There's no denying it: Navigating the ins and outs of insurance can be tricky. While it's easy to get quotes and explore your options; there are times when it helps to have someone guide you through the process, especially if you have specific needs or concerns with your house or vehicle. That's where an insurance agent can help

You might think that agents only help big companies, but you can work with an agent on your own and get great results. Before you decide to buy insurance, investigate if an independent agent might be a better fit for your needs.

Do you need an insurance agent? Let's find out. Here are some common scenarios where working with an independent agent can help you find the policy you need, save you time and reduce stress:

You Have Multiple Items That Need Insuring

Do you own a home and a car plus an RV, vacation home or boat? If the answer is yes, you know how complicated searching for across the board coverage becomes. Then, even if you find good coverage, you might have to deal with multiple websites, payments and—oh my—it can easily become overwhelming.

Working with a local agent can save you a lot of time and frustration, offering you a variety of policies that can cover all your needs. In many cases, an independent agent can provide you with one-stop-shopping, getting all your policy needs in a single place.

Plus, those agents have local knowledge of your area and experience in working with other homeowners in the region who have multiple needs. That means they can help you to find an out-of-the-box solution you might not see in other places.

You Want to Talk to an Expert Before Making Any Decisions

Independent insurance agents are industry experts. They know the ins and outs of various coverage types and can explain the more complex parts of policies to you.

Having an expert on your side can save you more than just time—your agent can help save you money, too.

After chatting with your agent, for instance, you might learn that choosing a different policy is more affordable and a better fit for your needs. That's information you might not have discovered by researching on your own.

You Want to Work With Someone Local

One of the biggest benefits of having an independent insurance agent on your side is they live and work where you do. For many people, having someone who understands the area can make a big difference.

For example, depending on where you live, weather may be an issue. In the Midwest, flooding, tornadoes and hail can wreak havoc on your home and property. A local insurance agent will understand your concerns in a way that someone who lives in another area can't.

Having that local knowledge also means you can sit with your agent and talk. They aren't a faceless person on a helpline. You can go into their office, share your concerns and get advice on your policy and claims.

You Want Someone to Be There in a Crisis

When a crisis hits, and you need to contact your insurance company, the last thing you need is sitting on hold for hours trying to get through to someone. You need help now.

With a local insurance agent, help is right around the corner; you have their direct contact information, not a general customer service line. Agents are part of the local community; their kids might play on the same team in Little League or they may be someone you wave hello to on your morning stroll to the dog park. These small interactions can matter.

Your agent can also act as an advocate for your needs, working on your behalf with the insurance company. This can be a huge relief during stressful times. You want to have an agent you can count on in your corner, especially when it comes to something as important as your home and auto.

If you want to learn more about the process or your specific needs, Westfield can help. Get in touch and start a conversation today with a local agent near you.