Five Tips for Choosing a Good Insurance Agent

Today’s insurance shoppers have more choices than ever when purchasing a policy. Many opt to buy auto insurance online, while others explore business insurance solutions through digital startups. Despite these evolving trends, around 80% of insurance policies are still purchased through an agent. This underscores the continued importance of choosing a good insurance agent.

Selecting an agent can be challenging, as consumers often lack the tools to evaluate their quality. However, understanding a few key characteristics can make the process much easier.

Below, we outline five essential tips to help you choose the right insurance agent.

What Type of Insurance Agent Do You Need?

Before choosing an agent, you need to decide between a captive or independent insurance agent.

A captive agent exclusively represents a single insurance company, such as State Farm or Farmers. Independent insurance agents, on the other hand, work with multiple carriers, such as Travelers, The Hartford, Nationwide, Liberty Mutual, Safeco, and Berkshire Hathaway GUARD.

As an independent agency, we believe independent agents offer more flexibility, a wider selection of policies, and better opportunities to find cost-effective coverage.

Now that you’ve decided on the type of agent you prefer, let’s go over five tips for selecting a good insurance agent.

Tip 1 | Do You Trust and Connect with the Agent?

Trust and rapport are essential. If you don’t feel comfortable with an agent, the relationship won’t work. Insurance is a crucial purchase that involves discussing personal financial details. You need an agent who makes you feel at ease and is transparent about policy details.

If your first meeting doesn’t go well, don’t worry. Many insurance carriers have multiple agents in your area. You can visit the carrier’s website, search for local agents by ZIP code, and schedule consultations with different professionals.

Tip 2 | Do They Use High-Pressure Sales Tactics?

Insurance is a key part of your financial plan, so you should never rush into a decision. A good agent will take the time to explain coverage options, answer your questions, and ensure you understand what you’re purchasing.

If an agent pressures you to make a quick decision or avoids discussing policy details, they may not have your best interests in mind. A quality agent focuses on education, not aggressive sales.

Tip 3 | Do They Take the Time to Understand Your Needs?

Your insurance agent should prioritize your financial goals, risk profile, and coverage requirements. They should ask about your lifestyle, family, and assets to recommend appropriate policies.

Purchasing insurance is about you—not the agent. If they don’t take the time to understand your unique needs, they might not provide the best coverage options.

Tip 4 | Do They Offer Multiple Coverage Options?

When shopping for insurance, having options is always beneficial. An independent insurance agent can compare policies from different companies to find the best fit. Captive agents, while limited to one company, should still offer a variety of coverage options.

If your agent isn’t offering choices or steering you toward a single plan without explaining alternatives, they may not be acting in your best interest.

Tip 5 | What Insurance Companies Do They Represent?

If you choose a captive agent, you will likely recognize their carrier’s brand due to extensive advertising. However, independent agents work with multiple insurers, including reputable companies like Mercury Insurance, Travelers, The Hartford, and Progressive.

If you don’t recognize the companies an agent represents, research their financial health and reputation. You can verify insurer ratings through AM Best or JD Power.

However, lack of advertising doesn’t mean a company is unreliable. Many specialty insurers focus on niche markets, such as business insurance, professional liability, and high-risk auto policies.

The Bottom Line

There are many ways to evaluate an insurance agent, but these five tips provide a strong starting point. Trust your instincts—since working with an agent is a personal experience, their customer service and professionalism matter.

Finding the right agent is crucial for securing the best coverage at the right price. Our independent agents can help you explore multiple options and make an informed decision. Contact us today or start your quote online.