An insurance agent isn’t just someone who can sell you a policy.
Whether you have a question about your coverage, need to file a claim or change your policy, your agent can provide insurance solutions to a seemingly countless number of issues you might run into. And the conversations you have with your agent can help provide protection from the unknown and greater peace of mind.
Regular conversations with your agent should take place to review your coverage, make them aware of any new major purchases that need protection and to determine ways to possibly lower risk or save on your premiums.
Read on to learn more about when you would benefit from a call to your agent.
What Can an Insurance Agent Do?
Your insurance agent is a licensed individual working in a complex landscape of rules, numbers and conditions who can help you navigate the often-baffling world of insurance.
Agents routinely handle various insurance tasks. These often include:
- Help with claims. One of the primary reasons to contact an insurance agent is to file a claim after an incident. An agent can also help navigate the claims process, understand what documents are needed and get updates on the status of an ongoing claim.
- Policy changes. Individuals often reach out to their agents when they need to update their policy. Changes may include modifying coverage in response to significant life events such as buying a new home, purchasing a new vehicle, getting married or having a child.
- Questions about coverage. Policyholders frequently have questions about what their insurance covers, premium costs and payment processing. Your agent can also periodically review your coverage with you to ensure it remains adequate.
- Insurance advice. Agents can be particularly useful for advice on how to best protect assets, whether it’s choosing the right policy type or selecting coverage amounts.
- Risk management and prevention advice. Your agent can be a great resource for guidance on how to lower risks and better manage premiums. Think of things like installing a home security system or taking a defensive driving course.
When Should You Call an Agent?
While there’s no wrong time to call you agent, certain life events demand that you contact them to ensure you have the proper insurance. While many people don’t think to reach out to their agent when these events occur, alerting them can help prevent coverage gaps and save a lot of hassle in the future. Here are just a few of the times that can warrant a call:
- Renovating your home
- Buying expensive jewelry or collectibles
- Adding a teenage driver
- Starting a home-based business
- Getting married or divorced
To learn more of the life events that merit a call to your agent, read 9 Life Changes to Tell Your Insurance Agent About.
The Best Agents Are Just a Call Away
In a world of virtual conveniences, it’s reassuring to know that trained professionals are ready to help you. They’re there for both planning for the future and in times of crisis.
At ERIE, we’ve been working side-by-side with the best agents in the business to bring our customers superior insurance choices since 1925. Today, millions of customers trust our agents to help them with their insurance needs.
Find a local agent today, and we’ll help you find the coverage you need.
