Questions to Ask Insurance Agents
When you are making decisions about which insurance company, or agent, is going to help you protect your stuff, there is more to find out besides “what is the cost?”.
Here are our suggested Insurance Agent Interview Questions:
WHAT ARE YOUR COMPANY VALUES?
If a small business can easily articulate their values, you can bet that those values are an active part of their culture! North Town Insurance has “laws” that determine how we partner with clients, engage as a team, make decisions and act as a small business in our community. Our laws are: Engaged Connections. Irrational Generosity. No Dead Ends. Courageously Uncomfortable. No Jerks Allowed. Purposeful Growth.
HOW EXPERIENCED ARE YOU WITH INSURANCE?
Your insurance is protecting your assets, so we believe 2 things about experience… 1. Working with an experienced agent is in your best interest and 2. The agency you partner with is only as good as the people in it. North Town Insurance has been in business since 1989, with strong carrier relationships and over 50 years of experience. Our current team has worked together since 2013 and built a solid, cohesive culture that focuses on an engaged and knowledgeable experience. What does that mean to you? You will get a consistent experience with people you get to know, and a team that has resources, options, answers and advice.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION?
Your insurance agent is required to complete a specific number of “CE” credits, annually, to renew their license. There are easy and free online courses that can fulfill this requirement. Instead of these courses, our team focuses on purposeful growth and are working toward advanced education and/or designations like “CIC” = Certified Insurance Counselor or “CISR” = Certified Insurance Service Representative. What does this mean to you? You can be confident that your agent is always pursuing growth and knowledge, in order to stay current on industry changes and your policies.
WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER?
There are SO MANY products in the insurance industry. You are likely familiar with auto, home, life and health insurance. There is also loan protection, title bonds, pet insurance and so much more. Let me tell you what we offer… our team can help with options for auto, home, condo, farm, flood, renters, boats, motorcycles, business insurance, bonds and special events. On top of that, if we don’t write a product you are looking for – OR, we are not a good fit for your insurance, we have great referral partners that we can share with you!
WHAT IS THE CLAIMS PROCESS LIKE?
Claims are a very important part of your insurance experience. Each insurance carrier has trained claims adjusters that are assigned to you throughout your claims process. The insurance company’s adjuster is the authority over your claim process and outcome. That being said, as your agent, we prefer you contact us first to discuss the situation, review policy details, deductibles and potential outcomes. We are also available as an advocate if there are delays or questions about the adjusters’ process.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN MAKING CHANGES OR ASKING GENERAL COVERAGE QUESTIONS?
There will be times you need to change your policy, ask questions about coverages, get a copy of your ID Card and review potential claim scenarios. When these times come up, rather than calling a 1-800 number, we are happy to have you call our team or visit our service center online. To dedicate the quality and attention that you deserve, we aim to have all confirmations, new quotes, policy details and research completed within 24-48 business-hours (in most cases). What does this mean for you? While most changes can be effective as soon as you contact us, it may take a day or two to finish the processing and follow up with you with additional details. Local. Familiar. Engaged.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU SHOP MY INSURANCE RATES?
The difference between a “captive agent, who works with one carrier, and an “independent agent” that partners with a handful of insurance carriers, is options! As an independent agency, we get to compare your rates and coverage options. We do consider that moving carriers too often can impact your overall insurance score and longevity discounts. That being said, we are price conscious and proactively review your rates if we see an increase of 10%+ or quality of coverage changes.
WHAT IS THE RENEWAL PROCESS LIKE?
Your insurance policy will either be a six- or twelve-month policy. Nearing the end of your policy period, your insurance company will send a “renewal offer” to evaluate and decide if you will renew the policy. With our engaged approach, you will also be contacted by our team to review 4 things: 1. Any reason(s) for an increase/decrease in your policy. 2. Coverage suggestions, 3. renewal directions and 4. options with other insurance carriers, when appropriate.