Many people do all their insurance shopping online. You may have an agent who is “officially” in charge of your account, but you might not recognize them in the grocery store. While online insurance sites are quite helpful, you need to have regular chats with your insurance agent and develop a personal relationship with them.
Coverage Review
You are probably used to getting automatic renewal notices in the mail stating that your home or auto insurance will continue unchanged for another year. Unfortunately, keeping the same insurance year after year is not a good idea. Your circumstances are constantly changing. Your car is getting older, so you might not need as much coverage. That remodel you did last year on your home probably increased its value. If you do not pick up the phone or drop by a local office regularly, chances are your insurance is not up-to-date.
For a Claim
If you are in a car accident or your have a home claim, call your insurance agent as soon as you have all the facts. This step is different than simply calling the company. You can start a claim online or on the phone with skilled professionals, but your agent is a better resource. They can give you advice based on their personal history with you. They can advise you on your particular situation and even whether you should file a claim or not. On some occasions, you will be financially better off by not filing a claim, depending on your deductible and your previous record of filing claims.
Payment Problems
If you are not able to make your payments on time or you have questions about late fees, you should go straight to your agent. You may be able to have some fees waived and also work out a better payment plan for your needs. If you simply cannot afford your current insurance, you should ask your agent about finding you a cheaper policy. Of course, you want the best coverage possible, but cheaper policies are better than none at all.
You can take care of many service issues online with your insurance company, but nothing replaces the personal relationship you should have with your actual agent. When they know you personally, they can offer advice tailored to your personal needs. Once you have a good relationship, maintain it by calling your agent regularly to review your coverage and discuss other concerns.
Coverage Review
You are probably used to getting automatic renewal notices in the mail stating that your home or auto insurance will continue unchanged for another year. Unfortunately, keeping the same insurance year after year is not a good idea. Your circumstances are constantly changing. Your car is getting older, so you might not need as much coverage. That remodel you did last year on your home probably increased its value. If you do not pick up the phone or drop by a local office regularly, chances are your insurance is not up-to-date.
For a Claim
If you are in a car accident or your have a home claim, call your insurance agent as soon as you have all the facts. This step is different than simply calling the company. You can start a claim online or on the phone with skilled professionals, but your agent is a better resource. They can give you advice based on their personal history with you. They can advise you on your particular situation and even whether you should file a claim or not. On some occasions, you will be financially better off by not filing a claim, depending on your deductible and your previous record of filing claims.
Payment Problems
If you are not able to make your payments on time or you have questions about late fees, you should go straight to your agent. You may be able to have some fees waived and also work out a better payment plan for your needs. If you simply cannot afford your current insurance, you should ask your agent about finding you a cheaper policy. Of course, you want the best coverage possible, but cheaper policies are better than none at all.
You can take care of many service issues online with your insurance company, but nothing replaces the personal relationship you should have with your actual agent. When they know you personally, they can offer advice tailored to your personal needs. Once you have a good relationship, maintain it by calling your agent regularly to review your coverage and discuss other concerns.
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