American Risk and Insurance Associates, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

	If you don't wish to fill out online submit forms, you can print off these inquiry forms and either walk in, fax in or mail in with them.

	What are the differences between insurance agents?
	Captive Agent (Direct Writer) represents a specific company and will usually only sell you that company’s insurance. They live and die by what their employer-insurer is doing in the marketplace. They usually receive a salary from their employer. Telephone or Direct Response Representative offers the products of one company only over the telephone. You have no one acting as your agent and in fact you may deal with someone different each time you call the company. Usually receive only a salary from their employer. Independent Insurance Agent represents many companies and offers advice for a small commission on your premiums. They will act as an intermediary should any claims need to be processed. The Independent Insurance Agent can find you the right combination of coverage and value and will provide many alternatives in pricing and coverage. Insurance Broker is a licensed insurance producer that sells insurance for an insurance company with which he/she does not have a contract. (The difference between and agent and a broker is really a technical issue. Most Independent Agents act as both an agent and a broker depending on the insurance company they are dealing with.)

	Why use an independent insurance agent?
	A licensed professional Access to many insurance companies Offers you a choice of insurance plans and programs Can be a one-stop shop for the full range of insurance (home, auto, life, health) Work with you to lower premiums through discounts Strong Client and Community ties Gives excellent service and competitive prices Assists you when you have a claim Is your consultant and works with you to determine your needs Familiar with possible insurance coverages and financial strategies Trained in risk analysis Can suggest the risk-management strategies of adding special coverage’s and endorsements Will periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs Paid by commission so you have control of their performance appraisal Finally, the independent insurance agent you select to represent you should be easily accessible. This means 24-7-365 either by telephone, fax or e-mail. He/she should make you feel like a person not a number by offering personalized service. And last be sure your independent insurance agent is someone you like and respect. After all they are helping to protect your assets and learning a great deal of your personal information.

	How do you evaluate the independent insurance agent?

	Prospective Independent Insurance Agent Ask what professional designations the prospective agent has. The licensing systems in most states establish a bare minimum of insurance knowledge. You want your insurance agent to be experienced and knowledgeable in insurance coverage, not just insurance salesmanship. Ask the prospective agent if they can provide a list of references. Even better check with those you know to see who if they might recommend this agent. The prospective agent is willing to review the insurance program. The prospective agent should not quote coverage off your old policies, but work to be sure that you are accurately covered. Taking the time to analyze your business operations she/he will offer alternatives, improvements and corrections to your old policies. Existing Independent Insurance Agent Be sure your agent is willing to be an active advisor. Understand that no one can be an expert in everything. It’s important that an agent know the limitations of his/her expertise and be confident enough to tell you they don’t know the answer but will find out for you. A good agent will not give you a wrong answer that he/she makes sound convincing. Your agent is willing provide you with a written insurance proposal. The proposal should detail not just cost but coverages, limits and the exposures (payroll, sales, rates and classifications) that affect coverage and price. Your agent periodically reviews your existing coverage and offers suggestions for improvement. This includes doing comparative shopping for you with different insurance companies. A comprehensive package is usually much cheaper than buying insurance piecemeal from several different companies.

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