When you buy insurance from a major corporation, you have no idea who is on the other end. When setting up an insurance policy, talking with a knowledgeable independent agent is the key to securing a good policy. Anyone can write a policy-- but only a knowledgeable agent talks you through what the coverages mean, and how they can affect you in a time of a loss. Only then can you make good decisions about your insurance.
We spend so much of our money insuring what's valuable - don't you think it's worth a few extra minutes to talk with a reputable agent?