Last week, the 43rd annual conference of the Regroupement des cabinets de courtage d’assurance du Québec (RCCAQ) took place. As a member of the RCCAQ, Assurances Multi-Risques is proud to be part of this organization, but above all, we are proud to be independent insurance brokers.
Do you know what an independent insurance broker really is? What distinguishes an agent from an insurance broker? Here is a brief overview of the difference between an agent, an insurance broker with financial ties to an insurer, and an independent insurance broker.
The agent
A property and casualty insurance agent deals with a single insurer and is employed by the insurance company for which he or she works. An agent can only offer the insurance products of his or her employer.
The insurance broker with financial ties to an insurer
Some brokerage firms have business ties with insurance companies. Given the financial ties that bind them, these brokers generally prefer to focus on and offer you mainly the insurance products of that insurer. If financial ties exist, your insurance broker has a duty and obligation to disclose this to you.
The independent insurance broker
An independent insurance broker does business with several insurers. They have no financial ties to insurance companies and can offer their clients the services of several insurers. Generally, independent insurance brokers offer more personalized service than direct insurers. They are true partners to their clients, providing sound advice, supporting them throughout the claims process, and defending their interests, regardless of their situation.
Assurances Multi-Risques is a completely independent firm. We pride ourselves on being entirely impartial. When we insure a client with an insurer, it is because we have decided to do so and because our brokers are convinced that it is in the client’s best interest. Since our brokers work with several insurers, they are able to focus more effectively on their work. Our firm works to find you the best value for your auto, home, and business insurance.
Who is the best person to insure me?
If you ask the question, Assurances Multi-Risques will certainly tell you that you are better served by an independent insurance broker with no financial ties. However, we believe that depending on the personality of certain clients, some policyholders will be happier with a focused agent or broker, since a personalized relationship is not important to them. Is one of your main criteria having a personalized relationship with your insurance broker? We recommend that you contact an independent insurance broker. In short, contact us!