3 things you should expect from your insurance agent

It's wise to shop your insurance every few years. Coverages change, agents retire or move, and the rates fluctuate according to the market. So, what do you look for when considering a new agent, or deciding whether to remain with your current insurance professional?

COVERAGE REVIEW
Do you receive an annual review of your coverage? Your agent should provide this service because there are changes that might need to be addressed. Remodeling or an addition to your home will increase the value; this most likely will require an increase in coverage. Have you added siding? Is there an automatic adjustment to address the increase associated with the housing market?

PROACTIVE WITH YOUR PREMIUMS
Do you know if you’re getting the best premium rates? Shop around and get a few quotes. Let your current agent know you’re doing this. I’m amazed at how many people tell me they get a better rate when they decide to shop their policies. Don’t assume you are always getting the best premium just because your current agent was the lowest price when you switched to him years ago!

CUSTOMER SERVICE
A good agent is responsive to questions and your claims needs. Do you receive a call back promptly when you have questions? Are the questions answered in words you can understand, or in ‘insurance speak’? If your agent is great with helping you understand your policy, you can be pretty confident he will be there for you when you have to file a claim. If you like your agent but just don’t seem to be getting the service you expect, let him know you’re going to start shopping for a quote and state why. This will give him a chance to address the issues; maybe he wasn’t aware of your specific needs. Being upfront about this will give him an opportunity to review your premiums.