Insurance agent

[gingerK]

This really has nothing much to do with RVing, but you ladies have such good heads on your shoulders that I should like to hear your opinions of this situation. We have our business insurance with a broker in Chicago; our agent was a pleasant fellow and I could usually count on him getting me whatever answers I needed in a somewhat timely manner. Some time this past spring, I called with a small problem regarding our insurance and they told me our agent retired, was no longer with the company. At the time, I thought this was odd, wouldn't you think he'd have at least let us know he was retiring and who would be our agent? But I didn't think any more about it as the new agent handled things quickly and smoothly and the problem got resolved. I have since worked with the new agent several times and she's really good; gets back to me really fast with the answers and good at getting things done. I like her.

Now the problem: our old agent recently showed up at our shop. He told DH that he did NOT retire but was no longer with the company. He said he didn't want to make the long drive into downtown anymore and that when he asked to work from home some days, they told him no. So now he's affiliated with another broker and wants us to switch to that agency so he can keep our business. He said he emailed us at our business email, but if he had really wanted to contact us, he had our business number and he certainly knows where our shop is. Of course, DH is ready to jump ship but I'm not so sure. All I can say is that I just don't feel good about leaving the broker/new agent for the old one. They've given me no reason to switch, I am not unhappy with them. This business with the old agent coming around trying to get us to switch just seems underhanded somehow. It sounds like something more went on to cause the old agent to leave than just that he didn't want to make a long drive anymore.

I know I don't have all the information and haven't given you a lot to go on, but just based on what I have here, what is your gut feeling about this?

[Liz]

I would say follow your instincts. Something is fishy.

[Rufflesgurl]

Some times it doesn't hurt to just make changes. Who knows, you might even get better rates with someone new??!!

Linda

[WickedLady]

If you are happy where you are I would stick with the company you know.

[Bethers]

I'd let him quote, but would only change if I felt comfortable doing so both with the agent and the company you'd be switching to AND the rates would have to be better.

I've liked many agents, but the bottom line is I have to like the company and the rates. I don't have to like the agent.

[mitch5252]

..
I'd say if you're happy with the service of your broker, and the value and scope of your coverages, stay put.
Let him give you a quote, and if it sounds reasonable, do more research - all insurance polices and coverage are not the same.
..

[relaxing101]

There is more to this story!!! I agree with Mitch -

I'd say if you're happy with the service of your broker, and the value and scope of your coverages, stay put.
Let him give you a quote, and if it sounds reasonable, do more research - all insurance polices and coverage are not the same.


Bonnie

[retiredhappy]

I agree that trying to take your business away from a company you've done business with for a long time is kind of shady. Changing might not benefit you but will certainly benefit him as they get commissions. Sounds like there may be more to the story of him leaving than you're hearing. Now, all that said, I have my agent who is an independent representing several different companies, check rates for me every year. I have often saved by switching companies. For instance, Safeco raised my rates quite a bit because I moved to East Texas - won't say specifically why, just that my "area" has higher ratres so I switched to Hocheim and saved a bundle.

[SoCalGalcas]

My opinion...stay with the old broker/new agent. Yes, something is fishy about the old agent coming around to your shop. lyn

[gingerK]

What I forgot to add is that it would be the same coverage with our current insurance company. We wouldn't be changing any coverage or company so he wouldn't have to quote us. Just changing brokers and agents. So he's not offering us something new, just trying to get our business away from his former employer is what I suspect. He also sent me an email yesterday to my personal account. I didn't feel I could completely ignore it so I temporized; I said that I appreciated him still looking out for us and at renewal time I may have him give us a quote but that at the current time I felt we should stay where we are. I just feel something's sneaky here. That's my gut feeling.

[MandysMom]

Go with your gut feeling, it's likely right. I am surprised the former company did not have a clause on him preventing this and he might get in trouble I suspect.
Velda

[IrishIroamed]

Kathy - Doesn't actually sound too fishy to me. Alot of businesses (insurance, realtors, lawyers, etc) do not allow people to take their clients with them if they leave the company, and some can even end up in court. I know this from a realtor friend.

About 9 months ago, I was assigned a new agent for my insurance also because mine was on long term disability and ended up leaving the company. I'm staying with the company, but I did inform the new person that it would have been nice to receive a notice of the change, instead of me finding a new agent on the policy when it was renewed.

[Bethers]

Kathy - Doesn't actually sound too fishy to me. Alot of businesses (insurance, realtors, lawyers, etc) do not allow people to take their clients with them if they leave the company, and some can even end up in court. I know this from a realtor friend.

About 9 months ago, I was assigned a new agent for my insurance also because mine was on long term disability and ended up leaving the company. I'm staying with the company, but I did inform the new person that it would have been nice to receive a notice of the change, instead of me finding a new agent on the policy when it was renewed.

I agree.

And there are legitimate reasons why someone might leave (like your agent here). Often even though legitimate, the agent's time of not contacting clients, etc, might be 6 months, for example - at which time if he/she is able to work again, they CAN contact old clients. In your case, Kathy, the fact that the agent is working with the same insurance company (ies) again, makes it sound more legitimate instead of fishy to me.

That said, you need to do what works/feels best for you.

[gingerK]

Thank you ladies. Now even DH is getting cold feet about switching. And the old agent is becoming very pushy with emails to me. I'm staying with my current broker/agent.

[Bethers]

Thank you ladies. Now even DH is getting cold feet about switching. And the old agent is becoming very pushy with emails to me. I'm staying with my current broker/agent.

Doesn't it feel good to make a decision?