With many insurance companies out there promising savings from a fifteen minute phone call you may ask the question "Why should I use an independent insurance agency and not just call up the company directly?" And that is always an option for drivers seeking new insurance quotes, however considering how complex and full of legalese insurance coverage policies can be the fast cheap quote may leave you under insured and expose you and your loved ones to both financial risk and leave you less secure.
Many large insurance companies agents are trained to get you in the door with a quick and painless sale, but only an experienced insurance agent will know what coverage you should really have for your situation to strict the correct balance of financial security and affordable premiums. Things get even more complicated when you are insuring your home. Homeowners insurance plans especially those super cheap ones from citizens or other state run companies will get your bare minimum for homeowners insurance but frequently leave you exposed to a variety of costs you may not be aware of.
Many costly non-disaster related problems can, and frequently do come up for homeowners, so be aware of what your homeowners insurance policy will, and will not cover before making a decision. Floridians don't have to look to far to find an example of a very costly non-disaster related problem - two words that strike fear into the heart of Florida homeowners across the state - "Chinese Drywall". For many the cost was not something they could afford to fix and as a result were forced to walk away from the property and end up in foreclosure. With such examples out there homeowners need to pay very close attention to the coverage in their homeowners policy.
As a family owned independent
insurance agency located in Sarasota Florida, the insurance experts at Valek insurance will work for you to both locate the best quotes for your insurance needs from a large group of carriers and underwriters as well as explain the coverage and premium costs in detail so you are educated about what your coverage will protect and what any costs may be should an accident or disaster or other costly issue result in a claim.
Don't be drawn into purchasing an inferior policy that leaves you exposed, work with an independent insurance agency to get the best insurance protection for your money.
posted by Jim Valek on
Tue., Oct 11th, 2011 in
Car Insurance
Homeowners
Insurance
insurance agencies
Insurance Company Industry News
There are numerous independent insurance agents prepared and willing to help you find an
auto insurance policy, but not all of them are the same. Several factors must be taken into consideration before you select your agent. Below are some tips to help you find the car insurance agent that's right for you.
Find the best priced coverage. Auto insurance expenses depend on several factors, such as your deductible, payment limit, driving record, location and coverage type. People often search for car insurance agents that offer the cheapest coverage. While it's a good idea to research several insurance companies and get their price quotes, you also need to know how they handle and treat their customers.
Check for customer satisfaction. It's important to select an auto insurance agent who works for a company that provides exceptional customer service. When it's time for you to file an insurance claim, you want your agent to quickly process it and cover the full costs. Visit the Standard & Poor's website to check on a company's ability to fulfill a claim. Just click the "ratings" section in the navigation bar, and select "property/casualty" under insurance. The site provides a comprehensive list of insurance companies with their respective ratings. Additionally, your state's Department of Insurance website provides you information on a company's performance based on received complaints. This is a great way to find out which company is truly meeting customer needs.
Confirm the insurance agent's license. Visit your state's Department of Insurance website to check that your agent is licensed to work in your home state. Many insurance companies only operate in certain states. Additionally, these websites will provide links to help you look up an agent's licensing history and find a company representative in your area.
Get to know a company's reputation. Select a car insurance agent who also works for a reputable company. A large and loyal customer base is usually a good indicator for a company's reputation. You can find this out by checking if a company provides other types of insurance other than auto. An insurance company that covers many areas is well-established in the market. Popular companies are also more likely to offer better discounts.
Ask a mechanic or friend. People who have had experiences with auto insurance companies and agents may provide the most valuable information. Insurance agents give body shops permission to repair cars on a daily basis. As a result, managers from auto body shops often know which insurance companies are better at handling claims. You should also ask trustworthy friends and family who already have auto insurance agents. Their experiences can be an accurate reflection of the insurance company.
A great auto insurance agent is one that provides well-priced coverage, maintains high customer satisfaction and works for a reputable company. Remember to consider these factors when looking for a car insurance agent.
posted by Jim Valek on
Tue., Sep 27th, 2011 in
Car Insurance
Insurance
insurance agencies
