Choosing the right insurance agent is an important decision. They’ll be helping you protect your most cherished and valuable assets. Make sure you’re choosing the right one with these questions:
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Are they a direct/captive agent or an independent agent? Agents who represent only one insurance company are called direct or captive agents. If you know you want a specific company for your insurance, a direct agent can work for you, but be sure to get a detailed quote first. If that company’s coverage is too expensive, the captive agent has nothing else to offer you. An independent agent represents more than one company, so they can do the comparison shopping for you. They can tell you which company has the right coverage for your needs at the best price.
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What coverage do they offer? Some agencies only offer personal insurance and others only commercial coverage. Some might not offer life or health insurance. Others offer a full range of options. Make sure your agent can get you the coverage you need for your specific situation and future goals.
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Are they easy to get ahold of? Being able to easily speak with your insurance agent rather than waiting on hold with a 1-800 number can make claims and policy questions a lot less stressful. Having a good relationship with your agent — and more importantly, trusting them to be there when you need them — will make your life easier.
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What do others think of them? Like anything else in life, customer reviews can be helpful. If the agency has a website, look it over. Check for online reviews or ask for referrals from people you know. Personal reviews can tell you a lot about how an agency treats their customers.
At The Frederick Agency, we’re proud to be a small independent agency offering a range of personal, commercial and life insurance options. Give us a call to see if we are the right fit for you!
