I received a call today.  The caller expressed to me that she didn’t like her insurance agent and wanted a new home insurance quote.  I asked what insurance company are you currently with and who is your agent?

She told me her agent did not process a mortgagee change months back and her current mortgage lender has now added their own insurance.  She further explained that the forced insurance costs more and there is less coverage.  She began to cry.

I tried to settle her down and told her there is a solution and not to worry. 

I asked her if she has contacted her agent to tell him or her what has occurred and to please fix it.  Her response was no.

I advised her to call her agent and tell him or her the situation.  I further told her that the agent will be happy to call the mortgage company and fax the proper forms and make the appropriate changes.  I let her know that if she has current insurance and has not had a lapse that her agent needs to fix the problem.  I’m sure the agent was not contacted or simply lost or misplaced the original fax request.  Remember, no one is perfect and sometimes errors occur.  Always communicate to your agent and make sure changes are completed and you are notified. 

Only the the insurance company or the agent of record can make changes to your policy.  Agents are not allowed to have access or make policy changes for anyone unless they are the official agent on record.

I further told her after she has spoken to her agent and is still unhappy that she can pick another agent to represent and service her policy properly.

I happen to represent the company she is insured by, but it is not my custom to steal a client from another agent.  At the same time, if you are unhappy and do not get along with your current agent you should find another. 

In this case, the appropriate procedure would be to pick an agent that represents the same insurance company and ask him or her for an Agent/Broker of Record Change.   The agent will complete the form and fax it to the insurance company.  In a few days you will have a new agent. 

This will be my last article for the year 2007.

Have a Happy New Year!

Drive safe, be insured and if you have insurance questions ask your agent.

You can also contact us on our website with your questions and we will answer in our weekly articles.