1. Is the agency licensed?

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is extremely important to verify. A quality insurance brokerage firm and their representatives will hold valid and current licenses issued by each state in which they are qualified and authorized to sell insurance. If this information is not readily accessible, ask the agent you’re considering if they are in fact licensed. You can also get this information from your state’s Department of Insurance website. Only do business with a licensed and legal insurance agency. If the agency is not licensed, your general and liability coverage, and any resulting claim is in jeopardy, and you risk financial loss.

2. Does the agency have a proven track record?

In a medical emergency, who would you trust more? The doctor with 25 years of hands-on experience or the intern who just sat final exams last week? The better choice is clear. Likewise, it is important to choose an insurance agency with a lot of knowledge and experience so you can trust their guidance and services.

If an insurance provider has been in business for many years, it’s a great sign of consistent quality. Find out if the agency has experience providing protection for customers with a similar background to your own. For example, if you’re a farmer who needs comprehensive crop or property insurance, choose an insurance agency that specializes in agricultural insurance products to get the best solution possible. Even better? Look for testimonials from past and current customers to get an unbiased third-party opinion on an agencies services.

3. Do you get a wide range of insurance options?

A quality Fargo insurance agency offers a wide range of products to suit their customers’ needs and budget, including but not limited to, personal, business and agricultural insurance. They will help you to find a policy that matches your criteria based on guidelines such as your current state of health, your finances, any personal challenges and your family or business obligations.

Expect agency representatives to offer you advice on options that provide the benefits, security and coverage you need such as:

Agents should be able to thoroughly explain the specifics of each option, including the positives and negatives. They should also give you an honest opinion on which policy will best suit your situation.

4. Will you get personalized service?

A one-size-fits-all approach to servicing your insurance policy practically guarantees that you won’t get what you need and deserve. Avoid insurance providers that offer generic services, cookie-cutter policies and rigid terms and conditions. Instead, choose an agency that offers uniquely customized solutions to suit your personal, business or agricultural insurance needs perfectly.

5. Can you service your policy online?

Do you have lots to do and not enough time to get it done? In this era of busy schedules and advanced technology, every quality Fargo insurance agency offers its customers the option of doing business online with a convenient, easy-to-use and intuitive website and email system. Along with being able to walk in and have a face-to-face sit down with your agent, you should be able to get a quote, select a policy and make payments, all from the comfort of your home.

6. Will you be properly educated about your options?

Before you invest in an insurance policy, you should learn as much as possible about all your options in order to make the most informed decision. A quality insurance agency not only strives to sell you a policy, but also to educate you about the best insurance products to help you achieve your goals. This education makes it easier for you to secure the best coverage option at an affordable price. In addition, check to ensure that agency representatives participate regularly in continuing education to stay informed and up-to-date with changes in the insurance industry.

7. Does the agency provide exceptional customer service?

The best insurance policy in the world is worthless if you don’t get the customer service you deserve when you need it. When you have twenty different companies offering you the same product, the best way to choose who to do business with is by the level of customer service you receive. High-level insurance customer service typically includes features such as 24-7 accessibility and multiple channels of communication (email, telephone and emergency numbers). A quality insurance agency goes above and beyond to solve your problems and facilitate conversations with you in a courteous and professional way.

8. Do the agents take time to truly understand your needs?

If an insurance agent ever tries to rush you into making a purchase decision, walk away. A quality representative is like a friend and advisor. They are great listeners who take the time to find out what keeps you up at night, and how to remove those fears from your life. An agent that truly cares and listens to you with empathy and understanding is in a much better position to provide you with a plan to find the best insurance policy for your needs.

9. Does the agency put your needs first?

As with any other business, earning compensation and commissions are goals of insurance agents. However, it should not be their only, or even their greatest goal. A quality Fargo insurance agency always strives to put the needs of their customer first.

Always do business with an agency whose number one priority is making sure that you:

10. Are the agency representatives honest?

There is absolutely no room for dishonesty or fraud in the relationship between a client and a reputable insurance agency. Choose a trusted agency that believes in practicing sound business ethics. One that respects you enough to make bold promises, and follows through with complete honesty regarding your policy options, rates, risks, coverage and claims.

11. Can you comparison shop for insurance products?

Before you purchase anything significant it’s wise to comparison shop. This allows you to get the best product or service for you and your family, while saving some money in the process.

Always choose a Fargo insurance agency that offers you lots of information about your available options such as:

A quality agent has the ability to dig into products from several insurance partners and will work with you to uncover the financial and investment products and services that are right for you or your business. During this process, the agent should not rush you to close the sale, but instead, give you enough time and assistance to compare and select your best option.

12. Does the company provide excellent after-sales service?

Many insurance workers feel like their job is done once the contract is signed and they collect their commission, but nothing is further from the truth. High quality brokers know that a client account is valuable long after the initial sale. Many would say that the services they provide after issuing an insurance policy are most responsible for their customers’ satisfaction. Based on this fact, it is vital to choose an insurance agency that is committed to offering you excellent after-sales service for the duration of your policy.

13. Does the agency appreciate your business?

Last but not least, it’s best to do business with an insurance agency that genuinely appreciates being of service to you. You have so many options as a consumer that any business should feel honored to have you as a client. Take advantage of this fact, and ensure that you choose an agency that always makes you feel appreciated for giving them your business.