6 Questions for Your Home Insurance Agent
You wouldn’t want just anyone to watch your home while you’re away. Of course, you want someone you can trust. So why would you blindly pick someone to provide insurance for your home? While most agencies would chomp at the bit to offer you a home insurance quote, most know very little about you. And you probably know less about them.
What to Consider When Buying a Home Insurance
Here are a few things you should consider before choosing to buy your home insurance from an agent:
- Where is the agent located?
Online insurance shopping has created a disconnect between insurance buyers and their local agents. Many people still like speaking to someone in person about their insurance and appreciate an agent who truly understands local insurance issues. When selecting someone to provide your home insurance, consider where the agent is located.
- Is the agent accessible during non-business hours?
Claims occur and important questions arise during non-business hours, too. You may want to know if your agent is accessible during times like these. Some agents may refer after-hours inquiries to someone else or give you an “800” number to call. Others may have an agency staffer speak with you directly. Be sure your agent’s accessibility meets your needs.
- What other kinds of insurance policies does the agent provide?
One of the best ways to save money on insurance is to buy all your policies under one roof. Ask your agent about multi-line discounts for additional policies such as auto, boat, umbrella, etc.
- How does the agent communicate?
There will be times when correspondence with your agent is necessary. Some agents will respond to e-mail within a day but take a week to return a call. Others may return a call in a day and take a week to answer an e-mail. When it comes to your preferred means of communication make sure you and your agent are on the same page.
- Will the agent answer all of my questions in a way I can understand?
Your agent should know that he or she is the one in the business of home insurance, not you. After receiving a home insurance quote, you may have questions or need clarification on certain issues. Your agent should be able to answer your questions in a way that makes sense to YOU, not just other insurance agents.
- Does the agent represent financially sound and reputable home insurance companies?
It’s important to know the financial strength of your home insurance company and that of other companies your agent represents. This will ensure that your agent will always act in your best interest and will never place your coverage with a questionable company.
Finding a home insurance agent you can trust is an important outcome of insurance shopping. Ask these questions after receiving your quote and you’ll be one step closer to finding the home insurance policy–and trusted agent–who are right for you.
Learn how easy and convenient shopping for home insurance can be. Get your free home insurance quotes today!
