How to Find the Best Insurance in Ripon WI

Buying your first home, changing jobs, getting married, or starting a small business – these are just a few of the life events that can require a change in your insurance needs. So how do you find insurance in Ripon WI that can adapt to and best serve your changing circumstances?

Do you need an insurance agent or an insurance broker?

With so many insurance agencies and brokerages out there, it is often difficult to know which one is best for you.

By and large, an insurance agency represents a single insurance company and their job is to sell the products of that company only. These agencies are not allowed to offer any products other than those of the company they represent. One benefit to using an insurance agency, especially if you know and like the company they represent, is that because the agency only represents that company, they will likely have access to better rates with that company than would a broker.

An insurance brokerage, on the other hand, represents numerous insurance companies. The brokerage’s main purpose is to represent their client to whichever available insurance company best fits their client’s needs and budget. Their primary focus is on you, the client.  If one of the companies the broker represents is not giving you good rates or service, your insurance broker can recommend another company who will. An added benefit to using an insurance broker is that because they represent several companies, you can easily get side by side comparison quotes from different carriers all in one place.

What are your insurance needs?

If your insurance needs are relatively minimal, then you will probably be well served by a smaller insurance agency or brokerage that focuses on a handful of insurance products (for example, health insurance or auto insurance).

On the other hand, if your needs are more complex then you may want to consider an agency or brokerage with a broader range of offerings. Just as an example, let’s say that you've just bought a car and are preparing to buy your first home. Additionally, you are seriously considering opening up a small business. In this situation, you would be better served by a company that offers a wide range of home, auto, health, and business insurance in Ripon WI. Having multiple types of insurance with a single company can save you money, too! 

How to find the right insurance agent or broker for you

One of the best ways to start your search for a great insurance agency is to ask the people around you. Friends, family members, and colleagues can all be great sources of referrals. Find out who they use. Are they satisfied with their insurance provider’s service and rates? Do they feel that their insurance agent or broker cares about them and their needs? Do they have any complaints?

You can also check with your local chamber of commerce and Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints (or compliments!) have been filed.

Lastly, don’t forget to verify their qualifications and credentials. You can contact your state’s department of insurance and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America to research the insurance agents and brokers in your area.

With a little bit of due diligence on your part, you will be able to find an insurance provider who will be able to give you good rates and great service throughout the changes of your life.