The world of life insurance can be absolutely bewildering. There are so many category types and variations that meeting the simple need of obtaining a line of coverage can be especially challenging. Remember that life insurance is a contract, a thick legal document accounting for many scenarios and situations. It takes a qualified, trusted, and highly rated agent to properly guide you to the best fitting line of coverage and to help you understand the intricacies of your potential life insurance contract.

So if an agent is the best way to explore life insurance, how do you find the best agent?

There are many life insurance agents in all markets, servicing all communities.

How do you know if your agent is the best professional to guide you through this process?

See if you are able to find reviews and testimonials that support the quality of your agent.

Advisor Explore has created a database of highly rated and trusted agents across the country, so if you are ready, we are able to connect to an agent in your area. Use the Search form or call us at 1.877.614.0141.

You should also arm yourself with questions to ask a prospective agent. The answers to these questions will give you a sense of the agent’s abilities to service your life insurance needs. These questions include:

You may have a specific group of carriers that you are familiar with and want to work with. You have already performed some cursory research about life insurance products and have a carrier in mind.

A captive insurance agent works directly for a specific insurance company and can only write that company’s products. An independent insurance agent works with multiple carriers and is not directly employed by any single insurance company. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Although a captive agent can only write company specific lines of coverage, he or she may have better access to these specific plans. An independent agent may have minimal access to different carriers. However, an independent agent will be more in a position to shop around the different carriers he or she represents to find the best fitting coverage for you.

There are multiple organizations and agencies that provide certifications and designations to insurance agents. These credentials indicate a level of experience, training, or licensure. Some common ones include:

• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) – An agent with this designation has undergone financial coursework that includes life insurance and estate planning

• Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) – This designation involves coursework that overlaps with CLU but has additional certification in financial planning

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) – This a common certification for agents and advisors that offer fee-based services. While you would see this more often with financial advisors, an agent with this designation in addition life insurance licensure could indicate that the agent is versed in life insurance as a financial vehicle.

There are plenty more designations an agent may have. Do not be afraid to ask your agent about the letters they include at the end of their title.

Necessary review frequency may vary depending on the type of life insurance coverage, but this is still a good question to ask. How often will your agent alert to changes, opportunities, or actions that can take place? How often will they update you on the growth of any Cash Value Life Insurance products? Etc.

What makes your agent different than others? What gives them an edge over their competitors?

Finding the best life insurance program is a process and the results depend on your unique situation, objectives, and needs. A trusted, highly rated life insurance agent is the best way to position yourself toward your financial objectives.

We have created a database of vetted professionals so that you can compare and find the right advisor for you. To begin, use the search tool on the left or contact us at 1.877.614.0141.