Grilling Guide: Questions to Ask Insurance Agents
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What to ask an insurance agent to be sure you use one who’s on the ball:
What types of insurance do you sell?
Most agents sell a wide range of different types of coverage.
How long have you been an agent?
You want to be sure agents have been in business long enough that they have worked with clients who are happy. You also want your agent to be experienced and knowledgeable in insurance coverage, not just salesmanship.
What are your designations?
A CLU (certified life underwriter) or CPCU (chartered property casualty underwriter) after an agent’s name doesn't by itself guarantee the agent is expert in what you need. But professional designations do signify a commitment to professional development. Be sure an agent’s skill is rooted in satisfying your needs rather than just salesmanship.
Who will handle my account?
Many agents hand off day-to-day issues to their assistants or junior colleagues. While there’s nothing wrong with this, you will need to verify the quality and response time of the assistant.
How much coverage do I need?
You want to know in advance how the agent will accurately size up your needs. Too much or too little coverage can be very costly.
How can I lower my premium?
Verify that the agent is well versed in ways to reduce your costs—from buying multiple policies from one insurer to ways to qualify for breaks on individual policies.
How often will you review my coverage?
An annual policy review is essential to determine if a policy’s changes will affect you.
What is your role if I must file a claim?
Here you want to determine up front what the agent can and can’t do on your behalf.
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I think it's a good idea to ask about payment information, too. I figured out that because I was splitting up my premium payments over 6 months instead of paying them all at once, I was paying a fee for each transaction. Now it's set up to withdraw funds automatically every six months and they're aren't any fees.
J. Peterson
QuoteWizard
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What to ask an insurance agent to be sure you use one who’s on the ball:
Q. What types of insurance do you sell?
A. I'm sorry, but what difference does it make as to what types of insurance and insurance agent sells? The question here should be: Do you specialize in the type of insurance I want. (Why would I care if the insurance agent sells auto insurance when I want health insurance! Does a client really want a "Jack of all Trades" or a Specialist?)
Q. How long have you been an agent?
A. This question will have it pro and con answers because you can't always judge a book by it's cover. I know for fact that I have more confidence in some of the young insurance agents than the older ones who think that they don't have to provide the additional customer service that many of the younger agents strive to provide their clients.
Q. What are your designations?
A. I agree on part of your answer to this question, but I know too that a designation doesn't guarantee any form of commitment to a client either.
Q. Who will handle my account?
A. Good answer!
Q. How much coverage do I need?
A. Good answer!
Q. How can I lower my premium?
A. This is a question that should NOT have to be asked by the client IF the insurance agent is doing his or her job and looking out for the client. Lets be honest, the greater majority of insurance agents are out to sell the highest premium amount that they can so as to earn a greater commission! I personally feel that insurance agents should be looking at the "How can I save my client more money?" rather than how much money can I make off of this sale!
Q. How often will you review my coverage?
A. Pretty good answer, BUT, if the insurance agent becomes aware of a need before the annual review comes up, that agent should notify the client ASAP.
Q. What is your role if I must file a claim?
A. Pretty good answer for this question too, but to take it a step further, the client should feel confident know that the insurance agent will assist the client to the best of the agent's ability. In regards to health insurance claims especially, insurance companies and agents need to stay within the HIPPA rules.
Edwin J. Tazelaar, II
Edwin J. Tazelaar, II Insurance Agency
www.EdTazelaar.com
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I was just wondering if my short term disabilty insurance will pay wage lost in addition to workmans comp 60%?
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