The insurance industry is overwhelming enough without having to worry about who you’re getting your insurance through or which insurance agents in Lake Ozark are best equipped to help your unique needs. That’s likely why we get a lot of questions around the differences between McGrath Insurance Group versus Captive Insurance agents.
The questions we get are good. They help consumers parse out who to shop with, what to buy, and which companies are the right ones for them to work with. Spoiler alert: We consistently strive to be the right insurance agent in Lake Ozark for your needs. That part is clear. What might not be clear, and what is important to you, is why we designed our agency to operate in this way rather than partner exclusively with one provider. Let’s dig in.
A Brief History of the Insurance Industry
Before digging too far into what we offer and why we’re different, let’s look first at where the insurance industry is and how it’s evolved. In taking this quick trip down memory lane, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s offered and how to find the right choice for you.
Way back in 1896, two fire insurance agents put their heads together to try to figure out a way to give their customers more options. They were tired of only offering insurance from one carrier, and wanted to give their buyers a selection to choose from. Even then, they knew that there was no one-size-fits-all approach to coverage. Out of that conversation, the Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA) was created.
Independent insurance agents, like McGrath Insurance Group, are there to be advocates for the consumer first by representing multiple carriers. By leveraging influence and being the voice of the customer, we, and other independent agents, are able to ensure families get the products and services needed to protect their family or business adequately.
What Do You Get From Independent Insurance Agents?
The range of types of insurance offered by independent insurance agents, like McGrath Insurance Group, is wide. We focus on the coverages you need for your business or your family.
Property and Casualty insurance lets us offer advice and assistance for all of the property you own. A few examples would include your personal auto and home, your business property, or your boat. We’re also able to provide liability coverage, protecting you or your business legally and financially from accidents that involve injuries to others or damage.
Life insurance is one of the most important insurance types to have, but it can be the hardest to shop for and understand. We help you navigate the muddy waters of term, universal, or permanent life insurance as you weigh the best options for your family.
Health insurance is constantly evolving and changing, which can make it incredibly difficult to understand. Our agents do the work to stay up-to-speed on what’s happening in this industry and give you the best options for your family or business needs.
Why Choose McGrath Insurance Group vs. Captive Insurance Agents
Knowing what McGrath Insurance Group does is helpful, but it still begs the question — why should you choose us over a captive insurance agent? To help understand the right choice for you, let’s dig in a little further.
McGrath Insurance Group represents multiple insurance companies, which means we can do the market research for you.. Not only does that allow you to get the best policy for your specific needs, but it also allows you to switch easily from one company to another without hassle. We take care of that heavy lifting on your behalf as things change in the Lake Ozark market.
McGrath Insurance Group doesn’t have the same skin in the game. Captive agents will try to sell and support only one company, whereas McGrath Insurance Group is better positioned to give you unbiased and objective advice. While one company may be competitive for several years it rarely lasts forever. We stay on top of these changes to make sure our customers are with the right company.
McGrath Insurance Group gives more personal service. When you call, you will speak with your local McGrath office. We take care of all of our customers directly.. On the other hand, with a captive agent, you’re often left to call a call center for help after you’ve purchased your policy.
Pricing: Who is the Best? — McGrath Insurance Group or Captive Agents?
We get it. Rates matter a lot to you and your family. You don’t want to pay more for coverage than you need to. Still, you want to be well covered. McGrath Insurance Group can help you get the best of both these worlds.
Our experience and deep knowledge of the insurance industry means that we’re able to represent a variety of carriers to get you the most personalized quotes or proposals. We represent multiple insurance companies, we do the shopping for you to make sure you have competitively priced coverage.
Who is Most Knowledgeable — McGrath Insurance Group or Captive Agents?
Captive agents are well-versed in the carrier that they represent. They know the policies and the products inside and out.
On the other hand, McGrath Insurance Group stays well-versed on a variety of carriers. We see the bigger picture in the insurance landscape, educating ourselves on numerous lines of coverage. This gives us flexibility. We can move our customers to different insurance carriers as the market changes. We don’t have to work with a single carrier like a captive agent.
While both types of agents are knowledgeable in their area, McGrath Insurance Group is most knowledgeable in a variety of carriers and more of the options available to you.
Are You Ready to Make the Switch?
When you’re ready to get the best coverage for your family or business, come talk to us at McGrath Insurance Group. We’ve been in the game for decades and have finessed our ability to process your claims, policies, and products. Give us a call or request a proposal today to feel the difference of having our team on your side.
