An independent agent brings expertise and emotional IQ to every client.
Life changes and businesses grow and change over time. That’s why we feel people are best served by independent insurance agents who have the expertise to assess an evolving risk profile and provide educated advice and products. Building a relationship with an independent agent in your community can give you personal experience and ensure you are provided with the right coverage.
Informed decisions, personal touch
You may wonder why we support independent agents when our industry has online platforms to ask questions and provide quotes. In short, insurance is a relationship business:
- Independent agents represent multiple carriers with different coverages and terms to choose from. The agent will listen and get to know you. Then, they will offer you options based on your circumstances. This personalized service brings added value.
- First-time insurance buyers especially need guidance, and independent agents are in a unique position to help assess risk and provide a personal touch.
- We live in a complex world, and online quoting platforms lack the consideration, expertise and emotional IQ that independent agents bring to every client.
Consider homeowner’s insurance. There is much more to determining the true cost of home remodeling than facts captured by a quick online questionnaire. What an agent asks are deep questions that often reveal the unique and special features of a client’s home, such as a highly customized buildout, carefully selected fixtures and other structural details.
Proactive landlord policy reviews
Regular contact with an independent agent can reveal changes in your risk profile. Have an annual check in with your agent and communicate as part of your policy renewal. You can find changes related to coverage:
- Renovations, additions or new appliances that require additional coverage
- Alteration of driver’s position or garage of car by children at locations other than home address
- Purchases not covered by a homeowner’s policy
- Participating in ride share services or renting a portion of a home
Business changes, too
Business clients also evolve – whether growing or scaling back – and annual discussions around coverage are important. The risk profile will change with new ventures, partnerships, investments and growth. Your independent agent’s ability to identify and explain these risks exceeds the capabilities of direct quote experience.
Discuss changes in your business that may change your risk profile by reviewing:
- Business income
- Cyber risk
- Buildings and Property Improvements
- workforce
- Transportation
- Product liability
To find an agent representing a Cincinnati insurance company, please search for an agency on our website.
The coverage described here is in the most general terms and is subject to actual policy conditions and exclusions. For actual coverage terms, conditions and exclusions, refer to the policy or contact your independent agent.