Recently, I’ve noticed a large number of quotes coming in from agents. Sometimes you guys get the best rates, sometimes you don’t. In order to get the best rates each time you enter a case into your comparative rater it’s important to keep these tips in mind.

1. Always get complete information from your client. Getting complete information from your client ensures that not only will you avoid potential errors and omissions, but you’ll also be able to find the RIGHT company and the RIGHT RATE the first time.  In fact, omitting small items like the time at their address or their occupation or education could make a difference of thousands per year on an auto insurance quote.

2.  Always quote auto and home insurance when possible. It is no secret that insurance companies like clients that insure more than one piece of business with them.  Why?  You ask.  Statistics shows that having a rounded book of business increases your agency’s persistency.  Face it, when you get your client a great rate with their auto and home insurance, it’s really hard for another agent to switch that piece of business later.

3.  Last minute quotes get worse rates.  More and more insurance companies are beginning to add discounts for shoppers that get their quotes ahead of the desired effective date.  The Early Shopper Discount can give your clients as much as 15% discount for committing ahead of time.  Once the policy is started, the client can never get that discount again.  So make sure to ask your clients’ desired effective date and their payment date.  Quoting a policy at least 8 days prior to the desired effective date can save your auto insurance clients money.

4.  Occupation and Education counts.    Your client’s occupation and level of education can save them money with several of our carriers.  You’ll find that your white collar occupations with a high level of decision making will generally get lower rates. 

5.  Prior Limits Count.  Are you trying to figure who to target on your personal lines business?  A good place to start is with clients that carry limits above the state minimum.  Your clients that carry 50/100 or 100/300 limits of liability stand a better chance of getting the best rates.  Remember, you’ll need a copy of the prior declarations if the carrier does not verify the prior limits.  Currently, Encompass, Safeco, and Progressive verify prior limits.