Page 14 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – May/June 2021

INSURANCE NEWS
Personal Insurance Agent
vs. the 800 Number
Does your insurance declaration page seem like it’s written in a foreign language? It can be daunting and intimidating trying to figure out if you have the correct
coverage. Ask yourself this: What value can a Personal Insurance Agent bring to you? There is a sense of reassurance associated with knowing who to contact when you need help, especially in the insurance world. Here are a few valuable reasons to have a Personal Insurance Agent.
You’ll work with a Licensed Expert. When we go
to the doctor, we want to speak to one who is most qualified and licensed in their field. It’s the same for insurance. Insurance Agents must complete a state- approved education program and pass their own resident state exam. They are required to complete continuing education every two years to maintain their license.
They are trained to assess your needs and, from there, determine what coverage best meets those needs.
You’ll have options. Insurance Agents who work with an agency offering multiple carriers can ensure you are written with the best carrier for you and, upon renewal, will follow up with you to see if there have been any changes to your household. If your rate increases at renewal, they can shop around other carriers to see if there are better options for you. It is important to note that Captive Agents, those who often work for only one carrier, are unable to offer other options as they are operating from the catalog of one company.
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They’re on your side. If a billing, claims or underwriting issue comes up, your Personal Insurance Agent can defend you or take action at a higher level and try to
get the problem resolved. Most agents have their own personal contacts within an insurance carrier and work hard to build relationships with individuals to help resolve issues. This can go a long way to help you.
They bring local knowledge. When you dial an 800 number to speak to your insurance carrier, you could be calling a person anywhere in the world. Every state has very different laws and regulations that must be followed. Having a local insurance agent ensures that you will
be guided through any mandatory state regulations. If
a town or city has special requirements, it’s reassuring
to know you have someone who is well-versed in the relevant criteria and experienced, especially when moving to a new area or state.
The ability to call an agent directly for advice is priceless. Spending a few more dollars for a Personal Insurance Agent rather than acting on a quick online offer can be invaluable. As you go through life changes like marriage, new home, teen drivers, downsizing and retirement, personal advice is vital.
To start building a relationship with a trusted advisor, someone to call your Personal Insurance Agent, visit AAA.com/Insurance or call 518-649-1717.
Eman Badr is a Certified Professional Insurance Agent and Manager of AAA Hudson Valley Insurance Agency.
Register for our next virtual insurance event on Wednesday, June 16, and be entered to win a Hoffman Car Wash Exterior Wash Card. Visit AAA.com/Insurance and reserve your spot today.
14 I MAY/JUNE 2021