Why Work With An Independent Agent from Trout Insurance

Most people believe that it doesn't really matter where they purchase insurance, when nothing could be further from the truth.  This widespread misconception is costly to consumers in more ways than one.  In all likelihood, they are paying higher premiums for coverage that does not adequately protect them and is not ideally suited to their needs, and they may have an agent who is not working in their best interest.  Self-education when purchasing coverage is very important because insurance is a safety net protecting your loved ones and assets.   

Currently, there are three sources for the purchase of insurance products: Captive, Direct and Independent Insurance Agents:

• Captive Agents, by definition, are salespeople who work exclusively for one insurance carrier and are obliged
  to sell only products offered by that company.  Captive Agents are most often self-employed business owners, 
  with their local agency in a neighborhood.   Allstate, Farm Bureau, and State Farm fall under this classification.

• Direct Agents, a sub-group of Captive Agents, although licensed, are not "agents" in the traditional sense.  
  The Direct Agent approach uses telephone call center employees to explain and sell their single insurance 
  product.  Direct Agents rarely operate out of neighborhood "brick and mortar" agencies with the majority of 
  their business being conducted through online transactions and correspondence.  Geico and USAA fall under 
  this classification.
  

• Independent Insurance Agents represent an average of eight insurance companies.  Trout Insurance of 
  Asheville is a locally owned Independent Insurance agency and our agents are not bound to any one 
  company, giving them the freedom and capability to actively compare insurance plans and programs offered 
  by several different companies.  At Trout Insurance, our agents strive to ensure that we find the widest range 
  of coverage options available and secure the most competitive rates for our clients.  We will work closely with 
  you to help determine your insurance needs and will review your coverage as you move into and begin to plan 
  for different phases of your life.  Our agents are always happy to answer any questions you may have, assist 
  you with claims, or help you navigate the sometimes confusing and overwhelming world of insurance.  At Trout
  Insurance, our primary goal is to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients with an emphasis on 
  complete customer satisfaction.