My insurance agent is not doing a good job, can I change?

Question

He is not updating me on my policy details, only as and when he feel need to then do the annual review... I want to change my agent but also want to stop him from getting the commission from my policy... Is there a way??

Answer 1

If you want to stay with the same company, call the company or go to their website to find another agent in your area that represents them.

Agents get commissions once a year - usually about 45 days after the policy renews. So your old agent has already been paid for a full year; the new agent will probably not want to take over the policy until you renew again, but you'll need 60 days notice to switch over.

Answer 2

What type of updating are you expecting on you policy details. The details are outlined very clearly in your policies. If he is doing an annual review, typically that is more than ample customer service. If you just don't like him/her then you can always deal with the home office customer service or request a new agent however that agent will make no money and if you are a demanding client that wishes a monthly or weekly review of the same information most agents will not jump at working that hard for you for free. Just being honest. Insurance is typically commission only and a very tough business to make a living. Most insurance agents are out of the business within 1 year. If they spend all their time servicing other peoples clients you don't earn a living and will be gone anyway. Please make sure you are being fair to this agent before complaining or switching to another agent.

Answer 3

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RE My insurance agent is not doing a good job, can I change?

He is not updating me on my policy details, only as and when he feel need to then do the annual review... I want to change my agent but also want to stop him from getting the commission from my policy... Is there a way??

Answer 4

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RE My insurance agent is not doing a good job, can I change?

He is not updating me on my policy details, only as and when he feel need to then do the annual review... I want to change my agent but also want to stop him from getting the commission from my policy... Is there a way??

Answer 5

Susan C has a good point.

If you are getting an annual review, regard your agent as "above average". Most don't even do that.

I would assume that you are talking about a property/casualty (PC) insurance agent. If so, a good agent is constantly busy helping their clients that have claims and have little time to proactively service their policyowners, aside from the annual review. If you have specific questions about "policy details", call the agency office. They typically have knowledgeable people that can answer your question. Some larger carriers have websites with "Q & A" or "FAQ" (frequently asked questions) pages that can help.

Answer 6

A lot of companies will not let you change agents within the company, since the one you have has already done all the work. I know allstate is that way, even when I moved 200 miles away (still in the same state). Go figure, but you can change your insurance company at any time. But ask the company if you can change the agent, and if not start shopping for a new company. Good Luck.

Answer 7

Agents are just people, and so you must remember like people they are not all the same. Here is a list I would make up prior to picking a new agent:
a. Hours and days of operation
1. Most agents are prolonging hours, my agency is open 7days a week, everyday till 10:30pm.
b. Big Agency Vs. Small Agency
1. Small Agency's can be more personalized, and you may deal with one person.
2.Big Agency's normally have departments, Sales Department, and once the sale is complete a customer service department.
3. Big or Small Agencies, check to see they operate in the USA or in your State, with the creation of the Internet more and more agencies & agents are setting up shop outside of the state or outside of the country.
Ex. In Ca. a large Health Insurance brokerage is owned by a Japanese co., they do have a call center in Ca. but the owner lives in Japan. And many agents are taking advantage of lower home prices in other states and are moving out of Ca. and forwarding phone lines to other states.
c. Interview your prospective agents
1. I would suggest making a list of your expectations, and interviewing several agents. Ex. I have sat on several agent advisory boards and I can tell you that every single agent operates differently.
2. If you are a hands on type person, meet them in person size them up. Many folks still like the home town local agent (that is me).

Finally, about changing agents call your insurance company - everything single one is different, some do some don't.

Answer 8

In general you can change agents anytime but you may want to change companies also, it is the duty of that agent to keep you informed on policy changes but most important your insurance company also has to notify you of any policy changes in writing.State laws in general require this. If this is your auto insurance you're talking about you may want to change to a direct company, bypass the agent and deal direct with the company. This will give you the option of dealing all transactions over the phone or even better yet online. Every State has a website for the Insurance commision or regulatory body that handles insurance matters including complaints, look it up for your state....Good Luck

Answer 9

I suggest one to try this website where you can get quotes from the best companies: http://INSUREFOREVERYBODY.INFO/index.html?src=2YAswdshx53lQX

RE :My insurance agent is not doing a good job, can I change?
He is not updating me on my policy details, only as and when he feel need to then do the annual review... I want to change my agent but also want to stop him from getting the commission from my policy... Is there a way??
Follow 25 answers

Answer 10

If you like your present insurance company and their rates, then at the very least, switch agents. But as others said, shop around and compare -- it's a good thing to do every few years anyway.