Selecting the right independent insurance agent to take care of your coverage needs should not be an “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” decision. When it comes to protecting the things that matter most to you, price is naturally an important factor, but you should also focus on looking for someone you can trust and with whom you can build a long-term relationship. You likely wouldn’t buy a car without shopping around, so why should you choose an independent agent without doing some research first? Not sure what to look for? Use the following seven tips we’ve put together to help you find the right insurance agent for you.
1. Understand the Difference Between Independent Agents and Other Insurance Agents
An independent agent may be a small-business owner who represents a number of different insurance companies to provide clients with multiple options when it comes to their coverage needs. On the other hand, insurance agents who represent large, national insurance companies are employees of their company and only sell products from that one company. A direct insurance company sells directly to you without an agent, typically online. Working with an independent agent can help you ensure that you always have the best insurance rates and coverage for your needs. For instance, if your insurance company is competitive one year but not the next, your independent agent can quote your policies with the many other companies he/she works with to determine the best fit for you.
2. Ask for Referrals
Although the Internet has become a popular source among consumers, referrals from family members, friends and colleagues still prove invaluable when looking for companies you can trust. Ask around to find out what friends and relatives like about their independent agents. Ask about their customer service and follow-through, as well as whether the agent is friendly and knowledgeable. Are their policies reviewed annually?
3. Is Location Important to You?
It may be important to you that your independent agent has offices in your community. Not only is this convenient, allowing you to stop by to ask questions or receive help with a claim at any time, but it may also help you develop a long-term, trustworthy relationship with your agent. Many independent agents are deeply committed to their community and are actively involved as coaches, scout leaders or civic leaders. Decide whether location is important to you, and begin your search for an independent agent accordingly.
4. Visit Their Websites
Websites are full of information and can help you quickly identify whether you’d like to do business with a certain company. Visit a variety of agency websites and read about their company histories, their staff bios and their client testimonials. See if their website provides helpful insurance information and easy access to insurance quotes, either online or via telephone. Websites can give you a feel for each agency’s personality, their values as a company, and the level of customer service they provide.
5. Look for Credentials
A knowledgeable independent insurance agent can provide the advice you need to be informed when deciding what coverage and limits will best protect you, your family, and your valuable assets. Look for independent agents who have letters next their name on their business card, which represent professional designations like Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), and Associate in Risk Management (ARM). To maintain these credentials, independent agents must take continuing education classes, which can help you feel confident knowing they will remain up-to-date on important industry information and changes.
6. Interview the Agents
It’s a good idea to interview the independent agents you are considering. Since you may end up working with the person for a number of years, it’s important that his/her personality meshes well with yours. Interviewing independent agents will help you get a sense of their knowledge of the industry as well as their integrity.
7. Knowledge and Trust Are Key
Determining knowledge and trust is not a simple task, as these qualities are established over time, but a good place to start is by asking each independent agent to explain the products they sell and how they determine which products, coverage and limits you need. This will give you a sense of the agent’s knowledge, his/her ability to answer your questions, and how he/she does business. Remember: your relationship with a good independent agent will likely last a long time, so it pays to take the time to choose the right one for you.
At Knapton, Reade & Woods, we are proud to be a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent. As your independent agent, our job is to help you select the best coverage and limits and with the most competitive premiums from the many reputable insurance companies we represent. For additional information or to get a free quote for insurance in Hillsboro, N.H. and its surrounding communities, call us today at 603-464-3422 or submit our online quote request form.
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