Home Insurance Articles
The Function Of An Agent In The Purchase Of Homeowners Insurance
2010-07-31
When purchasing homeowners insurance, the first step is to gather home insurance quotes. A simple online search can yield a staggering wealth of options with every variable imaginable. Sifting through all of the home insurance quotes can feel like trying to find the needle in a haystack, but that is precisely when the services of a homeowners insurance agent can be invaluable. With the advent of Internet search engines, it may appear on the surface that the services of a homeowners insurance agent are obsolete, even the Internet is no substitute for the knowledge and expertise of an experienced insurance agent.
Beyond the obvious benefits of being able to tap into an agent's expertise to get the best policy for the best price, there are several situations where it makes even more sense to use an insurance agent rather than purchasing a homeowners insurance policy sight unseen online. One such situation is when the home is located in a flood plane, hurricane area, fault line or other registered disaster zone area. The insurance agent may have specific recommendations for deductions that can be obtained from making the home more disaster resistant. Also, having the ability to use an existing insurer to purchase an additional policy may result in extra cost savings, so consider existing relationships with insurance agents when deciding to purchase a homeowners insurance policy.
An insurance agent may also be able to help with reading the fine print of home insurance quotes. For instance, disaster-level insurance is typically not covered by a standard home insurance policy. For instance, flood insurance, earthquake damage and other natural disasters require separate riders and often a separate policy. The unsuspecting consumer may assume that their standard homeowners policy covers every possible issue that could arise from owning a home, and it is better to review thoroughly the fine print of the home insurance quote with a representative from the insurance company prior to signing on the dotted line. An ounce of extra knowledge and research now can prevent a pound of regret later on.
The best way to find a qualified homeowners insurance agent is by word of mouth. Start with the representing real estate agent if it is a new home purchase. Ask friends and neighbors about their experiences and get their recommendations. When contacting an agent, notice the level of customer service in identifying discounts, answering questions and reviewing options. Make sure when setting an appointment with an agent to have a copy of the home inspection, as well as details about square footage, amenities, security measures and value of possessions to get the policy that is the best fit to your needs.