At Insurance Land we create relationships with our clients. That’s one of many benefits to having a local insurance agent.  Not only do we sell Florida Home Owners insurance, car insurance, boat, business and health insurance, but we are also residents, home owners, and business owners in Central Florida. We understand the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. We understand how important it is to protect your family and your investments.

With that in mind, we want to share with you ten important questions to ask your insurance agent, so you can be sure you are as prepared as possible for the unexpected, and so you can feel confident that you’ve done your best to protect everything that’s important and valuable in your life.

1. Are you a full-time insurance agent? That may seem like a silly question, but you want to be sure that your agent is available to answer your questions when you need them. Not all insurance agents commit themselves as completely as you might want and need them to commit.
2. What are your qualifications? A Florida Insurance Agent must be licensed by the State of Florida. You’ll want to look for professional affiliations also. Ask about their experience. Make sure the broker’s experience level matches your needs. Though there is nothing wrong with a broker that is just starting out if you have simple insurance needs, a more detailed or complicated case will require experience. You’ll also want to make sure your potential broker has experience in your particular area of need. A broker handling mainly business-based insurances may not be the best choice to handle your life insurance policies. Don’t be afraid to ask if the agent has a list of clients you can call for references. A reliable and reputable Florida Insurance Agent will be happy to supply you with a list of clients with whom they’ve worked.
3. Would I be better off with an insurance agent that works with only one company? Although they may lead you to believe that being affiliated with only one insurance company benefits you in some way, it’s not necessarily true. For example, Insurance Land is able to shop 20 plus different insurance providers for Florida Automobile Insurance.  An agent who is affiliated with only one company could not do that. The same is true for Florida Homeowners Insurance and many types of insurance offered by Insurance Land.
4. What companies do you represent? This question relates closely to Number 3 and is important for several reasons. More insurance company choices equate to more opportunities for your agent to offer better terms and premiums. Knowing the companies your  insurance agent will shop for coverage can help you determine the financial strength and integrity of the company before you commit to any insurance policy.
5. Is it better to have high insurance premiums and low deductibles or vice versa? Your insurance agent should help you make this decision based on your financial practices. They should help you weigh how this decision will impact you and your family by discussing your cost of living and your saving habits.  Again one of the benefits of working with a local Florida insurance agent is the opportunity to discuss this type of decision in person.
6. Do I have to worry about the Florida automobile  insurance laws changing and my not having the proper coverage? Florida Automobile Insurance laws do change; however, a reputable company will notify their clients immediately to be sure they are adequately covered.
7. I don’t live close to a lake or the ocean; do I need to have Florida Flood Insurance? Flooding is rising water. The State of Florida has designated areas that it considers at risk for flood. However since water can rise in storm drains and canals during periods of heavy rain, it’s important to let your insurance agent know about the area in which you live so they can advise you properly.
8. Who do I call if I have questions about my policies? If you’ve purchased your insurance policy from a local Florida Insurance Agent, then your agent should answer. Your agent should provide you with business-hour contact information as well as a number for after hours and holidays. This is one more benefit to dealing with a local Florida Insurance Agent.
9. How often should I review my policy? At the very least, you should make a habit of sitting with your insurance agent once a year to review your coverage. However, if you make a major purchase, change jobs, buy a new car, or add a driver to the household, contact your agent immediately to be sure you are adequately covered.
10. What are some ways I can get discounts and not reduce my coverage? At Insurance Land we offer a wide range of discounts for your Auto and Home based on more than just multiple types of policies. For instance, if you are shopping for Florida Automobile Insurance, you may be eligible for the following types of insurance premium discounts

• Safe driver discount of 20%
• Florida Homeowners discount of 10%
• Multiple policy discounts of 10%
• Transfer/Renewal discount of 10%
• Deductible discounts up to 15%
• Motor vehicle safety course discounts

Although the above is not a comprehensive list of questions to ask, it is intended to act as a  guideline to help you develop a dialogue with your Florida Insurance Agent that will cement your relationship and help you feel that your needs and concerns are understood and that you and your family are protected.

This information is provided by Insurance Land, Inc.,providers of Florida homeowners insurance, business insurance, health insurance, employee benefit packages, Florida car insurance, motorcycle insurance and personal watercrafts, boats, sailing, and yacht insurance.

Insurance Land has offices in Sanford and Deland, Florida to serve the insurance needs of Sanford, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Winter Park, Casselberry, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Maitland, Orlando and the greater Orlando area, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Clermont, Kissimmee, Seminole County, Orange County, Brevard County, Osceola County and Lake County, Deland, Deltona, Orange City, DeLeon Springs, Debary, Lake Helen, Eustis, Paisley, Volusia County and Marion County.