Should You Stay or Should You Go: Breaking Up With Your Insurance Agent
There are currently over 215,000 car insurance agents licensed in the United States. It’s important to know that loyalty no longer pays off. Unlike days gone by, insurance companies do not offer deep discounts to those clients who renew their policies. Knowing when to stay with your insurance agent and when to sever ties can potentially save you hundreds of dollars each year. Here’s when to stay and when to go:
1.Unavailability
Most people rarely find it necessary to contact their auto insurance agent. When the time comes, however, you want to be able to speak with your agent at your convenience. If you have an insurance agent that you can’t seem to get a hold of, or one that won’t return your voicemails, it’s time to dump him.
Conversely, if you have an agent who always answers his phone, always returns your messages, and responds to emails within 24 hours, it pays to stay. You may not save hundreds, but customers service is a lost art and well worth the extra few bucks.
2.Customer Service
Speaking of customer service, does your agent make you feel like you are his most important client? If not, move on. There are dozens of insurance companies and competition is fierce. Your agent should make you feel like a rock star each and every time you contact him. If you like anything but, find yourself a new agent.
On the other hand, if your agent gives you his undivided attention when you talk to him, stick around for more. If your agent helps you find discounts, throws in little extras now and then, and remembers your birthday, you’ve got a keeper.
3.You’re Moving
Moving within your state is not necessarily a deal breaker when it comes to your current agent, but you may want to consider a change. Unless you have developed a close, personal relationship with your agent, it is often more convenient to find someone close to your new home. If you’re only moving a city over and you like your agent, keep your business where it is.
4.Personality Conflict
Let’s be honest: There are some people we simply do not like. You may not be able to put it into words and it may not be rational, but if you have an agent that you dislike, what are you doing keeping your business with him? If you have a personality conflict with your insurance agent, find one that you like better. This is the person you will be talking to during some of the most stressful periods of your life; you better have at least a small liking for him.
5.Money Savings
A good insurance agent will do what it takes to keep you as a client. Experts recommend shopping for a new insurance policy once a year. If you are able to get a lower rate with another company, contact your current agent and see what he can do for you. If he hems and haws, or flat out tells you he cannot lower your rate, go with the cheaper company, provided the policy coverage is the same.
Your agent may tell you that he can meet or beat the lower policy premium. If this is the case, stick with your agent. It’s easier to stay put than to move.
You should never feel as though you are tied to your insurance policy; you aren’t. If you aren’t happy with your current agent for any reason, shop around for another. With the hundreds-of-thousands of agents available, your current agent should be doing whatever it takes to keep you happy.
Deanna Ford is an insurance blogger for auto insurance miami world climate where you can read more about the latest insurance issues affecting your plan.
Category: Car Insurance
