Choosing the Right Auto Insurance Agency

Choosing the right agency for your car insurance needs depends on a great many things, it is not as simple as going online for a cheap policy. Insurance agents are more than just employees; sometimes they can be your best ally.

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These days, many people do not typically deal with car insurance agencies anymore. The country has decided that the faster, more convenient method of online purchasing is better. In many ways, this is true and sometimes, it is the only option. However, if you really understood how the right car insurance agent could help you, perhaps you would change your mind.

Auto insurance agencies hire professionals with higher levels of training and they know how to do their job. They analyze and scrutinize all types of coverage, deductibles, and other factors to make sure you get exactly what you need. They also have familiarity with many different companies and their policies. This helps them find products quickly and efficiently.

After you start working with an agent, you might be amazed at how simple the process of purchasing car insurance really is. This is because they have the answers you need, without having to complete hours of research. Sometimes, even after you spend time reading and investigating, you still walk away shaking your head. With an informed car insurance agent, you will never have these concerns again.

Responsibilities and Duties of an Auto Insurance Agent

An auto insurance agent does not simply write policies and settle claims, although this is a primary function of their job description, as outlined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They also spend time with their customers and get to know them on a personal basis.

When you decide to work with a car insurance agency, instead of a direct carrier or online service, you receive guidance and advice based on your individual expectations. They do not hand you a list and ask you to choose from section A or section B.

Rather, the car insurance agency you select first begins the interaction by gaining your trust. They build a rapport surrounded by a number of inquiries and a face-to-face scheduled meeting. However, the first and most unique feature you will probably notice is their ability to remain silent while you speak.

As you begin to discuss your needs, you will usually find them jotting down notes and key phrases. This is so they can customize your policy to your specifications. Once you realize they actually listen and comprehend your desires, you will come to understand that their primary responsibility is customer satisfaction.

Finding Reputable Companies in Your Local Area

If you live in a metropolitan area, you probably have at least 35 to 50 local agencies you can select, but smaller, rural communities may only have about two or three. Do not let this worry or overwhelm you. Chances are they all have something to offer, however, you want the very best. This will take a little digging.

Many people recommend that you ask for the advice of people you know.

Unfortunately, this method does not always work. You have to remember that this is a personalized service. Not everything suits everybody.

For this reason, you should start with the simple approach and go right to the agency directory for your city or state. You can obtain this information quickly, by going to your specified Department of Insurance. The site is very easy to navigate.

For example, if you live in Texas you can access their home page and go directly to the auto insurance link. From there, you should see options for agents, just click and you have access to every licensed auto insurance agent in the Lone Star state.

If you prefer someone nearby, this will surely eliminate a number of agents within the directory. You can narrow your selections based on zip code and isolate the few remaining agencies quickly.

The great part about using this particular resource is you know everyone listed has a decent reputation for issuing fair car insurance rates. They comply with the state regulations and remain current with the latest news developments in the area.

Ask Important Questions

It is not enough to locate car insurance agencies close to your home or office you must also make sure they fit. Your job is to interview each prospective agency with a specific line of questions.

Some of the most important include inquiries about the carriers they work with and their claims process. Find out about their availability during nights, weekends, and holidays.

Other questions should deal with their services and additional products, including homeowner’s insurance, life or business insurance. You may want to build a tiered policy for extra savings. Finally, ask about their review process to see their consistency with checking your status. If you remain loyal, what will they offer?

During your interview, you should also reflect on their answers very carefully and pay attention to non-verbal clues. According to BusinessWeek, communication breaks down into three separate categories.

The first is visual this includes eye contact and body language. This is the highest level, carrying 55%. Next, is vocal communication like the speed, pitch, and volume of speech. The lowest is your words at 7%. This means the majority of what you do not say matters much more than the words you speak.

Knowing what to look for in an agent helps you weed out insincere car insurance agents within the first few minutes of your conversation. You do not have to waste their time or yours. You can just say thank you and move forward.

Check Their Reputation

Since they have local ties to the community, you can go directly to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to see any reports they have. Use the directory to search by location. Just find your state and click. If you cannot find them, they may not have a listing on a national level, but chances are they do appear within your local COC directory.

If they have good comments and reports, this means they share the same ideals and principles as the community they serve. They should be a reliable and trustworthy business. If the company has a strong reputation and ethics, odds are in your favor that the agents do too.

Once you verify their integrity, you should do a little digging around their financial status as well. You need to make sure they can pay their bills and supply you with enough money if you file a claim. The standard auto insurance financial rating systems are Moody’s and A.M. Best. You want an agency with very high scores.

Consider the Fees

Unlike direct car insurance companies, agencies need to collect certain fees because they pay their agents on a commission structure. This means your policy comes with surcharges or other costs. This is very common and you should not feel that this is unethical behavior. Remember, they provide you with a service and you must pay in exchange for their knowledge.

However, you should have an opportunity to review the fees and know what they pay for. You should also know your responsibility for paying. For instance, will they include the fees in the policy price or is this a separate, monthly expense?

The amount and length of work they perform has a lot to do with your obligations. They still recover a certain amount from each auto insurance company they represent. Unless they only work with one auto insurance company, which is very rare, your part should not be excessive.

Try Them on a Temporary Basis

After you find the best agency, give them a trial run to see how they perform. Just keep this decision to yourself. Shake hands and sign the paperwork to start the process, but in your mind, remember that you set a timeframe. You should be able to decide if you want to stay after the first six months.

Even if you do not have any problems that require their expertise, a good car insurance agency will check on you periodically. This could include sending you monthly newsletters or a friendly piece of literature in the mail. You should certainly receive a welcome kit along with your policy. This is a huge reason why most people choose car insurance agencies, because of their personal involvement.

The sign of a really great auto insurance agency is one that takes proactive steps.

One way would be that you receive prior notice if they close their office early, due to a business need. Another way could entail them letting you know that they change their hours of operation during holiday seasons.

If they extend their working days to weekends during the summer months, they should also send notices. These are but a few examples of how you can separate a professional car insurance agency from others and these are the signs you should look for. Of course, not every company will employ all of these techniques, but they should make you feel important.

Selecting a car insurance agency is not a simple task like booting up your computer and completing a questionnaire. However, what this process lacks in speed and convenience, it makes up for in peace of mind for the future. When you find the agent that values you and your choice to work with them, you open your world up to endless possibilities that an Internet company can never accomplish.

Never stop searching for great car insurance rates; just put your ZIP code in the FREE toolbox today!