Let’s do a quick personal survey. We’d like to ask you some questions that you can answer to yourself.

1. When you see a sign that reads ‘INSURANCE’ as you drive down the road, what goes through your mind. Do you think about your various coverages? Probably not. 

2. When making a call, do you prefer to speak to an automated machine or an actual person?

3. When you have an issue, would you rather speak to multiple people or just one person?

4. Would you rather be provided with one option to your problem, or multiple options?

So what’s all of this for anyway? 

We want to show why working with an independent agency to find the best rates possible is more beneficial than interacting with one of the “bigger guys.” We’ve realized that many people who hold insurance policies don’t even know exactly what their policy entails. So, we pose another question: would you want to “be in the know,” or just assume you’re being taken care of? 

Working With Independent Agencies

As an Independent insurance agency, Clifton and Lewis Insurance doesn’t just find clients the best rates, but they’re able to compare and contrast with top competing carriers. “I will be honest I have 10 or more auto insurance companies with which we don’t write because they don’t pay their claims in a proper and timely fashion. We are attempting to create a special relationship with the client that is long-lasting and sincere,” says Mark Bodley, owner of Clifton and Lewis Insurance Group. Not everyone is an insurance expert. But when people attempt to pick different insurance policies to cover their assets they are acting like the General Contractor of their insurance needs. Most people don’t build their house without a General contractor because they want to make sure it is done correctly. Most people aren’t even aware of what they’re policy entails. We are dedicated to providing people with top-tier customer service.  We strive everyday to be reliable, dependable and responsive. We are available through a quick phone call, and don’t require our clients to be passed along from agent to agent. Even better, our three locations are  placed within a community making it easier for those who prefer to do business face-to-face. Doing business locally, is also a wonderful benefit to giving back to the community and encouraging people to support small businesses.

Statistics show that people “feel lost or mistreated like just another number to a big profit driven company” (Car Insurance 101). At Clifton and Lewis Insurance, we try to make every client feel included and respected by listening to their special needs. We try to eliminate the headache and confusion that someone may receive from dealing with a large insurance carrier. We have a relationship with those top carriers, in which “we are trained and authorized to sell the company’s products” . We do the dirty work for you! That means We will quote your Home or Auto with up to 20 different companies.  Why don’t we quote 20+ companies always? There are many reasons, but primarily they break down to two: every home is different and after thirty years of binding coverage you get to know what company is the best fit for each despite the price. It’s very easy to be taken advantage of if someone isn’t fully educated on something, including their insurance. 

Working with the “Bigger Guys”

When listening to the radio, watching TV, scrolling through the internet, or browsing through social media, we are always hit with ads. Ever notice what the majority of those ads are connected to? Large insurance companies. How many times a day does the Geico Gecko show up on your TV, or the Nationwide jingle become stuck in your head? Often, is what you’re probably realizing. These corporations spend crazy amounts of money on TV commercials, radio broadcasting, print ads, digital ads, social ads, pay per click ads - the list can go on forever. Where is this money even coming from? Their loyal patrons of course! While these companies are nationally recognized, are they really there for their clients in the end? It’s no doubt that large insurance companies can offer great rates, but how do we know if we’re receiving the BEST rate possible?  

Unlike smaller agencies, “large companies focus their attention on wider policies, which attract a majority of their clients” (AutoInsurance.org). They strive towards the mass, leaving those with unique circumstances to fend for themselves. Yeah, they may be more competitive with flexible rates but are they going to be there to help you at the time you have a claim? An example: I was hit by a lady who had Geico, after repeating my story 8 times over 9 days to 8 different people, I was finally advised to go pick up my check. When I requested to know the delay I was advised their insured was suing them because they would not fully pay for her damages.  I will only add that 25 years ago I had Geico insurance (loyal client for 7 years). I had a no fault accident with 4 witnesses including a policeman and Geico put it down as at-fault to save arbitration cost.  That is why I decided to become an independent agent in 1996.   

We did some research and found ‘10 Reasons to Choose an Independent Insurance Agent’ (Acadia Insurance, A Berkeley Company):

1. Customer Service: You are greeted and assisted by an actual person

2. Agents Act as Personal Shoppers: People DREAM of having a personal shopper, now you can get it with your insurance!

3. Community Involvement: Many agencies give back to the community in the most positive way

4. Local Knowledge: Agents who do local business typically are native and knowledgeable to the area

5. Agents are Understanding: They know insurance can be confusing and complicated and they’re dedicated to informing and educating their clients

6. One-Stop Shops: All of your insurance needs can be taken care of at once

7. Reputation: The longer the agency has been in business the better it is well known throughout its community (Clifton and Lewis has been around for 20 years!)

8. Knowledge: Agents are qualified and knowledgeable of all things insurance 

9. Saving Money & Time: Enough said

10.  Protection & Peace of Mind: Not only will you be protected, but your mind will be at ease knowing you’re covered