Where to Turn for Insurance Help
Shopping for insurance can bring up a lot of questions about coverage amounts, policy stipulations, and applicable laws. When you encounter these issues, you can get online insurance help from the following parties.
State Department of Insurance
Every state has a department of insurance that oversees the dealings of the companies licensed to operate in it. Your state's insurance department should have a website that can provide online insurance help. You can also call or visit your department of insurance for assistance. Here are some of the things you should be able to find on the insurance department's website.
- The status of an insurance company's license in the state
- Information on individual insurance agents
- The types of insurance products a licensee is permitted to sell
- Complaint filing form
- Laws, rules, and bills that pertain to the insurance industry
- Premium comparison surveys that compare policy prices for different areas
An Insurance Agent
Insurance agents don't typically provide online insurance help, but you might try emailing an agent with questions. You can look up agents on the insurer's website, and most agents will have a phone number and an email listed. An agent can tell you more about the company's coverage options, history, and pricing. Remember that agents can only provide you with information about the company with which they are affiliated.
The Insurance Company
All major insurers maintain websites that can offer online insurance help to customers or interested applicants. The company will typically detail their offerings as well as provide general insurance-related information. Most insurers will also have a "contact us" page where you can get in touch with a company representative to address your questions or concerns.
An Insurance Broker
An insurance broker works with many different insurance companies to find the most affordable and highest quality policies for his/her clients. Insurance brokers might not be able to offer online insurance help, but they can do so over the phone or in person. Like insurance agents, brokers must obtain a license after they pass an insurance exam. Brokers work on a commission basis as well. While some brokers specialize in just one type of insurance, others sell all kinds of policies, such as health, home, auto, and life insurance.
