How do you select an insurance agent?
Do you really need the services of an agent?
What does an agent really do for the customer?
Ther are two types of insurance agents: captive and independent.
A captive agent works primarily for one company, Allstate, State Farm, etc. An independent agent writes insurance for a variety of companies.
Captive agents have authority to bind coverage and to make changes quickly.
If a client walked into my office to buy auto insurance and I bind coverage, the client is covered as soon as they leave my office.
An independent agent may have some binding authority but may have to send all new business, and policy changes in to a service center to be completed. The policy would not begin until it has been processed.
An agent should be helping the client pick the right coverage. An agent should be there to assist when there is a claim. An agent should be able to help with billing problems. An agent should be able to add a new policy quickly. An agent should be able to answer coverage questions.
When choosing an agent ask about their availability.
Do they answer the phone Saturday afternoon when you were rear ended?
Do they answer the phone at 7 pm when your pipes broke?
Interview a few agents before deciding which office you place your policies with. Do not choose an agent just because they quoted a low price.
