Need for an Insurance Agent

Most people find it necessary to look for an insurance agency for a number of reasons, whether it be moving to a new area, the accumulation of points on a driver’s license or a life event such as divorce or death in the family.

The importance of needing insurance is a topic that is no stranger to this blog and is something I have covered before, in a previous post

Most financial advisers recommend a yearly audit of insurance policies to make sure all necessary coverage is offered.

An agent is almost non-avoidable for insuring your commercial property. You may not have an agent for regular life insurance, homeowner’s, auto insurance or renter’s insurance, etc where you can have the coverage and comparison done online with the click of a button.

But certain insurance like business liability, building insurance, etc an agent goes a long way from getting the best rate to getting your claims settled in an assured way.

If you are looking for a new insurance agent, there are a number of steps to take. Steps are explained in this article.

1. Decide whether you want an independent agent

Independent agents represent several companies and offer you the best deal according to their professional opinion. Agents who represent only one company are contracted to offer quotations from just their company.

There are advantages to both situations: An independent agent can offer choices in insurance companies. On the other hand, an agent who represents only one company gives quotations and advice with regard to that company and usually has a complete knowledge of that company.

2. Investigate the reputation of various insurance agents

The Better Business Bureau can allow you to determine if there have been complaints about agencies. Another source of information is the Department of Insurance for the State of Mississippi. You should also ask your friends and neighbors about insurance agents in the area.

There are many insurance agencies in Jackson, so you should be able to find one that your acquaintances have had good experiences with and would recommend.

3. Examine Types of Insurance that Your Local Agent May Have Available

Personal insurance covers a number of life situations and acts as a financial precaution against devastating financial loss. Some of these types of coverage are auto, home and life insurance. Auto insurance protects you from the consequences of legal responsibility for an accident. It can also alleviate the financial loss from a damaged or totaled vehicle. Homeowners insurance protects your biggest financial investment: your home and its contents.

A homeowner’s policy also protects you against legal responsibility for accidents around the home. It is well worth the investment because of the variety of coverage it offers. Finally, you should make life insurance a part of your overall financial plan. No matter what your physical condition, life insurance can spell the answer to financial problems at a critical time.

A good insurance agent advises you about every aspect of insurance, so be sure to ask plenty of questions of your agent to determine what is right for you.