Buying Home Insurance: Online vs. Local Agent
It's the digital age dilemma. Do you want the convenience of an app or the expertise of a handshake?
There are pros and cons to both direct-to-consumer (online) models and the traditional independent agent model. Here is the breakdown.
Buying Online
- Pro: Fast. You can get a policy in 5 minutes at 2 AM.
- Pro: No sales pressure.
- Con: You might pick the wrong coverage because nobody explained it to you.
Local Agent
- Pro: Expertise. They know exactly what "Ordinance or Law" coverage is.
- Pro: They advocate for you during claims.
- Con: Slower process. Requires phone calls or meetings.
Who Should Use What?
Go Online If: You have a simple, standard home (e.g., a 10-year-old tract home), you are comfortable with insurance terms, and you want the lowest price fast.
Go Local If: You have a high-value home, a historic home, run a business from home, or simply want someone to manage the details for you.
Conclusion
The best approach? Do both. Get a quote online to set a baseline. Then call a local independent agent (who represents multiple companies) and ask if they can beat it. You might be surprised when the human wins.
HomeInsuranceQuotes360 Team
Shopping Experts