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.
Contact at least five different agents. Consider using an insurance broker who can help you comparison shop.
Step2
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.
Step3
Ask for printouts of any proposal they offer.
Step4
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.
Step5
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.
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...
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
harold.paula@aaa-texas.com
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!
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.
on 2/8/2008
I thought this was about me when I saw the heading. Ok, I am just kidding. I am not really sure you know until you try an agent. I would suggest that if you do not feel comfortable during the quoting process, move on. There's alot to be said for being able to relate to someone you feel comfortable with.
Comments
aaatexas said
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 said
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
harold.paula@aaa-texas.com
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 said
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.
Friends24 said
on 3/7/2008 State Farm has the best agents of all. They definately know what they are doing!!
choicearizona said
on 2/8/2008 I thought this was about me when I saw the heading. Ok, I am just kidding. I am not really sure you know until you try an agent. I would suggest that if you do not feel comfortable during the quoting process, move on. There's alot to be said for being able to relate to someone you feel comfortable with.