why do every insurance agent provide different quote for the same company and coverage.?

Question

why do every insurance agent provide different quote for the same company and coverage.

Answer 1

Well, it's NOT the same coverage. If you sat down and went over it, line by line, SOMETHING would be different - rating territory, or vehicle symbol, or coverage amount. If you ask for "$300csl" you'll get a precise quote. If you ask for "full coverage" which is NOT precise, then you'll get whatever they THINK you want. Might be no medical payments, might be $5,000.

Answer 2

Insurance companies should charge the same for the same coverage ONLY if all the rating factors are the same. Different agents may be reporting your situation differently, scuh as mileage and/or occupation, or marital status. Experience plays an important role in rating an insurance premium accurately, and some agents will even tell the insurance company something that is not true to get you a lower rate. (Like you don't commute to work) Especially if a lower rate means writing the business. It is important that you understand that the agent doesn't not determine to base rates,but they do determine what rating factors to use to manipulate the price. Go with the lowest agent with adequate coverage!! :)

Answer 3

First, there has to be a difference somewhere. If you got a quote for $300,000 CSL liability from one agent, and then you told this to a different agent, sometimes they will give you a split limit of $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 and tell you it is the same exact thing. It absolutely isn't. AARP & GEICO are notorius for doing this. The rates for each company are filed with the state and cannot be different from agent to agent. If you are going to a broker & they charge a fee, depending on the state, there is a limit to the fee & they have to tell you what it is & that it is their fee UP FRONT. All agents get a commission that is determined by the company. For an independent agent, this is normally 10-20% depending on the company & line of business (auto, home, boat, etc). If a company decides to give an certain agent more commission (or a bonus) due to sales volume and/or low claims payouts, they can't charge a higher rate to the consumer. It is up to the company to eat the extra commission if they feel it is worth it.

Answer 4

Yes you definitely need to be sure the coverages you've asked to be quoted are the same as well as the territory. It's possible some of the quotes did not run the back up reports to confirm the premium quoted amount.
Also, some companies allow agencies to offer more of a discount on their quotes if they want to increase sales in an area and that agency has rolled a book of business to the company.

Answer 5

Are you sure the coverages are identical, including deductibles? Are you sure you gave the exact information to each agent/broker? You'd be surprised how a little difference in information can affect your quote (such as telling one broker you drive 8 miles to work and telling another it's 10).
This is not to say all brokers are perfect. They are human and sometimes they make mistakes, however if you are sure that each quote is from the same insurance company, and several brokers each give you a different figure, ask about what is covered in detail (after all, that's where the devil is).

Answer 6

I've quoted and sold insurance for several years and all companies charge differently. If you are calling a broker you are paying broker fees... stick with the major carriers. I work for a major carrier. You need to be specific when you call- know your limits of liability. do you want medical coverage and rental car reimbursement? What deductibles are you comfortable with? Higher deductibles are always better but can you afford to come up with $500.00 if you have an accident? Think about these things before you call...

Answer 7

All Insurance agents are middle men, middle men need to make their profits. Some charge more, some have more clients and can charge less because the have a larger clientele and get a bigger discount from the actual Carrier. Sadly they don't always play fair and match across the board. Since its the law in most all state now to have automobile coverage they can pretty much be as pricey as their economic situation allows them.

I hope that helped some.

Answer 8

Sorry; you missed something. Doesn't happen. Show them the illustrations and make them point out the differences.


Addendum: Agents have absolutely NO control over premiums. Again, if it's identical coverage from the same company, the premium is the same.

Answer 9

Wjy do different car dealers charge different prices for the same vehicle?

Why does a bar of soap cost different amounts at different supermarkets?

The agent makes a pricing decision based on several economic factors. The value can be anywhere between their cost from the insurance company to the most a reasonoable person would be willing to pay. (as is the case will all items)... and then competitition i the force driving prices downward.

Answer 10

There are really only like 3 or 4 large insurance companies that own all of the smaller companies. It's a monopoly that people have ignored for years.