Introduction
In regard to protecting your property and future, insurance is one of those tools that you cannot exclude from the list of priorities. It does not matter whether you are in the process of choosing the right health, life, auto or home insurance. It is therefore advisable to engage your insurance agent and ask him or her the right questions before enrolling for the insurance.
This will help you avoid making mistakes with the insurance policy that you choose and get one that meets your needs and that which you can afford. Before enrolling with an insurance agent or company we will see the leading questions that you should ask your insurance agent.
1. What insurance plans do you have?
Before selecting an insurance agent it is important that you understand the extent of services your insurance agent can provide for you. There are specialized agents and there are agents who deal with all types of insurance; life, health insurance, auto insurance, home, business insurance and so on. Do not forget to inquire to your agent about the insurance types they have and whether they can give you the best policy to cater for your needs.
2. How are the premiums fixed?
You should also question how your insurance agent comes up with the premiums for your insurance plan before subscribing for the insurance service. Know from them all that you’d like to know about the steps followed in determining the premiums they set, including age, geographical location, their driving records, credit scores, or other aspects. This is will aid you in making a decision regarding the price you want to pay for the policy.
3. What coverage do you have?
Please inquire from your agent different forms available for the insurance policy you need. They should be able to highlight various forms of coverages, cost sharing mechanisms such as the deductibles, as well as such other features as riders and endorsements that are available on the insurance policies that you intend to take. Lanuco (2018) opined that there is usually a need to understand what is covered in the policy, as well as areas that are restricted or omitted out.
4. There are many ways to reduce the amount you are charged by your insurance company.
Most insurance providers have several ways in which they apply discounts and some include the provision of both home and auto insurance, having a good credit score, or not getting into accidents. Inquire from your agent on the available discounts then on how you can be eligible for lower premiums. This will assist you in making the right decision and also assists in the provision of value for the money that you pay.
5. What is the claims process?
Unfortunately, when it is necessary to file for a claim, it is critical to know how to do it. Questions to ask your agent include the steps that you have to take in order to file a claim. Ask how long it takes to process the claims and if there are any general information or assistance available for them.
6. How long ago did your agency start to exist?
An accredited insurance agency should have relevant experience in the insurance sector and should have posed a record to support its work. You therefore should ask your agent questions like how long they have worked or been in business? This will help you get an understanding on their experience or otherwise in providing guidance when it comes to insurance purchase .
7. What are the modalities of accessing customer service?
This is because before choosing an insurance policy, it is crucial to know how well your agent as well as the insurance firm treats its clients. You should know how often they are available and to what extent are you able to reach them and how quickly. An ideal insurance agent should give many avenues through which a customer can access their services example through the phone, mail or through the internet.
8. Is there any fine print, additional contrite or last minute charges?
There are likely to be some charges that you may have to pay which are not outlined clearly; therefore, do not hesitate to enquire from your agent about any charges that you have to make or any penalties associated with your insurance policy. This can comprise of cancellation charges, policy termination fees, or charges for delayed payment. Knowledge of total expense that you have to make in order to purchase the insurance policy will ensure you do not insidiously pay for any extra amount for the same policy.
9. What is the renewal process?
Talk to your agent about your insurance policy and procedures for renewal and possible activities that can be completed that will allow for no lapse in your policy. Before one’s policy expires it is important that one comprehends renewal terms, premium adjustment and any alterations that may need to be made to the policy.
10. Worried – Can I feel comfortable handing out my personal information to your agency?
Two major areas of interest to insurance policyholders are privacy and data security. Make sure to know how your agent handles your data and what they will do with it, it should be good practice. You should have the confidence that your identity will not be disclosed to any third party without your agreement.
Conclusion
In conclusion therefore, it is important that you talk to your insurance agent, inquire on some of these points so that you can be able to choose that insurance policy which will favor you most. By answering these top questions, you will be in a better position to make the right decision, pay less in premiums and have a smooth running of the insurance. Thus, do not wait for tomorrow to pose these important questions to your insurance agent, and protect your tomorrow with the optimal insurance.