What You Can Expect From Your Insurance Company

Insurance agents and brokers make their living on commissions paid on the premiums you pay for insurance. Since you are paying for their expertise, it’s essential to know what services they should provide. If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of dealing with an insurance company in Fort Walton Beach, contact the Fort Walton Beach injury law firm at Searcy Denney for help.

What Do Agents and Brokers Do?

Insurance agents and brokers serve as intermediaries between you/your business and your insurance company. They are licensed by state insurance departments and generally need a license to sell business insurance.

Although agents and brokers perform similar functions, they have different obligations. Insurance agents have duties to both their clients and the insurance companies they represent. Contracts between agencies and insurers allow agents to bind specific types of policies. Brokers act on behalf of insurance buyers. Because they don’t represent insurers, brokers lack the authority to bind policies.

What Should You Expect From Your Insurance Agent?

Despite common perception, all insurance agents are not the same. It’s important to find the right one –the one that works best for you. Some of the qualities you should look for include:

• Insurance Expertise. Licensing does not make agents insurance experts. Insurance is highly technical, and a high level of expertise comes from having underwriting experience. Earned designations, such as Certified Insurance Counselor and Certified Professional Insurance Agent, indicate specialized competence.
• An Advocate. An advocate will represent you if there’s a claim issue with your insurance company. Even though the cost of insurance is the same whether you buy it online or through an agent, you get the agent’s services at no extra cost.
• Shop your Account. Many agents do not want to take the time, but a good agent will ensure you’re getting the proper coverage at the most competitive price.
• On-Site. The insurance company will send out an adjuster, who works for the insurance company, but your agent should represent you and your interests. A 1-800 number can’t do that.
• The Right Markets. If your agent represents only a few insurance companies, you will be at a competitive disadvantage. Your best policy may be with a company of which you’re not aware.
• Strong Client Service Support. An experienced staff understands customer expectations and can answer your questions thoroughly and quickly.
• Client Relationships. Good agents understand your personal situation, help you take charge of your insurance, and control insurance costs. This is the result of healthy relationships.

Contact the Fort Walton Beach Injury Law Firm for Help With Your Insurance Company

A good agent is quite beneficial, but they are not adequate substitutes for legal representation. If you are dealing with an insurance agent and/or company, contact the Fort Walton Beach injury law firm at Searcy Denney. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. If you need us, contact us online today.