Excerpt from LIfeHappens.org..

FINDING COVERAGE
Once you’re ready to protect yourself and your loved ones, the next step is getting a policy. Determining how much and what kind of insurance to buy is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make, but because it can also be complicated, many people choose to work with a professional. You can buy life, disability and long-term care insurance and annuities through an insurance company or an agent. When you work with a company, you’ll apply for coverage through one of their agents who will present products specifically from their employer. When you work with an independent insurance agent, they’re affiliated with several different insurance carriers and can offer multiple options. Because each insurance company calculates risk differently, your rates can vary. That’s why it’s smart to compare companies and agents before you make this important decision.