What To Look For in an Insurance Agent

Whether you’re planning to get insurance or need financial advice, a good insurance agent will do more than sell insurance policies. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are an estimated 445,540 agents who sell life, property, automotive, and other types of insurance. 

With so many insurance agents out there, how do you know if you're working with a reliable agent or broker?

Narrowing down your options can be much more challenging than expected. Nothing beats a good insurance agent that can walk you through the process until you’ve formed an informed decision. If you are unsure what to look for in an agent, continue reading this blog post:

Reviews and Recommendations

Take note of what people say about an insurance company and their agents. A simple Google search will turn up a lot of results about them, including reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Do they have a positive brand online and reputation? Or is their website filled with bad reviews?

While not all reviews are legitimate, it’s a good idea to check their reputation online. You may also get recommendations from friends and family. Word of mouth can save you time when looking for insurance agents. By asking for their recommendations, you can get a list of local insurance agents who are trustworthy and knowledgeable. 

Technical Knowledge

Insurance is a broad topic, which includes various insurance policies and products. A good insurance agent should be well-versed in insurance policies and their key features. They should provide valuable advice and determine a policy that aligns with the client’s needs.

When researching a company, consider its credentials and industry know-how. It will also be helpful if you ask about their areas of expertise and how long they’ve been in the insurance field. 

Insurance License

In order to operate legally, insurance agents should first obtain a license in their preferred state. Every state has different but similar licensing requirements when it comes to working as an insurance agent. The typical requirements include taking pre-licensing courses, passing a licensing exam, and receiving on-the-job training.

When you work with a licensed agent, it means they have a certain level of knowledge and skills to sell insurance products. This also means that they comply with relevant laws and regulations. Make sure that you only work with licensed agents with proper certification and credentials.

Insurance Quotes and Proposals

Most insurance agents use software and applications to obtain quotes. An insurance quote allows you to determine if your coverage is enough for your needs. Since insurance agents are connected to various providers, they can reach out to them on your behalf and present you with comparative quotes. By comparing multiple quotes from different providers, you can assess the premium costs, coverage limits, deductibles, and more.

After gathering quotes, they will find a policy with the best coverage and price. Their job is to provide expert advice and valuable insights. Your insurance agent should take a personalized approach and act in your best interests. 

Responsiveness

The last factor when choosing an insurance agent is their responsiveness. It is crucial that you can easily reach out to your agent in case you have questions about your policy. Your agent’s job doesn’t end during the policy signing process. A great insurance agent should assist you with policy reviews, policy changes, and claims assistance.

In case you’re involved in a car accident, you’ll need to speak to your insurance agent. Prompt reporting of the accident will get the ball rolling when it comes to insurance claims. A reliable agent knows the process extremely well and will explain the necessary steps to take.

When looking for a local insurance agency, find a company that provides good customer service and gets back to you in a timely manner. This way, you’ll know that you can reach them when an emergency arises.

The Bottom Line

Local Retirement Group is a local agency dedicated to fulfilling all your insurance needs. We work closely with the top carriers to make sure you have the coverage you need. As your trusted agents, our goal is to accurately compare rates and provide you with a tailored insurance policy. You can trust our knowledge, experience, and skilled expertise in all things insurance. Feel free to give us  a call today to learn more  about our services.