Why Choose an Independent Insurance Agency?

More Options, Personal Advice and One Agency You Can Rely On

When shopping for insurance, you can purchase a policy directly from one insurance company or work with an independent insurance agency.

Both options can provide coverage, but the shopping experience is different. A direct insurer offers only its own products. An independent agency can work with multiple insurance companies and help you compare available options.

At BIS Improved Insurance, we help New Jersey individuals and businesses find coverage based on their needs—not simply fit them into one company’s policy.

What Is an Independent Insurance Agency?

An independent insurance agency represents more than one insurance company. Instead of giving you a quote from only one carrier, an independent agent can compare coverage, pricing and eligibility across the companies the agency represents.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an independent agent may sell policies from several companies, while a captive agent represents only one company.

Independent Agency vs. Buying Direct

The lowest quote is not always the best option. Differences in deductibles, exclusions, replacement cost, liability limits and optional endorsements can have a major effect after a claim.

Benefits of Working With an Independent Insurance Agent

More insurance company options

Every insurance company has different pricing, underwriting rules and coverage options. One carrier may be a good fit for your home, while another may be better suited for a teenage driver, rental property or business.

An independent agency can look at more than one available option.

Help understanding your coverage

Insurance policies can be difficult to compare. Two quotes with similar premiums may provide very different protection.

An independent agent can explain important details such as:

• Coverage limits

• Deductibles

• Replacement cost

• Water backup coverage

• Service line coverage

• Equipment breakdown coverage

• Umbrella liability

• Auto liability limits

• Business insurance exclusions

One place for multiple policies

An independent agency can often help with home, auto, umbrella, flood and business insurance. Keeping your policies with one agency makes it easier to review how those coverages work together and identify possible gaps.

Options when your needs change

Your current insurance company may not remain the right fit forever. Rates, eligibility requirements and coverage needs change.

An independent agent may be able to review other represented carriers without requiring you to find a completely new agency and explain your insurance history again.

Support when you have a claim

The insurance company makes claim and coverage decisions. Your independent agent can still help you report the loss, understand the process and communicate with the carrier when questions arise.

Having a familiar person to call can make an already stressful situation easier to manage.

Local knowledge

A local agency understands the homes, roads, businesses and insurance concerns in the communities it serves. That experience can be valuable when reviewing coverage for older homes, finished basements, rental properties, contractors and other local risks.

Is an Independent Agent More Expensive?

Working with an independent agent does not automatically mean paying more for insurance.

Premiums are determined by the insurance company based on factors such as your property, vehicles, drivers, claims history, selected coverage and applicable discounts. An independent agent helps compare the available options from the carriers the agency represents.

The goal is not simply to find the cheapest policy. It is to find appropriate coverage at a competitive price.

Why Work With BIS Improved Insurance?

BIS Improved Insurance has served New Jersey families and businesses since 1976. As an independent insurance agency, we provide access to multiple insurance companies while giving clients one local team for their insurance needs.

We can help with:

• Homeowners insurance

• Auto insurance

• Umbrella insurance

• Flood insurance

• Rental property insurance

• Commercial insurance

• Contractors insurance

• Workers’ compensation

• Commercial auto insurance

We serve Morris Plains, Morristown, Randolph, Roxbury, Denville, Parsippany, Succasunna and communities throughout Morris County and New Jersey.

Let Us Review Your Insurance

You do not have to compare insurance policies alone. BIS Improved Insurance can review your current coverage, explain your options and compare available policies from the insurance companies we represent.

Contact BIS Improved Insurance today to request a personal or business insurance review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an independent agent quote every insurance company?

No. Independent agencies can quote the insurance companies they are appointed to represent. Available carriers vary by agency, location and type of insurance.

Does an independent agent work for the insurance company?

Independent agents represent multiple insurance companies rather than being limited to one carrier. They help clients compare available options and service the policies they place.

Who handles my claim?

The insurance carrier investigates the claim and makes coverage and payment decisions. Your independent agent can help you report the claim, understand the process and communicate with the company.

Can an independent agent help with both personal and business insurance?

Yes. Many independent agencies, including BIS Improved Insurance, can coordinate both personal and commercial coverage.

Coverage and availability vary by insurance company. All policies are subject to underwriting requirements, terms, conditions and exclusions.