Understanding insurance agents and their role in one's life can be a bit confusing. It seems in the old days (before the internet that is), people had one agent that handled all their needs. Life, fire and auto coverage would all be handled by one agent who would even visit their customer's home. Now the industry is about five times more competitive with the competition of the internet based insurance companies, where the agent is almost obsolete.
The agent is a representative of the coverage company. Though an agent's salary is partly commission, the agent would risk losing customers if (s) he sold too much insurance to a customer or didn't offer the most competitive rate. In some countries there are brokers who are independent and can find the lowest rate among providers but the price is usually the same, since they too have to make a profit on your sale.
Ideally, the agent and customer have a long-standing and solid working relationship. An agent should be there for the customer in times of disaster or accident. Bringing back the classic picture of an insurance agent being right by one's side is very popular nowadays.
An agent is expected to ask a lot of questions of the customers. They must gain a total and clear picture of the client's situation. The potential customer is highly advised to answer the questions honestly so as to avoid not having enough coverage in time of need.
This is a regulated industry so it is important to be checking the legitimacy of the agent. Since there are many long-standing agencies, it is best to do business with one of these or any other proven reputable company. Beware of scam artists and crooks in this business and never give your money or information to an agent without first doing your homework on that person or the company they represent.
This is also a very competitive industry, so it is wise to shop around and compare prices. Doing an internet search will narrow down your choices quickly. It is advised to be completely honest and not try to get the lowest quote which wouldn't give you adequate coverage when you need it.
The agent is a representative of the coverage company. Though an agent's salary is partly commission, the agent would risk losing customers if (s) he sold too much insurance to a customer or didn't offer the most competitive rate. In some countries there are brokers who are independent and can find the lowest rate among providers but the price is usually the same, since they too have to make a profit on your sale.
Ideally, the agent and customer have a long-standing and solid working relationship. An agent should be there for the customer in times of disaster or accident. Bringing back the classic picture of an insurance agent being right by one's side is very popular nowadays.
An agent is expected to ask a lot of questions of the customers. They must gain a total and clear picture of the client's situation. The potential customer is highly advised to answer the questions honestly so as to avoid not having enough coverage in time of need.
This is a regulated industry so it is important to be checking the legitimacy of the agent. Since there are many long-standing agencies, it is best to do business with one of these or any other proven reputable company. Beware of scam artists and crooks in this business and never give your money or information to an agent without first doing your homework on that person or the company they represent.
This is also a very competitive industry, so it is wise to shop around and compare prices. Doing an internet search will narrow down your choices quickly. It is advised to be completely honest and not try to get the lowest quote which wouldn't give you adequate coverage when you need it.