Finding a good insurance agent may seem like a daunting task, especially with literally hundreds of options to choose from.Selecting the right insurance carrier is only half the challenge since not all individual agents that work for a particular company are created equal!
For example, my family and I made an out-of-state move that required us to change insurance agents.We were happy with our current insurance carrier so we decided to try to find a local agent in our new area that was with the same national company.We called numerous offices in the area that were with our company before we were content not only with the new rates but more so with the particular agent and his or her office staff and level of professionalism and courtesy.
I was amazed at how many different rates I was quoted and how differently I was treated by the different agents that I spoke to.if I was able to speak to the agent at all!At some offices I only spoke to an office manager or assistant and never met the actual agent.
So what qualifications did I look for in a selecting a good insurance agent?Naturally, insurance needs vary from person to person, but there are some standard qualifications that a good insurance agent should have.
A good insurance agent will:
BE LICENSED.This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure that you are talking to an agent that is properly licensed in your state.This is proof that he or she has passed certain state examinations and therefore has a working knowledge and understanding of insurance policies and procedures.
LISTEN!An agent that isn’t listening will not be able to accurately know what his or her client is looking for.
ASK QUESTIONS.Asking questions is the only way to determine the levels and types of insurance that will best benefit a client.
PUT YOU AT EASE.Always choose a client that you are comfortable with.You should be able to express yourself openly and to ask questions without feeling insecure or ignorant.
EMPLOY FRIENDY AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF.You should feel comfortable not only with the agent you have chosen but his or her office staff as well.More often than not your day-to-day interactions will be with an assistant or office manager so make sure that you feel good about the staff as a team.
BE THOROUGH.A good agent will take the time to explain your policies and coverage and ensure that you understand them thoroughly before you commit yourself to anything.
TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY.Don’t choose an agent that is more concerned about making money than selling you the best policy for your needs AND your budget.You should feel that your agent is helping you get the most for your money.
RESPOND QUICKLY.It’s sometimes hard to know how well your agent will respond until you need to file a claim, but you can take cues from things like how and when your phone calls are returned concerning everyday matters like billing questions or coverage changes.
PROVIDE ANNUAL INSURANCE REVIEWS.A good insurance agent will take the time to sit down with you at least once a year to review your insurance policies to ensure that your needs are still being met and that you have accounted for any life changes the previous year that might affect your insurance situation.
Friends and relatives can be a good place to start when looking for a good insurance agent.Ask for referrals from those that are satisfied with their agents.Even if you have a referral, use the above checklist when meeting with any agent.You and your best friend may not always be impressed by the same agent!
In conclusion, use great care to select an agent in whom you can have confidence.Remember that insurance is for emergencies, so who do you want on your side of the table if and when the emergencies come?There is no substitute for a good insurance agent!