Does Your Insurance Company REALLY Have Your Back?

March 25, 2025

When a pipe bursts in your home, sure, you could try patching it up yourself. Watch a few YouTube videos, grab some tools, and hope for the best. But without the right expertise, you might miss hidden damage, install something incorrectly, or make a small leak a much bigger—and costlier—problem down the line.

Buying your Home & Auto Insurance works much the same way. You have two main options: a direct provider or an insurance broker.

A direct provider (think big-name insurance companies) sells policies directly to you, usually online or over the phone. You’re on your own to choose coverage, and there’s no middleman—just you and the insurer. An insurance broker, on the other hand, works for you, not the insurance company. Brokers aren’t tied to just one provider. Instead, they compare options from multiple insurers to find the best fit for your needs and offer expert advice to make sure you’re properly protected.

At first glance, going direct can seem fast, easy, and cheaper upfront. Just hop on their website, enter a few details, and boom, you’ve got coverage. But without the right guidance, you could be missing hidden discounts that could save you hundreds or critical coverage that leaves you unprotected when you need it most. And when something goes wrong, it’s often too late to go back and fix it.

So, before you click “buy” on a policy that looks too good to be true, it’s worth knowing exactly what you might be giving up and how you can protect yourself from costly surprises down the road.

1. Limited Guidance

When you buy insurance from a direct provider, it’s mostly a self-serve experience. You fill out their online form, answer a few standard questions, and get a quote right away. But beyond that, there’s often very little guidance. Direct providers might not always take the time to explain why those questions matter, how they impact your risk, or if there’s anything you can do to improve your protection (or your premium). Their job is to offer their product—not to make sure it’s the right fit for you. And if your situation changes, it’s on you to keep track and make adjustments.

Brokers work differently. While they collect the same information to complete the application, they go a step further. A broker will walk you through the process, explain your risk factors, and provide personalized advice. Got an older roof? They’ll tell you how it could affect your coverage. Installed a sump pump or backflow valve? That could help lower your premium. They take the time to understand your situation and offer proactive recommendations to help reduce your risk and avoid surprises down the line.

2. Limited Coverage Options (And Gaps You Won’t Notice Until It’s Too Late)

Most direct providers offer their own in-house products. That’s it. No variety, no alternatives. If their policy doesn’t fit, they aren’t shopping around to find you something better.

Let’s say you own a classic car—a 1967 Mustang you’ve lovingly restored. A standard auto policy from a direct provider may not cover the full value of your vehicle because it’s designed for regular cars with depreciating values, not specialty vehicles that appreciate over time. Some direct providers may offer an endorsement like OPCF 19A for agreed-value coverage. But beyond that, their options are often limited. They might not have access to specialty insurers that specifically cater to classic car collectors and offer more tailored protections and benefits.

A broker, on the other hand, has access to multiple insurers and specialized products that can offer agreed-value coverage. That means your classic car is covered for what it’s truly worth, not what a generic algorithm says it’s worth.

3. You Could Be Overpaying—Or Worse, Underinsured

Price is often the first thing people look at when buying insurance. Direct providers know this, which is why they focus on offering the lowest quote to win your business. But here’s the catch: lower premiums can often mean lower coverage limits, fewer options, or higher deductibles. And sometimes, the savings aren’t worth the risk.

Imagine this: You find a great deal on home insurance online. The price is lower than you expected, the process is quick, and before you know it, you’re insured. Fast forward a year, and a major storm hits. Your basement floods. You call to file a claim, only to find out your policy doesn’t include sewer backup coverage. You never realized it wasn’t there… and now, you’re facing a cleanup bill of $20,000 out of pocket.

That’s the problem with choosing coverage based on price alone. It’s easy to miss what’s not included and by the time you find out, it’s often too late.

A broker helps you understand what’s included in your policy—and what’s not. They’ll explain optional coverages like flood insurance, or comprehensive auto coverage, or protection for your valuables, helping you make informed decisions. And because they have access to multiple insurers, they can compare prices without cutting corners on protection.

4. You’re On Your Own to Shop Around

When you’re insured through a direct provider, you’re locked into their products—and only their products. If your premium spikes at renewal, it’s up to you to start shopping around. That means carving out time to compare quotes, fill out applications, and negotiate on your own. And let’s be honest, most people don’t have the time (or patience) to do it properly, so they just renew and hope for the best, even if they’re overpaying.

That’s where a broker, like PROLINK, makes all the difference. We’re not tied to any one insurance company. At PROLINK, we work with multiple insurers and can compare options for you—rates, coverage, discounts, and more. Our dedicated team will help you find the right fit, whether you’re getting your first policy or reviewing years down the line. And if your premiums start to climb, we’ll proactively shop the market and recommend a better option. No guesswork. No surprises. Just the right coverage at the right price, without the hassle of doing it all yourself.

5. Claims Can Be a Lonely Road Without Support

No one likes dealing with insurance claims and in those moments, the last thing you want is to be left scrambling to figure out what’s covered, who to call, and how to clean up the mess. With a direct provider, It’s often on you to fill out forms, follow up, and push things forward. If there’s a delay, dispute, or confusion, you’re left to handle it all on your own. Plus, even if you just call in with a question, your insurer might record it as a claim, whether you proceed with it or not.

With a broker, you’re not alone in the process. First, you can talk to your broker before you even submit a claim. They’ll walk you through your policy, explain your coverage and deductibles, and help you figure out whether filing even makes sense in the first place. That way, you can make an informed decision, without worrying that just asking a question will open an official claim on your record.

And if you do file? Your broker acts as your advocate every step of the way. If an adjuster goes quiet or drags things out, your broker can escalate the issue and get answers. If a claim is unfairly denied or mishandled, they’ll fight to make sure your coverage is honoured. They know the policies, the fine print, and the system—and they’ll hold the insurer accountable.

At PROLINK, we even have a dedicated, in-house Claims Advocate who works directly with clients to navigate the process and resolve complex claims. It’s an extra layer of support most brokers don’t offer, but it can make all the difference when you need it most. So instead of going it alone, chasing paperwork, and feeling like you’re shouting into the void, you’ll have an expert in your corner to make the process easier, faster, and less stressful.

So, Should You Ever Go Direct?

Sure, there are times when a direct provider can work. If you have very basic insurance needs, a clean claims history, and no major assets to protect, direct providers might offer a quick, affordable solution.

But insurance is supposed to give you peace of mind. That doesn’t come from rushing through an online form or chasing down claims on your own. It comes from having the right coverage and a trusted advisor in your corner.

Think of a broker like your trusted plumber: they spot the leaks you can’t see, make sure every connection is secure, and ensure you’re fully protected—no DIY disasters, no unpleasant surprises. And for most people, especially homeowners, families, or anyone with valuable assets, the personalized service, advice, and advocacy of a broker are hard to beat.

So before you hit “buy now” on that direct insurance website, consider this: wouldn’t it be nice to have an expert by your side? Connect with PROLINK today to speak with an expert.

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PROLINK’s blog posts are general in nature. They do not take into account your personal objectives or financial situation and are not a substitute for professional advice. The specific terms of your policy will always apply. We bear no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or timeliness of any external content.