Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Personal Insurance

There are three main methods to purchase a Personal Insurance policy, Direct Marketers(i.e. Geico), Captive Agents (i.e. State Farm), and Independent Agents (i.e. Guilderland Agency).

“If you’d like to talk about your Insurance Risk, contact me today. We can talk about your exposure, and begin our relationship!”

The method with which you choose to purchase personal insurance depends on your personal taste for Service, Speed of Response, Quality & Availability of Products, and Expertise. In a composite score the The Independent Agency Model is going to rank highest from these four categories. (You may think I’m biased, and Yes, Yes I am. There was a serious reason I choose to work for an Independent Agency over a Captive or Direct Marketer).

How Do I Choose the Right Independent Agent?

Here are the three characteristics I would consider when choosing an Independent Insurance Agent to handle your personal insurance program:

Is the agent a Seller or Trusted Advisor?
- You want an agent that values relationships, understands your priorities and advises you on the proper coverage. Even if that recommendation isn’t always exactly what you “think” you need.
Does the agent have a Plan for your insurance program?
- You want an agent that not only addresses your current insurance needs but creates an outline of the coverages that will be necessary in the future as your life progresses and changes.
Does the agent have insurance expertise?
- You want an agent that in knowledgeable not just about coverage but knowledgeable about the Carriers available in your market. No agent is going to have every answer, that agent must be willing to reach out to colleagues, underwriters, and industry experts to solve your issues.

Do have questions regarding choosing the right agent: contact me today