Hundreds of insurance companies have Web sites. Many are designed to sell insurance directly to consumers like you. While this may or may not lower their costs of selling you a policy, it eliminates two of the most important benefits of buying insurance —

1. Getting personal service from an insurance professional, and
2. Finding hidden risks that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars when a loss isn’t covered.

   Independent agents are skillful individuals trained at identifying risk and customizing insurance policies to the needs of each client. Independent agents choose among several different insurance companies’ policies when they place your business. They know that all policies are not alike nor are the insurance companies that stand behind your policies equally strong. The agent’s job is to find the proper balance of protection and value that suits your individual case. You may lose this major advantage if you order a policy offered through a mass mailing or an insurer’s Internet site.