Many individuals research and investigate potential homes before they purchase one. They visit the property, check out every room and space, and look for leaks, signs of damage, bad wiring, etc., before saying “yes” or “no.” However, when it comes to choosing a property insurance agent, they fail to do the same. Carefully choosing a property agent is not only in your best interest, but also the best interest of your property as well.
The first thing to do when choosing a property insurance agent is to write down a list of agent names you can trust. Ask your family and friends who they have for an agent. Word of mouth can be the best way to eliminate agents with bad track records. If you’re new to town, or would like a second opinion, you can always consult the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and search for independent property agents there.
Next, you might want to check state insurance commission websites to see if the individual in question has a well-respected or has an infamous reputation. It is one thing if one customer files a complaint; however, if there appears to be a pattern, you should avoid the agent altogether. Evaluations may provide an honest way to discover your agent’s true character and performance.
Finally, when choosing a property insurance agent, you should set up a meeting where you can meet with the agent face to face. Your property agent should be someone that you can trust and feel comfortable around. If your agent’s personality clashes with yours or he or she does not provide helpful explanations of terms and concepts, you may want to find someone else to call your agent. The agent is there to help you; if the agent does not fill this need, what good is it to have the agent in the first place?
Finding a great insurance agent is the first step to finding a home insurance policy that fits your needs and your budget. Take the time find the agent that’s right for you – you’ll be glad you did.
