Is it prudent to change Insurance Agents during a claim?

Question

I am currently innvolved in a property claim process and the insurance agent/agency is not responsive or supportive. What would be the effects to my current claim if I were to switch to a different/local agency.

I have no issues with the insurance company as yet and don't expect, nor wish to.

I need to add liability coverage to my boat for the summer and I would prefer to work with someone else in the future.

Thank all of you for your great input regarding my previous questions today.

Dolphinite

Answer 1

dont change until the claim is closed.  most compnaies WON'T write you a new policy with an open claim anyway.

Answer 2

Not a good idea.

The new agent won't get paid until your policy renews, AND, they don't have access to any of the old agent's files.  So they're working blind - and likely won't be able to help much.  Meanwhile, the old agent is angry, and not going to WANT to help.  Although his help is probably the reason you want to switch.

Answer 3

It does not effect the claim at all if you change during the claim process. All that matters is whether you had an active policy on the date of loss. Agents have little and/or no impact on 99% of the claims (with the exception of minor value claims). The claim will be handled between you and the company based on rules set forth in the policy. The agent can't increase what you get paid, and the company would be foolish to listen to an agent try to reduce what you get paid.

Answer 4

Changing agents during a claim will have no basis on the claim.

The claim process is between you and the adjuster. Your agent can help you and maybe answer some questions. But if you feel your agent is not properly assisting you with the claim, there is no harm transferring your business to another agent with the company.

Answer 5

As long we you were covered on the date of loss...it should not make any difference at all...

A different agency - not company shouldn't make any difference at all...but the agent doesn't always have alot of PULL when it comes to swaying an adjustor to help you.

You may switch & then be disappointed that the new agent doesn't have any favors either

Answer 6

If you want to go swimming in the ocean,

would you want to bleed in front of a shark?

Because the agent is not responsive, you could document the times you have attempted contact & a summary of any messages left for the agent.  Then you can contact the company directly.  

If you really, really, really want to get the agent's attention, do this:

Send him a photocopy of a letter to the Insurance Commissioner for your state.  Note why you are writing in nice, large letters.  He will see his name and know something is afoot.

Of course, you do not have to send the original letter.  

The copy will spur the person to action.

P.S.  There is no requirement that an agent be supportive.

He or she must, must, must be responsive.

So, keep the agent for now.  After the claim, do as you desire.

In the meantime, send a copy of the commissioner's letter to him.

Have fun!

Answer 7

Well, it really depends. If your insurance agent is not doing his or her job, is it even possible that he or she could be less responsive if you left them?

There's a good chance that you'll switch to an agent who is more willing to help you out. That new agent may even be willing to do some work to help you along with your claim at the other company. I've even worked with underwriters who won't count a claim in process against a new client if nothing shows up in their loss history, even when we tell them about it. You may be able to get lucky.

While you don't want to do anything to make your current agent even less responsive, maybe you can get a new agent on your side to help out.

Answer 8

Unfortunately, agents only care about their commissions.  They couldn't care less about your claims, and in some cases, they get rated down if their book of business makes too many claims.

Go to the claims department directly, the agent doesn't need to be involved.  And dump the jerk agent you have - another agent will be glad to take over the commissions this clown isn't earning.

Answer 9

Well, I wouldn't until the claim is satisfied. I would let the agent know directly that I was dissatisfied with his/her performance, and that might be enough to turn the situation around.