​Insurance can be a complicated purchase. You’re not buying bread or milk. You’re buying a promise of protection that could potentially make or break your financial well-being. How do you know that you’re making the right choices about coverage? Are you sure you’re getting the best possible value for your dollar? The options can seem bewildering.
Mutual Benefit has sold its coverage exclusively through independent agents for over 100 years. We’ve seen first-hand how the advice and advocacy of agents benefit our policyholders. Here are seven reasons why we believe the independent agency experience benefits you:

1. They give you a choice – Independent agents represent many different insurance companies that offer a wide variety of coverage options and price points. Most on average sell for five to eight different insurance companies. There’s no need for you to accept one quote from one company, and there’s no need for you to spend time filling out many different online applications to get your own quote comparisons. With their connections and their knowledge of the market, agents can often find a better value for your insurance dollar than you might find searching on your own.  Agents do the shopping. You do the saving. They find you the right blend of price, coverage, and service.
2. They are licensed experts – Independents can explain the complexities of insurance in simple terms, helping you make smart decisions. They make a career out of assessing their customers’ insurance needs and matching them with the insurance carrier best equipped to meet those needs at a price the customer can afford. Think about it. While you might research wording for wills on the Internet, you’ll likely go to an attorney to ensure that the document is drawn up correctly. Why wouldn’t you seek the advice of a licensed insurance professional to be certain that your home, your auto, or your business is properly protected?
3. They are personal advisers – Agents not only find you competitive pricing, they make sure you are adequately covered. Working with you face-to-face, your agent becomes your personal adviser, taking the time to listen to you and understand your individual needs. They know it’s not just about finding a price you can afford; it’s also about making certain you are appropriately covered so that you don’t end up insurance-poor if you do suffer a loss.
4. They are your advocate – If you have a billing or claim concern, or need to change your coverage, your agent can be your advocate, working with the insurance company on your behalf.
5. They are right around the corner – Independent agents are your neighbors…they share your interest in the community where you live, and understand the benefits and challenges of living in your locale. They are often highly involved in the community, sponsoring youth sports teams, buying from your local businesses, supporting school organizations, and voicing opinions at the monthly Chamber of Commerce meeting. They are right around the corner, ready to help.
6. They offer one-stop shopping – Independent agents can often meet all of your insurance needs with the companies they represent, providing auto, home, renter’s, and business coverage. Many offer life and health insurance as well.
7. They are consultants for a lifetime – Independent agents periodically review your coverage. They are there to help you through all the changes in your life, whether you’re going from renting an apartment to buying a home, starting a business, getting married, renovating your home, adding a teen driver to your auto policy, or looking to cover that retirement condo.
8. Saving Money & Time – Insurance companies that promise to drastically reduce your rates in minutes may seem cost-effective at first, but working with an independent agent can save you money and time over the long term. Instead of providing you with an instant rate, independent agents will ask questions and take the time to familiarize themselves with your business to ensure that the coverage they design will adequately protect you and your assets in the event of a claim.
9. ​Protection & Peace of Mind – Above all, working with an independent insurance agent will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that when you save money on your insurance, it won’t come at the expense of comprehensive coverage. When it comes to protecting your home, family, business and other invaluable assets, relying on an independent agent you can trust is a great place to start

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​The cost of auto insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars, depending what type of car you have and who insures it. Here are some ways to save money from Rezbanyay Insurance

1. Shop Around :
Prices differ from company to company, so it pays to shop around.  Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or research the information online. 


While shopping, get quotes from different types of insurance companies. Some sell through their own agents; some sell through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. And a growing number of insurers sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.

Lastly, don’t shop by price alone. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. Contact your state insurance department to find out whether they provide information on consumer complaints by company. Work with an insurance professional who takes time to answer your questions. 

2. Before You Buy a Car, Compare Insurance Costs Before you buy a new or used vehicle, check what it will cost to insure.

Auto insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. 

​3. Higher Deductibles Could Mean Lower Premiums
A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By choosing a higher deductible, you can significantly lower your costs. Before choosing a higher deductible, however, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.

4. Reduce Coverage on Older Cars
It pays to review your coverage  at renewal time to make sure your insurance is in step with your needs. For example, if your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. When this is the case, consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage. 

5. Buy Your Homeowners and Auto Insurance from the Same Company
Many insurers will give you a break if you “bundle” two or more types of insurance, or have more than one vehicle insured with them. Most offer some kind of discount to loyal customers. Even so, it still makes sense to shop around! Compared with a multi-policy discount from a single insurer, you might still save money buying from different companies.

​6. Maintain a Good Credit History
Establishing a solid credit history has many benefits, including lower insurance costs. Most insurers use credit information to price auto insurance policies. (Research shows conclusively that people who effectively manage their credit make fewer claims). To be sure you’re getting the good credit you deserve, it’s a good idea to check your credit record on a regular basis to be sure all information is accurate.

7. Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive less than the average number of miles per year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who car pool to work.

8. Ask About Group Insurance
Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers, through professional, business and alumni groups or from other associations.

​9. Seek Out Other Discounts
Companies offer discounts to policyholders who:

• Have not had any accidents or moving violations specified period.
• Drive fewer miles per year than the average motorist
• Have taken a defensive driving course.

If there is a young driver on your policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or is away at college without a car, you may also qualify for a lower rate. But one important thing to keep in mind is that the key to savings is not necessarily getting discounts, but the final price. A company that offers few discounts may still have a lower overall price.

​SR22You may find yourself in a situation where you’re required to submit an SR22 to your state. It’s nothing fancy, just a form that states you have future financial responsibility, but you’ll have to carry it for a specified amount of time.


Some situations that could require an SR22 form are:

• You've been convicted of a DUI or DWI offense
• Have failed to maintain auto insurance coverage in the past
• You've committed serious driving related violations

Minimum Liability
Before you or your insurance company files your SR22 form, you need to get covered. The minimum required liability auto insurance varies by state, but you must be covered in order keep your driving privileges. You can find what your state requires on our States page.


Proof of insurance
Your proof of insurance will be obtained when you provide the state with an SR22 form. You can obtain the form by contacting an auto insurance company in the state where you require insurance. The insurance company will provide you with the SR22 or they will mail it directly to the state.


If you move
What should you do if you currently have an SR22 filed in one state but you’re moving to another state? You will need to maintain the SR22 requirements for the state where you originally filed the SR22 form, and, you will need to make sure that your auto insurance policy also meets the legal minimum liability requirements of your new state.


SR22 Support
State laws regarding SR22 can be complicated, so getting reliable information and support from licensed insurance agents at reputable SR22 insurance companies, can help you avoid the possible loss of your driving privileges. Plus, they will be able to help you find an approved cheap SR22 insurance policy.

What Is SR-22 Insurance?

An SR-22 is a financial responsibility certification frequently required by the state when an individual without liability insurance is involved in an accident or is otherwise found to be without legally required coverage.
Your insurance company will provide the state with advance notice before canceling your coverage. If you do allow the coverage to cancel, your insurer will file an SR-26 with the state, indicating that your policy is no longer in effect.
SafeAuto® can help you obtain the correct documentation*. This will ensure that you are legally able to drive again with affordable car insurance!
Do I Need SR-22 Insurance?While each state has its own requirements, examples of circumstances that frequently require an SR-22 include the following:

• DUI or DWI or any serious moving violation
• At-fault accidents while driving without insurance
• Repeat traffic offenses or getting too many tickets in a short time period
• To reinstate a suspended or revoked license

How Can I Get An SR-22?The state is notified if you allow the policy to lapse or cancel. Contact a sales or customer service representative at 1-800-SAFEAUTO (723-3288) to request an SR-22 to be filed anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How Long Will My SR-22 Remain Valid?Each state has its own requirements for the length of time that an SR-22 must be in place. So long as you pay the required premium and keep the policy active, the SR-22 will remain in effect, until the requirements for that state have been met. If your policy is canceled while you are still required to carry an SR-22, we are required to notify state authorities, which may result in a suspension of your driving privileges.
Are There Any Fees For Filing An SR-22?Most states require a relatively modest filing fee when the SR-22 is initially filed, but is usually not required at renewal. However, if you allow your policy to lapse at any point, the fee will again apply. Because the SR-22 requirement applies to specific individuals, a separate fee applies for each person required to have an SR-22.
Note: that SafeAuto can only file an SR-22 in the state where your car insurance policy has been issued. SafeAuto provides free car insurance quotes to all drivers