When I went to get home owners insurance I went thru an agency. They don't charge anymore for the insurance but the will shop around and find you the best deal. I also did that with car insurance (used my daughters agency that time) and when I was ready to buy I just contacted the insurance directly. An agency was great for my young daughter to help her get a lower cost insurance and each renewal time they research again to see if there is another co with better rates; normally there are. I think for homeowners I'd probably stay with the same co but the agency really helped me. Then if I have an agent I contact her when I need assistance instead of dealing with a co and getting put on hold, etc. I've used the same agent for my house for around 20yrs.