With the hundreds of different insurance options out there these days, it’s difficult to know which one is going to meet your needs perfectly. You can shop around for months, compare plans, and make phone calls, but in the end you might just end up tearing your hair out, and you still won’t have the insurance you need. Sometimes it’s just easier to hire someone to do all the comparing and pricing. That’s where hiring a Raleigh insurance agent can be a great start. Let’s check out the details.
Independent vs. Affiliated
No matter what kind of insurance you are looking for, there are basically two ways to go when it comes to using an agent. They can either be affiliated with a major insurance company so that they work solely with that provider, or they can be an independent agent, meaning they have access to all types of insurance companies. Only you can know which of these two approaches works best for you. If you want more than one type of insurance, an affiliated agent might be best. They can offer policies for all types of insurance, such as:
- Auto/motorcycle
- Life/health
- Homeowners/renters
- Boat or RV
- Business
Check the Site
After you’ve narrowed down options for Raleigh insurance agents, take a good look at their websites. These should be a font of information, from possible online rate quotes to staff biographies and agency credentials. Look for level of professionalism that feels right to you. A website that offers some personality while giving you good information sets a good precedent. The staff bios should indicate which specific certifications they hold, and ideally there would be client testimonials on the website as well.
Interview Candidates
Now, choose your best three candidates and schedule some interviews. Any agent who is accepting new clients should be happy to make time to sit down with you to chat about your goals, budgets, and desires. Be sure to note these things about the agent during the interview:
- Communication style
- Integrity
- Knowledge and expertise
- Creativity
Focus on Goals
While chatting with your Raleigh insurance agent candidates, be very clear about your goals. Is cost savings the most important thing to you? Are you looking for long-term solutions, such as life insurance as a retirement investment? If you are a business owner, what level of liability does your company hold and what kind of policy will cover that? You want an agent who can address all these contingencies and make you feel comfortable with your choices.
Check Accessibility
Be care to find an agent that will be available to help you on your timeline. Maybe the office offers a live chat on its website or has a 24-hour hotline for emergencies. Make sure it is clear to you what you can do immediately in case of a traffic ticket or medical emergency. If staff members are only available during business hours Monday through Friday, it might not be the Raleigh insurance agent for you.
Track All Your Accounts With Personal Capital

Your relationship with an insurance agent could last for years, so it really benefits you to take the time to find a good one. You never know when you will need their help!
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