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