Independent Insurance Agents Offer Shopping Tips for Texas Homeowners

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Independent Insurance Agents Offer Tips for TX Homeowners

U.S. Newswire

30 Sep 13:41

Independent Insurance Agents Offer Shopping Tips for Texas Homeowners

State Desk

Contact: Bo Gilbert, 800-880-7428, ext. 118,

E-mail: bogilbert@...,

VanDelinder, 800-880-7428, ext. 122,

E-mail: dvand@...,

Bill Roof, 800-880-7428, ext. 124,

E-mail: broof@...

All of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 30 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Independent

Insurance Agents of Texas recognizes that shopping for a medical

specialist today may be easier than finding an insurance agent who

is writing homeowners insurance.

" While most of IIAT's 1,600 member independent insurance agencies

throughout the state sell homeowners insurance, we believe there

are some strategies that can make shopping for that insurance a

little simpler, " said VanDelinder, IIAT executive director.

What is the easiest way for Texans to shop for homeowners

insurance? " IIAT has put together some tips to help shoppers get

the best deal on their homeowners insurance, " said VanDelinder.

" Because independent insurance agents represent several

different insurance companies, these agents are in the best

position to advise consumers about finding the homeowners insurance

that is best for them, " he said. IIAT is quick to point out,

however, that shoppers may experience delays because of the huge

increase expected in consumer demand.

Among ways for shoppers to get the best possible deals:

-- Shop early. Start contacting independent agencies 60 days

before the current policy expires or when buying a new home.

-- Get a referral. Some independent agencies are limiting the

number of new customers they'll take. It helps to have a referral

from a current agency customer. Talk to friends and neighbors.

-- Qualify the agent. " How many companies that write new

homeowners policies do you represent? How long will it take you to

get me a quote? Will the policy provide coverage for water damage

claims? "

-- Don't cancel. Keep the present insurance policy until there

is a written commitment to provide coverage at a specific price

under a new policy.

-- Have all the facts. Let the agent know immediately if there

are special circumstances that will affect insurance, such as

previous mold or water damage claims, credit issues or special home

construction (for instance, few companies will insure homes with

synthetic stucco finishes).

-- Copy the current policy's first page (the Declarations Page)

and be prepared to fax it to the agent. Be sure the agent is

offering a quote based on the coverages specified in the current

Declarations Page unless it is clear why a change in coverage is

recommended.

-- Know the coverage needed. Is mold coverage necessary? It may

be available, but at a significant increase in premium.

-- Check out the Texas Department of Insurance web site

(http://www.helpinsure.com). It is designed to help consumers shop for

personal insurance and includes a wealth of information on coverage

options.

-- Be prepared to move all personal insurance coverages. In many

cases, discounts are provided to multiple-policy customers, and it

certainly makes business more attractive to insurance agents and

companies.

-- Ask about discounts. Often companies provide discounts based

on home security and other property characteristics. Know the

amount of the deductible on each policy quote and be sure it's

within budget.

The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas is one of the nation's

largest state associations of independent insurance agencies. More

than 1,600 agencies representing a network of some 12,000 agents

and their employees are members. Independent agents and brokers

offer all lines of insurance-property, casualty, life and health-as

well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. IIAT

members offer consumers policy choices from a variety of insurance

companies.

An active advocate on behalf of independent agents before

legislative, regulatory and judicial bodies, IIAT also is

affiliated with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of

America.

http://www.usnewswire.com

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/U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

09/30 13:41

Copyright 2002, U.S. Newswire