately covered and avoid ending up insurance-poor or suffering a loss. Visit the website and hire the best professional to meet your needs.

3. They Are Licensed Experts

Independent agents can assist you in explaining the complexities of insurance in simple terms, helping you make smart moves.

Moreover, the agents will help you make a career out of assessing your insurance needs and matching them with the insurance carrier that will be best equipped to meet those needs.

Therefore, if you are working on wills, you are likely to visit an attorney and ensure that documents are drawn up correctly.

So, remember to seek advice from a licensed insurance professional to protect your property and vehicle properly.

4. Are A Consultant For Lifetime

Independent insurance agents periodically review your coverage. Similarly, they also help you through all the changes in your life. For instance, if you are moving from a rented house to an apartment, if you are about to get married, or if you are adding drivers to your auto policy.

Furthermore, if you have a claim or bill concern or want to resubmit your coverage, the agent will be there to advocate for you and work with the insurance company on your behalf.

On the other hand, the agents will direct you while deciding what coverage and limits you need to protect your family from. Thus, they offer you a lifetime service and advice.

5. Vast Expertise And Experience

Independent agents have vast expertise and skills as they are aligned with different companies. With a deeper understanding of the complexities of insurance policies, the agents will guide you in making informed decisions.

So, ensure you look for an agent that will offer you a proven track record, relevant certification as well as a commitment to stay updated on the latest industry trends.

Therefore, one of the major reasons to select an independent agent is that they will help you navigate the insurance techniques and meet your specific needs.

6. Extensive Product Knowledge

As product knowledge varies widely from person to person, an independent agent offers accessibility and responsive solutions whenever you inquire.

On the other hand, if you seek home, vehicle, life, or business insurance, the agent can explain every policy detail. Similarly, they will also help you with your coverage limits, exclusives, and deductibles.

Therefore, they will help you adapt to customized insurance packages that fit your unique requirements. Hence, the agent will help you select the right coverage and explain the implications of different policy options.

7. Easy To Communicate

Effective communication is important when it comes to insurance. Thus, an independent agent will help you access and be responsive to any of your queries.

This is one of the primary reasons for selecting a local independent agent.

Furthermore, if you prefer communication through phone calls, in-person, and emails, the agents ensure that their communication aligns with your understanding and preference.

Clear communication is important during the claim process, so select a transparent and prompt independent agent. In addition, the agents also make the entire insurance experience less stressful and smoother.

8. Offers Financial stability

An often-overlooked aspect of selecting the right insurance agent is considered based on financial stability.

Thus, the financially stable insurer is likely to fulfill the obligations in a claim.

However, it is important to research the strengths rating of the insurance company and find out about the claim’s payment history.

Thus, an independent agent is financially secure as they can withstand economic fluctuations and offer long-term stability for your coverage.

How Will You Find The Right Insurance Agent?

Here are a few tips that will help you navigate the process and find the ideal insurance agent:

Check the list of companies the insurance agent represents. Similarly, understand the difference between the two and who can determine which type of agent suits your needs best.
Seek referrals from family and friends.
Take benefit of a wealth of information available on the internet. It will give you information about the agent’s professionalism and responsiveness.
Choose an agent who gives quick responses, is easy to communicate with, and can explain complex terms.
Assess the insurance agent’s commitment to customer service.
Lastly, trust your instincts. Moreover, it is better to keep searching if something does not feel right.

Summing Up

Thus, remember that your relationship with a good independent agent is likely to last a longer time. So, take your time and choose the right one.

Similarly, there are many ways to assess a good insurance agent. The top reasons are a good starting point.

However, take your time to evaluate these factors, and you can make an informed decision that aligns with your insurance needs and offers you confidence in your coverage.

So, work with an insurance agent who can help you with social transactions and will be a long-term partner in securing your financial future.

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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A Beginners Guide to Listed Investment Companies

Investing can be a daunting task for anyone, especially for those who are new to the game. With a plethora of options available, it can be challenging to know where to start and what investment vehicles to choose. One option that has gained popularity in recent years is listed investment companies (LICs). In this beginner's guide, we'll take a closer look at what LICs are and how they can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio. What are LICs? LICs are publicly traded companies that invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. They are similar to mutual funds, but instead of investing in the fund directly, you buy shares of the company that owns the assets. This allows you to gain exposure to a variety of investments through a single stock, making it an easy and convenient option for those who want a simple and diversified investment portfolio. Benefits of Investing in LICs Diversification: As mentioned earlier, LICs offer a diversified portfolio of assets, which helps to spread risk and minimize the impact of any single investment. Professional Management: LICs are managed by professional fund managers who have the expertise and experience to select and manage investments on your behalf. Liquidity: LICs are listed on stock exchanges, making it easy to buy and sell shares, and providing you with the flexibility to make changes to your portfolio as needed. Potential for Higher Returns: By investing in a diversified portfolio of assets, LICs have the potential to deliver higher returns than investing in individual stocks. Lower Costs: Compared to other investment vehicles, LICs often have lower fees and expenses, which can result in higher returns for investors. Risks of Investing in LICs Market Risk: As with any investment, LICs are subject to market risk, which means that the value of your investment can go up or down depending on market conditions. Credit Risk: LICs may invest in bonds, which are subject to credit risk. This means that if the issuer of the bond defaults on their debt, the value of your investment may decrease. Management Risk: The success of a LIC depends on the ability of the fund manager to make good investment decisions. If the fund manager fails to perform, the value of your investment may be negatively impacted. How to Invest in LICs Research: Before investing in a LIC, it's important to research the company and its portfolio of assets to ensure that it aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance. Consider the Fund Manager's Track Record: Look at the fund manager's track record to see how they have performed in the past and whether they have a history of delivering good returns. Diversify Your Portfolio: As with any investment, it's important to diversify your portfolio to minimize risk. Consider investing in multiple LICs to achieve a well-rounded and diversified investment portfolio. Monitor Your Investments: Regularly monitor your investments and make changes as needed to ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your investment goals. In conclusion, LICs can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio, offering the benefits of diversification, professional management, liquidity, and the potential for higher returns. However, it's important to understand the risks involved and to do your research before investing. By following these tips, you can ensure that you make informed investment decisions and achieve your financial goals. Additional: 5 Reasons Why Bitcoins Are Considered Reliable Investments Top 5 Investment Decisions You Need To Make In Your Thirties 4 Key Concepts on Making Signage an Effective Strategic Investment What Investors Should Know about Investment in Gold and Silver Assets

5 Smart Ways to Boost your Credit Score

It’s a myth that you have a single credit score. You probably know that your three-digit credit scores based on the information of your credit reports are a major factor in deciding whether you get a loan or not. Your credit score can influence everything; from interest rates to your rentals, premiums, and even job eligibility too. Also, the interest rate you are going to pay for loans, mortgages, and credit cards is determined by this score. When you have a good credit score; the lenders easily lend you the money that too at lower rates than others. Your credit scores are not static and improving it can take time; from a year to two years- depending on the kinds of changes needed to be made. With the interest rates going high every day; it is essential to get started for improving your credit score if it is not high as it should be. Here are the five smart ways, which you can use to boost your credit score quickly and in an efficient manner. Check Your Credit Reports With so much running in your previous credit history; now, it’s a good time to get your credit report from the best credit bureaus, which will make sure that your report is correct and is reflecting your proper borrowing activities. If you find an error in any of the reports, you have to go through all the necessary steps of removing it. Start by calling the credit bureaus to report them the wrong information and by asking them to update it in your account. Your credit score will considerably improve just be getting the negative information corrected. Pay your Bills on Time Well, your payment history reflects 35% of your score. Not paying the bills on time is the biggest influence on your credit card score. Lenders report a late payment to the credit bureaus once the thirty days have passed from the bill’s due date. Also, one late payment stays on your credit report for seven years. To avoid, keep an eye on all your credit card bills and set your important payments to auto-pay so that your mandatory bills are always paid. You need to pay you all the dues on time to improve your credit score in a matter of months. Read also: Credit Card Fraud & The Holiday Season: Things To Consider For Next Year Eliminate Credit Card Balances Credit card balances come under the category of bad debt. Make a proper and step by step plan to waive off your credit card debt and overall utilization. One way is to make use of the 0% balance transfer offer. Another way is to use a personal loan to pay off your accumulated credit card debt. Loans and transfers work as a great option if you use the promotional period to pay the debt. At last, you can gather all the credit cards and pay all the small balances off. Paying all your credit card will also reduce the amount of interest you are paying every month. Don’t Apply for a New Credit Whenever you apply for a new loan or credit, it generates a new entry on your credit report. Credit report entries are only the way how lenders come to know that you have been applying for the credits. So, if you’ve applied for new credit; there is nothing you can do rather than waiting for them to disappear as these inquiries stay on your report for two years. It is recommended that you should not apply for new credits when trying to improve your credit score. Even a small change can mean big improvements. Keep your Old Accounts Open Keeping your old accounts work will help you keep long credit history on your report. If you had debt on your old accounts and you have handled and paid it well makes good for your credit report. It is very important to get the highest credit score possible as it has a huge effect on your financial life. Also, everyone’s score is unique, so there is no hard set of rules to improve your credit score.

Financial Plan For Your FIRST Small Business – Low Budget Plan

One of the common reasons why small businesses fail is the lack of working capital. Poor financial decision-making can be detrimental to your small business. This will not scare you or put you off the idea of starting your very first business. However, it is to convince you how important it is to draft a financial plan for your small business. The importance of predicting your financial health is not just to maintain a steady cash flow but also... Understand how lucrative your business is in the long run. How long will your business be at break-even (no profit, no loss)? When can your business start making a profit? Most importantly, what is the contingency plan of any financial hurdle? In this blog post below, we will be discussing the following: Importance of a financial plan for your small business. Elements of a financial plan for your small business. A template to create a small business plan (for any business). Importance Of A Financial Plan Here is why you should begin creating your very first-ever financial plan for your small business. 1. A Business GPS? Imagine yourself driving to a new destination without knowing where you are or in which direction you should proceed. This is what it is like to open a business without having a financial plan. A financial plan will give you a clear roadmap to your business journey, and determine how much to spend on each destination. 2. Where Is The Goal Post? We all have a vague idea of what a startup goal should be. However, getting overwhelmed is common without a clear picture. A financial plan will provide you with a clear goalpost. I am talking about tangible, measurable, and achievable goals. Whether you want to expand your business, increase profits, or reduce costs, a financial plan gives you a clear path. 3. What Ifs & Risks! It is given that your business won’t be smooth sailing forever! Businesses often face unexpected expenses. It could be something as simple as equipment breakdowns or sudden major market changes! As a business owner, being financially ready is a crucial step! A financial plan can help you set aside emergency funds, so you're prepared for these surprises. 4. A Long-Lasting Impression Want investors early on for your business? Then, it would help if you offered them a steady financial plan. Remember, lenders and investors want to see a well-thought-out financial plan before they commit their money. Therefore, having a solid plan shows them that you understand your business's financial health, its cash flow, and the potential profit opportunity. Hence, we are serious about making your business a success. 5. Improves Financial Decision-Making With a financial plan, you better understand your cash flow, revenue, and expenses. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions, like when to invest in new equipment or whether to cut costs. Important Elements Of The Financial Plan Of A Small Business Before you begin your financial planning, you should be aware of the different financial jargon for a business. 1. Cash Flow Projection This includes predicting the market, what effect your product will have on the market, and how much you can earn from it. Now, taking the potential amount you create capital expenditure for each month. The function of a cash flow projection is to ensure you have enough (at the end of the month) in terms of expansion. It is common for a business to live month by month with no profit for the first six to eight months of the business. Essentially you are establishing your business. However, if it crosses the one-year mark with just a break-evens, the following could be the reason: Your business is not making money because of the lack of demand. The expenditure is way over your income. You must start some cost-cutting methods. There is a lack of marketing, and your small business is not reaching the target audience. You do not have enough investment for the small business you are starting. Keep these points in mind when starting your cash flow! 2. Balance Sheet A balance sheet is a financial estimation of your small business’s current state. Here are some of the important items your balance sheet will have: Income & Expenditure Total owning & total owing (personal debts or small business loans). Assets that are currently under collateral. Upon reading it might sound simple. However, when it comes to a balanced business sheet, you will require a finance professional to craft one. 3. Personnel Expense This brings us to the next point in any financial plan for a small business. The personnel expense, or the amount you are spending on hired personnel. It doesn’t always have to be your employees. In fact, the number of employees for a small business will hardly reach 15 in the very first year. A personnel expense includes individuals working as consultants for the business, and the different professionals you hire to help with the internal work (e.g. Finance officer to create the balance sheet). Some of the common elements of a personnel expense are: Cost is based on the positions each professional is holding. Personal insurance plans for your workers (at least medical insurance). Expenses are spared for other professionals working externally with the business. 4. Assets The tangible assets that your small business owns: Current Assets: What the business currently owns. These include inventories, machinery & tech devices, prepaid expenses (for example, digital tools), and other office supplies. Tangible Assets: The one that physically exists under the name of your small business. Real estate (This will not include rented warehouses or offices. These will go under the expenditure section), land inventory, tangible investment (gold & bonds), and saleable merchandise. Non-Tangible Assets: These are assets that are not in a physical form. Intellectual property, pre-paid tools, investments (stocks, Cryptocurrency, mutual funds). Non-Operable Asset: Assets under your small business but from which you are not getting any income. For example, land you have an investment in but not yet open for any business-related functions. Operable Asset: Assets that your business owns currently, and that are bringing some income. For example: produced goods, factory space, warehouses, and office space. 5. Products & Services The products and services you are planning to offer will also come into the financial planning for small businesses. These include the following: The raw materials are required to create the goods. Factory costing. Warehouse costing. Transport & Drop shipping costing. Worker’s salary & insurance. Contingency management funding. (In case of any accident or unpredictable situation). The summation will give you the total cost of production. With which you can create and understand the market value of your product. This step is very important to assess the profit and loss of each item. 6. Income Projections Another crucial part of small business finance planning is prediction. This is how you can predict whether your income will have any substantial income. Here is how you can protect your business income (before starting it): Check business income projections of competitors through several data analyses. Is your small business subject matter trending in the market? What is the current market share of such companies? Are investors willing to invest in a business venture as such? In fact, check some of the Shark Tank successes, and analyze which business venture seems more profiting by investors themselves. The inflation rate of the past decade regarding the product or service you are about to sell also matters. 7. Marketing You cannot spend everything on logistics and not worry about marketing. One cannot ignore this matter, especially in today’s day and age when small businesses are reaching new milestones by a simple influencer shoutout, or social media virality! Here are some of the factors in which you will need to spend in marketing: Social media marketing tools. Influencer marketing. Small ad-films over YouTube. Website building and digital marketing (Website domain and SEO tools). 8. Risk Management No business is protected from the risks that come to every business in its lifespan. However, the contingency plan is not getting ambushed by a sudden change. Here are some of the financial risks/uncertainties your new business could face: Market Risk: The ups and downs of the current & dynamic economy. In fact, after the pandemic, things have become a little less predictable. Reputation Risk: Social media is indeed bringing customers and businesses closer. However, the downside of such connectivity is the risk of a tampered reputation, especially when audiences jump to conclusions upon hearing anything on the internet. Competition Risk: This is a common risk every business faces. When your competitors launch something new & exciting, there could be a significant shift in sales numbers for you. Environmental Risk: One good example of environmental risk that has previously impacted businesses majorly is the pandemic. Political Risks: The political scenario of your country can have a considerable effect on your business, especially in terms of export-import & business expansion. This is one of the reasons why having a financial contingency plan for managing sudden risk is one of the crucial components of a business financial plan. Business Template For A Startup As promised, we have a business template that will help you take that very first step for your startup. Financial Plan For Startup (Template) Table of Contents 1. Financial Overview: A Financial Overview will consist of a financial overview of your business’s current state. Also, please provide the key points and takeaways of the financial data that you will provide. 4. Assumptions – Market Research: This is the step for market research and predicting the business’s profit potential. 5. Break-Even Analysis: A table or graph which provides information on the number of units your business needs, and how much you need to sell to make a profit. 6. Financial Statements: This will include the following charts. - Profit & Loss (Optional if you have a startup) - Cash Flow Statement (How the monthly cash flow will look) - Balance Sheet (Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly Income & Expenditure) Elements For Your Balance Sheet The following is what your balance sheets should include based on items required: monthly, quarterly, and yearly income & expenditure. Operational Financial Plan Business Location and Facilities Technology and Equipment Key Operational Processes Supply Chain and Inventory Management Management and Organization Financial Plan Organizational Structure Key Management Team Roles and Responsibilities Hiring and Training Plan Financial Plan Start-up Costs (for new businesses like loans, downpayment; collateral, and personal investments) Revenue Projections Expense Projections Cash Flow Statement Profit and Loss Statement Break-even Analysis Funding Requirements and Strategy Funding Needed Purpose of Funds Potential Funding Sources Funding Timeline Key Risks Risk Mitigation Strategies Financial Tools to Ease Your Job In the modern age of technology, you can always lean on tools to automate some of the financial tasks. So, if you need that digital assistance when Begin Your Journey! This is a sign for you to begin your journey as a first-time business owner. Yes, it is overwhelming, and yes it can be intimidating (hence the long procrastinating period!). Creating a financial plan for even a startup can be intimidating. Here is how you can make this journey a little easier. Start with defining your business first. The executive plan is a must. You should know what your business is all about. Then, move through the basic income and expenditures. Take help from professionals in tax advice and create a detailed balance sheet. Finally, consider seeing your whole financial plan in a timely manner. It is important to take one step at a time. Hopefully, we can give you enough answers about a business financial plan. How is your journey going? Please let us know in the comment section below. Read Also: Tax Implications For Independent Event Planners Use Online Event Payment To Streamline Your Payment Process Everything you Need to Know About Term Insurance Plan Premium Financial Planning For Contractors: Ensuring Project Viability

Top Reasons To Choose A Local Independent Insurance Agent