Personality of Insurance Agent
Have conversations with potential agents. Explain your situation and request a quote. Just asking doesn’t mean you have to work with them. This is a chance for you to understand how they work and if you are happy with them.
There are 2 types of insurance agents:
A. Independent agents – These are people who own a small business that represents or is a branch of a number of insurance companies.
B. Direct Insurance Agents – A direct insurance company sells directly to you without an agent, usually online.
Best choice:
Go with the Independent Agent as they have the ability to offer you the best price match and coverage for your needs. They have all the data 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 provide advice when deciding what coverage and limits a client needs to protect their family and investments. A credentialed insurance agent has proof of qualification, authority or competence and guaranteed professionalism in the insurance industry.
Good to have:
- CFP – Certified Financial Planner.
- CLU – Chartered Life Underwriter
- CPCU – Chartered Property and Casualty Insurer
- ChFC – Certified Financial Consultant
- PFS – Personal Financial Specialist
- CIC – Certified Insurance Consultant
- ARM – Associate in Risk Management
licensing
Before buying insurance from an insurance agent, make sure the agent is licensed to sell insurance. It is like a patient consulting a doctor and the doctor is required to obtain a license before he can prescribe. Every 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. Customer supply support
While you are checking if the agent is licensed, also check if they have had any complaints 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 can also 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’s okay to ask questions when looking for an agent. In fact, you should ask questions when deciding who you want to work with. Some good questions are:
- What are your areas of expertise?
- What is your chance? Are you local? Nationwide? Nationwide?
- What is your experience in my industry? How many years have you been writing this type of insurance?
- Do you have any customer references?
- How long have you been in business?
- How many companies do you represent? Which?
Of course, there are many factors to consider when choosing an insurance agent. Consider the most important things when you trust 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 some research beforehand to find the perfect insurance partner.