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 What are your thoughts of selling to friends and family if you work in life insurance?
I have recieved negative feedback from friends, boyfriend and family whenever I mention the words -- life insurance. But when I talk to the recruiters they say that their family always is ready and ...


 I want a craditcard?
dir :-sir
i want a icici & hdfc card

...


 I was in a wreck but i had no insurance if i got insurance will it go up?
...


 What type of payments could you be expected to make on car insurance?
at the age of 29 and being a new driver. Whats the lowest you could expect to ...


 How do you make sales staff become hungry for sales?
The are satisfied with minimal sales and minimal income.
I am the mentor. I need to make them get more sales.
Should I approach this issue by finding out what are their dreams
and ...


 If i have a health issue and i dont want my mom to know can i have the insurance send me the bill for payment?
...


 Can someone direct me to a legit website where I can get a comparison on various health insurances?
I'm a full-time student who works part-time. I'd like to purchase a temporary insurance w/c covers for health, dental, and vision care, but I'm skeptical of entering my personal info ...


 Is their a way to cancel your ssn?
my wallet was stolen and my social security card was in there is there a way to cancel it and get a whole new ...


 34 year old healthy single male without medical insurance gets into major auto accident. What happens to him?
34 year old healthy single male without medical insurance
gets into major auto accident(he only has liability auto insurance cause that's all he can afford). What happens to him? He ...


 Will the insurance company go after the vandal/s of my property?
Recently my daughter caught my neighbor stabbing our above ground swimming pool, and our trampoline. When he seen her looking out the window, he jumped the fence, and ran through his back gate. The ...


 Does your home insurance premiums go up if you file a claim?
Due to our winter weather my moms has sustained some roof water damage. Its leaking into her ceiling and she has to put bowls out to catch the dripping water. She doesnt want to call Farmers I...


 When does an insurance policy become binding?
When you sign the contract or pay the premium?...


 Can I buy life insurance for my grandmother?
...


 Are Health Benefits Suppose To Be Offered If You're Working Full Time?
I'm full time (40 hours a week) and my boss doesn't give Health Benefits. Is that right? Friends and family said its not right... What do you guys think?...


 How can I protect my home, lifestyle and children's future if my husband would not buy a life insurance?
I can try to buy one for myself for my children, but my concern is, how can I protect myself if my husband passes away before me? What are my legal options if I cannot convince him to buy life ...


 Is aig tata insurance is believable?
i am an indian before 2 years i joined in aig tata insurance
i paid 11 thousand as yearly due 2 years
in this skim only after 12 years we can get the amount
will it work ...


 Condo Insurance?
I live in a condominium. The association pays for the structure insurance, but it is my understanding it only covers the exterior walls. If the place burned down, would I be responsible for the ...


 Will home owners insurance pay for repairs if it was your ex that did the damage to your home?
Going through a divorce and the ex vandelized the house before leaving it....


 To apply and be approved for life insurance what are some of the main factors to have a smooth transaction?
To apply and be approved for life insurance what are some of the main factors to have a smooth transaction? Im considering getting it for my family..What are some important things to know?...


 I need affordable health insurance?
I live in Monmouth Co., NJ, and I need to find affordable health insurance. I was covered under my parents insurance when I was in college, but I am now 22, and own my own home w/ my fiance. My job ...



jason b
Independent agent vs. Allstate.?
I have been an Allstate Customer for years, but people tell me I could get insurance much cheaper through other agents (combined home, auto,motorcycle). When I was younger I always bought cheap insurance through independent agents, but always seemed shady. Does anyone have experience with independent agents or can any indpendent or allstate (St. Farm, Country Companies) weigh in? Have >700 credit score and no accidents, tickets, or claims on record and married w/2 kids. Thanks.
                     
 




Still reading
There are many reputable insurance companies. Some use captive agents (Allstate, State Farm examples), while others use independent agents (Hartford, Travelers examples).

You can check the rating of any insurance company through AM Best, and you'll find many excellent choices. If you choose a good independent agent, he/she will suggest a specific company to you. Sometimes the suggestions are in your best interests, sometimes not. You can then check and compare rates and company ratings.

Rates are not always better through independent agents, nor are they always worse. It depends on you, the state you live in. your history, etc, etc. So, don't run elsewhere. Just explore.

BTW, bundle discounts are generally available through Allstate, SF, not just through companies represented by independent agents. However, if your agent hasn't proposed any options to you to reduce your total insurance cost, shame on him/her. Maybe the problem isn't Allstate, maybe it's the agent.


529s.com
Jason,
There are good and bad agents out there. This is true with independents and captives. If you have Allstate right now, ask your agent if you the new Your Choice Auto policy. If they say no, ask them for a conversion quote. You may be able to have even better coverages and pay less.


needbabybad
You probably dealt with a small "bottom feeder" independent agents earlier in your life. Try Brown & Brown - one of the nation's largest insurance brokers specializing in Personal Lines insurance. They will get you multiple quotes from several different insurance companies and help you choose the best coverage and lowest price. (800) 833-0188 or www.bbtexas.com


GTS
Mercury, Safeco, and Travelers employ independent agents and they have great package policies. You can meet with a local agent to get a feel for them before you start if you'd like.


mbrcatz
Maybe. "People" are generalizing. The thing is, you have more OPTIONS with an independent agent. They have more flexibility, and can quote you with multiple companies, so you can get, for exampe, quotes with Progressive, Travelers, Hartford, Erie, Zurich, Merchants, etc, all from one agent.

It sure doesn't hurt to check. Look for independent agencies that have been in business IN YOUR AREA for at least ten years. You want an established agency, with multiple people working in the office.

I've been an independent agent for MOST of my career; they're not all shady!! But you should ask "people" which independents they use, and ask the independents which INSURANCE COMPANIES they can quote you with.


bundysmom
Rating
As others have mentioned there is more to consider than what you pay.

I'm an Allstate customer and former employee and I work for a leading competitor. I stayed with Allstate because the company I work for doesn't provide the same coverage as Allstate does. Sure they both provide comp, collision, etc., but what my company doesn't pay for, or cover, under comp & collision is DRASTICALLY different....Allstate will pay off my loan in the event of a total loss whereas my company offers no such thing & they also offer "accident forgiveness." And my company is cheaper than Allstate.

So the saying "You get what you pay for," is definitely true, especially when it comes to insurance.

Someone also mentioned AM Best...this is also something you want to pay very close attention. The higher the rating, the more "financially solid" a company is.


Nate W
Companies update their rates fairly often. A company that initially gave you the cheapest rate, may in a few years be the most expensive.
An Independent can, if your rate increased with one company, "shop" for you and find a different one that is currently cheaper. An exclusive agent is stuck with their product only.
That being said, most exclusive companies are financially strong and reputable. Many companies also issue new lines of insurance on a fairly regular basis. Your company, Allstate, for instance just released a new line and it may be cheaper than the old line you are currently in. Check with your agent to see if this is the case.

Both have their pros and cons. If you are shopping on price, or have something that would be considered high risk, then an independent agent may be your best bet. Especially if you have a few blemishes on your record (It looks like you don't)
If you are more concerned about the strength and consistency of your insurance company then price alone, I would look towards exclusive agents.


hightechchic
Rating
There's more to insurance than what you pay for it.

I won't address any particular company, but overall, you really want to look at the quality of the protection you're getting as well. For instance, it's utterly useless to pay for coverage from a company that may not be around if you have a claim.

There's still more to consider than that, though. Let's say that you forget to pay your premium and your insurance lapses... if you've been with one company for years and you have a good payment history otherwise, your agent may be able to make a case with an underwriter that they should reinstate your policy with no lapse. That doesn't sound like a big deal -- until you see what happens to your insurance rates in that scenario without someone helping out (it would probably double, possibly triple because you're suddenly considered to be a bad risk.)


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