Every year, one in 20 homes has an insurance claim filed. But not all insurance agencies are created equal, and it’s necessary to choose the agency that best needs your specific needs.
In 2020, there were roughly 36,000 independent insurance agencies in the US alone. How can you be sure that you’re picking the right one?
The wrong agent could cost you money, time, and peace of mind. Here are five tips to help you find the best insurance agent for your needs.
Use Your Network
Talk to your family and friends and see if they have any recommendations. If you’re on social media, check out local Facebook pages and groups to ask about recommended insurance agencies.
Make sure you’re making a recommendation based on an apples-to-apples comparison. The best car agent, after all, may not be the best life insurance agent, so ask for specific insurance recommendations.
When purchasing a home, your real estate agent may have home insurance referrals. If purchasing a vehicle, see if your car dealership or a local body shop recommends an insurance company, as they usually handle claims and know how well a certain company pays out.
Go Online
Check out review sites like Yelp or Google Reviews to see what others have said about local agents. You can also lookup an agent’s licensing information on your state’s insurance department website to make sure they are legitimate and in good standing.
Set Up a Meeting
Once you have a few agents in mind, set up a meeting to discuss what their best insurance policy offer is. This is a great opportunity to get to know an agent and see if they are someone you would be comfortable working with should the need to file a claim ever arise.
Come prepared with a list of questions, including coverage, discounts, how long claims take to payout, and so forth. Compare answers once you’ve talked to several agencies, and make an informed decision.
Select an Agent Knowledgeable About Savings Opportunities
Many independent insurance agents offer discounts for things like bundling policies or having multiple cars on one policy. There are many types of insurance out there that you may need, including an umbrella policy for claims that exceed your normal policy limits.
Ask your agent about auto discounts, such as enrolling in defensive driving courses.
Choose Someone Who Will Not Take You for Granted
Finally, as Tate Teveldal State Farm notes, choose an agent who treats you like an active customer. That means picking an agent who doesn’t forget about you once you’re their customer.
The best agents are available to answer your questions and help you make the most of your coverage. They don’t neglect annual reviews or developments in your personal life that might affect your coverage.
What Does the Best Insurance Agent Look Like to You?
By following these tips, you can be sure you’ll find the best insurance agent to meet each of your specific needs. And that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress in the long run.
We hope this article was helpful and that it will be of great assistance in your search. Make sure you take the right amount of time to explore your options, so you don’t rush into anything without exploring all the options. For more articles and tips related to insurance, check out some of our additional posts!
