Looking for a life insurance policy may be stressful. There could be several different companies, policies, riders, benefits and prices to examine. How do you know you are purchasing the best policy for you and your beneficiaries? The easiest solution to sorting through the sometimes complicated world of life insurance may be to work with an independent life insurance agent.

A life insurance agent may not only be just a salesperson. They should not pressure you into purchasing a policy because it may be good for their bottom line. The life insurance agent that you are working with should typically be assisting you in finding the right policies and companies to fit into your life and your budget. The relationship with a salesperson could end after you sign the dotted line and turn over your hard earned money. The relationship with a good life insurance agent may become a lasting one. A salesperson could make rash decisions quickly, and his clients may be in and out; a good agent will take the time to make their clients happy.

You generally want to find a life insurance agent that not only offers the services you are interested in, but could be familiar with the type of coverage you are requesting. An inexperienced insurance agent could prevent you with a stack of papers that may or may not make sense to you and ask you to sign. An experienced insurance agent may help explain your policy in-depth to you before you commit to it. An experienced agent is able to present you with more options as they have built a positive relationship with several insurance carriers.

Captive Agents verses Independent Agents

Captive agents generally work exclusively for a specific life insurance company and in many cases, may be unable to sell you policies from other companies. Sometimes, you may want to search numerous carriers before you find the right one.

On the other hand, an independent life insurance agent may be able to sell you a life insurance policy from any carrier that they work with. That could potentially lead to more options and better savings. You can learn more by visiting the article: “Why People Choose a Life Insurance Broker.”

What could characterize a good life insurance agent?

A good agent may have the following attributes:

• Helps you determine your exact needs.
• Helps you understand life insurance, terms and what might be best for you.
• Provides you with knowledge and appropriate guidance, so you may be able to make an informed decision.
• Their primary concern is with you, not with what your purchase could do for them.