If you’re looking to buy auto insurance in your area, you’ve come to the right place! We can provide you with fast, free quotes from agents in your neighborhood who are ready to help you get the coverage you need for the price you want. However, it can be hard to find an agent that’s the right fit—that’s why we have five tips to help you choose the best insurance agent near me.

1) Do Your Research

A good insurance agent will help you get covered—no matter what type of plan you need. But not all agents are created equal. Most local agents have a specialty (life, auto, home, commercial), so make sure to research each one’s background before choosing who to work with. Looking up their professional history, reviewing how many years they’ve been in business and even checking Yelp reviews can give you some insight into which agency is best for your needs.

 Once you’ve narrowed down your list, set up a few interviews with each potential agent. During these meetings, you can assess how professional they are, how attentive they are to your needs and whether or not you trust them. Additionally, find out how many clients an insurance agent has at any given time; if you see several on their website, that’s a good sign that they have clients waiting to work with them when new business becomes available. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to shop around until you find an agency where you feel comfortable doing business.

2) Don’t Hire an Agent at First Contact

Not all insurance agents are created equal. Some agents are better than others, but unless you really need help right away (like if your car just got totaled), it’s a good idea to get at least three agent estimates. Do that by contacting several agencies and doing some of your own research online. Each of these auto insurance agency quotes should be pretty close in price and after comparing them you can decide which agent seems best to work with. Don’t hire an agent at first contact or solely on reputation or location; you want someone who’s willing to find out what coverage you need at a price that works for you—and then help you get it. Remember: You don’t have to settle!

3) Look For These Qualities in an Agent

Your insurance agent is one of your most important business partners, so make sure you’re choosing wisely. Some qualities to look for in an agent include an understanding of your needs and goals, a strong record of customer service, and financial knowledge or training (most agents have experience as insurance professionals). Take time to interview candidates thoroughly to see if they have a history of building relationships and meeting goals. Your agent should also be someone who doesn’t shy away from conflict when it comes to advocating on your behalf.

4) Avoid This Type of Agent

One way to make sure you’re choosing your insurance agent near me wisely is to stay away from agents who promise things like best deal in town, or lowest prices. Agents who do that are just trying to get you into their office as quickly as possible; all they want is your money, not necessarily your best interests. Even though agents may have great deals on insurance plans, if they don’t know you or your family well enough, it might not be worth it. Instead of rushing out and picking an agent because he has a low price point, choose someone local and reputable who works with other families nearby — chances are that person will give you better advice and service anyway.

5) Check Licenses Before Signing Anything

Before you sign anything, take a quick moment to check that your insurance agent is licensed. You can usually find an agent’s license number on their business card or in their email signature. When searching online, type in your zip code along with insurance license search and you should be able to find some information within seconds.

 If you’re not sure where to begin, or you’re looking for a new insurance agent in your area, we can help. You can contact an independent insurance agent in your area to see how they can meet your needs and those of your family. To get started, simply fill out our online quote form below and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.