|
If you're like most homeowners, you want an insurance policy
that you can afford and that adequately protects your
property.But many homeowners underestimate the importance of
finding a trustworthy and service-oriented insurer--and end up
sorely disappointed when it comes time to file a claim. So before you sign the dotted line, learn how you can find it all: an affordable home insurance policy, the coverage you want and the good service you deserve! Lessons in LicensureIn recent years, insurance fraud has grown in leaps and bounds. To keep yourself from becoming a victim of |
Investigating licensure, however, goes beyond asking to see an insurer's license. Insurance agents are required to register with the state in which they sell insurance. Your state's department of insurance (DOI) will have a record of licensed agents in your state--contact them and make sure your agent is registered and currently licensed. If your agent is not on that list, let the DOI know that someone is selling policies without a license--and take your business elsewhere.
Measuring Financial Strength
If you've never investigated the financial strength of the companies you do business with, you're not alone--it's one of the single most overlooked factors by consumers. But in reality, getting the best deal in the state won't do you any good if your homeowner's insurance company becomes insolvent--meaning that they can't afford to pay your claim or file for bankruptcy.Fortunately, checking the financial strength of an insurer is easy to do, thanks to consumer advocate sites like A.M. Best. A.M Best measures the financial solidity of insurance companies. You can hop on the online at any time and check out the financial standing of any insurer you're thinking about buying a policy from, and best of all, it's free.
Evaluating Customer Service
Imagine this: your house has just sustained serious fire damage and you and your loved ones are now displaced. Worse yet, your agent is nowhere to be found.
When it comes to customer service, you want to make sure your home insurance company rates well, making it easy for you to call with questions and file claims in an efficient manner.
You can find gauge an insurer's customer service in a number of ways. Many consumers try calling the agency with a question to see how long they're put on hold or how quickly their call is returned. You can also get a sense of your agent's dedication to his or her insured's through casual conversation--if the agent seems indifferent to help you, you're probably better off taking your business somewhere else. Furthermore, you can check with A.M. Best to get the customer service rating of your insurer. That too, is available online, free of charge.
Trusting Your Gut
When it comes to buying homeowner's insurance, it's important to trust your gut throughout the shopping process. You should feel comfortable with the insurance agent and the way the company does business, as well as with the policy itself. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, keep looking until you find the right fit.
About the author: Megan L. Mahan is a copywriter and insurance expert based in Denver, Colorado. She holds degrees in French and English from the University of Iowa and lends her writing and editing expertise in print media and Internet communications through her informative articles.
| | Links | Disclaimer | Privacy |