How to Find a Good Insurance Agent
By Serena Norr
Special to US.Insurance.com
Finding a good insurance agent is crucial when you
are looking to purchase a life, renters or home insurance
plan. Rather than choosing the first person that you meet follow our guide
to finding the most knowledgeable
insurance agent.
1. Locate an Insurance Agent. Start by asking friends or
family members for insurance provider references. If they used a provider in
another field (say you need an auto insurance
plan and they used a life insurance
agent) you can still ask them for the company information to see if they
have agents that specialize in your interested field. You can also easily search
for agents or companies online at USInsurance.com. Here you simply enter the
information pertaining to the insurance type you need and location.
USInsurance.com then presents you with a list of questions to tailor the search
to your needs. In about a day or two, four to five agents (specific to your
needs) will contact you.
2. Ask Questions. When the insurance agents
contact you, be sure to ask numerous questions. Since this is your first
impression of an agent, be sure to see that they are answering your questions
and not presenting you with a sales pitch. If you like what you hear, arrange to
meet up with an agent at their office to have a more formal interview. Also, be
wary of agents that don’t have an office or additional contact information other
than their phone number.
3. Research. Before your meeting with an insurance agent, be
sure to research the company and what they can offer you. Make sure you also
look at other companies and see how they compare. Knowing what you need will
keep you focused and clear-headed for your meeting.
4. The Meeting. When you meet with the agent, note how the
greet you. Friendliness and professionalism count for a lot when working with an
insurance agent. As you talk about their insurance plans be sure to also ask
them for their A.M. best rating, an insurance
industry monitoring standard as well as additional information about the
company and the personal history and experience of the agent.
5. Proposal. After you talk, your prospective agent may
present you will a proposal. Don’t sign it right away, but rather, go home and
mull over your meeting. Think about what the agent can offer you – such as
price, terms, commitment as well as their company history. If you don’t feel
comfortable, don’t sign anything. You can always find another agent that is more
suitable for your insurance needs.
Insurance Guide
Auto Insurance
Home Insurance
Life Insurance
Renters Insurance