The Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing an Insurance Agent.

Posted on May 23, 2017 in Independent Insurance Agency

DO determine what type of Insurance Agent you would like to work with. 

 

I know what you’re thinking… Yes, there are different types of agents! You can work with a Captive Agent, also called a Direct Agent, or an Independent Agent.

The Captive Agent works for only one company whose policies they sell.  For example, a State Farm Agent. 

 

An Independent Insurance Agent represents a number of different carriers; so they have the ability to get multiple quotes.  This will ensure you get the best price and coverage for your needs.  Do your rates keep going up year after year?  An independent Agent can help stop this cycle by, again, getting quotes from other carriers. And just in case, if you’re still wondering, all the Agents at Elite Insurance Services, Inc. are Independent.

 

DO get referrals. 

 

Your friends, family and colleagues can help you determine what to expect from an agency.  Ask them what they liked, didn’t like, the level of customer service they received, how the agent handled complications, were they dependable through the claim process, etc.   

 

DON’T forget to do your research

 

Once you have some recommendations, don’t just pick a name out of a hat, it’s time to do some research!

  • Check your state’s Department of Insurance for any complaints, investigations or disciplinary actions taken against the agents. You can also see if their license is active.

  • Look at the Better Business Bureau and local Chamber of Commerce websites.

  • Dig into their online reviews, social media sites and business website.

 

When shopping for an Insurance Agent, you shouldn’t be looking only at price.  It’s important to take into consideration how well you could work with this person; a relationship that can endure through a few cars, new homes, fender benders, and even storm damage.  The team at Elite Insurance Services, Inc. has the experience and skills to ensure you get the best coverage and limits with the most competitive premiums from a variety of the insurance companies we represent.  Check out our website for all your personal insurance needs.   

14 Responses to “The Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing an Insurance Agent.”

  1. Since my husband and I are recently married, we are looking for an insurance agent to help us with our different policies. Thanks for sharing these tips on how we should go about finding a good agent. As you suggested, we will be sure to ask friends, family, and colleagues about the level of customer service they received.

  2. It really helped when you talked about how you can check with the BBB when choosing the best insurance provider. I can see that doing this can help you find ratings and reviews in order to find the best coverage you can. As I see it, shopping around and consulting with several companies can help you compare rates and find the best insurance for your needs.

  3. My fiance and I are looking into getting a new insurance agency but are not sure what to look for specifically. We really love the suggestion to look for friend and family referrals. Both of us really appreciate an agency that is approved by the closest people to us in our lives. Thanks for the help!

  4. I like what you guys are usually up too. This kind of clever work and coverage!

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  5. I like that you mentioned to check with the BBB to see if an insurance agent is reputable and has a good track record. That way, you can feel confident in your choice and you can be sure you have a solid agent. I need to find a new insurance policy for my farm, so I have been looking for the right person to help. I will keep these tips in mind.

  6. I like that you recommend about doing your research on the agent. It makes sense that it can be helpful to do your research on things such as their reviews or even how long they’ve been in the area. An insurance agent that’s been in the area for a long time could have a much better idea of what specific coverage you might need given the specific scenario and situation.

  7. Hi, just wanted to tell you, I liked this article. It was inspiring.
    Keep on posting!

  8. It helped a lot when you mentioned how you should take the time to check with the BBB in order to find the best insurance for your vehicle. I understand that taking the time to do some research and read online reviews and ratings can help you find the best one for your needs. Personally, I would also want to assess my own needs and take into consideration the type of car I have in order to find the best auto insurance for my needs.

  9. My dad just got our grandpa’s farm and he has been looking for an insurance agent to help him protect the farm. That is a great idea to look at their online reviews and business website. That would be a great way to see if they would be a good agent for the job.

  10. I appreciate your tip to ask your family and friends for some referrals for insurance agents if they’ve worked with some in the past. My husband and I are hoping to get some new homeowner’s insurance, and we are wondering how to find the best agent to help us. We will definitely have to talk to some co-workers since I know that they just recently bought a home as well.

  11. Saved as a favorite, I love your blog!

  12. It was really nice that I came across this article and learned that one of the best ways to find a good insurance provider was to ask for the referral of friends or family members because I can make use of their experience to determine whether or not they will fit me. I will surely note that down as I have been interested in getting my home and my car insured for a while now. Knowing that insurance can be pretty pricey, I only want to make deals with an agency that’s absolutely reliable. Thank you for sharing the details!

  13. That’s a great tip you mentioned about digging through their reviews. Having that knowledge can help you weed out the great from the good. Do you have any more tips about looking at insurance agencies as a whole? Thanks!

  14. I agree that your friends can be really helpful in finding an insurance agent. They can give you more insight into certain agents, like you said. They will be able to tell you pros and cons of different companies as well. I’ll definitely be asking around when I find someone to provide me with auto insurance. I want to find a friendly agent and the best coverage.