Choosing the Right Insurance Agent/Broker for You

Choosing the Right Insurance Broker for You

Selecting the right insurance broker should be as important as the type of coverage you select for your car, truck, or motorcycle.  Life is full of surprises but you shouldn’t wait until something happens to evaluate your situation. If you feel like it’s time for a change, it doesn’t hurt to reconsider your options. 

Picking the right insurance company for you and your family should go beyond getting the right quote from a website, or understanding the type coverage or policy you are buying. You should take the time to find a good insurance broker who will keep your best interests at heart, and who can always answer your questions and give you the protection you need.

Remember, you are entering into a relationship with the insurance company you select. If you should face a disaster or accident, they are the ones you will depend on to protect your belongings. Having the right insurance broker will dictate your experience with that company. Just how you would not date someone without first making sure that they meet certain requirements, it’s a good idea to consider the following things when looking for an insurance broker.

Personality

The personality of the insurance broker is one of the requirements that should be on the top of your list. This is the person who will help answer any questions and give you advice as to what policy would best suit you and your family. Ask yourself questions like: How comfortable do you feel with the prospective broker? Does he understand your situation? Do you like the way he explain things to you? How does he react when you ask questions? This is your chance to figure out if they are the right representative for you. Don’t waste it.

What type of insurance agents do you need?

There are three types of insurance agents available:  An Independent Agent, a Captive Agent and an Insurance Broker. When looking for an agent, you should know the differences between the three because this will insure you have the right man for the job.   

Credentials

One way to figure out the credentials of the broker is to look at the letters behind their names on their business cards. These letters often mean a designation or credentials they have earned from various associations. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Licensing

Just how you would not buy a used car before getting it checked by a mechanic to verify that there is nothing wrong with the motor, you may also want to check that the agent or insurance company does not have any complaints filed against them. You can easily do this by searching yelp or even paying a quick visit to their website.

Finding a new insurance broker can be tough and tedious, but once you form the right relationship with the right agent, you’ll know it’s worth it. Take the time to research and ask around before committing to a new insurance.