Selecting an insurance agent

Selecting an insurance agent means choosing a licensed professional to help you buy and manage insurance policies. People evaluate agents based on state licensing status, such as checking for active licenses via the NAIC database.

Customers compare agent specialization using clear examples like health, auto, or property insurance expertise. Shoppers assess local agents’ knowledge of state-specific regulations and coverage limits; in Texas, for instance, homeowners must consider windstorm exclusions, as revealed by YourInsuranceInfo.

Buyers look at agency affiliations–captive agents represent one insurer (e.g. State Farm), while independent agents offer products from multiple carriers like Allstate and Progressive.

Consumers review years of experience, citing that agents with over five years tend to resolve claims faster according to J.D. Power’s 2023 survey.

Customers seek transparent commission structures, noting that captive agents typically earn 5–10% commissions on new policies (NAIC data). Prospective clients verify complaint histories through state insurance department databases–California reported 8,400 complaints against agents in 2022.

Shoppers prioritize accessibility by evaluating contact options, like 24/7 phone service versus in-person appointments. Buyers check references and customer reviews on platforms such as Google Reviews or Better Business Bureau ratings.

Policyholders often consider language proficiency to ensure clear communication–Spanish-speaking agents serve over 41 million Spanish speakers in the U.S. Per Census Bureau figures.