Most people buy life insurance only a few times in their life. That makes it hard to know what a good agent looks like. Here's what to look for.
The checklist
- Licensed in Arizona. Ask for the license number and check it with the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. A real agent will give it to you without hesitation.
- Compares several companies. An independent agent can shop more than one company. A captive agent sells one company's plans.
- Explains the fine print. Waiting periods, whether the price can go up, and how long coverage lasts. If they can't explain it clearly, keep looking.
- Asks about you first. Your health, budget and goals should come before any plan.
- No pressure. You should be able to think it over. "Today only" is a red flag.
- Same person after you buy. Ask who helps with beneficiary changes or a claim later.
- Will tell you when a plan isn't right. Sometimes the best advice is to keep what you have.
Red flags
- Won't give a license number.
- Asks for a password or a code sent to your phone.
- Pushes you to cancel your current policy before a new one is approved.
- Can't say whether a plan has a waiting period.
- Pressures you to decide on the first call.
Questions to ask on the first call
- What's your Arizona license number?
- How many companies do you compare?
- Does this plan have a waiting period? Can the price go up?
- Who do I call after I buy?
For questions about the plan itself, see 10 questions to ask before you buy final expense insurance.
Talk to a licensed Arizona agent
I'm Nick Brown, licensed in Arizona (License 19720244). I compare several companies and explain everything clearly. Free, by phone or video, no pressure.
Common questions
How do I check if an insurance agent is licensed in Arizona?
Ask for the license number and look it up with the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions.
What's the difference between an independent and a captive agent?
An independent agent can compare plans from several companies. A captive agent sells one company's plans.
Does it cost more to use an agent?
Usually not. The price of a policy is generally the same whether you buy through an agent or directly.
Should I cancel my old policy before buying a new one?
No. Keep your current coverage until the new policy is approved and in force.
Sources
Nick Brown is an independent life insurance agent with NJN Insurance, licensed in Arizona (License 19720244). He compares plans from several companies and explains them clearly. NJN stands for Not Just a Number.