How to Find Low Cost
Health Insurance in Florida
"5 Simple Tips for Choosing the Right Agent"
Choosing a health insurance agent is a critical part of buying Florida health insurance, primarily because it is their/our advice that will influence your decision the most, and it could be positive or negative. During your search you will come across several different types of agents, some of them will be good and some, not so good. Some will be independent agents (offer more than one insurance company) and others will be captive (only offer one insurance company). This is not meant to imply that a captive agent is bad. It is just that they are only allowed to offer you a particular company. So, the problem is that they are not giving you any other options. The other problem you will encounter is that there are agents out there who just don’t know what they are doing. It is typically because they are new and haven’t figured it out yet. Eventually, they figure it out and switch companies or become independent. At least, we hope they will.
Agents will also have different objectives. Some will truly be interested in helping you get what is best for you and earn your
future business and referrals. Others just want to sell a policy and collect a commission. Don’t get stuck buying a "
watered" down product that an agent wouldn’t sell to his/her own mother. I can’t tell you which plans I am referring to
(unless you call and ask me). But, if you follow these simple tips you will be able to figure it out.
A good agent will take their time to ensure that you understand what your options are, and the pros and cons of each plan.
A bad agent will try to "push" his/her product on you, not let you think about it, etc. He/she might even tell
you that you are making a mistake by not buying his/her product on the spot. If an agent tells you that, you’ll know he/she
is trying to "sell" you, not help you.
All agents work on a commission basis; the more you pay the more they (we) earn. The difference between independent and
captive agents is that a captive agent must sell a particular product. An independent agent (like me) will help you choose the
product that is best for you. Premiums will vary based on where you live (some areas plans are cheaper than others), your age,
and health. Our instant online quotes will help you determine which companies are the most competitive in your area.
Agents do not control prices. Prices are set my the insurance companies. The control agents have over prices is limited
to the "extras" or "add-ons" the insurers offer. You do not get a lower rate by going direct to the
company. The benefits in going through a good agent are:
- More personalized service.
- Faster response time.
- Learn about and understand the products you are looking at.
- Someone to help you minimize the cost and maximize the benefit.
Tip 1:
Choose an agent you feel comfortable with and who will be available to answer questions before AND after you purchase your
insurance. Make sure they are working for you and and have your best interests at heart. Independent agents offer more
choices enabling you to get better rates. *Agents do not have any control over prices. Prices are set by the insurance companies and
we all have the same plans.
Tip 2:
Choose an agent that is interested in getting you the plan with the best value for your hard earned dollars. This means that
you will be paying a lower premium and the agent will make a lower commission. *If the agent is opening with a $500 deductible or
the most expensive plan they offer, then they are trying to get you to pay more. They are searching for a price point (how much
will you pay), and are trying to "sell" you. The $500 deductible does not usually provide good value to you, but that
varies depending on where you live and how old you are. Ask me why?
Tip 3:
Choose an agent who is properly licensed and whose license is current. Believe it or not there are people out there selling
insurance with out a proper or current license. You can look up an agent’s license free at the Department of Financial Services
for your state.
Tip 4:
Avoid agents who refuse to give, send or leave you information (i.e. prices, benefit summaries, etc.). Especially if they
say they are not allowed to or it’s against company policy. These materials were designed and created for you and every company
has them. Each company has gone through great lengths to get these materials approved by the Department of Insurance.
The only reason I can think of for not giving you the information is because they don’t want you to read it closely.
Tip 5:
Take your time, review the materials, and ask questions. A good agent is one that is patient and willing to help you until
you decide you are ready to purchase.