How to find the right insurance agent for you

In recent weeks, we’ve explored the landscape of the independent insurance agent, those who do the nuanced work of navigating myriad coverage options to help ensure the best possible solutions for their clients. We’ve spoken with agents in the field today about the benefits of taking a holistic approach to the market, why provider-agent relationships matter, and how the insurance and agency world is quickly evolving. The many reasons to seek out an independent agent bring us to the next point: how do you find the right one for you?

Geography

Before you begin your search, consider any important factors for you that will help to guide the process, including the agency’s homebase and national or regional reach, size of the agency, and the level of personalized experience you envision in navigating your insurance needs across several states. If you are someone with homes in multiple states, for instance, you’ll want to work with an agent who knows those territories and the coverage options therein.

Resources and Research

Speak with family and friends about agencies that have served them well in the past, or research those available in your immediate communities by doing an online search. Consider Berkley One’s Find an Agent tool, a comprehensive, nationwide database of independent agents working with Berkley One and the products it provides. Type in your zip code and click enter, then take note of agents who are nearest you.

You can also research agency websites, looking for information regarding an agency’s specializations, history, team, culture, and other details important to you—right down to the user-friendliness of their website and system interface experience.

Relationships

Once you’ve narrowed down the list to a few agents, compile some questions you plan to ask of each, then request a phone call or meeting. With success, the relationship you form with your agent could last years (like many agent-carrier relationships)—and the client-agent interview can be a great way to get to know an agency and begin building that foundation. Consider asking questions that are relative to your lifestyle and insurance needs, such as how they work with their clients, how they help you navigate the claims process, how (and how often) you might need or want to be communicating with one another, and more details about their overall service model.

It may be valuable to ask the agent about the relationships they’ve retained with clients over the years, and the ones they’ve developed with carriers. You can gain insights into their track record working with high-net-worth clientele, including the length of their experience with such insureds and the approach to navigating the relationship with them and serving their individual needs. And you are always free to ask questions around issues that hold importance for you on a personal level too, including the agency’s core values, and how they’re involved with the local community. Finding the right agency is the first step in building an agent-client relationship built on trust, communication, and understanding of coverage needs.

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Berkley One is a Berkley Company and a provider of customizable insurance solutions for modern families. We can help you protect the things you love. Learn more about our insurance offerings—including solutions for homes, condos, rentals, autos including collector vehicles, liability, fine art, jewelry, collectibles, recreational marine and more here.