It's a proud moment when you hit a major life milestone like buying your own car or home, and it's natural to want to ensure that milestone purchase is well-protected. This is where an insurance broker may be able to help. He or she can provide constructive professional guidance as you search for the right insurance coverage at the right price.
But how do you find the right insurance broker for you? These tips can help.
1. Ask plenty of questions.
If all goes well, you're going to be working with this insurance broker for a while, so abide by the same rules as when you start any ongoing relationship. Ask yourself: Do I trust this person? Do I feel comfortable sharing information and decision-making power with them? Have faith in your instincts — sever the tie early if you get the sense that they're shuffling you along too quickly in the process or if you see any other red flags.
2. Check references.
Financial experts are going to look at your record to make sure you'll be a good client, so you're allowed to do the same with your broker. Word of mouth is always a good way to get a sense of a broker's track record, but if you want more definitive verification, contact your state insurance commissioner to see if there are any past complaints against the brokerage. You can also double-check a broker's license and accreditation through sources like M. Best, Moody's, and the Better Business Bureau.
3. See how well they listen to your requests.
A good insurance broker will listen to what you want, and guide you in the right direction to a plan that fulfills those requests. If it seems like they're pushing you toward a plan you don't want, or not explaining the different options thoroughly enough, you may want to check out another agency.
Finding the right insurance plan, plus the right insurance broker to help you through that process, is an important element of ensuring your peace of mind. But once you find the right fit, you can relax — that is, until it's time to revisit your insurance policies again, which should be done every other year to make sure you have the coverage you need.
