1.
When You're With A Direct Writer.
If price, coverage and claims
payments are important to you, remember that “captive
agents” are not independent. They work for their company
first and for you second.
2. When Premiums
Increase Each Year. Sure,
prices can go up. But they can also go down. If you face “automatic”
increases every year, either your agent is not able to change
companies, or doesn’t wish to.
3. When Your
Agent Doesn’t “Shop” For You.
You shouldn’t
have to call half dozen sources to get the best coverage and
competitive rates. Your agent should analyze your needs, and
offer you options from which to choose.
4. When An Agent Doesn’t
Offer You “Risk Management”. Hints
on reducing risk and installing safety devices (alarm systems,
deadbolts, etc.) should be part of the service. They can save
you money as well as grief.
5. When You Hear From
Your Agent Only At Renewal Time. You
deserve to be contacted periodically, not just when a premium
is due. A mid-year review on most coverages (to be sure that
they are still current) should be part of the service.
6. When You Call And
It Takes Forever To Find Your File Or Call Back.
When you call, it’s important!
So whether your agent, a customer rep or a secretary answers,
your account information should be immediately available.
An important part of the service!
7. When There Is No “Personal”
Claims Service.
Let’s face it-when
you have a loss, you don’t want to talk to a recording
or voice mail or an ‘800’ number. You want and
deserve a human voice and personal assistant for a fast, fair
claim settlement.
8. When You Can’t
Get All Of Your Coverage From A Single Source.
Personal Lines and commercial coverages
if you have a business and life/accident and health insurance
can all be under one roof. That way, no matter what protection
you need, no matter what losses you suffer-you always know
where to go.
9. When You Don’t Have
Your Own Agent Or Customer Service Representative.
Insurance is a service business and you’re entitled
to be served-not only by an agent, but by a customer service
representative and a dedicated staff that cares about your
important business.
10. When You’re Not So
Sure About The Insurer Who Provides Your Coverage.
“Stability”
should be the name of the game when it comes to your insurance
company. If you don’t recognize the name, or find that
the company has a poor rating, it’s probably a good
idea to get a second opinion.
