How to Find a Good Insurance Agent

In general, there are two types of insurance agents - independent agents who write for more than one company and contract agents who represent a single company.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Storm Insurance

1. Contact at least five different agents. Consider using an insurance broker who can help you comparison shop.

2. Consider the agent's office and professional staff. Ask for customer references and contact some of them to find out how they like the agent and their services.

3. Ask for printouts of any proposal they offer.

4. Ask for the A. M. Best rating of the company offering the policy. Best is the oldest industry monitoring company. An A or A++ rating from Best signifies a good reputation and solid financial foundation.

5. Deal only with an agent who wants to sell a policy you need and can afford rather than the policy that he or she wants to sell you.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek out an agent that listens.
• A good agent will ask questions about your insurance needs.
• Make sure you are comfortable with the agent's recommendations and advice. Don't do business with someone you don't like; find another agent who represents the same company.
• In addition to price and personality, evaluate how quickly an agent responds to your needs.
• Avoid agents who won't take seriously your concerns about buying the best coverage possible for the least amount of premium.

[Eurocrat]

on 12/5/2008 You might want to consider a fraternal insurance company as these insurance companies offer member benefits beyond what typical commercial insurance companies offer. Agents seem to have more of a stake in fraternal companies as they themselves are often members.

[choicearizona]

on 10/30/2008 I am not sure how a consumer would find a good agent other than through a referral. Otherwise, you are learning about your agent through trial and error.
http://www.lowcostaffordableinsurance.com/low_cost_life_insurance.php

[aaatexas]

on 7/15/2008 "Step 4 Ask for the A. M. Best rating of the company offering the policy. Best is the oldest industry monitoring company. An A or A++ rating from Best signifies a good reputation and solid financial foundation."

AAA Texas is an A+ Superior rated company by the way...

[aaatexas]

on 7/6/2008 A great way to save on your car insurance is to switch to a member-owned company which will allow you to get lower rates. Once a member of AAA Texas you are eligible for their insurance products.

If you contact me for a new membership, I will:

-waive $20 admission fee on AAA membership
-include a FREE spouse/associate member (an additional $26 savings!)
-provide a FREE, no obligation, comprehensive insurance review (average AAA member saves over $350 a year on their car insurance!)

My contact information is below:

Paula Harold
AAA Texas
[e-mail]
1-800-222-8586 ext.5078

I'd love to answer any questions about the membership or insurance in general. Just send me an email!

[GNGAmerica]

on 6/5/2008 Many Insurance brokers specialize in a certain niches as the insurance market is so vast. Some agents specialize in personal lines insurance (Auto, Homeowners, Life) while others specialize in commercial insurance (Business, Commercial property, Equipment, Construction, etc.) Some will do both personal and commercial to some degree. Ask your potential broker if they specialize in the insurance you need.