How do I choose an independent insurance agent?

Asked by: Ulises Homenick  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 5/5 (33 votes)

7 Tips to Selecting the Right Independent Insurance Agent
  1. Know the Difference between Independent Agents and other Insurance Agents. ...
  2. Ask for Referrals. ...
  3. Decide If Location Is Important to You. ...
  4. Visit Their Websites. ...
  5. Look for Credentials. ...
  6. Interview the Independent Agents. ...
  7. Knowledge and Trust Are Key.

Is it better to use an independent insurance agent?

Are independent agents worth it? Working with an independent agent usually does not cost anything and can save time by allowing the agency to shop for quotes with all the insurance companies it works with. An independent agent may be able to find a better deal for your insurance needs than you can.

How do I choose an insurance agent?

Eight tips for choosing the right insurance company
  1. Independent agent vs. insurance company. ...
  2. Company history/reputation. Research the insurance companies you're interested in. ...
  3. Understand the insurance company's financial strength. ...
  4. Coverage. ...
  5. Price. ...
  6. Ease of doing business. ...
  7. Available discounts. ...
  8. The power of referrals.

How do independent insurance agencies work?

An independent agent is an insurance agent that sells insurance policies provided by several different insurance carriers, rather than just a single insurance company. ... Independent agents receive commissions for the policies that they sell and are not considered employees of any specific insurance company.

What are important things to look for in an insurance agent Why is choosing a good agent important?

Other things to look for are years of experience and education. Personality Traits: Agents get paid commissions by the insurance company, so it is important to find one that is honest and trustworthy. They also should be passionate and enthusiastic about what they do, and of course, you should like your agent.

How an Independent Insurance Agency Works

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What questions should you ask an insurance agent?

Start a conversation: 8 questions to ask your insurance agent.
  • What is my deductible? ...
  • What is my premium? ...
  • What happens if I get in a car accident? ...
  • Does my homeowners insurance policy offer enough protection? ...
  • Is it time for me to consider life insurance? ...
  • Do I have enough liability coverage? ...
  • Do I need an umbrella policy?

What type of insurance agent makes the most money?

Overview of the Insurance Field

While there are many kinds of insurance (ranging from auto insurance to health insurance), the most lucrative career in the insurance field is for those selling life insurance.

Does State Farm use independent agents?

* State Farm agents are independent contractors and are solely responsible for office expenses and decisions regarding the employment and/or management of agent team members employed by them.

What is the difference between a captive agent and an independent agent?

In short, captive insurance agents are contracted to work for one insurance company and can only sell that company's policies. On the other hand, independent agents are contracted to work with a variety of insurance companies and can sell policies from multiple providers.

Do independent insurance agents handle claims?

Although the insurance company manages the claim, independent agents often are the point of contact for insureds and play a crucial role in the claims process.

What are the qualities of a good insurance agent?

Top Ten Traits of Successful Insurance Agents
  • Problem-solver. Do you enjoy coming up with creative solutions to problems? ...
  • Self-motivated.
  • Honest. This might seem obvious, but unethical insurance agents rarely stay in business very long. ...
  • Sense of urgency. ...
  • Reslience. ...
  • Passionate. ...
  • Communication Skills. ...
  • Good Listener.

How do I research an insurance company?

Here are eight places online where you can investigate insurance companies.
  1. Check out your state insurance department. ...
  2. Consult Standard & Poor's ratings to gauge your insurer's financial strength. ...
  3. Check A.M. Best's ratings. ...
  4. Find out if anyone has filed a lawsuit against your insurance company.

What is the principal concern for selecting an insurance company for an insurance?

The first is accurate identification and quantification of risk factors, such as lifestyle choices that increase or lessen an applicant's risk level. The second is to have a well-functioning system in place to verify information provided by insurance applicants.

Do you pay more for insurance if you go through an agent?

It can be cheaper to buy car insurance online than through an agent, if you are willing to do the work of understanding and comparing policies. Using an agent can cost you 5% to 20% extra on a new policy in the first year and 2% to 15% every time you renew, according to numerous sources.

Why do insurance agents quit?

Most agents quit because they can't get enough sales to support themselves and their families. The only way to change that is to learn how to get more leads, better leads, and follow up on them. People go on fact-finding missions online. They don't care who answers their question, as long as they get answers.

Is it cheaper to go through an insurance broker?

While brokers can save you time and money, you may have to pay a broker fee for their services. Even with the fee, you may spend less overall. For example, if a broker saves you $100 on a policy per year for three years, and charges a $100 fee, you've still saved $200.

What are the different types of insurance agents?

There are two types of insurance agents:
  • Captive Agents. Captive agents work for one insurance company either full-time or as independent contractors. ...
  • Independent Agents. ...
  • Retail Brokers. ...
  • Wholesale Brokers. ...
  • Surplus Lines Brokers.

Which type of insurance agent works exclusively for one insurance company and normally Cannot solicit for other companies?

A captive agent is an insurance agent that works for only one insurance company. Captive agents only sell the products of the insurance company they work for and cannot help individuals outside of that offering.

Can you sell insurance for multiple companies?

Unlike captive insurance agents, independent insurance agents are not contracted to work with one single company, and they can sell policies from multiple insurance companies.

Does Geico have independent agents?

As a GEICO Local Agent, you own a local GEICO insurance agency and are an independent contractor exclusively writing business for GEICO and affiliated companies. We're looking for motivated, hardworking, competitive sales entrepreneurs in many available markets.

How do State Farm agents get leads?

However, State Farm Agents can level the playing field through SEO optimization or PPC marketing. If a State Farm Agent can improve their search results in Google, Bing, and other search engines, they will secure more leads on a consistent basis year after year.

How do I become an independent claims adjuster?

How to Become an Insurance Claims Adjuster
  1. Complete Your Education. In order to become a claims adjuster, you must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. ...
  2. Determine Your Insurance Adjuster Career Interests. ...
  3. Complete an Insurance Licensing Course and Exam. ...
  4. Maintain Licensure (Continuing Education)

Can you get rich selling insurance?

There's no limit to how much you can make selling insurance provided you have the passion and commitment to put in the extra work. However, insurance sale is a lucrative business that can earn you substantial profit margins once everything is up and running.

How do independent insurance agents make money?

Independent agents are paid primarily on commission. The more clients they serve, the more money they make. And as those clients renew each year, independent agents continue to make commissions of those policies. In general, however, independent agents receive larger commissions than captive agents.

Can insurance agents make millions?

Insurance agents can make more than a million dollars per year, but most don't because they focus on marketing to people they know and rely heavily on referrals. Insurance agents that obtain online insurance leads open the door to becoming financially free.