by Dan Effinger

Do you work with the best insurance agent for your personal assets?  As you mature undoubtedly your family needs have grown, become more complex, and diversified as well.   Are you still using the agent you used when you only owned one automobile from an on line source?  How do you know if your insurance coverage is right for you?  According to a recent survey by Greenwich Associates their study reported that nearly two thirds of their customers were considering changing either their agents or Insurance companies. 

What makes an outstanding agent?   First ask yourself are they giving me the personal attention they once did or is he or she depending on office help to do most of the work.  While office help may be accessible to you are they really the ones who have the experience and knowledge base to handle your own specific needs?  The first thing is to work with is an agent who still talks to you.  This sounds simple but is sadly missing in larger agencies today.  This can be very valuable in helping you to not only understand your own insurance but can also be a huge help should a difficult claim need his or her assistance and attention.  In short you want to make sure they are there for you.

Here are some questions to ask when interviewing a prospective agent:  How long have you been in business?  How are you compensated?  Which companies do you work with? What carrier do you do the most business with?  How much clout do you have to help resolve difficult a difficult claim?  Finally do you carry Errors and Omissions insurance to protect me in the event of a claim?  If you don’t like how he answers these questions seek another agent.

Dan Effinger is the owner of Danmar Insurance Agency in Temecula.  For questions or further information or to get a free comparison quote, give Dan a call at (951) 506-6316.