Options, options, you’ve got options. Now, more than ever before, you can buy insurance via 800#s, websites and through traditional agents.
What’s the best way? Well, since insurance is there to protect all the things you value most, it’s pretty important. If you don’t have to pay more to have a professional advisor, why wouldn’t you want a professional advisor?
A
lot of the companies who tell you to “cut out the middleman” to get the best rate are not really mentioning the other half of the story.
Do you think that the cost of their advertising is built into their rates? You bet! Someone’s got to pay for those Superbowl commercials…and you probably know who it is!
Be careful of rates that sound too good to be true. They usually are. We call them “introductory” rates. Some insurers will offer a really low rate to get you on board. Then, at renewal, you find it’s a lot more.
Do your research. Ask questions. Make sure your insurer is financially strong. You want them to be able to pay when you have your claim, right?
Remember that insurance is there for the catastrophic events that would disrupt you financially if you had to handle on your own. It really isn’t there as a solution to the little issues we all have from time to time. If you submit lots of little claims, you may see premium increases. Again, having a trusted advisor help you understand the subtlety of some of this is invaluable.
Be honest with yourself in regard to what deductibles are comfortable. Adjustment on coverage limits and deductibles can vary a premium significantly. Talk with your agent to find what works for you. It should be “custom-crafted” just for you, so it fits like a glove.
Ask your agent for references. Ask if he or she is recommended by others. Don’t simply believe an advertisement…anyone can buy a quarter page and say they’re great.
Our website www.hosfeldinsurance.com actually has a whole page dedicated to clients’ comments about us. On www.linkedin.com you can find me under my name (Donna Hosfeld) and again see that other professionals have recommended my agency to others. You can’t buy advertising that is as honest and true as the sincere comments others make about you.
Reputation is everything. Find an agent who has a positive reputation among his or her peers. That’s who you want as your trusted advisor when it comes to insurance!