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Buying insurance has never been more confusing — or more expensive. With policies getting more complex and prices climbing, it’s natural to wonder which purchasing method gives you the best mix of convenience, cost and confidence. Here are the three main ways to buy an insurance policy today and what each option offers.
Buying Direct From the Insurance Company
Years ago, you could stroll into Sears and buy an insurance policy from someone sitting in a booth. That era is long gone, but the “direct-to-consumer” model lives on — now in digital form.
Today, insurance companies reach consumers directly through:
- Call centers
- Mass mailers
- Most commonly, online quote portals
With just a few clicks, you can get a quote and buy a policy — no conversation, no guidance, no expert helping you choose the right coverage or deductible. It’s fast and convenient, but you're essentially shopping from an insurance vending machine.
If you know exactly what you want, this method can work. If you don’t, the lack of guidance can be risky.
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Buying Through an Insurance Agent
If you want human help but prefer to work with a single insurance brand, an insurance agent may be your match.
An agent:
- Works directly for one insurance company
- Sells only that company’s products
- Knows those policies inside and out
- Often has the authority to bind coverage immediately
Agents are ideal if you want personalized support and like the insurer they represent. But since they can only offer one company’s policies, you won’t get comparison shopping — or access to alternatives if rates go up or coverage changes.
Buying Through an Insurance Broker
Insurance brokers offer what agents can’t: options.
A broker:
- Represents you, not an insurance company
- Can work with dozens or even hundreds of insurers
- Shops around for the best combination of price and coverage
- Can move you to a new insurer if rates spike or a company stops offering coverage
If you want true choice, competitive pricing and someone who can pivot as your needs or the market change, working with a broker is often the best fit. Brokers aren’t tied to any single carrier, so their job is to find what works best for you — not what benefits one insurer.
Insurance buying has come a long way from Sears booths and cold-call quotes. With online sales expanding and AI entering the picture, the landscape will keep evolving. But for now, your best bet is choosing the method that matches your comfort level with risk, guidance and flexibility.
Want to learn more about insurance? Visit
KarlSusman.com.
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