Do You Need an Insurance Agent? 15 Signs It Might Be Time

Having a knowledgeable and responsive agent in your corner is critical to helping make sure your insurance keeps up with your unique life situations.

They understand everyone has different insurance needs, which adds value to the human touch they offer. While buying insurance directly online can seem like a convenient way to obtain coverage, life’s realities can make the task more complex. Agents also understand that life’s changes often dictate the coverage we need and they can help walk us through how to get it.

Every Erie Insurance policy comes with a friendly face right in your neighborhood – a local, independent ERIE agent to help you get the coverages you need and never pay more than you should. Read on to learn all the ways having an ERIE agent is beneficial for you.

Why do you need an insurance agent?

Here are some advantages of trusting an agent who understands insurance inside and out:

• You get personalized service. It’s hard to beat having a real person who can get to know you personally. Your ERIE agent will discover what matters most to you and ask questions to uncover which policies and options will be the right fit. At ERIE, our agents know how meaningful a little kindness and personalized attention can be.
• They can help you make the right decisions. Even if you know what kind of coverage you’re looking for, the best choice might not be obvious to you. Trust an insurance agent to provide you with a range of options and advise you on the benefits and limitations of each policy. 
• They know your area. Local ERIE agents understand the risks associated with where you live and what your neighbors are experiencing, such as the cost of living in your area and common claims. ‘

  Find an agent close to home and have confidence knowing you can always schedule a quick chat if need be. Your local ERIE agent lives where you live and cares about the community. They can answer your questions and make the insurance buying process easier for you.

• They know the language. Insurance policies can be tricky to understand. With an insurance pro in your corner, you can be sure you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Let an insurance agent help you cut through the jargon and tell you how a policy benefits you.
• They’ll compare prices for you. ERIE agents understand the differences between each provider’s policies. They can compare rates and coverages to get you the best policy to suit your needs.
• They’re looking out for your best interests. One of the biggest perks of having an independent insurance agent is that they don't work for a singular insurance company. This discourages them from giving you options and advice that only benefits one insurance company. They can even help you get savings discounts when bundling certain coverages. Trust your ERIE agent to look out for your best interests and use their knowledge to your advantage.

When is it time to find an agent?

Working with an insurance agent can be beneficial at any point in your life. But it becomes crucial as you take on more responsibilities.

You should report certain changes to your insurance company to update your insurance policies. For the really big things, it can mean changing your coverage.

Here are 15 times when it pays to have an expert agent in your corner:

1. You’re newly married or divorced. Your spouse or ex-spouse, along with their possessions, are often included in your coverage. Since your priorities shift with a marriage or divorce, an agent can help you make sure those changes are reflected in your policy. This could include updates to your auto, home and life policies.
2. Your family is growing. When you welcome new members to your family, you might need to adjust your coverage. If anything were to happen to your home, car or possessions, ensure that your entire household is protected with the right policies and coverage options based on your agent’s recommendations.
3. Your teenager starts driving. When your child grows up and gets behind the wheel, that can add a layer of complexity to your auto policy. Teen drivers are involved in more accidents than any other age group, so ask your ERIE agent how you can get quality coverage without breaking the bank.
4. Your child is starting college. An agent can help you understand how a child going off to school affects your policies. For example: You could get a break on auto insurance premiums if your child doesn't have a car on campus. And you may consider adding life insurance to cover student loan debt in case of the unexpected.
5. You’ve bought your first home. As a first-time home buyer, it’s your first time buying homeowners insurance, too. Insuring your new place accounts for the roof and walls, but it also includes your belongings and other protections that make a house a home. Talk to your ERIE agent about the basics of homeowners insurance and learn how you can protect one of life’s biggest investments.
6. You’re renovating your house. A home renovation can boost the value of your property, meaning your old policy may not cover what your home is worth if you file a claim. As your living space grows and changes, an insurance professional can help you understand how to update your policy and make sure you’re covered properly against a loss.
7. You’ve moved. With relocation comes an entirely new property to insure. You’re busy enough moving your stuff in and getting settled; rely on your ERIE agent to help you insure your new house.
8. You bought a new car. Buying a vehicle is cause for a fresh look at your auto insurance, especially if it’s your first new car. A new set of wheels comes with up-to-date features that might make updating your policy a little more complex. It’s best to talk with an agent who can ask the right questions so your ride is well protected.
9. You started a business. Business insurance is meant to help protect your new venture, even if it’s out of your home. Having an expert on business insurance and other policies that you can call on will prove valuable as your company grows.
10. You’re considering life insurance. As you get older, you may consider how to best care for your loved ones after you're gone. It may be when you’re comfortable with the life you’ve built or immediately after you start a family. Either way, it’s wise to ask an agent how you can provide everything your family needs if something were to happen to you, your spouse or your partner.
11. You’ve accepted a new job. Benefits packages vary by company. Consult with your ERIE agent and learn how to get adequate protection to supplement your group life coverage provided by your employer.
12. You got a raise. When your salary increases, so does your standard of living. And in this case, it might be time to reevaluate your liability coverage and life insurance.
13. You’re retiring. In retirement, you’re now living off your pension or retirement savings and social security. This stage in life can affect each of your insurance policies, so start having conversations before you retire.
14. You made a big purchase. Generally, people think of insurance policies as protection for their home, cars and family. However, a large purchase – such as an engagement ring –  might need separate coverage from the belongings covered under your homeowners insurance. Depending on the item, your agent can help you find ways to include it in your coverage for pennies on the dollar.
15. You switched lenders. You may have switched mortgage or auto lenders to save a few bucks. Just make sure you tell your agent. If you don’t, your provider could send claims payments to the wrong lender, making the process complicated and time-consuming.

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