What is the best way to find a homeowners insurance agent?

Choosing a homeowners insurance specialist

The best way to find the right insurance for homeowners is to work with a licensed insurance professional. Insurance is a complicated business and it’s often a good idea to work closely with a professional who understands the insurance business, the kind of risks that homeowners face, and any special concerns about the area the home is located in, as well as offering advice about the best insurance policy to consider.

Homeowners will most likely work with an insurance agent to purchase a policy, rather than directly with the insurance company. There are two types of insurance agents:

• Captive agents, who represent one insurance company and will have a deep understanding of that company’s offerings and which will work best for a homeowner.
• Independent agents, who represent multiple insurance companies, and can offer choices among several insurance companies’ policies.

To find a good insurance agent, talk with neighbors and family and friends for recommendations. Then talk to the recommended agents and ask a lot of questions. It’s important to feel comfortable with an insurance agent and the customer service they offer, as this is often the first phone call after a loss.

Also do some research to make sure the agent is licensed and there are no outstanding complaints – state insurance departments are good sources for this kind of information.