Do you think the agent you are dealing with is being straight with you? This article will discuss eight practices that will help evaluate the ways of the agent in question. These red flags should be known because they determine whether one is employing the right agent or not.
They try to be too pushy while selling, which may not be appropriate
Some agencies, especially those that have no physical outlets and rely on 800 numbers or other trying means, tend to use hard-sell strategies. They may be sending you a million emails urging you to buy the policy immediately because competitors are lining up.
– There are times that when the agent wants to make the sale a bit too quickly, they cut your coverage just so they can meet a targeted price.
– This kind of agent is mostly out for the commission with little or no care about sustaining the relationship and service in the future.
– Always be careful if the agent does not bother to ask some qualifying questions to assess one’s needs.
They tend to overpromise the lid, which makes it hard to deliver
The agent who will tell you that coverage is provided and this is a coverage that cannot be offered would probably lead you to believe that this is a coverage that would not be realistic. It is true in some cases that finding the right policy can bring the cost down but in every insurance policy there are words of limitation.
– Be alert on the case with too high or extensive promises recklessly made.
– Have in mind what your policy addresses in particular and make sure to read the details in its provisions for the right expectation.
– This understanding of coverage also prevents disappointments and confusions in the future further down the road.
Direct Payment Requests
Although it is normal to pay premiums by credit card or by bank transfer, the fact that agents are accepting cash, money orders, or other means of payment that are not within the official spheres is a bad sign.
– If these payments are made, they are not through the appropriate company channels, and may be fraudulent, with the agent pocketing the money.
– Ensure that all payments are made through authorized company channels to avoid being conned.
– Also, never pay an agent who claims these unusual means are for convenience even if it is true.
Lack of Credentials
There is no insurance agent who can work without having that person holding a license. You can check this with the DIFS website which provides the agent’s licensing profile.
– Agents without any assumptions or factual status should be avoided or else worked with extreme caution.
– One may use the agent’s name, NPN (National Producer Number), or social security number to check the validity of the agent.
– Compliance with such standards is assured by resorting to an accredited agent only.
Surprise Coverages
Insurance coverages are known to change from time to time, for instance at the time of policy renewal, and it is not rare to see this happen. Yet, changes that happen unexplainably can be a cause for concern.
– Make it your responsibility to check for amendments in your renewal coverage by closely examining your renewal documents.
– Any changes to your declarations pages which were not included in the quote should be explained satisfactorily.
– Be in the know so that you do not get surprises with your policy and it actually meets your requirements and specifications.
Lack of Guidance in Claiming Process
Sales representatives, particularly in sales departments, frequently do not have an extensive understanding of the claims process. However, they should be able to direct you toward appropriate departments or at least offer you basic instructions.
– Check whether the appointing agent attempts to respond to your questions regarding the claims.
– It is expected of the agents that the potential aim of earning business will motivate them to be candid.
– A dependable agent will work with you to facilitate the adjustments to be fully paid.
Unwillingness to Issue More than One Quote
A good number of these independent agents should be able to source quotes from different carriers. When an agent tells you to take a single quote because they do not want to show you multiple quotes, it is not a good sign at all.
– Great agents put the more important things first, which is coverage but definitely not being the cheapest.
– If all of their carriers are bounty hunters but receive a hundred calls for help and do not offer solutions, it says there is a problem with these people, either half-heartedness or being false.
– Seek out agents that do not market their services on price but explain various coverages.
Reading Client Feedback/Reviews
In gauging an agent/staff’s conduct, reviews can also be helpful if assessing their reputation. But it is good to note that it’s always the case that the bigger the company, the more complaints there will be.
– Do not be concerned about the reviews for the parent company of the agency but only the reviews for the agency itself if you want a more reliable assessment.
– The presence of numerous blemishes or unaddressed issues should raise red flags about an agency.
– An agent attached to a high-ranking organization typically provides straightforward and encouraging service.
Conclusion: How to Protect Yourself When Purchasing Insurance
The procedure of choosing an adequate insurance representative is also demanding. It is best to opt for agents who:
– Will take the time to understand your problems rather than trying to sell you something straight away.
– Are licenced and possess appropriate knowledge of the policies.
– Try to deliver as many estimates as possible and make sure to stress the cover rather than the cost.
It is possible to make the best decisions and have adequate cover for insurance by adhering to the above principles.
