Your Insurance Agent’s Role in the Claims Process (2024)

Navigating the insurance claims process can be confusing, but understanding the role of your insurance agent is crucial. Whether you have a dedicated agent or purchased insurance through an independent agent, knowing who to contact and how they can assist you is essential. Enter your zip code now to access our free quote tool and make informed insurance decisions.

UPDATED: Mar 4, 2024

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It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

UPDATED: Mar 4, 2024Fact Checked

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Michael Vereecke

Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist

Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...

Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist

Daniel Walker

Licensed Insurance Agent

Dan Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has been working in his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. He reviews content, ensuring tha...

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Mar 4, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.

UPDATED: Mar 4, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

UPDATED: Mar 4, 2024Fact Checked

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on “Your Insurance Agent’s Role in the Claims Process.” In this article, we will delve into the vital role that your insurance agent plays when it comes to handling insurance claims. We will explore the different responsibilities of dedicated agents versus independent agents and brokers, highlight the significance of contacting your agent after an accident, and shed light on the role of adjusters in the claims process.

Furthermore, we will provide valuable insights on how to ensure your rates remain competitive after filing a claim. To make informed insurance decisions and compare rates from the best insurance providers, simply enter your zip code into our free quote tool.

Dedicated Agents

Dedicated agents, sometimes called captive agents, work for the insurance company who wrote your policy. Some companies prefer for you to contact your agent and let them handle the claims process, others have call centers where claims can be handled by staff trained expressly for the job.

Read more: Best Business Insurance for Call Centers

Unless you have been instructed to do otherwise, contact your dedicated agent first and let them decide how the claim should be handled.

Independent Agents and Brokers

If your policy was purchased through an independent agent or insurance broker, they may only be able to direct you to the insurance company that owns your policy. Independent agents do not work directly for the insurance company who wrote your policy, they sell a variety of policies from different companies.

It is still important to let your agent know what has happened and how it turns out, but their role in the claims process is minimized. Nevertheless, a good independent agent will guide you through your process as much as possible and can help you ensure your rates stay competitive after the claim.

The Role of Adjusters

An insurance adjuster is sometimes confused with the agent. The role of the adjuster is to inspect the scene and appraise the costs associated with repair or replacement of damaged property. This is the person you are most likely to see at the scene of an accident, not your agent.

Additionally, the adjuster may offer you a settlement on the spot, which an agent would not be authorized to do. Adjusters are employees of the insurance company, trained in evaluating the accident or damage and making an accurate estimate of the amount of damage involved.

Check Your Policy

Before it becomes necessary to file a claim, read your policy. It will tell you how to file a car insurance claim, the information that will be needed, and what your responsibilities are during the claims process. Calling your agent is a good idea regardless of how the policy instructs you to proceed, but they probably do not have an important role to play in the process.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of my insurance agent in the claims process?

Your insurance agent’s role in the claims process varies depending on the provider and their involvement in your policy. They may help guide you through the process or direct you to the appropriate party to handle your claim.

Will my insurance agent have an important role to play in the claims process?

While the role of your insurance agent may vary depending on the provider and the type of agent you have, it is always a good idea to contact them to keep them apprised of the situation. However, they may not have a significant role in the actual claims process.

Should I read my policy before filing a claim?

Yes, it is important to read your policy before filing a claim. This will help you understand how to begin the claims process and what your responsibilities are during the process.

How can I ensure my rates stay competitive after a claim?

Working with a good insurance agent, whether dedicated or independent, can help you navigate the claims process and ensure your rates stay competitive after the claim.

What information will I need to provide when filing a claim?

Your policy should outline what information is needed to begin the claims process. This may include details about the accident, any injuries, and the extent of the damage.

Will my independent agent help me with the claims process?

While an independent agent’s role in the claims process may be minimized, a good agent will guide you through the process as much as possible and help you ensure your rates stay competitive after the claim.

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Michael Vereecke

Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist

Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...

Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist

Daniel Walker

Licensed Insurance Agent

Dan Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has been working in his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. He reviews content, ensuring tha...

Licensed Insurance Agent

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.

Free Insurance Comparison

Compare quotes from the top insurance companies and save!

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