When shopping for insurance policies, you have two choices: you can either work with an independent Medigap insurance agent (someone who represents a variety of insurance companies), or you can choose to acquire your insurance directly from a captive insurance agent (someone who represents a single insurance company), essentially buying from the company directly). 

Independent Medigap insurance agents can review and explain a wide range of plans and policies from multiple companies. By comparison, agents that work for one company are often called "captive" or "career" agents. They will only sell insurance policies from one insurance company. In other words, captive or career agents can only provide you with insurance policies that are sold by the parent company they work for. 

Independent Medigap agents in New Jersey can evaluate your insurance needs and find a policy that meets those needs with greater specificity and customization. The independent agent does not have to focus only on the policies of one company, but can shop around for you as they represent multiple insurance carriers. 

You can simply call and speak with an independent agent by yourself; there’s no cost (and if someone does try to charge you to get quotes, move on to someone else).You can also ask friends and family who they recommend in the New Jersey area. 

Insurance prices are regulated by states. Insurance companies determine their rate tables for different risks (age, health, and other specific factors for different types of insurance) and then file those rate tables with state insurance departments. That means that they’re set in stone for everyone - one Medigap agent can’t offer you a better price than another for a given insurance policy. In other words, Independent Medigap agents cannot arbitrarily change prices or tack on extra commissions. No matter who is selling you insurance from a specific insurer, it will always cost the same to you. Where you can benefit (and where independent agents bring value) is finding the insurance company in the New Jersey area with the best-fit product and premium for your specific needs and lifestyle.

Independent Medigap agents, have at their disposal, the ability to quickly check prices and coverages with dozens of insurance companies. Since rates can vary widely, an independent agent can likely get you a better value than you can get for yourself; and do so quickly. This can save you untold hours combing the internet and triggering unwanted calls from numerous agents from all corners of the state or country. 

Independent Medigap agents can be a one-stop-shop for most, if not all of your insurance needs. Independent agents typically don’t sell just Medigap insurance; they also advise on many variations of life insurance, health insurance, dental and Long-Term Care insurance. You can rely and utilize an independent Medigap agent in New Jersey at no cost to yourself, to handle all of your insurance in one place. 

Everyone’s needs, health, and lifestyle are different. For this reason, buying a Medigap policy that’s designed to cover some of your needs could be a mistake. Fortunately, enlisting the help of an independent Medigap agent can help you get your insurance policy on the right track.

Objectivity & Choice: One of the biggest advantages of working with a New Jersey independent Medigap agent is that you will have more choices. The independent agent is not tied to a specific provider. This allows him or her to point out the pros and cons for each of the different companies. In turn, this allows a much more objective opinion, which can help you make the right choice. When an agent is only able to offer a limited selection of health insurance plans, then the tendency is for the agent to highlight his company’s benefits while strongly downplaying any potential shortcomings. This is to be expected when an agent is compensated only for selling health insurance plans from one particular insurance company. The independent broker is under no such constraints as they are happy to point out the pros and cons for each of the different companies and typically be able to offer more objective information on the different options. 

Wide variety of coverage options and price points: Independent Medigap agents represent many different insurance companies that offer a wide range of coverage options and price points. Most agents, on average, sell for five to eight different insurance companies. There’s no need for you to accept one quote from one company, and there’s no need for you to spend time filling out many different online applications to get your own quote comparisons. With their connections and their knowledge of the market, independent Medigap agents can often find a better value for your insurance dollar than you might find searching on your own. Agents do the shopping and you do the saving; and, find you the right blend of price, coverage, and service. When you work with one insurance company, you will have limited insurance options available. On the other hand, when you work with an independent Medigap agent, they’ll show you all the options from many insurance companies. This will provide you with many options to choose from and it will ensure that you find a policy that you like. Independent Medigap agents in New Jersey work with a variety of insurance companies so that selecting the right policy for your needs comes easy. This allows you, the consumer, to pick and choose, and compare rates from all of the top insurance providers. While many agents are only able to offer insurance plans from one or two insurance companies, an independent agent has no such limitations. This in turn allows the insurance shopper to pick and choose; comparing rates from all of the top health insurance providers.

Relationship & Service: An independent Medigap agent’s service is a valuable long-term resource. He or she will be committed to helping you stay protected and can assist you in conducting annual policy reviews. To them, you are much more than just a policy number. Another benefit of working with an independent agent in the New Jersey area is that they represent you instead of an insurance company. Independent insurance agents look out for your best interests. They do not have to abide by the strict rules that come with being a captive agent and they can help you instead. If the insurance agent does not like something about a particular company, he or she can provide you with and honest assessment to help you avoid bad policies. An independent Medigap agent is more familiar with the insurance carriers’ customer service, coverage, and history. Independent agents work for you, not the insurance carrier. 

Save Money: Another advantage of using an independent Medigap insurance agent is that you will be able to save money. When you look at different choices, you can generally find one that is less costly than the rest. The insurance agent will not try to make you focus on a particular brand or company and will instead be focused on helping you find the best value. However, as many are so familiar, you do get what you pay for, at least in most instances. This will allow you to save money on your premiums and still get a policy that gives you what you need. As a licensed advisor who partners with many insurance carriers, an independent agent is the best option if you are looking for coverages customized for you at the best price available. 

Independent agents are professional advisors, not salesmen: Independent Medigap agents put you in the driver’s seat. Because an independent agent is solely focused on your unique needs, he or she can help with comparison-shopping, honing in on the best prices for the coverage you need. They can even advise you on how to best bundle or customize your policies in ways that career captive agents might not be able to do (either because they are restricted in their policy offerings, or simply because they lack the insight into your specific needs). Because independent Medigap agents work with a variety of insurance companies, they tend to have a broader understanding of companies’ offerings and key benefits. When you work with only one insurance company, they will want you to believe that they are the best option for you. In reality, they may not even be one of the top three choices that you should be looking at. Independent Medigap agents not only find you competitive pricing, they make sure you are adequately covered. Working with you one-on-one, your agent becomes your personal adviser, taking the time to listen to you and understand your individual needs. They know it’s not just about finding a price you can afford; it’s also about making certain you are appropriately covered so that you don’t end up insurance-poor if you do suffer a loss.

Licensed knowledgeable experts: Independent licensed agents can explain the complexities of insurance in simple terms, helping you make smart decisions. They are knowledgeable about the industry and the different companies that exist in the marketplace. They have worked with customers in the past and have a good idea of which companies have the best track record when it comes to pleasing their customers. They can narrow your options down and help you choose between the best insurance companies in the market. Independent Medigap agents make a career out of assessing their customers’ insurance needs and matching them with the insurance carrier best equipped to meet those needs at a price the customer can afford. 

Since Insurance is a complicated subject, it’s an agent's business to understand it and communicate it to you so you understand it as well. In almost all cases, an ordinary consumer will benefit from having someone who deals with this subject for a living; advise them. If there are any hidden surprises, a licensed experienced agent is equipped to know where these nuances are. Even if you understand insurance thoroughly you can get tripped up; the industry is regulated on a state-by-state basis. 

Simple Explanations: Independent agents make it easy to understand your options. Unless you have a real passion for the fine print and legalese of insurance terminology, it’s difficult to understand what you’re seeing when comparing many insurance options. Licensed Medigap insurance agents live and breathe this stuff every day. They’re specially trained and certified to help you understand how plans differ from one another and how your coverage will actually work in the real world.

One-stop shopping: Independent Medigap agents can often meet all of your insurance needs with the companies they represent, providing auto, home, renters’, and business coverage. Many offer life and health insurance as well. They are consultants for a lifetime: Independent agents periodically review your coverage. They are there to help you through all the changes in your life, whether you’re going from renting an apartment to buying a home, starting a business, getting married, adding a teen driver to your auto policy, or looking for a dental or vision plan. An independent Medigap insurance agent is potentially a much more valuable long term resource than an agent that is affiliated with only one insurance company. If a client is best served by changing health insurance companies to find a lower rate, select different benefits, or simply needs to adjust coverage because their health insurance needs have changed over time, then an independent agent is happy to continue to be of service to the client and help them select a new company while an agent offering only one company’s products is unfortunately unable to meet the client’s needs. The length and depth of the client-advisor relationship has much more of a chance to grow when an independent agent is involved, leading to many money saving opportunities for the client. Independent Medigap agents often conduct annual policy reviews with each of their clients to evaluate client needs and make sure that they are with the insurance company and health plan that best meets their needs.

Free Advice: You can use an agent’s services for free. Independent agents make money through commissions that are already built into the cost of every Medigap insurance plan, no matter where you buy it or whether an agent was involved. A plan never costs more just because you choose to buy with an agent. When you understand the benefits of shopping through a licensed agent – and the fact that you don’t have to pay more for using an independent agent – it’s easy to see why shopping with an agent is the smart way to go.

Your advocate: If you have a billing or claim concern, or need to change your coverage, your agent can be your advocate, working with the insurance company on your behalf. Independent agents are your advocates even after you enroll. Your agent is there for you even after you buy a new Medigap plan or prescription drug plan. Your agent can help you re-shop each year during open enrollment periods, or whenever big life changes happen and you need to update your coverage. What’s more, your agent can serve as your advocate with the insurance company when you have questions about benefits or about how a medical claim was processed.

They live around the corner: Independent Medigap agents are your neighbors and they share your interest in the community where you live, and understand the benefits and challenges of living in your locale. They are often highly involved in the community, sponsoring youth sports teams, buying from your local businesses, supporting school organizations, and voicing opinions at the monthly Chamber of Commerce meeting. 

Obtaining the best value: Acquiring any type of insurance is often a puzzling and complicated process; especially for the untrained eye. However intangible as it may seem, you’re paying for a promise of protection that could potentially make or break your financial well-being, not to mention the quality of the care you receive. How do you know that you’re making the right choices about coverage in the New Jersey area? Are you sure you’re getting the best possible value for your dollar? The variety of options can be confusing and the policy lingo difficult to comprehend. No matter what your insurance needs are, be sure and request quotes as indicated on this website and then be in contact with one of our independent Medigap insurance agents today! Call us at: 1-800-821-7535