I agree the price should be the same if they use an agent or buy direct. My customers find out that I am much more expensive than buying direct. First they lose the discount for buying direct, Second I charge a $40 agency fee for all new policies.
I have found most people have no problem with the fee because they have me to speak with directly. Another thing is the people that have been upset with Progressive direct, I will rewrite them with progressivr the next day after they purchased online. (I POUND IN THEIR HEAD HOW IMPORTANT HAVING ME AS THEIR AGENT IS!)
Most people in my experiance whant an agent that knows them and their situations. They don't want to be a number and be treated like they could care less if they retain your business.
If I meet a progressive customer that bought online, I have a very very good chance I will be rewritting them soon! Oh and their Home, business, motorcycles, and boats. Not to mention my biggest money maker LIFE!
Always remind them of the service you provide for them! For me and many others like me, its a small price to pay for a little more security in knowing your coverage fits you in everyway you need.
Progressive online tends to leave out what I call "MOTHER IN LAW COVERAGE" People dont seem to see the value in rental coverage untill they need it. They also seem to get amnisia when they say you never tried to sell me PIP covg.
Document every conversation!
The point is....Let Progressive do all the adds they want, because the customers you want.... (Homeowners,Businness,Life and Health) will easily work with you when you help them realize the coverages they are missing out on. YOU ARE THE KEY TO THE SALE!
So if you run into the Progessive,Geico,The General, or Esurance customers....You have a gurarntied sale! Just let them know what they are missing!
Being an Independent Agent, I have no other option's than to sell me! And if you saw how ugly I am you would understand! IT'S NOT ALWAYS EASY!