What Is The Difference Between An Independent Agent And A Direct Writer?

Commercial insurance including some entertainment insurance can be purchased on line these days. Many companies spend millions in ads. These ads may be entertaining, but how in the world can you really tell these companies apart? What are the differences?  Is one company really better than any other?  Will the coverage, price, and service meet my needs?

There are two distinct kinds of agents in the United States; Independent brokers and direct writers. Let’s define these for you.

Independent Broker- John Hart Insurance

An independent broker is a business that is owned and operated by local business professionals. Some larger firms may have a board of directors and many partners, but usually the ownership is local and independent. These brokers offer many different insurance products through many different insurance companies. Independent brokers sell the products that most appropriately meet the needs of their clients. Independent brokers typically are very well trained and knowledgeable of the complexities of the insurance market and insurance law.

Most independent brokers have multiple companies from which to shop your insurance needs. This makes it more likely that they will find the exact fit for your specific situation. It also allows for greater competition, which benefits the client.

The goal of the independent broker is to provide the best possible combination of coverage, price and service. For example, independent agents have experience in understanding what services insurance companies provide and are able to match unique services with client needs. Not all insurance companies are alike.

The John Hart Agency specializes in the entertainment industry. The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.

Direct Writers

A direct writer is an agent who distributes policies for only one insurance company. Direct writers are agents paid by the insurance company and cannot utilize the entire insurance market.

The value of the insurance you buy truly is established when and if you have a claim. Independent brokers advise and help clients through the claim process.

Stunt Insurance is no Accident

Many productions in California and other places use stunt men and women in their filming. Stunts can be risky and dangerous, but we all love the final outcome. Even training films often include stunts as part of the production.  However, many traditional insurance packages don’t automatically cover stunt work. We can provide the right kind of insurance for your production company.

Stunt Insurance

We can provide special stunt coverage for many of the productions you are involved in. Producers and production companies can attain coverage for the following... Stunts, aerial scenes, falls, fight scenes, recreational vehicles, water scenes, weapons, precision driving, and animals. 

Here are a few if the stunts that should be insured:

•          Aerial Work
•          Fight Scenes
•          Animals
•          Scripted Falls
•          Special Driving
•          Use of Weapons
•          Underwater Work

The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of the best coverage and most economical solutions to help them manage the risks inherent to their unique businesses.