Insurance Agent Vs Insurance Company: Which Is Right For Your Business?
When it comes to buying insurance, the first step is to figure out whether you want to purchase through an insurance agent or direct from a company. While the two may seem one-and-the-same, the differences between the two can majorly impact your trucking business. This article aims to help you decide which option will work best for you and your trucking company.Coverage.When you choose to buy trucking insurance direct from a company, you are also choosing to buy one of the standard insurance packages. These packages were designed with a “one size fits all” mentality, so you might have to buy a package with coverage you don’t need in order to receive coverage you do need.Contrary to popular belief, insurance agents do not have the ability to negotiate a policy rate. However, the agent will be able to provide you a list of options at different price points. By being independent, agents also have access to other carrier policies and are able to tailor the policy to best suit your needs. Additionally, the agents may reach out to insurance companies most people have never even heard of, or don’t know provide commercial trucking insurance, which allows them to find even more coverage options for the insured (you) to review.Pricing.As mentioned previously, when you choose to buy a standard insurance package direct from an insurance company, there’s a chance you’re overpaying. Since the package is not tailored to your needs, there may be coverages within it that you don’t necessarily want or need. Additionally, when it comes time for renewal these agencies will only show you rates from their employer since it’s their job to keep you insured with that company.Agents own their own business, thus must generate income by charging the insured for the service provided. However, even with the additional fee, going through an agent usually results in a cheaper premium-sometimes up to 25%-due to their ability to price shop. Furthermore, when it comes to renewal, independent agents are able to reevaluate your premium based on new rates from multiple insurance companies. Therefore, the chance for cost savings increases.Experience.One of the biggest differences between buying direct and buying through an agent is the experience. On one hand, when you call an insurance company to talk to someone about your coverage, odds are you’re going to get transferred to someone in a call center. Yes, you will be speaking with an individual who has passed the same exams as personal agents, and therefore can address all of your needs. However, the biggest difference is that the next time you call you most likely will not be speaking to the same individual you spoke to previously.On the other hand, working with an agent allows you to form a personal relationship since you know that when you call you’ll be talking to either the agent or someone on their small team. These individuals will be familiar with your policy, instead of simply reading general information off a database. More importantly, insurance agents will be there to advocate for you during a claim.Time.We’ve all seen the commercials guaranteeing an insurance quote in 15 minutes or less, so for some it seems logical to go online and purchase insurance. If you are shopping for your best price though, it means you are spending 15 minutes on EACH insurance companies’ websites. Not only is this time consuming, but it results in multiple companies gaining your personal information (phone number, email address, etc.).When you work with an independent insurance agent, the agent does the searching for you. So while it may take some time, it’s the agent who puts time into reaching out to all the insurance companies, not you. Agents also realize time plays a significant role in a trucker’s career, which is why they’re oftentimes quicker when it comes to certificate processing and binding.When you’re shopping for trucking insurance, maybe you don’t necessarily care what’s in the package as long as you’re covered. In that case, shopping direct from an insurance company may work for you. However, if you want more insight into your policy and a more personalized experience, then finding an agent to create your optimal insurance coverage plan is your best option.
Small Business Accountants – What Are the Benefits of Accountants to Your Business?
Finding the right accountant can be the most important part of your business success, apart from the marketing and business management. The accountants can make the different of your business success. The benefits of choosing the right accountants are:Convenience:
You need to choose an accountant near you, in order to save time and money through travelling cut. Or the accountant can communicate with you through e-mail, mail, fax or phone. You can still save time if your accountants accept your paper work through email, fax or mail. This way you do not need to book an appointment or travel to your accountant office.Cost cutting:
If your accountant is offering you a discount on market rate then you are making a serious saving. This way you’re already saving money where you can invest into your business.Accuracy:
Good accountants are always accurate in their work, so let the accountants handle your work. Usually a good firm will check your accounting work before submitting your tax return including your balance sheet, P & L statement.Services variety:
Small business accountants must offer all services including bookkeeping services, payroll and PAYG small business tax return, small business tax advice, small business planing and small business financial advise.Business development:
An accountants can advise you on how you develop your business by analysing your financial situation and recommending how much you can spend on advertising, inventory, rent, employee salaries, and how to balance between company profits and business expenses.Tax return:
The most important part of accountants work is tax return. The good accountant will work with clients in order to maximise tax benefits and explore saving opportunities. The accountants can help the client understand how the tax law is applied to the business. The accountants can explore options and recommend the best option.
Finally I say small business accountants, are very important, as entire business finance is depending on the accountant.