When applying for insurance coverage, why do the agents always want to know?

Question

WHO you've had coverage with? I can see them asking If you've had coverage but why is it so important WHO you've had it with? It is so irritating when they do that.

Answer 1

It's on the application - the new insurance company has the right to verify with the old insurer, that you've actually had that coverage.

Some people lie about it, ya know?

Plus, if you were with a high risk company, and you're going for a preferred company, they're going to want to know why you were with high risk before.

Answer 2

The underwriters of insurance companies want to know everything about you before they decide to take you on as a  risk.

For instance if you did not have a good premium payment record in the past, how would they know if they do not check it out with your previous company?

It may annoy you but we have to do our job and that is a requirement for all new clients.

Answer 3

I work for an insurance company and the reason why we ask is to make sure that the client has had prior insurance and who we are competing with. If I know that I beat the rates of your current insurance company, then it is possible that I could offer a better rate to another potential client who may also have the same carrier.