Can I Switch Insurance Agents Within the Same Company? Here’s What You Need to Know
Can I Switch Insurance Agents Within the Same Company?
Can I switch insurance agents within the same company? The short answer is yes, you can!
But, as with all things in life, there is a lot more to it. Normally, an insurance agent stays with you for a long time. They answer your questions, update you about changes in policy, and keep you abreast of premium increases. They also advise on and help you process claims, recommend new insurance packages and rates, and much more. Ideally, they know you well and know what you expect from them.
You and your insurance agent travel on a two-way street which, ideally, is a smooth and unobstructed ride. But what if there are issues?
Reasons You Might Want to Switch Insurance Agents
- Poor Communication: Do they return your emails or phone calls? Do they promptly send you the information you asked for? Does it take a long time for the agent to respond?
- Better Service: Are you certain that your agent is giving you the best value for your needs? Do they go the extra mile to give you a better rate for more coverage? Are there unexplained increases in rates or limits?
- Agent Expertise: Is your agent familiar with all the packages, bundles, and choices that exist on the market? Does he or she know how to deal with your questions and provide you with satisfactory answers? Do you need to find someone more knowledgeable in your specific industry?
- Trust and Comfort: Do you trust your agent? Are you comfortable with what your agent is doing for you? Do you feel genuinely cared for?
You moved. Maybe you love your agent, but you moved and need a new agent. Or your agent retired or moved to another company and you need to find another agent.
How to Switch Insurance Agents Within the Same Company
If you want to change agents with the same insurance carrier, here are the steps to take.
Step 1: Review Your Policy
The first thing you want to do is to review your current policy details and make sure that switching agents won’t affect your coverage. If you are staying with the same carrier, you can switch agents at any time and transfer your policy to the new agent. If you’re switching companies, you can usually cancel your policy at any time. However, some types of insurance policies can have cancellation fees which may include prorated charges.
Step 2: Contact the Insurance Company
Contact your insurer’s customer service team and request to speak to an associate who can help get you a new agent. Usually, you do not have to discuss the matter with the customer service representative. Just ask if you can speak to the appropriate associate who can deal with such matters.
When referred to the appropriate associate, explain you want another agent to take care of your needs. You’ll need to provide your insurance policy number and renewal dates, and likely fill out some paperwork. In some cases, you may be asked why you’re requesting a change. You are not required to explain why – just saying that you and your current agent aren’t a good fit is enough. It’s important to know that you should not have to talk to the agent you’re leaving. Typically, the insurance company will deal with that.
Step 3: Choose a New Agent
You may already have a new agent in mind based on recommendations from friends or family, or someone you already know. If that agent works for the same insurance company, meet with that agent and go over what you need and want, any changes you want to make, and how to proceed from there. Inquire if the coverage and rates you currently have are indeed the best ones for you, or if the new agent recommends something different and better. Review all options before you decide this is the person you want to represent you.
The other option is that your insurer may offer another agent to take over from the previous one. This will help if you don’t know who is available to take you on as a customer. Similar to the above procedure, meet with this agent and discuss your needs and whether your current coverage and rates are really the best for you. Check availability, how easily they can be reached, and all the points that were issues with your previous agent.
Step 4: Confirm the Switch
Work with your new agent and the insurer to confirm the change in agent. Once your policy is renewed, all of your insurance information will be transferred to the new agent and your old agent will no longer have access. From this point on you can address any questions and claims issues with your new agent.
What to Consider Before Switching Agents
Impact on Policy
Typically, switching agents should not affect your policy, coverage, or premiums. However, it’s wise to check this beforehand to avoid unwelcome surprises.
Agent-Client Relationship
Before making your decision, do your research. Your goal is to find an agent that has your best interests in mind. When you find the right agent, you know that you’re getting a well-rounded look at all of your insurance options. A good agent will help you navigate complicated insurance situations, insurance claims, and fine print. And a really good one will help you save money by finding the best insurance rates.
Timing
The timing of the switch is important, such as at renewal time. If you are changing your policy in any way or adding services to it, this would be the time to get a new agent to make the transition smoother.
Benefits of Switching Insurance Agents
Improved Service
There is the old adage of the new broom sweeping cleaner. This may actually be very true when switching agents. Typically, when you started with your previous agent, you can assume that they did find the best services for you that were available at that time. This may have been many years ago and in the meantime, a lot has changed.
A new agent will be up-to-date with everything that happened in the areas of, for example, life insurance or car insurance. Moreover, the new agent may be able to offer you better service and rates. Since you are starting your relationship with the new agent, they will be very amenable to giving you more personalized services.
Greater Satisfaction
It’s understandable that below-par services from your previous agent may have also soured your relationship with the insurance company itself. If your previous agent let rates go up unexplained or did not assist you in filing claims timely, you may think less of the company they represented.
Therefore, switching to a new agent within that same insurance company will give you a new start so to speak – a fresh beginning. In fact, a really good agent can lead to greater overall satisfaction with the insurance company.
Peace of Mind
Having an agent you trust will provide peace of mind in knowing that your insurance needs are being well managed. That, in itself, is worth all the trouble of switching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can switching agents affect my insurance rates?
As long as you’re not moving, everything should remain the same on your insurance policy. However, if the transfer takes place at your renewal, your rate is subject to change at renewal time. If your rates are going to change, then it will happen regardless of whether you are with a new agent or not. It’s best to review your insurance policy to identify possible increases in rates before or at renewal time.
How long does it take to switch insurance agents?
Once you’ve filed your paperwork for the switch, at your next renewal your insurance information and policy will be transferred over to the new agent. Your old agent will no longer have access to your policy once it is renewed. Moreover, payments, questions, and help with claims will now all be handled by your newly appointed agent.
Can I switch agents more than once?
Yes, you can switch insurance agents multiple times for your auto, home, and other policies while keeping the same insurance company. In each case, the procedure remains the same as described above.
What if I’m not satisfied with my new agent?
The decision to switch agents is entirely up to you and should be based on your needs and satisfaction with the service. Whether you’re looking for better communication, a more proactive approach, or just a change of pace, it’s essential to find an agent who aligns with your expectations and requirements.
Conclusion
Switching insurance agents within the same company is possible, often straightforward, and can lead to improved service. Certainly, if you are not happy with your current agent’s performance, you have the right to switch. As a customer, your needs come first.
It’s good practice to review the performance of your current agent and whether they work for you to render the best possible service. And if that service is not optimum, you have the right to switch agents and demand a better performance.
