Important Things to Consider When Choosing an Insurance Agent

Relying on agents while comparing insurance quotes will always work to your advantage. After all, they understand what goes into the best insurance policies. But one might think choosing an insurance agent should be an easy undertaking. Pick the one that offers you the cheapest insurance quotes, right?

Well, that’s not always the case and probably shouldn’t be at the top of your list of priorities when choosing the best insurance agent. Bear in mind lower price can mean inferior coverage and that’s fine until you experience a loss that isn’t covered.

So, how do you separate the good from the bad when doing your homework? Here are a few things you should consider when choosing an insurance agent.

Direct Writers vs. Independent Agents

Before going any further, you should remember that there are two different ways to get coverage from an insurance agency Direct writers are insurance agencies that hire their own sales people to write exclusively for that one company. In short, they work for the company that employs them.

Independent agents, on the other hand, work for the insured, not the company. But they have contracts with multiple insurance agencies and can usually offer you more options. Be sure to factor in the pros and cons of these two before settling on the best for your needs.

What Type of Insurance Do You Need?

Some agents are fond of offering many types of insurance and some will be limited in their offerings. For instance, some only offer personal lines insurance while others will offer both personal and commercial lines. In the event that you own a business and are looking for an agent to write your commercial insurance, always ensure they have some experience in your industry before deciding on anything.

The Bottom Line

There are numerous things to factor in when searching around for the best insurance agent to work with. From personal traits and technical knowledge to type of insurance needed and expectations, never should you skimp on anything while making this all-important hiring decision.