Five Tips to Finding a Reputable Insurance Broker
You work hard to give your loved ones a comfortable life and to be able to acquire property and investments to your family. It is only natural that you should protect these assets with the help of a reputable insurance broker who sells and negotiates insurance and represents you as the client. However, with a lot of scams and irregularities going on these days you just can’t afford to entrust your investments to just anyone. Here are five useful tips to help you find a trustworthy and reputable insurance broker:
Check out their work history and specialized or niche industry experience.
Before entrusting your investment to an insurance broker, be sure to check his/her work history and experience. A proficient insurance broker is someone who has been in the field for more or less five years and possesses at least one of these designations: a certified senior advisor, a certified financial planner or a chartered life underwriter. If you’re into apartment buildings or commercial properties, then seek an insurance broker who specializes in this particular niche, such as AOR Insurances.
Check for references and ask around for referrals.
It’s always a smart move to ask around and check for references before you choose your preferred insurance broker. Ask from friends and colleagues who have utilized the help of insurance brokers before for referrals and if they were satisfied with their services. Client testimonials as well as online reviews found on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau, are also a great help in getting to know prospective insurance brokers well.
Decide on the insurance coverage that you need.
Once you have an initial list of insurance brokers to choose from or contact it’s time to slow things down and determine first the insurance coverage you want to utilize. Be sure to acquire the specific information that you need before you schedule an appointment with the insurance broker of your choice. A reputable insurance broker is familiar with different types of coverage and policies and will be able to guide you with the coverage of your choice.
Opt for an independent insurance broker.
An established and independent insurance broker is always in a better position to help and guide you as compared to insurance agents who only promote their company’s products. An established insurance broker is well-versed in the policies and will be able to find the best one for you. Also, beware if they ask for a consultation fee since a reputable insurance broker doesn’t charge a fee for time and/or services.
Choose the insurance broker whom you feel comfortable to be working with.
An initial meeting can reveal a lot, and you will more or less have a sense if the broker will be a good fit as your insurance broker. A reputable insurance broker is easily accessible, will provide you with the needed resources and ensures that everything is smooth sailing.
Choosing a reputable insurance broker can be a daunting task that requires patience and intuitiveness. Be sure to check out the person’s work history and niche experience and ask around for referrals and references. Most importantly, he/she should be someone who does not demand upfront consultation fees and someone you are comfortable and at ease to be with.