Consumer Information
Price, deductible, and co-payments are important considerations when deciding on insurance plans, but there are some others that you should also consider
When considering health insurance plan alternatives, you may want to take a look at plans that have a higher out-of-pocket than what you may have been used to. Those who do this often find a savings of anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 a year or more. And, these people typically receive smaller rate increases at their plans’ renewals
Shopping for life insurance can make one feel insecure about whether he or she is buying the right policy
If you’re like most people and don’t have disability insurance, you could be just an illness or injury away from financial hardship — especially if you have a family that relies on your income.
Reasons why you should switch
- WHEN YOUR AGENT IS NOT AN INDEPENDENT AGENT — Getting coverage at great rates and accurate claims payment are important to you. If your agent is not an independent agent, then he or she works for the insurance company first and for you second.
- WHEN YOUR AGENT USES INSURANCE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES to enroll your group insurance plan. If your agent uses company representatives to enroll and service you and your employees (the core products or supplements), the company rep gets paid to recommend his company — even if his product is not the best product for you or your employees.
- WHEN PREMIUMS INCREASE EACH YEAR. In certain situations insurance rates do fall. If you face automatic increases every year, it may be because your agent does not have the knowledge or products to offer you coverage with the best value.
- WHEN YOUR AGENT DOESN'T "SHOP" FOR YOU — You should not have to call a half a dozen sources to get the best coverage and competitive rates. Your agent should analyze your needs and recommend your best options from which to choose.
- WHEN YOU HEAR FROM YOUR AGENT ONLY AT RENEWAL TIME. You deserve to be contacted periodically to check on your coverage adequacy, not just when a premium increase is due. A mid year review on most coverages should be part of the service. Your agent (and not your staff) should meet with and enroll each new hire, explain benefits, and answer any questions.
- WHEN YOU CALL AND IT TAKES FOREVER TO HEAR BACK FROM YOUR AGENT. When you call it is IMPORTANT that you receive prompt, courteous service. So whether your agent, a customer representative, or an administrative person answers the call, your account information should be readily available. This is an important part of the many services you pay for.
- WHEN THERE IS NO PERSONAL CLAIMS SERVICE OR SUPPORT. Let's face it. When you have an insurance claim or an emergency, you do not want to get a voice mail message and have to “hunt” to find a real person. You want and deserve a human voice and personal assistance for a fast and fair claim settlement.
- WHEN YOU CAN'T GET ALL OF YOUR COVERAGE FROM A SINGLE SOURCE. Your life, health and supplemental coverages can all be administered by the same agent. Also, no one insurance carrier can give you the best coverage in all areas (and certainly not at the best prices). Your agent needs to present the coverages you need for the best product and price. Plus, no matter what service issues or claims assistance is needed, you always know where to go.
- WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE YOUR OWN AGENT OR CUSTOMER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE. Insurance is a service business and you are entitled to receive a dedicated professional to help you. This applies not only to your agent but also to the customer service representative. You deserve a dedicated staff that cares about your business.
- WHEN YOU'RE NOT SURE ABOUT THE INSURER WHO PROVIDES YOUR COVERAGE. Insurance company financial stability should be a critical factor in the decision-making process. If the insurance company is not recognizable or if it has a poor rating, it is probably a good idea to get a second opinion. Also, it is important for your agent to have legitimate Errors and Emissions Insurance.