Straight Talk About Choosing a Professional Insurance Agent

How to get the best value for your insurance dollar

Choosing a Professional Insurance Agent Buying insurance can be confusing. Price is important, but so is getting the right coverage for your needs. You want and need top value in your coverage -- whether it's for your home, your car, your family or your business.

What's the secret?

Your Professional Insurance Agent, also called an independent agent, gives you more choices.

Professional Insurance Agents are not limited to insurance from only one company. They can shop from several. And, by shopping among various companies, your professional agent can find the best combination of coverage, price and service -- the best value for your insurance dollar.

The Value of Value

Sure, the price of insurance is important. But never shop on the basis of price alone. Real value means more.

You want insurance that provides the right kind of protection for your needs. You want an insurance company that's loyal and pays valid claims promptly.

You also want an agent who provides courteous service, someone who goes to bat for you when you need help or advice.

That's a Professional Insurance Agent.

About Your Professional Insurance Agent

When you see PIA on an agent's business card, stationery or advertisements, you know he or she is a Professional Insurance Agent.

But those three letters represent more than affiliation with a national organization of insurance experts. It means the agent is your Personal Insurance Adviser -- someone you can count on and trust.

Here's how a professional agent helps you:

Identifies Your Insurance Needs

There are thousands of insurance policies and companies. Prices can vary greatly. Some policies give more coverage than others. Some companies are better than others.

How do you choose? Your professional agent will find the right coverage for you, your family and your budget.

Saves Money on Coverage

Your Professional Insurance Agent can put money in your pocket by shopping from the many policies available on the market. More choices can mean a better deal for you.

Saves Money By Finding Discounts

Most insurance companies offer discounts on different kinds of insurance, such as auto coverage. Your professional agent will keep your costs down by finding the best discounts for which you qualify.

Offers Other Money-Saving Strategies

A Professional Insurance Agent knows other buying strategies that can save you money. For example, your agent can suggest whether it's cheaper to insure your teenage driver on your family auto policy or a separate policy. Ask your agent for advice. You'll get it.

Suggests Safety Improvements

Your Professional Insurance Agent can make your business safer from hazards.

Your agent can work with you to have your business inspected. You may discover you need new safety features such as guard rails or stronger locks. This kind of attention could save you the headache of costly claims or lawsuits down the road.

Updates Your Coverage

Let's say you buy a new car, move into a new home, have a child, or your business grows. As you change, so do your insurance needs.

Your Professional Insurance Agent will review your coverage periodically. Your agent can also suggest changes in your insurance to keep you and your family protected and secure.

Helps Renew Your Coverage In Time

Need to remember the little details? Your Professional Insurance Agent will make sure you're contacted to help renew your policy before it expires.

Explains Policies

Your Professional Insurance Agent can explain complex insurance policies in language that is easy to understand. Just ask. Your agent will clearly outline the terms of the policy, its conditions, coverages and costs. You need to know what it does -- and doesn't do -- before you have an expensive claim.

Helps Handle Claims

Your Professional Insurance Agent can help you deal with a claim. Your agent can contact the insurance company and get the claim process rolling, help you fill out claim forms, advise you on the progress of your claim and work closely with the insurance company to make sure you get a prompt and fair settlement of a valid claim.

Helps Resolve Your Problems

Have a question about your policy or bill? A problem with your claim? Unsure where to go for answers? Your Professional Insurance Agent can get answers for you -- and help solve your problems quickly and fairly.

Is A Friend of the Community

Professional Insurance Agents tend to be highly involved in your community. Many are active in charity, civic and school groups. Elected officials often ask for their insights on insurance issues that affect consumers.

In short, Professional Insurance Agents are local agents helping local people. They're your neighbors -- your friends.

Know Your Insurance Rights and Responsibilities

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents and the Consumer Insurance Interest Group developed these principles to help you understand what to expect when buying insurance and what's expected of you:

You Have The Right To:

Protection
Be Heard
Be Informed
Redress
Choose
Service

You Have The Responsibility To:

Be Informed
Help Control Losses
Keep Updated and Accurate Records
Report Accurate Information
Comply With Policy Provisions
Report Fraudulent Practices