Choosing The Right Insurance Agent
The Personality of the Insurance Agent
Have conversations with prospective agents. Explain your situation and ask for a quote. Simply asking does not mean you have to work with them. This is a chance for you to get a feel for how they work and if you’re comfortable with them.
There are 2 types of Insurance Agents:
A. Independent Agents – These are people who own a small business and represent or an affiliates of a number of insurance companies.
B. Direct Insurance Agents – A direct insurance company sells directly to you without an agent, typically online.
Best choice:
Go with the Independent Agent since they have the opportunity to offer you the best match price and coverage for your needs. They have all the data that they can compare between insurance companies. They sell a variety of insurance and financial products, including property, life, casualty, health, disability, and long-term care insurance. They are your one-stop shop for insurance needs.
2. Credentials
A knowledgeable insurance agent can give advice when deciding what coverage and limits a client need to protect their family and investments. An insurance agent who has credentials has attestation of qualification, authority, or competence, and is guaranteed professionalism in the field of the insurance industry.
Nice to Have:
- CFP – Certified Financial Planner.
- CLU – Chartered Life Underwriter
- CPCU – Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter
- ChFC – Chartered Financial Consultant
- PFS – Personal Financial Specialist
- CIC – Certified Insurance Counselor
- ARM – Associate in Risk Management
Licensing
Before buying insurance from an insurance agent, make sure that the agent has a license to sell insurance. It’s like a patient consulting a doctor and the doctor is required to get a license before they can provide prescriptions. Each state requires insurance agents to hold a license to sell policies. Some states require separate licenses to sell property and casualty insurance versus life and health insurance.
3. Client Feed Backs
While you’re checking whether the agent is licensed, also check to see if they’ve had complaints filed against them. For the company, you can check the NAIC’s CIS or call your state insurance department. The insurance department can also tell you if any complaints have been filed against the agent. You also might check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any consumers have filed complaints – or compliments – about the agents you’re considering.
4. Ask Questions
It is okay to ask questions when looking for an agent. In fact, you should be asking questions when deciding who you want to work with. Some good questions are:
- What are your areas of expertise?
- What is your reach? Are you local? Statewide? Nationwide?
- What is your experience in my industry? How many years have you been writing this type of insurance?
- Do you have any client references?
- How long have you been in business?
- How many companies do you represent? Which ones?
Of course, there are lots of factors to consider when choosing an insurance agent. Take note of the most important things when trusting someone to provide you with the best coverage for your business needs. You always have an option to switch agents, but it is much better to do research beforehand to find a great insurance partner.
