How do I find a great agent? I was asked this question by a good friend of mine recently who lives out of state. I figured it was a good opportunity to share my thoughts on what you should look for when looking for a good agent or agency.

In my experience, people buy insurance based on a mix of three things. Price, service and product. Service is really the only real X factor that can truly differentiate one agency from another. Price will always play a role in a buying decision.

Products in the insurance industry on the home and auto side are 95% the same. Most home and auto policies are just about the same regardless of whatever company you go with. Each company might have it’s own bells and whistles inside of these products, but as a consumer, you need to do your research and know if those are worth the extra expense.

At the end of the day, being with a professional agency is the best way to go. How do you find one? Start with asking your friends. If your friend rants and raves about their insurance agency, that’s a good start.

Check online reviews in your area. People that are willing to actually write a review on their insurance agency should tell you that they are doing a good job.

Once you identify a place, I would get a quote. I would then see what kind of turn around they have on that quote. If they can get you a full-blown proposal while they are on the phone with you, that’s a good start. If they take your info and you don’t hear from them for 3 days, that can be telling too.

You are looking for a place that will be there for you during what could be some of your worst days. It’s important to have a place that will be there for you and that you are comfortable with.

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