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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

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.