With so many options available, choosing an insurance broker can seem overwhelming at first. It's important to be well-informed before you make this important decision, so take your time, do your research, meet with a few different brokers, ask questions, and then choose an insurance broker that can provide the best policy for your specific needs.

First of all, let's define what an insurance broker does and how he or she does it. An insurance broker represents you by surveying the market and bringing  Insurance Broker in Bournemouth back options for you to review. Many companies like Allstate and Farmers only work with agents that exclusively sell their products. This limits the options available to their clients. Brokers are independent insurance agents who work with a variety of insurance companies to find the best available polices for their clients. They receive commissions on their sales, and must be licensed after first having passed an insurance exam.

Some insurance brokers specialize in various types of insurance such as auto, home, and life insurance, but many brokers offer a wide variety of insurance products ranging from personal to business insurance. As you begin your search for an insurance broker, keep these tips in mind:

--Start by going to the California Department of Insurance website. Enter the name of the insurance brokerage firm that you want to review and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) number. You will obviously want to avoid firms with a high number of complaints. You will also want to research complaints or lawsuits investigated by the California Attorney General's Office, which can be found in the Consumer Complaints section of the website. Don't forget to visit the Better Business Bureau's website as well. You want to have a good idea of an insurance broker's history and reputation before making a decision.

--Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions. This is the only way you're going to truly be able to assess an insurance broker's track record. Ask questions like, "How long have you been in business?" "What is your insurance expertise?" "What is the average processing time for claims?" "What types of policies do you offer?" "What kind of coverage would you recommend for my needs?" "How often can I review and change my coverage?" and "Why did you select this company for me?"

--Ask all of the insurance brokers you interview if they can provide testimonials from current clients. Better yet, request a recommendation from a friend or family member who is happy with the service and overall experience they've had with a local broker.

Above all, always follow your instincts. If you don't feel at ease or comfortable discussing your insurance needs and policy options with the insurance broker, he or Insurance Broker in Bournemouth she probably isn't the ideal fit. Pay attention to the details as well. They could mean the difference between buying too much coverage, too little coverage, having unexpected out-of-pocket costs, or other unwelcome surprises.