Should You Buy Your Insurance Direct from a Carrier or through an Insurance Agent?

January 20, 2025

When it comes to purchasing insurance for your gym, you have two main options: buying directly from an insurance carrier or working with an agent. Let's explore the pros and cons of each approach.

Buying Direct from Carriers

The main advantage? Price. When you buy direct, you're cutting out the middleman and potentially accessing better rates. But there are important considerations:

  • You'll need to invest significant time researching different carriers and getting quotes from them
  • You're responsible for understanding the complex policy terms
  • You'll need to manage your own policy changes and renewals
  • When claims happen, you're navigating the process alone

Working with an Agent

The right agent can offer significant value:

  • Access to multiple carriers and coverage options
  • Expert guidance on coverage needs
  • Assistance with claims and policy changes
  • Ongoing support as your business grows

However, remember this crucial point: An agent is only as good as the carriers they’re appointed to work with - they don’t have access to every carrier out there. Some agents might even need to place your coverage with more expensive excess lines carriers simply because they don't have access to carriers who will cover your gym’s programs.

Finding the Best of Both Worlds

The ideal situation? Working with an agent who specializes in gym insurance and has direct appointments with carriers who understand your business, like Gym Insurance+. This gives you:

  • Competitive pricing from specialized carriers
  • Expert guidance from someone who understands your industry
  • Streamlined claims handling when you need it most
  • Ongoing support from a team that knows your business

Buying insurance coverage can be an overwhelming and emotional purchase because you’re making a major decision about how to protect your livelihood and business. If you haven’t read about why we started Gym Insurance+ and our commitment to our customers, please do! We’re here to help you find the best and most affordable coverage for your business.