Samantha A. Cook

An insurance agent is contracted with one company and can sell for that company only.  If you already know which company you want to use for your health and/or life insurance; then finding an agent that you "click" with is necessary.

Only you know if you found the "right one".  I recommend talking with friends, going online, MerchantCircle, internet search, and look at advertisements throughout your community.  Then meet and talk with the potential agents in order to get a feel for their personality.

Finding the right one, is about getting someone who is going to listen to YOUR needs.

* If you want to meet in person to go over your insurance/plans/quotes, make sure they can meet with you and give you the time you deserve.

* If you want to be able to do all of the transactions through telephone and internet, make sure they have the ability and know how to get your policy complete.

* You need to feel secure and trust your agent.  You share a lot of personal information with them and you want to be sure it is secure.  If you do not feel comfortable talking with them, end the conversation and find someone else.  This should be a good experience with a "friend".

* Ask to see or get their license number information.  You will be able to verify it at your state's Department of Insurance website.  Any professional would have it ready for you to be able to see it or have the number ready for your request.

The main thing you want to find in your agent is a person who is looking out for you and your needs.  This experience should not feel like a used car lot sales.  Good luck on your search!

There are 3 ways to buy health insurance:
1) Through a website - either a broker website or directly through the company. (You have seen these on banner ads, etc.)
2) Through a health insurance agent, representing one company.
3) Through an insurance agent broker, who represents many companies.

So this is what you want or need to know about buying insurance. It is your easy guide to help you decide where you should purchase insurance to meet your needs.

1) Website brokers and website direct purchase sites:

* Website insurance guotes are quoting you the best price possible.

* They do not take any of your concerns into the quote, the website insurance program does not care about what is important to you.

* You have to do all of the work, and guess what. You DO NOT get a discount for going directly with the website or company. All insurance rates are governed and must remain consistent, so you do not "get away" from paying commissions. So, why do all of the work AND give more of your money to the insurance company (instead of supporting a local entrepreneur)?

2) Insurance Agents are contracted with a specific company:

* Agents only provide quotes from their contracted company. If you know what company you want to go with (hey...I understand loyalty), this could be a good fit for you; however, if you are interested in comparing different company quotes, you would need to go through all of the individual agents in order to get all of the quotes you want. Again, you are doing a lot of work and comparing the policies on your own. Sometimes you will find someone you can trust and will help you find the right policy for you (but if you do not choose their product, you may loose a friend), but you are still doing the work in getting the quotes.

* This is an option that you will be helping your local community by using an agent since they will be getting the commission based on your purchase (remember, there is no way to "save" the commission).  You are providing them income that will be used in your local community, helping your economy.

* They will be able to provide some education on insurance terms and conditions. Unlike a website, they will be able to explain certain riders, terms, exclusions, pre-existing conditions, and how the Health Care Reform will affect your policy.

3) Independent insurance brokers:

* Brokers are contracted with many insurance companies to bring you the policy that you need or want. They can help you find the best plan and company for your needs.

* Using a broker provides you with the most options while going to ONE source, saving you time and energy.  Using one person, means that you will not have to let down any other agents if you do not choose their policy.  In addition, you will only have to hear one "sales" pitch...you have better things to do with your time.

* This helps your local economy, small business owners and supports your community. You are providing them income that will be used in your local community, helping your economy.

* This also gives you the service that you deserve. You will be able to get education on insurance terms and conditions. Unlike a website, they will be able to explain certain riders, terms, exclusions, pre-existing conditions, and how the Health Care Reform will affect your policy.

These guidelines also go for life insurance, the terms for the agent, broker and websites are the same.  For additional information, please go to www.SamanthaACook.com.