Insurance Agencies - List

 
  ACUITY
  
  2800 South Taylor Drive 
Sheboygan, WI 53081
phone: 920-458-9131
fax: 920-458-1618
Web: http://www.acuity.com
 
   
  AEGIS INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.
  
  10 Exchange Place 13th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07302
phone: 201-521-1200
fax: 201-521-9555
Web: http://www.aegislink.com
 
   
  ALEA GROUP
  
  Crown House, 3rd Floor P.O. Box HM 2983 4 Par-la-ville Road
Hamilton HM 08, Bermuda 
phone: 441-296-9150
fax: 441-296-9152
Web: http://www.aleagroup.com
 
   
  ALLIANZ OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  777 San Marin Drive 
Novato, CA 94998
Web: http://www.allianz.com
 
   
  ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  2775 Sanders Road 
Northbrook, IL 60062
phone: 847-402-5000
Web: http://www.allstate.com
 
   
  AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE CO.
  
  1501 E. Woodfield Road Suite 300W
Schaumburg, IL 60173-5542
phone: 847-969-2900
fax: 847-969-2752
Web: http://www.aaic.com
Email:webmaster@aaic.com
 
   
  AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP
  
  70 Pine Street 
New York, NY 10270
phone: 212-770-7000
Web: http://www.aig.com
 
   
  AMERICAN RE-INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  555 College Road East P.O. Box 5341
Princeton, NJ 08540-6694
phone: 609-243-4638
fax: 609-243-4870 
Web: http://www.amre.com
Email:info@amre.com
 
   
  ATLANTIC MUTUAL COMPANIES
  
  140 Broadway 
New York, NY 10005-1101
phone: 212-943-1800
fax: 212-428-6566
Web: http://www.atlanticmutual.com
 
   
  AUTO CLUB SOUTH INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  1515 N. Westshore Blvd. 
Tampa, FL 33607
phone: 813-289-5894
fax: 813-289-1498
Web: http://www.aaasouth.com
 
   
  BITUMINOUS INSURANCE COMPANIES
  
  320 18th Sreet 
Rock Island, IL 61201
phone: 800-475-4477
fax: 309-786-3847
Web: http://www.bituminousinsurance.com
 
   
  CHUBB GROUP OF INSURANCE COMPANIES
  
  15 Mountain View Road 
Warren, NJ 07059-6711
phone: 908-903-2000
fax: 908-903-2027
Web: http://www.chubb.com
 
   
  CHURCH MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  3000 Schuster Lane P.O. Box 357
Merrill, WI 54452-0357
phone: 800-554-2642
fax: 715-539-4650
Web: http://www.churchmutual.com
 
   
  CNA
  
  CNA Plaza 
Chicago, IL 60685-0001
phone: 312-822-5000
Web: http://www.cna.com
 
   
  CUNA MUTUAL GROUP
  
  5910 Mineral Point Road 
Madison, WI 53705
phone: 608-238-5851
Web: http://www.cunamutual.com
 
   
  DE SMET FARM MUTUAL INS. CO. OF S. DAKOTA
  
  P.O. Box 9 
DeSmet, SD 57231
phone: 605-854-3337
Web: http://www.desmetfarmmutual.com
Email:dsfm@dtgnet.com 
 
   
  DRYDEN MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  12 Ellis Drive P.O. Box 635
Dryden, NY 13053
phone: 800-724-0560
 
   
  ERIE INSURANCE GROUP
  
  100 Erie Insurance Place 
Erie, PA 16530
phone: 814-870-2000
fax: 814-870-3126
Web: http://www.erie-insurance.com
 
   
  FARMERS GROUP, INC.
  
  4680 Wilshire Boulevard 
Los Angeles, CA 90010-3807
phone: 208-239-8400
Web: http://www.farmers.com
 
   
  FOUNDATION RESERVE INSURANCE CO.
  
  3900 Singer N.E. 
Albuquerque, NM 87109
phone: 505-345-7260
fax: 505-345-0656
Web: http://www.foundres.com/
 
   
  GE INSURANCE SOLUTIONS
  
  5200 Metcalf Avenue P.O. Box 2991
Overland Park, KS 66202-1265
phone: 913-676-5200
fax: 913-676-5221
Web: http://www.geinsurancesolutions.com
 
   
  GEICO
  
  One Geico Plaza 
Washington, DC 20076
phone: 301-986-3000
Web: http://www.geico.com
 
   
  GEN RE
  
  695 E. Main Street P.O. Box 10351
Stamford, CT 06904-2351
phone: 203-328-5000
fax: 203-328-6423
Web: http://www.genre.com
 
   
  GERMANIA INSURANCE
  
  P.O. Box 645 
Brenham, TX 77834
phone: 979-836-5224
fax: 979-830-7547
Web: http://www.germania-ins.com
 
   
  GRANGE INSURANCE COMPANIES
  
  650 South Front Street Columbus, OH 43206-1014
(mail to P.O. Box 1218, Columbus, OH 43206-1218)
phone: 800-422-0550 
Web: http://www.grangeinsurance.com
 
   
  HANOVER INSURANCE GROUP, INC., THE 
  
  440 Lincoln Street 
Worcester, MA 01653
phone: 508-855-1000
Web: http://www.hanover.com
 
   
  HARFORD MUTUAL INSURANCE COS.
  
  200 North Main Street 
Bel Air, MD 21014-3544
phone: 410-838-4000
Web: http://www.harfordmutual.com/
 
   
  HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC., THE
  
  Hartford Plaza 
Hartford, CT 06115
phone: 860-547-5000
Web: http://www.thehartford.com
 
   
  HOLYOKE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  Holyoke Square P.O. Box 2006
Salem, MA 01970-6506
phone: 978-744-6123
Web: http://www.holyokemutual.com
Email:info@holyokemutual.com
 
   
  LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP
  
  175 Berkeley Street 
Boston, MA 02116
phone: 617-357-9500
Web: http://www.libertymutual.com
 
   
  LLOYD'S
  
  One Lime Street 
London, EC3M 7HA United Kingdom
phone: 011-44-171-327-6228
Web: http://www.lloyds.com
 
   
  MARSH, INC.
  
  1166 Avenue of the Americas 
New York, NY 10036-2774
phone: 212-345-5000
fax: 212-345 4838
Web: http://www.marshmac.com
 
   
  MET LIFE AUTO & HOME
  
  P.O. Box 350 700 Quaker Lane
Warwick, RI 02887-0350
phone: 800-438-6388
Web: http://www.metlife.com
Email:GpAutoHome@MetLife.com
 
   
  MILLVILLE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  215 State Sreet P.O. Box 280
Millville, PA 17846
phone: 570-458-5517
Web: http://www.mmico.com
Email:info@millvillemutual.com
 
   
  MISSOURI EMPLOYERS MUTUAL INSURANCE
  
  1000 West Nifong Blvd., Building 7 
Columbia, MO 65203
Web: http://www.mem-ins.com
 
   
  NATIONWIDE
  
  One Nationwide Plaza 
Columbus, OH 43215-2220
phone: 614-249-7111
Web: http://www.nationwide.com
 
   
  NORFOLK & DEDHAM GROUP
  
  P.O. Box 9109 
Dedham, MA 02027-9109
phone: 781-326-4010
Web: http://www.ndgroup.com
 
   
  OHIO MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP
  
  1725 Hopley Avenue 
Bucyrus, OH 44820
phone: 419-562-3011
Web: http://www.omig.com
 
   
  ONEBEACON INSURANCE GROUP
  
  One Beacon Sreet 
Boston, MA 02108
phone: 617-725-6000
Web: http://www.onebeacon.com
 
   
  OREGON MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.
  
  347 NE 4th Street P.O. Box 808 
McMinnville, OR 97128-0808
phone: 800-888-2141
Web: http://www.ormutual.com
 
   
  PALISADES SAFETY AND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
  
  Two Connell Drive, Connell Corporate Center II PO Box 617
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
phone: 908-790-7800
fax: 908-790-7849
Web: http://www.palisades.com
 
   
  PENNSYLVANIA LUMBERMENS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  170 S. Independence Mall West 
Philadelphia, PA 19106
phone: 215-625-9233
Web: http://www.palumbermens.com
 
   
  PLYMOUTH ROCK ASSURANCE CORPORATION
  
  695 Atlantic Avenue 
Boston, MA 02111
phone: 617-720-1620
fax: 617-951-1513
Web: http://www.prac.com
 
   
  SAFECO CORPORATION
  
  SAFECO Plaza 
Seattle, WA 98185
phone: 206-545-5000
Web: http://www.safeco.com
 
   
  SCOR REINSURANCE COMPANY
  
  199 Water Street, 21st Floor 
New York, NY 10038-3526
phone: 212-480-1900; 212-809-2884; or 212-509-2875 
fax: 212-480-1328
Web: http://www.scor.com
Email:us@scor.com
 
   
  SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP
  
  40 Wantage Avenue 
Branchville, NJ 07890-1000
phone: 973-948-3000
Web: http://www.selectiveinsurance.com
 
   
  ST. PAUL TRAVELERS
  
  385 Washington Street 
St. Paul, MN 55102-1309
phone: 800-328-2189
Web: http://www.stpaultravelers.com
 
   
  STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  One State Farm Plaza 
Bloomington , IL 61710-0001
phone: 309-766-2311
Web: http://www.statefarm.com
 
   
  SULLIVAN GROUP, THE
  
  800 West Sixth Street, Suite 1800 
Los Angeles, CA 90017-2704
phone: 213-626-1000
fax: 213-629-0773
Web: http://www.gjs.com
 
   
  SWISS REINSURANCE CORPORATION
  
  175 King Sreet 
Armonk, NY 10504
phone: 914-828-8000
fax: 914-828-7000
Web: http://www.swissre.com/
 
   
  TOKIO MARINE AND FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  230 Park Avenue 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10169
phone: 212-297-6600
Web: http://www.tokiomarine.co.jp/index-e.html
 
   
  TRENWICK AMERICA RE-INS. CORP 
  
  One Canterbury Green 
Stamford, CT 06901-2032
phone: 203-353-5500
fax: 203-353-5550
Web: http://www.trenwick.com
 
   
  UNITRIN P/C INSURANCE GROUP
  
  1000 North Central Expressway 
Dallas, TX 75231
phone: 214-360-8000
Web: http://www.unitrin.com
 
   
  USAA
  
  9800 Fredericksburg Road 
San Antonio, TX 78288-0001
phone: 210-498-2211
Web: https://www.usaa.com
 
   
  UTICA NATIONAL INSURANCE GROUP
  
  P.O. Box 530 
Utica, NY 13503
phone: 800-274-1914
fax: 315-734-2680
Web: http://www.uticanational.com
 
   
  W.R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
  
  475 Steamboat Road 
Greenwich, CT 06830
phone: 203-629-3000
Web: http://www.wrberkley.com
 
   
  WESTFIELD GROUP
  
  One Park Circle 
Westfield Center, OH 44251-9999
phone: 800-243-0210
fax: 330-887-0840
Web: http://www.westfieldgrp.com
 
   
  XL CAPITAL
  
  XL House One Bermudiana Road 
Hamilton, Hm 11 Bermuda
phone: 441-292-8515
fax: 441-292-5280
Web: http://www.xlcapital.com
 
   
  ZURICH NORTH AMERICA
  
  1400 American Lane 
Schaumburg, IL 60196
phone: 847-605-6000
Web: http://www.zurichna.com
 
Insurance Agencies - List ACE USA
  
  Two Liberty Place 1601 Chestnut Street 
Philadelphia, PA 19103
phone: 215-761-1000
fax: 215-640-2489 
Web: http://www.acelimited.com
Email:info@ace-ina.com 
 
   
  ACUITY
  
  2800 South Taylor Drive 
Sheboygan, WI 53081
phone: 920-458-9131
fax: 920-458-1618
Web: http://www.acuity.com
 
   
  AEGIS INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.
  
  10 Exchange Place 13th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07302
phone: 201-521-1200
fax: 201-521-9555
Web: http://www.aegislink.com
 
   
  ALEA GROUP
  
  Crown House, 3rd Floor P.O. Box HM 2983 4 Par-la-ville Road
Hamilton HM 08, Bermuda 
phone: 441-296-9150
fax: 441-296-9152
Web: http://www.aleagroup.com
 
   
  ALLIANZ OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  777 San Marin Drive 
Novato, CA 94998
Web: http://www.allianz.com
 
   
  ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  2775 Sanders Road 
Northbrook, IL 60062
phone: 847-402-5000
Web: http://www.allstate.com
 
   
  AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE CO.
  
  1501 E. Woodfield Road Suite 300W
Schaumburg, IL 60173-5542
phone: 847-969-2900
fax: 847-969-2752
Web: http://www.aaic.com
Email:webmaster@aaic.com
 
   
  AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP
  
  70 Pine Street 
New York, NY 10270
phone: 212-770-7000
Web: http://www.aig.com
 
   
  AMERICAN RE-INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  555 College Road East P.O. Box 5341
Princeton, NJ 08540-6694
phone: 609-243-4638
fax: 609-243-4870 
Web: http://www.amre.com
Email:info@amre.com
 
   
  ATLANTIC MUTUAL COMPANIES
  
  140 Broadway 
New York, NY 10005-1101
phone: 212-943-1800
fax: 212-428-6566
Web: http://www.atlanticmutual.com
 
   
  AUTO CLUB SOUTH INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  1515 N. Westshore Blvd. 
Tampa, FL 33607
phone: 813-289-5894
fax: 813-289-1498
Web: http://www.aaasouth.com
 
   
  BITUMINOUS INSURANCE COMPANIES
  
  320 18th Sreet 
Rock Island, IL 61201
phone: 800-475-4477
fax: 309-786-3847
Web: http://www.bituminousinsurance.com
 
   
  CHUBB GROUP OF INSURANCE COMPANIES
  
  15 Mountain View Road 
Warren, NJ 07059-6711
phone: 908-903-2000
fax: 908-903-2027
Web: http://www.chubb.com
 
   
  CHURCH MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  3000 Schuster Lane P.O. Box 357
Merrill, WI 54452-0357
phone: 800-554-2642
fax: 715-539-4650
Web: http://www.churchmutual.com
 
   
  CNA
  
  CNA Plaza 
Chicago, IL 60685-0001
phone: 312-822-5000
Web: http://www.cna.com
 
   
  CUNA MUTUAL GROUP
  
  5910 Mineral Point Road 
Madison, WI 53705
phone: 608-238-5851
Web: http://www.cunamutual.com
 
   
  DE SMET FARM MUTUAL INS. CO. OF S. DAKOTA
  
  P.O. Box 9 
DeSmet, SD 57231
phone: 605-854-3337
Web: http://www.desmetfarmmutual.com
Email:dsfm@dtgnet.com 
 
   
  DRYDEN MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  12 Ellis Drive P.O. Box 635
Dryden, NY 13053
phone: 800-724-0560
 
   
  ERIE INSURANCE GROUP
  
  100 Erie Insurance Place 
Erie, PA 16530
phone: 814-870-2000
fax: 814-870-3126
Web: http://www.erie-insurance.com
 
   
  FARMERS GROUP, INC.
  
  4680 Wilshire Boulevard 
Los Angeles, CA 90010-3807
phone: 208-239-8400
Web: http://www.farmers.com
 
   
  FOUNDATION RESERVE INSURANCE CO.
  
  3900 Singer N.E. 
Albuquerque, NM 87109
phone: 505-345-7260
fax: 505-345-0656
Web: http://www.foundres.com/
 
   
  GE INSURANCE SOLUTIONS
  
  5200 Metcalf Avenue P.O. Box 2991
Overland Park, KS 66202-1265
phone: 913-676-5200
fax: 913-676-5221
Web: http://www.geinsurancesolutions.com
 
   
  GEICO
  
  One Geico Plaza 
Washington, DC 20076
phone: 301-986-3000
Web: http://www.geico.com
 
   
  GEN RE
  
  695 E. Main Street P.O. Box 10351
Stamford, CT 06904-2351
phone: 203-328-5000
fax: 203-328-6423
Web: http://www.genre.com
 
   
  GERMANIA INSURANCE
  
  P.O. Box 645 
Brenham, TX 77834
phone: 979-836-5224
fax: 979-830-7547
Web: http://www.germania-ins.com
 
   
  GRANGE INSURANCE COMPANIES
  
  650 South Front Street Columbus, OH 43206-1014
(mail to P.O. Box 1218, Columbus, OH 43206-1218)
phone: 800-422-0550 
Web: http://www.grangeinsurance.com
 
   
  HANOVER INSURANCE GROUP, INC., THE 
  
  440 Lincoln Street 
Worcester, MA 01653
phone: 508-855-1000
Web: http://www.hanover.com
 
   
  HARFORD MUTUAL INSURANCE COS.
  
  200 North Main Street 
Bel Air, MD 21014-3544
phone: 410-838-4000
Web: http://www.harfordmutual.com/
 
   
  HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC., THE
  
  Hartford Plaza 
Hartford, CT 06115
phone: 860-547-5000
Web: http://www.thehartford.com
 
   
  HOLYOKE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  Holyoke Square P.O. Box 2006
Salem, MA 01970-6506
phone: 978-744-6123
Web: http://www.holyokemutual.com
Email:info@holyokemutual.com
 
   
  LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP
  
  175 Berkeley Street 
Boston, MA 02116
phone: 617-357-9500
Web: http://www.libertymutual.com
 
   
  LLOYD'S
  
  One Lime Street 
London, EC3M 7HA United Kingdom
phone: 011-44-171-327-6228
Web: http://www.lloyds.com
 
   
  MARSH, INC.
  
  1166 Avenue of the Americas 
New York, NY 10036-2774
phone: 212-345-5000
fax: 212-345 4838
Web: http://www.marshmac.com
 
   
  MET LIFE AUTO & HOME
  
  P.O. Box 350 700 Quaker Lane
Warwick, RI 02887-0350
phone: 800-438-6388
Web: http://www.metlife.com
Email:GpAutoHome@MetLife.com
 
   
  MILLVILLE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  215 State Sreet P.O. Box 280
Millville, PA 17846
phone: 570-458-5517
Web: http://www.mmico.com
Email:info@millvillemutual.com
 
   
  MISSOURI EMPLOYERS MUTUAL INSURANCE
  
  1000 West Nifong Blvd., Building 7 
Columbia, MO 65203
Web: http://www.mem-ins.com
 
   
  NATIONWIDE
  
  One Nationwide Plaza 
Columbus, OH 43215-2220
phone: 614-249-7111
Web: http://www.nationwide.com
 
   
  NORFOLK & DEDHAM GROUP
  
  P.O. Box 9109 
Dedham, MA 02027-9109
phone: 781-326-4010
Web: http://www.ndgroup.com
 
   
  OHIO MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP
  
  1725 Hopley Avenue 
Bucyrus, OH 44820
phone: 419-562-3011
Web: http://www.omig.com
 
   
  ONEBEACON INSURANCE GROUP
  
  One Beacon Sreet 
Boston, MA 02108
phone: 617-725-6000
Web: http://www.onebeacon.com
 
   
  OREGON MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.
  
  347 NE 4th Street P.O. Box 808 
McMinnville, OR 97128-0808
phone: 800-888-2141
Web: http://www.ormutual.com
 
   
  PALISADES SAFETY AND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
  
  Two Connell Drive, Connell Corporate Center II PO Box 617
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
phone: 908-790-7800
fax: 908-790-7849
Web: http://www.palisades.com
 
   
  PENNSYLVANIA LUMBERMENS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  170 S. Independence Mall West 
Philadelphia, PA 19106
phone: 215-625-9233
Web: http://www.palumbermens.com
 
   
  PLYMOUTH ROCK ASSURANCE CORPORATION
  
  695 Atlantic Avenue 
Boston, MA 02111
phone: 617-720-1620
fax: 617-951-1513
Web: http://www.prac.com
 
   
  SAFECO CORPORATION
  
  SAFECO Plaza 
Seattle, WA 98185
phone: 206-545-5000
Web: http://www.safeco.com
 
   
  SCOR REINSURANCE COMPANY
  
  199 Water Street, 21st Floor 
New York, NY 10038-3526
phone: 212-480-1900; 212-809-2884; or 212-509-2875 
fax: 212-480-1328
Web: http://www.scor.com
Email:us@scor.com
 
   
  SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP
  
  40 Wantage Avenue 
Branchville, NJ 07890-1000
phone: 973-948-3000
Web: http://www.selectiveinsurance.com
 
   
  ST. PAUL TRAVELERS
  
  385 Washington Street 
St. Paul, MN 55102-1309
phone: 800-328-2189
Web: http://www.stpaultravelers.com
 
   
  STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  One State Farm Plaza 
Bloomington , IL 61710-0001
phone: 309-766-2311
Web: http://www.statefarm.com
 
   
  SULLIVAN GROUP, THE
  
  800 West Sixth Street, Suite 1800 
Los Angeles, CA 90017-2704
phone: 213-626-1000
fax: 213-629-0773
Web: http://www.gjs.com
 
   
  SWISS REINSURANCE CORPORATION
  
  175 King Sreet 
Armonk, NY 10504
phone: 914-828-8000
fax: 914-828-7000
Web: http://www.swissre.com/
 
   
  TOKIO MARINE AND FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY
  
  230 Park Avenue 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10169
phone: 212-297-6600
Web: http://www.tokiomarine.co.jp/index-e.html
 
   
  TRENWICK AMERICA RE-INS. CORP 
  
  One Canterbury Green 
Stamford, CT 06901-2032
phone: 203-353-5500
fax: 203-353-5550
Web: http://www.trenwick.com
 
   
  UNITRIN P/C INSURANCE GROUP
  
  1000 North Central Expressway 
Dallas, TX 75231
phone: 214-360-8000
Web: http://www.unitrin.com
 
   
  USAA
  
  9800 Fredericksburg Road 
San Antonio, TX 78288-0001
phone: 210-498-2211
Web: https://www.usaa.com
 
   
  UTICA NATIONAL INSURANCE GROUP
  
  P.O. Box 530 
Utica, NY 13503
phone: 800-274-1914
fax: 315-734-2680
Web: http://www.uticanational.com
 
   
  W.R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
  
  475 Steamboat Road 
Greenwich, CT 06830
phone: 203-629-3000
Web: http://www.wrberkley.com
 
   
  WESTFIELD GROUP
  
  One Park Circle 
Westfield Center, OH 44251-9999
phone: 800-243-0210
fax: 330-887-0840
Web: http://www.westfieldgrp.com
 
   
  XL CAPITAL
  
  XL House One Bermudiana Road 
Hamilton, Hm 11 Bermuda
phone: 441-292-8515
fax: 441-292-5280
Web: http://www.xlcapital.com
 
   
  ZURICH NORTH AMERICA
  
  1400 American Lane 
Schaumburg, IL 60196
phone: 847-605-6000
Web: http://www.zurichna.com
 

Insurance Agent - Definition and Authority

DEFINITION OF AN AGENT

1. An agent is one who acts on behalf of another. The 'another' on whose behalf the agent acts, is called the principal. This is the simple definition. The lawyer is the agent of the client, when he argues the case in court. An ambassador is an agent of his country. It is the function, which determines the relationship of agency, not the designation.

2. According to Section 182 of the Indian Contracts Act, an 'agent' is a person employed to do any act for another or to represent another in dealing with a third person. The person for whom such act is done or who is so represented is called the 'principal'. In the insurance industry, the term 'agent' is ordinarily applied to a person engaged by the insurer to procure new business. The Insurance Act defines an insurance agent as one who is licensed under Section 42 of that Act and is paid by way of commission or otherwise, in consideration of his soliciting or procuring insurance business, including business relating to the continuance, renewal or revival of policies of insurance. He is, for all purposes, an authorised salesman for insurance.

3. There is a legal maxim 'qui facit alium, facit perse', which means that he who acts through others, acts to himself. The principal is bound by what the agent does. Therefore, contracts entered into through an agent, and obligations arising from acts done by an agent, may be enforced in the same manner and will have the same legal consequences, as if the contracts have been entered into, and the acts done, by the principal himself.

4. Under Section 183 of the Contracts Act, any person who is a major, according to the law to which he is subject, and who is of sound mind, can employ an agent. Section 184 provides that as between the principal and third persons, any person may become an agent. Thus, though a minor may be employed as an agent and the principal would be bound by his actions, the minor himself will not be liable to his principal. Unlike other contracts, no consideration is necessary to create an agency contract.
INSURANCE 

The act however did set out the duties and functions of the Agent, namely
1. To contract business according to the directions given b the person / company they represent (the principal)
2. To exercise reasonable diligence and skill while conducting business.
3. To submit proper accounts to the principal.
4. To act in good faith towards the principal (disclose all material facts etc).
5. To perform his duties personally.

Although the principles of the 1872 act apply to Life Insurance Agents, they are governed more particularly by the rules set out in the Insurance Act 1938 and the Insurance Regulatory Development Act 1999.

The 1938 Act defines as “a person who receives payment by the way of commission or other remuneration in consideration for his soliciting or procuring insurance business, including business relating to the continuance, renewal or the revival of policies”.
AUTHORITY OF AN AGENT 
While the maxim cited above makes the principal liable for all the acts done by the agent, he can restrict his liability by specifying the extent of authority granted to the agent. This authority may be expressed or implied. An authority is said to be expressed when it is stated by words, spoken or written. It is implied when it is to be inferred from the circumstances of the case. 
The L.I.C. does not authorize its agents to collect premia (except first premium along with the proposal) or other amounts from policyholders. But if the agent collects such amounts, remits them to the insurer and gets receipts to be handed over back to the policyholder, implied authority can be inferred or construed. The LIC's stand has been that its agents are not authorized to collect renewal premiums and that if they do so, they are acting as agents of the policyholders and not of the LIC. The implication is that if an agent collects premium from a policyholder and does not remit the same in the office, the L.I.C would not be liable for that amount. The courts have upheld this stand. Other insurance companies in India may not follow L.I.C' s practice. They may grant more or less authority. 

Disclaimer: This information was obtained from the insurance-solutions information website.

 

What it means to be an Insurance Agent

The insurance agent is bound by the terms of appointment of the insurer and is expected to procure business for the insurer. It is not a job that he has to do at fixed hours, in prescribed ways and under close supervision. Once licensed and appointed, he is an independent professional. He is the master of his time. He is not prevented from pursuing any other interest or vocation. Many agents see the agency as a means to earn a living. They may spend only part of the time on insurance, being busy on other work the rest of the time. Some agents however, try to study and understand the business in great details and to improve their skills. They are trying to become the best in the profession. They would be recognized as experts in the field.

To most persons, life insurance is just one of the many avenues for financial outlays. When an agent approaches a prospect with the proposal for life insurance, the chances are that the prospect will not know much about the benefits under various plans. He may be vaguely familiar with the alternatives available, but is unlikely to be sure of the details of all of them. He would need expert advice. If he sees the life insurance agent as one who is keen to divert his money to life insurance to the exclusion of other alternatives, then that agent's intentions and expertise would be suspect. On the contrary, if he sees the agent as one who knows about other alternatives and who is willing to take note of the needs of the prospect, then that agent would have a better chance of persuading the prospect one way or the other. In other words, a life insurance agent, while dealing with the prospect, should be thinking of his interests and requirements and the best financial arrangements that would be appropriate in his situation. Thus the life insurance agent, is an agent of the prospect also.

As an agent of the insurer, the life insurance agent is expected to obtain life insurance business and contribute to the revenues of the insurer. He is also depended upon to bring in business that would be profitable, to report attempts to commit any fraud, to report on relevant features that affect the risk of the subject of insurance. He is in touch with the person to be insured. Having met him at his place of work or residence and observed his life style and habits, he would be aware of the nature and characteristics of the risk, beyond what is contained in the proposal form. He is therefore, called the primary underwriter.

As an agent of the prospect, he is expected to look after the interests of the prospect. Even people who are generally experts in financial matters, may not be aware of the implications of insurance, in relation to terms and conditions, warranties, exclusions, tax provisions, rights of parties, etc. Agents have the dual responsibility of being true to the interests of both the parties in the transaction. He is obliged to reveal to the prospect all the important terms and conditions of the policy, even if they are restrictive and unpleasant. He is also obliged to report to the insurer all the true facts about the prospect and the subject of insurance. He should not mislead either.

To be able to advise the prospect on the best financial arrangements appropriate to his situation, the agent needs to be familiar with the alternatives available in the market. He is also expected to know in full the benefits and limitations of the various plans being offered by his insurer. A good agent is a good financial planner, taking into account not merely the plans offered by insurers, but by the innumerable schemes on offer in the market. This needs study on one's own. It also needs conviction that life insurance policies do not meet all the needs of all the people. Other instruments have their own advantages.

Disclaimer: This information was obtained from the insurance-solutions information website.

Becoming an Insurance Agent of New York Life

By becoming an agent at New York Life, you'll help families achieve the financial security they need and desire. You'll also make a significant contribution to your community — and when you see the difference that can make, it's more fulfilling than you might imagine.

Unlimited Income Potential
When you become an agent, you have the ability to set your own pace and establish your own income objectives. As a New York Life agent, you are the master of your career path.

Generous Benefits Package
Not only do we boast an outstanding incentive commission program, we also offer excellent medical and dental benefits for which you and your family may qualify. We even offer company reimbursement for selected programs leading to industry designations and degrees.

Comprehensive Training Program
At New York Life, we take your training seriously. Even if you don't have previous experience in selling, our multi-dimensional training program — NYLIC University — can point you to success. We'll also keep you informed about the most sophisticated computer equipment and software packages.

Continuous Support from a Staff of Experts
Even after you are established in your career, New York Life offers ongoing work shops and programs to improve your knowledge of the business. Full time management personnel and professional trainers are there for your support in each of our local offices. We think it's a wise investment in your future — and ours.

Full Range of Products and Services
With the variety of insurance and financial products offered by New York Life and its subsidiaries, you'll be able to help your clients meet any number of insurance and financial goals. To give you the competitive edge, we're constantly developing new products that satisfy the changing needs of our clients.

Opportunities in Management
After serving as an agent for at least two years, you may even qualify to enter management. A New York Life agent has more career choices than you can imagine.

It's an opportunity to be in business for yourself — but never by yourself.

About New York Life
The tradition of conservative management practices and the ability to meet customer need has built a company that people can trust with their finances and their futures. For these and many more reasons, New York Life was once again named one of the most admired companies in America in Fortune Magazine's survey.

New York Life is completely dedicated to maintaining its position as both a leader among insurance companies and a major force in the financial services industry. By staying true to the principles of prudent expansion, conservative growth, full service and, above all, a strong field force, New York Life will maintain and enhance its reputation as "The Company You Keep".

What You Will Do
In considering any career change, many questions may arise, such as: What will be my responsibilities? How will I be trained? How will I be compensated? The answers to these questions depend on many factors. When you sell insurance or financial services, you're not merely selling products, you're developing relationships. Your relationship with your customers, as well as the trust they place both in you and in the products you offer, are critical components to your ultimate success. Agents provide very intimate services in the insurance and financial services marketplace. They meet with and know their clients on a personal level. The responsibilities of an agent include: contacting new people, meeting with them and fact-finding to gather necessary information regarding their present situation, providing analysis of situations and, ultimately, presenting solutions that help meet objectives.

Training and Career Development
If you are selected to join New York Life, you'll make a commitment to the Company, but the Company will also make a commitment to you. With New York Life, you embark on a lifetime of learning and professional development through comprehensive training in insurance and financial services.

Professional development occurs through NYLIC U. It's a program designed to train and develop agents throughout their careers. The first phase is Career Development School, during which you'll begin the process of getting your insurance licenses. You'll receive a full introduction to products and selling skills, including how to develop your client base.

After an initial six months of training, you'll spend two years in the Associate Program, an intensive experience that's focused on life insurance marketing, product selling, and technical knowledge. Upon completion, you'll be on your way to developing expertise in a selected area in the workplace or in the personal market, addressing individual needs.

The next level of NYLIC University is the School of Professional Development, which offers specialized courses combining class instruction with self-study. New York Life strongly encourages its agents to make a commitment to lifetime learning. For this reason the Company provides tuition reimbursement to Agents and Registered Representatives upon completion of certain industry courses.

As your career develops, you may wish to move into management. The Company is structured to support you in reaching this goal. Many of today's senior executives began their careers as agents in the field.

Consult a Recruiter
If you have not already been in contact with a New York Life recruiter and are interested in joining the New York Life team as an agent, please click on the appropriate link below. 

If you are a licensed agent, please click here.

If you are not yet licensed, please click here to complete a brief aptitude questionnaire. (Please note: If you have been in contact with a New York Life recruiter please follow up with them directly and do not complete the questionnaire through this link.)

Note: To be eligible, you must be a resident of the United States, Argentina, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, China, India, Hong Kong, or the Philippines.

If you are interested in exploring the possibility of a career with New York Life, we encourage you to forward your resume to Rodelyne Jerume. You can forward it by mail to New York Life, Attention: Rodelyne Jerume, 1 Rockwood Road, Room 3S808, Sleepy Hollow, NY, 10591. You should also feel free to contact a recruiter online.

Become a state Farm Insurance Agent

State Farm has been in business since 1922 and offers a wide variety of products and services to help customers handle the risks of everyday life. We are looking for successful people to become State Farm agents and help us maintain our position as an industry leader. Take a look at all that State Farm has to offer.


What are the benefits of being a State Farm® agent?
Personal satisfaction of helping people 
Control of your time and income potential 
Pride of entrepreneurialship and self-achievement 
Personal and professional recognition 
Marketing quality products and services 
Protection for family, friends, and your community from financial risk 
Recognition as a "Good Neighbor" in your community 
A State Farm agency is a great entrepreneurial opportunity. The agent is the one customers turn to when they have questions or after a loss. The Company provides support to agents throughout their career, including great insurance products and financial services.  

What are the benefits of being a State Farm® agent?
A State Farm agent is an independent contractor agent who markets and services State Farm insurance policies and financial products. Your responsibilities would include, but not be limited to: 

Marketing State Farm insurance products and financial services. 
Developing and manage a quality book of business. 
Providing products and services based on customers' needs. 
Providing professional customer service. 

What is the approval and selection process for becoming an agent?
Becoming an approved candidate for a State Farm agency requires completing sales aptitude questionnaires, attending an Agency Career Seminar and participating in a Career Understanding program. Background checks, performance evaluations, and interviews are also part of the approval process. These steps help the candidate, and State Farm, decide if the agent career is right for them. Characteristics of a State Farm agent include: 
Ability to manage and operate a business 
Dedication to marketing and selling 
Effective written and oral communication skills 
Strong work ethic, self-motivation, and the desire to be successful 
Time management and planning skills 
Desire to be compensated based on your own efforts and hard work 
Ability to coach, motivate, and develop a professional staff 
Strong commitment to integrity and ethical business practices 
Demonstration of empathy when dealing with customers 
Financial commitment necessary to build a business 
Pride in representing an industry leader 
Once approved for consideration for State Farm agent opportunities, the candidate may compete for specific openings. Approved candidates will be given first consideration for openings. If State Farm is unable to identify an approved candidate for a specific opportunity, then all other interested candidates who are not yet approved will be considered.

Once a candidate is identified for an opening, the selection is decided by a team of State Farm Zone Management Team. The selected candidate will proceed to Intern Training which includes licensing.
 

What kind of training and support does a State Farm agent receive? 
Intern Training consists of about 9 months of educational and field experiences designed to provide interns with the core skills, knowledge, and personal characteristics needed to be effective State Farm agents. Interns will be coached and evaluated by Developmental Agency Field Office personnel.

During the intern training period, the candidate is a State Farm employee with modified employee benefits and paid a competitive salary. Upon successful completion, the candidate becomes a 12 months Term Independent Contractor Agent (TICA).

The TICA will act as the strategic leader of the business in the agency location which he or she was appointed. Being the strategic leader means being involved in: 
Prospecting and marketing 
Hiring, developing and training staff 
Planning and organizing daily activities 
Interacting with customers 
Managing the State Farm agency 
TICAs receive commissions on personally produced business and renewal commissions on assigned business.

Independent contractor agents are self-employed, eligible for benefit coverage at the expense of the agent, and are paid commissions and service compensation from the products and services sold. Agents also are eligible for incentive and recognition awards which range from bonuses to travel packages. 


Click Here to learn and more and apply for a position with state farm

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with state farm and the content here is provided for information purpose only and for the convenience of the website visitors.

Become a Geico Field Representative
GEICO Field Representatives (GFRs) specialize in serving military, government and major university markets, but also offer GEICO products to customers in all walks of life. As a GFR, you are the local sales and service representative for GEICO and affiliated companies.

As a GEICO Field Representative, you'll help our business to grow as your own career grows. You'll manage your own business. You'll be your own boss. But with tremendous support from GEICO.

A GFR is not a telemarketer. Your potential customers call you or they walk into your office. That's half the battle. They're already interested in our great GEICO products because of our extensive advertising and promotional campaigns.

GEICO pays excellent commissions, including commissions on renewals, while your own start-up costs are modest. But the rewards are great.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of legendary investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, GEICO is one of the most stable companies you'll find.

Consider the reasons to change your life!We are seeking insurance entrepreneurs in the following markets:
Arizona
Flagstaff Colorado
Denver Georgia
Atlanta 
Marietta Louisiana
Baton Rouge 
Kenner 
Maine
Portland Maryland
Aberdeen 
Frederick Mississippi
Jackson Missouri
St. Roberts 
New York
Albany 
Rochester North Carolina
Charlotte 
Greensboro Pennsylvania
Harrisburg 
State College South Carolina
Greenville 
Texas
Houston Utah
Provo Washington
Spokane  


 

Property and casualty license required. To find out more, email, mail or fax your resume (with your telephone number) to:

Don Roark/GEICO 
6732 West Coal Mine Avenue Suite #407
Littleton, CO 80123
droark@geico.com
FAX : (303) 948-2668
No phone calls please.
 

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with Geico and the content here is provided for information purpose only and for the convenience of the website visitors.

Exclusive Agent Program

As an Exclusive Agent, you’ll be operating your business as an independent contractor. By running your own insurance agency, you’ll have great control over your career and income potential. And while you work for yourself, you’re never alone, because the strength of the Allstate name will be behind you.

Interested? Once you’ve met our qualifications, you can become an Exclusive Agent by:
Starting a new agency with the assistance of Allstate; or 
 
Purchasing an agency from an existing Allstate Exclusive Agent * 
 
Being assigned a book of business ** 
 
Completing the Exclusive Agent Employee Program *** 
 

As an Exclusive Agent, you’ll participate in the Allstate Education Program. The program is approximately eight weeks in duration, and consists of regional classroom training, agency mentoring and ten days at our National Sales Education Center. Our education program provides you with information and strategies designed to support you when you become an Allstate Exclusive Agent.

* Refers to the purchase of the economic interest in the agency's Allstate customer accounts. Allstate retains ownership of customer accounts.

** When available

*** The Exclusive Agent Employee Program is offered in certain markets in select states. For more information, please call Allstate toll-free at 877-258-9012 or speak to a local field sales leader.

Becoming A Merchants Agent

Merchants Insurance Group, a regional property/casualty insurance carrier, regularly appoints new independent agents throughout our operating territories. We seek business partners that are professional, ethical and dedicated to success through uncompromising service to their customers. 

Merchants offers a market for standard and preferred risks through two companies: Merchants Mutual Insurance Company (MMIC) and Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. (MNH). The companies are marketed together, and the appointed agents generally represent both. Corporate headquarters are located in Buffalo, N.Y. Merchants Insurance Group operates six regional offices in Albany, N.Y.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Hauppauge, N.Y.; Manchester, N.H.; Moorestown, N.J.; and Columbus, Ohio. 

Merchants Insurance Group is licensed to write business in 13 states and actively writes in 
Massachusetts 
Michigan 
New Hampshire 
New Jersey 
New York 
Ohio 
Pennsylvania 
Rhode Island 
Vermont 

A.M. Best has rated Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. “A-” and Merchants Mutual Insurance Company “A-.” MNH is the wholly owned subsidiary of Merchants Group, Inc., and a publicly held company that is traded on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX symbol MGP). 

For those agents interested in seeking a business relationship with Merchants, the following outline briefly describes the type of agency that is traditionally successful with Merchants: 
AGENCY VOLUME:
We have found great success with agents in the $3 million to $15 million range, however, we have a number of successful agents who fall outside this range. We also find multi-location agencies with higher agency volume ($15 million or greater) highly desirable. 

AGENCY PERSONNEL:
We seek a well-staffed (two or more licensed producers and a support staff) agency that exemplifies professionalism in the insurance industry. 

 
TARGET MARKET:
We target agents who specialize in the types of products we offer, small to mid-sized commercial accounts and personal lines.

 
GROWTH POTENTIAL:
We seek agents who are prepared to do business immediately. We work with agents to form a business plan with specific premium commitments and growth plans.

 
MARKETING:
Successful Merchants agents have an active marketing strategy. Before appointing a new agent we examine the agency's marketing plans and look for such things as direct mail programs, telemarketing, cross-sales strategies, etc.

 
SECURE BUSINESS:
Our agents are financially secure. We look for agents with a long-term business plan and a solid strategy for the perpetuation of the agency. 

If the above criteria applies to your agency, and you are interested in forming a partnership with a dynamic, service-oriented insurance carrier, please contact our Director of Sales, Daniel J. Bierbrauer Jr. at dbierbrauer@merchantsgroup.com

Becoming an Insurance Agent

As insurance sector has seen a major growth in the recent times, opportunities in this field seem endless with the increasing population. You need to be an excellent salesperson with an outgoing personality by keeping yourself updated on any changes in the insurance industry. 

Want to know how to become an insurance agent?
Having a bachelor’s degree is always an advantage, as insurance companies prefer to hire individuals whose academic record includes accounts, economics, finance, public speaking and mathematics.
Become proficient and familiarize yourself with the latest computer software’s used by insurance companies.
Take up part time jobs, attend education classes and obtain certification.
You can obtain highly respected designation of Chartered Property or Casualty Underwriter after having considerable experience as an agent by taking intensive courses and examinations. It is a very prestigious title, which involves reading applications that are submitted by the agents to determine whether the agency should accept the risk presented by the client.

Insurance agent – he/she is a representative of an insurance company who sells insurance policies to third parties. They sell different types of insurance policies, for a single insurance company, in return for a commission. Depending on the type of work they perform they are paid a salary, a salary plus commission, or only commission. He is also called an insurance broker in some instances and may work with different companies depending on their area of expertise and coverage.

Job Responsibilities
His / her job his is to find local doable customers to determine their needs and help them in getting insured.
Delivering the insurance policy to the respective customers upon approval and collect the premium amount; in return for which they get a certain amount of commission by the insurance company.
He may sell individual policies for home, life, car and medical insurance.
Negotiate the new terms with the insurance company.
Help the insured customers to get their insurance claim in case of any natural disaster occurs.

Surfing the net helps you get information about websites which offer insurance job opportunities, new insurance agencies, insurance agent’s directory and much more.

Captive or Contract Insurance Brokers

What is a captive or contract insurance broker?

If you want to get insurance then you will probably choose to meet with an insurance broker. This broker or agent will help you to determine what kind of insurance is right for you and your family. There are a couple of different kinds of agents out there. You will find some insurance brokers that are independent ones and others that are known as captive brokers.

What a captive or contract insurance broker is all about

A captive insurance broker is much different than an independent broker. A captive broker will be working only for one particular insurance company. They will sell all of the products from their company, there are usually numerous products for you to choose from. It is not often that you, as a captive insurance broker will have trouble finding a good fit for your customers. The bigger insurance companies are chock full of great insurance products for you to sell them. And it is easy to make all of the products sound good because insurance on the whole is always worth the money spent.

Want to be a captive insurance broker

If you are considering becoming a captive insurance broker then you will need to know a little more about it first. People who become an independent broker have more to learn than their captive counterparts. As a captive broker you will only have to learn the products of the company you are working with, rather than all of the products at several of the different insurance companies. This will still be a lot of work but nowhere near as much.

As a captive or contract insurance broker you will not actually be an employee of the company whose products you are selling. You wills till be considered an independent contractor. You may be able to collect an allowance from this company for office supplies but that is about it. Most companies will simply supply you will all of the paper and pens and such that you will need to do your job day after day.

You may also be eligible for some benefits from the insurance company that you work with as a captive or contract insurance broker. Just what benefits you will get will depend upon the insurance company that you choose to work with.

You will be required to fill out a contract with the insurance company and they will do a background check on you. This check is usually done at the start of your training. If you have an arrest record then you may not be able to get hired as an insurance broker captive or otherwise. 

Insurance Claims Training

When it comes to insurance claims training there are a few important things that you need to keep in mind. First of all you need to take some time to decide what kind of training you need exactly. Not everyone needs the same kinds of insurance claims training programs. If you have a history in the insurance industry you may only need to take some continuing education programs. If on the other hand you are entirely new to the industry and you need to start at the bottom then you need to take a beginner insurance claims training program first. This kind of program or class will help you to get your bearings and learn the basics of insurance and what it can do for people. 

The next step to choosing the right kind of insurance claims training class or program is to decide what kind of insurance you want to get involved in. Do you want to work in the life insurance industry, the auto insurance industry or the home insurance industry? This may have a bearing on the kind of insurance claims training you need to get.  

The best way to learn what kind of insurance claims training you need is to talk to some local experts in that field. Different states require different kind s of training and certifications. Find out what is necessary in your area and go from there. 

Most of the insurance claims training programs are short and easy to find. You will be able to learn everything that you need to know from a good insurance claims training class in just a few months. This means that you can start making a great living in just a few months! 

No matter which sector of the insurance industry you are interested in you will be able to find the perfect insurance claims training programs online. These programs do not need to be taken online but they certainly can be. You can find many correspondence insurance claims training courses on the internet and they are great. Just make sure that the insurance claims training course that you take will work for the state in which you live. You do not want to put out the money, the time and the energy only to find that you are not able to practice your new skills where you live. 

You can also find many insurance claims training courses in your local area. Most colleges or universities in your area will probably have some course that you can take. If you want to find out more about where to go for insurance claims training then contact some local insurance companies in your area. They should be able to point you in the right direction. They will also know the requirements for the state, which can also help you to choose the right insurance claims training programs.

Insurance Software Providers

BrokerSoft 
The Expert for Software & Consulting Solutions for the Broker Dealer, Financial Professional and Insurance Communities 
URL : http://www.brokersoft.com/ 


Duck Creek Technologies 
Duck Creek Technologies develops and markets software that enables insurance carriers to rapidly define, develop, deploy, and manage their insurance products and services – for any line of business. Duck Creek's products are built on the EXAMPLE Platform, a collection of Web services that can complement an existing legacy system, or can be used to create a full-functioning system or application. 
URL : http://www.duckcreektech.com/ 

E-basic Management Solutions 
e-basichas an effective management tool for financial enterprises dealing with insurance and investment products.Using this tool, MGA's (Managing General Agents and Associates) are able to monitor and track day-to-day sales, performance of multiple products, companies, clients, renewals and commissions. The system produces a variety of analytical reports. 
URL : http://www.e-basic.biz/insurancemanagement.htm 


eurobase 
Software packages and Underwriting solutions to the Global Insurance, Reinsurance industry and Captive businesses. Advanced, web browser enabled solutions that support the full business life cycle. 
URL : http://www.eurobase.co.uk/ 

Firstapex 

Insurers are caught between the Internet and age-old trusted legacy systems. There is a pressure to provide information and transaction capabilities over the web for customers and agents to use with convenience. Maintaining multiple systems that have been added over the years is a maintenance headache. Daily batch jobs, multiple data entry and reconciliation increase the overhead to a large extent.

e-LIFE- Suite of components for Life insurers designed to manage the full-cycle of operations for a Life insurer from prospecting, underwriting, policy issuance, and servicing, agency administration, claims, reinsurance, renewals and accounting.

X-GEN - Suite of components for Property & Casualty insurers designed to manage the full-cycle of operations for a Property & Casualty insurer from quotation, underwriting, policy issue and servicing, claims management, reinsurance, and accounting.

X-GROUP - Integrated solution for Group Life, Pensions and Health insurance designed to administer group life, employee benefits, medical indemnity and managed health care.

X-RE- Integrated solution for Reinsurers Designed specifically for Reinsurers, it covers Treaty and facultative reinsurance as well as captive, direct and retro-cession business.

iGen400- A fully integrated Y2k compliant software package for General Insurance Software Solution covering all lines of business including Auto, Property, Liability and Marine running on IBM AS/400.
URL : http://www.firstapex.com/products/overview.htm 


Systems Task Group International Limited 
STG’s insurance applications are tightly integrated yet flexible and adaptable. Our Renaissance suite is eminently scalable, fully table-driven, highly secure, and intrinsically capable of supporting a wide spectrum of business, operational, and distribution models. 
URL : http://www.stgil.com/insurance.html 

Sintech Software 
Sintech Software is an application service provider (ASP) that has created the most powerful web-based agency management system for agents, brokers and MGAs. Sintech's flagship system, ProSpector™, provides your company with a full-featured agency management system without all of the headaches and costs associated with investments in IT equipment, support and staffing. Drastically reduce your company's errors and omissions and technical problems by implementing ProSpector™ and the power of the Internet today. 
URL : http://www.sintechsoft.com/index.htm

Insurance Seminars

There are many different kinds of insurance seminars and all of them can do wonders for your individual sales as well as for the sales of your entire insurance company. At an insurance seminar you will be taught by the best in the business how to succeed beyond your current level, beyond what you ever really dreamed you could do actually. That is why so many insurance seminars sell out of their seating so quickly. The insurance industry is a big one and a cut throat one at that and you need all of the help you can get to keep your edge over the competition.

Some of the insurance seminars out there are open ones. These are great because any insurance agent or broker can go to them. They are totally open to the public and there is no end to what you can learn at them. Other insurance seminars are closed meaning they are only available to certain people. This is sometimes those who work for a certain company, or other times these are meant to help people in a certain sector of the insurance agency, underwriters for instance.

When you run an insurance company and you want to get your crew motivated insurance seminars are a great option for you to take. By having your staff attend an insurance seminar you will be giving them that boost that they might need at this point. You have choices as far as what kind of insurance seminar you wan to have. You can have an in house seminar where a professional will come in and talk to your agents and other staff or you can go to the experts. Either way, the insurance seminar is sure to boost moral in the workplace and get people moving again.

When choosing the people to host your seminar it is a good idea to choose those with professional qualifications. You want to get speakers, who know what they are talking about, have succeeded beyond the norm, but also those who are interesting to listen to. Just because someone is good at something does not make him or her a good person to speak at an insurance seminar. They are not going to be able to tech your agents anything if they are so boring everyone is falling asleep. Try to choose speakers who understand the importance of humor in their speaking. These are the ones who will be able to really get to your people and teach them something about the insurance industry and about themselves as well.

These are the kinds of things that make a good insurance seminar. If you want to see sales go through the roof then get your people to an insurance seminar. It does not matter if it is one set up especially for them or not, either way they will learn and they will be the better for it.

Insurance Leads

Where to get good insurance leads

The most important thing to an insurance agent or broker is a good set of insurance leads. If you set things up right you should never run out of leads, in fact you should have to many leads that they are overflowing in your file cabinets. I was an insurance salesperson for years and I always had enough leads to keep me busy, and do you know why? I always had a good stack of leads because I was constantly collecting more to use in the future.

Every time that you meet with a potential customer you need to get some good solid leads from them. From the customer? How would they give you leads you ask? Simple. Ask them for the name, phone number and address of their acquaintances, family members and friends. Do not ask can you give me….. You need to pick up your pen, have your little lead card ready and be poised to write what they tell you. When they see that you are expecting it, chances are that they will give you at least a few names and phone numbers. This is essential to your business. With this insurance lead technique you will be bale to turn your modest starter leads into very profitable successes. 

The beauty of getting your insurance leads this way is that when you don’t make a sale you don’t have to worry about it because there is a really good chance that you will be able to sell some policies to one of the names they gave you. So no meeting with a potential customer is a failure as long as you got some good insurance leads out of them. In just a few weeks you could find yourself with hundreds of new leads that can make you thousands and thousands of dollars.

If you are an independent insurance salesperson then you will also want to set up a good website for your business. This website if done right and in a professional manner can help you to generate many leads all on its own. Especially if you have a great newsletter that people will want to sign up for. By offering some free information you will be able to get hundreds of names and phone numbers in your area and all of these insurance leads have the potential to be big sales for you.

The internet is a powerful tool when it comes to finding and generating new insurance leads for you to use. I recommend that every agent or broker do a thorough search online for leads in their area, this could help you to find so many stellar leads in just a few minutes. The insurance leads that you generate and get as an agent are going to make your success. The more you have to use the more money you are going to make, it is a simple game of math, so go and get some more insurance leads today!

Independent Insurance Brokers

Why Independent Insurance Brokers

Independent Insurance Brokers are the perfect way for you to get all of your insurance needs taken care of by the same company. You will never have to worry about dealing with many different agents all selling you products from different places. You will have one broker and it will be his or her job to get you the best deal on all of your insurance policies. 

Independent Insurance Brokers are unlike other insurance agents and brokers. Instead of only selling you insurance products from one particular company they work with several so you are always getting the best possible price on your insurance. 

What Independent Insurance Brokers do

Your Independent Insurance Broker will shop your insurance needs around to all of the top insurance companies until they find the best possible deal. No matter what kind of insurance you need he or she will find you the lowest premiums on the top of the line insurance policies. Your Independent Insurance Broker will shop around so that you don’t have to. This can save you days and weeks of hard work researching all of the different insurance companies that are out there. This will make getting insurance easy and fast. 

What makes Independent Insurance Brokers better

 Using Independent Insurance Brokers to get insurance is far better for most people than other options. When you use an independent broker you will have many more options. If you were to make an appointment with an insurance agent from company so and so you would be offered that companies insurance products and that would be it. You either chose them or you didn’t, it is as simple as that. But when you are working with an Independent Insurance Broker you will be offered a multitude of different insurance options. If the policies at one company do not work for you, your independent broker still has all kinds of policies from others to go through. When you have chosen to get your insurance Independent Insurance Brokers you are bound to get exactly the kind of insurance coverage that you need every time.

Reasons to choose Independent Insurance Brokers  

Independent Insurance Brokers are the most knowledgeable of insurance agents and brokers. They know everything that is going on in the insurance industry, they have to. They are not restricted to just the one company and their products like other insurance agents. Independent Insurance Brokers are licensed and certified to sell you all of the insurance that you need in your life. Independent Insurance Brokers offer the most competitive rates on all of their policies because they have so many different ones to choose from. You cannot get these kinds of great rates on great policies from other agents.

You can get all of your different forms of insurance from the same broker thus making your life easier. Your Independent Insurance Broker will be working for you rather than for their insurance company. This takes the pressure off of you to buy right away. You will have the chance to make the right decisions for your life. Independent Insurance Brokers help you not only to find the insurance that you are looking for but also to determine the kind of insurance that you need the most. They will go over all of your life in order to find out just what kind of insurance is right for you and your situation. 

Can my insurance company require me to use certain types of auto repair parts?

Your insurance company can't require you to use only certain kinds of auto repair parts. However, if the insurance company's rates are based on a certain type of part and you want something different, it can ask you to pay the difference if the part you want is more expensive.

The parts most frequently damaged in auto accidents are "crash parts". These are the sheet metal pieces that cover the engine and frame of the car. There are two sources for crash parts: auto manufacturers, who sell them under their own names, also known as original-equipment manufacturers (OEM), and generic or aftermarket crash parts suppliers. Studies have demonstrated that these crash parts do not affect the safety of the car. The development of a market in generic parts has brought prices for car replacement parts down and can help consumers save money. 

In general, if generic parts have been ordered for the repair of your car, this information must be disclosed. The car repair order should state that the parts are not from the original manufacturer and the warranty may be different. Many generic parts are made at the same factories as OEM parts, and in fact very few OEM parts are actually made by car makers.

Insurance companies that use generic parts guarantee the parts they use. If the part doesn't fit properly, the insurance company will generally put on an OEM part at no extra cost. 

Some auto insurance companies offer their policyholders a choice between OEM and generic repair parts as part of an endorsement (addition to the policy that changes its terms and conditions) that includes other choices as well. Some always specify OEM parts for repairs and some use OEM parts for repairing recent model cars. A few states require insurance companies to offer generic parts when they exist and some may require OEM parts to be used. 

Ask your insurance agent about your state and your insurance company's claim settlement guidelines so that you'll know what to expect if your car has to be repaired after an accident.

What are my rights when filing a claim?

As a policyholder, you have certain rights. Every state has laws protecting consumers. Your policy is a legal contract between you and your insurer. It defines your rights and obligations as well as the rights and obligations of the insurance company. 

If you have any questions regarding your rights under the policy, talk to your insurance agent or company representative. You may also contact your state insurance department, state attorney general's office, or your state's consumer affairs department.

How are the value of my car and the cost of repair determined? 

There are several standard guidelines for determining the value of your car for insurance purposes. You and your insurer can refer to one of the books that list the depreciated value of all new and used cars. One of these books is published by the National Association of Automobile Dealers another is published by Kelley Blue Book.

When you file your claim, your insurance company will refer you to a claims adjuster. The adjuster will verify the loss and determine what it will cost to repair the car. The adjuster’s estimate can serve as a benchmark to which to compare your own mechanic’s estimate. 

No good adjuster or insurance company will expect you to sign an agreement accepting the insurer’s estimate as the total claim payment until you’ve established, to your own satisfaction, that it will cover the cost of repair. The insurer will expect you to get your own estimate from your mechanic, garage or car dealer. Don’t allow yourself to feel pressured into accepting the insurer’s estimate of repair costs without getting at least one estimate of your own. 

Your insurance company can’t require you to have repairs done at a particular shop. But they can insist that you get more than one estimate for the work to be done on your car. Just as you want to make sure that your car is adequately repaired, the insurer wants to make sure it doesn’t pay a grossly inflated repair bill. 

Don’t be surprised if your insurance company opts to pay for the lowest bid. You don’t have to accept that bid if you believe the low bid won’t adequately repair your car. Don’t hesitate to argue with the adjuster if you really believe his repair estimate is too low based on what your mechanic has told you. 

One factor that could reduce the amount of your claim for a repair job is what insurance companies call betterment. If your old car is repaired with brand-new parts, your insurer may argue that the repairs have actually enhanced the car’s value and therefore they can legitimately reduce your claim by the difference between a used part and a new one. 

It is up to your insurer to decide whether to pay for repairing your car or to declare it a total loss and pay you its book value. Most standard auto policies will not pay to repair a vehicle if the repairs cost more than the cash value assigned to the car. There won’t be any dispute about whether to repair the car if it was completely totaled. But you may argue about what the pieces of the car were worth when they were assembled as a car. For you to get a settlement higher than the book value of your car’s make and model, you will have to submit evidence such as mileage records, service history and affidavits from mechanics to show that your car was worth more. You’re entitled to the market price of the car you just lost. You shouldn’t get more or less than what you are due.

If I file a claim, will my premium go up?

You may be reluctant to file a claim because you fear that your premium will go up or your insurance will be canceled. Practices vary from company to company. In general, an insurer will increase your premium by specific percentages for each chargeable claim made against your policy above a specific dollar amount. A chargeable claim is one the insurer considers primarily your fault. The percentages and ceilings vary from company to company. These increases generally stay on your premium for three years following the claim. 

Your company may also decide not to renew your policy if your driving record gets markedly worse or you have several accidents. Different insurers have different rules about what constitutes an unacceptably bad driving record. But some accidents, such as those caused by drunk driving, will probably trigger a nonrenewal from virtually every insurance company. 

If you have an accident but don‘t report it to your insurer, you are taking a risk, even if the damage seems minor. If the other driver sues you weeks or months later, your failure to report the accident might cause your insurer to refuse to honor the policy. And even if they do honor the policy, the delay will certainly make it harder for the insurer to gather evidence to represent you.

What should I do if I am having trouble settling my claim?

If you are not satisfied with how your claim is being handled, there are steps you can take.
Let your agent or company representative know that you are unhappy.
If the agant or representative is unable to solve your problem, get the name and phone number of the head of the insurer's claims department. Your insurance company may also have a consumer complaint department that can help.
Be prepared to support your case.
Send documents and a letter explaining why you are not satisfied and make sure you have the figures to back up your argument. Be certain to include your address, claim number, day and evening phone numbers and any other important identifying information.
Review your auto insurance policy.
Most companies offer either arbitration or appraisal services to help settle differences and disputes. Your insurance policy will explain these options.
Contact your state insurance department.
Explain the reasons for the disagreement to a consumer services representative at the department.
Contact an arbitrator to hear your case.
An independent arbitrator with experience in insurance matters can decide if the settlement you were offered is fair. Your insurance company may suggest an arbitrator or you can get your own from the American Arbitration Association at 212-484-4000 ( or http://www.adr.org ).
Consult an attorney.
As a last resort, consult an attorney who specializes in auto insurance. Each state’s bar association offers a free legal referral service, which will give you names of qualified candidates. Attorneys work either on an hourly rate or on a contingency basis, depending on the type of case. Get the attorney's fee structure in writing. You can remain current on the progress of your claim by requesting that you receive copies from your attorney of all correspondence. Your attorney must have your agreement before committing to any settlement.

 

After your claim has been settled, take time to re-evaluate your auto insurance coverage to make sure you have adequate protection to cover you against any future damage or liability claims.

How do I file a claim?

To file a claim, follow these steps: 
Call your insurance agent as soon as possible, regardless of who is at fault. Find out whether you're covered for this loss. Even if the accident appears minor, it is important that you let your insurance company know about the incident.
Ask your agent or company representative how to proceed and what forms or documents are needed to support your claim. Your insurance company will require a “proof of claim” form and, if there is one, a copy of the police report. Increasingly, companies allow you to monitor the progress of your claim on their web site.
Supply the information your insurer requests. Fill out the claim form carefully. Keep good records. Get the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak with and copies of any bills related to the accident.
Ask your insurance agent or company representative the following: 

Does my policy contain a time limit for filing claims and submitting bills?
Is there a time limit for resolving claims disputes?
If I need to submit additional information, is there a time limit?
When can I expect the insurance company to contact me?
Do I need to get repair estimates for the damage to my car?
Will my policy pay for a rental car while my car is being repaired? If so, how much?
Remember, each state has its own laws governing the claims process. If you have any questions, call your agent, company representative or your state insurance department.

Avoiding Deer / Car Collisions

The explosion in the deer population has lead to a continuing increase in deer-car collisions. This trend will only increase as the deer population grows and urban habitats continue to encroach upon rural environments.

According to the National Safety Council, there were 530,000 animal-related accidents in 2003 and these collisions resulted in 100 deaths and 10,000 injuries. 

The average cost per insurance claim for collision damage is $2,800, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of damage. When you factor in auto claims involving bodily injury, the average rises to $10,000.

Defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer.
Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.
When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in car/deer crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. The best procedure is to get your car off the road, if possible, and call the police. 

Contact your insurance agent or company representative to report any damage to your car. Collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy

Cellphones and Driving

Cellphones are just one of the many distractions facing drivers, but these devices are believed to be the cause of more than a thousand fatalities and crashes each year.

Researchers at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimate that cellphone use by drivers caused approximately 955 fatalities and 240,000 accidents in 2002. In addition, in spite of state laws banning the use of hand-held cellphones while driving, it appeared that the use of hands-free devices does not eliminate the risk of a crash. 

Research shows that motorists talking on a cellphone are four times more likely to crash than other drivers, and are as likely to cause an accident as someone with a .08 blood alcohol level.

There are two dangers associated with driving and cellphone use, including text messaging. First, drivers must take their eyes off the road while dialing or reading and typing. Second, people can become so absorbed in their conversations that their ability to concentrate on the act of driving is severely impaired.

Since 2002, there are more cars on the road, and cellphone technology has advanced to the point where these devices allow users to do much more than just place calls; they can now surf the Web and create complicated documents all while driving a car. The data from NHTSA clearly shows that the use of cellphones and other distractions affects a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle and can have tragic consequences.

The NHTSA recommends that drivers never use wireless communication devices—whether or not they are hands-free—except in an emergency.

Car Breakdown Safety

If you are in an accident or your car breaks down, safety should be your first concern. Getting out of the car at a busy intersection or on a highway to change a tire or check damage from a fender bender is probably one of the worst things you can do. The Insurance Information Institute recommends the following precautions when your car breaks down:
Never get out of the vehicle to make a repair or examine the damage on a busy highway. Get the vehicle to a safe place before getting out. If you've been involved in an accident, motion the other driver to pull up to a safe spot ahead.
If you can’t drive the vehicle, it may be safer to stay in the vehicle and wait for help or use a cell phone to summon help. Under most circumstances standing outside the vehicle in the flow of traffic is a bad idea.
Carry flares or triangles to use to mark your location once you get to the side of the road. Marking your vehicle’s location to give other drivers advance warning can be critical. Remember to put on your hazard lights!
In the case of a blowout or a flat tire, move the vehicle to a safer place before attempting a repair—even if it means destroying the wheel getting there. The cost of a tire, rim or wheel is minor compared to endangering your safety.

Will my insurance cover renting a car after an accident?

Many drivers don't think about their insurance coverage until after they have an accident and call their insurance company to file a claim to help pay for car repairs, a rental car and other expenses. 

Unfortunately, many insured drivers are surprised to find out that their auto insurance does not automatically cover the cost of a replacement rental car after an accident. Since the average car is in the repair shop for two weeks after an accident, it can cost as much as $500 to rent a replacement car. But, some insured drivers pay little or nothing to rent a car because of an inexpensive but often overlooked option known as rental reimbursement. 

Rental reimbursement coverage is available for only $1 or $2 a month with almost every auto insurance policy, but it is bypassed frequently by those who believe they will not have a car accident or those shopping only for the lowest cost premium. The cost of a rental replacement car adds up fast, so even if you don't have an accident for eight or nine years, the coverage pays for itself when you need it most.

Sometimes working out the details of a claim with the auto insurance company can take time. Even if the accident is the other driver's fault, you may have to wait several days or longer to get the other insurance company to agree to pay for a rental car. With your own coverage, there is no waiting.

Should I purchase an umbrella liability policy?

If you are ever sued, your standard homeowners or auto policy will provide you with some liability coverage, paying for judgements against you and your attorney's fees, up to a limit set in the policy. However, in our litigious society, you may want to have an extra layer of liability protection. That's what a personal umbrella liability policy provides. 

An umbrella policy kicks in when you reach the limit on the underlying liability coverage in a homeowners, renters, condo or auto policy. It will also cover you for things such as libel and slander. 

For about $150 to $300 per year you can buy a $1 million personal umbrella liability policy. The next million will cost about $75, and $50 for every million after that.

Because the personal umbrella policy goes into effect after the underlying coverage is exhausted, there are certain limits that usually must be met in order to purchase this coverage. Most insurers will want you to have about $250,000 of liability insurance on your auto policy and $300,000 of liability insurance on your homeowners policy before selling you an umbrella liability policy for $1 million of additional coverage.

How do I insure my teenage driver?

As soon as your teenager begins to drive, notify your insurance agent that there will be an additional driver in the house. Since teenagers are inexperienced drivers, they tend to get into a lot of accidents. This will, unfortunately, be reflected in higher insurance rates. If you have a daughter, you can expect your insurance to go up as much as 50 percent. A son will increase your car insurance by as much as 100 percent. Consider also raising liability limits or buying an umbrella liability policy for additional protection.


 
Insure your son or daughter on your own policy.
It is generally cheaper to add your teenagers to your insurance policy than for them to purchase their own. If they are going to be driving their own car, insure it with your company so that you can get a multi-policy discount.
Let your insurer know if your teenager is going away to school. 
If your your kids are living away at school–at least 100 miles from home–you will get a discount for the time they are not around to drive the car. This, of course, assumes that they leave the car at home!
Encourage your teen to get good grades and to take a driver training course.
Most companies will give discounts for getting at least a “B” average in school and for taking recognized driving courses.
Shop around.
Insurance companies differ dramatically in how they price policies for young drivers.
Pick a safe car.
The type of car a young person drives can dramatically affect the price of insurance. You and your teenager should choose a car that is easy to drive and would offer protection in the event of a crash. You should avoid small cars and those with high performance images that might encourage speed and recklessness. Trucks and SUVs should also be avoided, since they are more prone to rollovers. For more information, see Teenagers & Safe Cars.
Talk to them about safe driving.
Driving safely will not only keep your son or daughter alive and healthy, it will also save money. As your teenager gets older, insurance rates will drop–providing he or she has a good driving record.
Talk to your teen about the dangers of combining driving with alcohol, lack of sleep and distractions.
Accidents occur each year because a teen driver was using a cell phone, playing the radio or talking to friends in the backseat. Also, teens should be careful not to provide distractions and to exhibit safe behavior when they are passengers in their friends' cars.
Be a good role model.
New drivers learn by example, so if you drive recklessly, your teenage driver may copy you. Always wear your seatbelt and never drink and drive.
Institute your own version of a graduated drivers licensing program.
A number of states have reduced teen accidents by restricting the amount of time new drivers may be on the road without supervision. If your state doesn't have such a program, you may institute this same policy with your own children. Also, take an active role in helping your teenager learn to drive. Plan a series of practice drives in a wide variety of situations–nighttime, rain and snow. Give them time to work up to challenges such as driving in heavy traffic, on expansive bridges or on freeways.

For more information, on teen driving contact the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Department of Transportation.

How to Keep the Increased Cost to a Minimum 

What information do I need to give to my agent or company?

Your agent will ask you what make and model cars you own, roughly how many miles you drive each year, and what kind of liability coverage you will need. The agent will also want to know how many people drive the cars, how old the drivers are, where you live, and driving records of each household member.

The agent will then ask more detailed questions about your cars, such as their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), whether they have passive restraint systems or air bags, anti-lock brakes or anti-theft devices. If you already have another insurance policy with the company for home or life insurance, you might receive a discount on your auto policy. You should also mention if you or other drivers in your household have completed safe-driving courses and if student drivers in your home are getting good grades—both of these may qualify you for discounts on your auto policy.

Once the agent has assembled all of the information, he or she will quote you a premium. The premium will depend on all the factors above and on the deductibles you choose.

What determines the price of my policy?

There are many factors that influence the price you pay for auto insurance. The average American driver spends about $850 a year. Your premium may be higher or lower, depending on:
Your driving record.
The better your record, the lower your premium. If you've had accidents or serious traffic violations, you will pay more than if you have a clean driving record. You may also pay more if you haven't been insured for a number of years.
The number of miles you drive each year.
The more miles you drive, the more chance for accidents. If you drive a lower than average number of miles per year, less than 10,000, you will pay less. For instance, some companies will give discounts to policyholders who carpool.
Where you live.
Insurance companies look at local trends, such as the number of accidents, car thefts and lawsuits, as well as the cost of medical care and car repair.
Your age.
In general, mature drivers have fewer accidents than less experienced drivers, particularly teenagers. So insurers generally charge more if teenagers or young people below age 25 drive your car.
The car you drive.
Some cars cost more to insure than others. Variables include the likelihood of theft, the cost of the car, the cost of repairs, and the overall safety record of the car.
The amount of coverage.
Of course, like anything else, the more coverage you have, the more you pay. However, you may qualify for discounts.

How much coverage do I need?

Almost every state requires you to buy a minimum amount of liability coverage. Chances are that you will need more liability insurance than the state requires because accidents cost more than the minimum limits. If you’re found legally responsible for bills that are more than your insurance covers, you will have to pay the difference out of your own pocket. These costs could wipe you out! 

You may want to talk to your agent or company representative about purchasing higher liability limits to reflect your personal needs. You may also consider purchasing an umbrella or excess liability policy. These policies pay when your underlying coverages are exhausted. Typically, these policies cost between $200 and $300 per year for a million dollars in coverage. If you have your homeowners and auto insurance with the same company, check out the cost of coverage with this company first. If you have coverage with different companies, it may be easier to buy it from your auto insurance company.

In addition to liability coverage, consider buying collision and comprehensive coverage. You don't decide how much to buy. Your coverage reflects the market value of your car and the cost of repairing it.

Decide on a deductible—the amount of money you pay on a claim before the insurance company reimburses you. Typically, deductibles are $500 or $1,000; the higher your deductible, the lower your premium.

How can I save money?

The price you pay for your auto insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars, depending what type of car you have and the insurance company you buy your policy from. Here are some ways to save money.

Shop around

Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Your state insurance department may also provide comparisons of prices charged by major insurers.

Get quotes from different types of insurance companies. Some sell through their own agents. These agencies have the same name as the insurance company. Some sell through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. Other companies sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.

But don't shop by price alone. You want a company that answers your questions and handles claims fairly and efficiently. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. Contact your state insurance department to find out whether they make available consumer complaint ratios by company.

You can also check the financial health of insurance companies through independent rating companies and by consulting consumer magazines.

Select an agent or company representative who takes the time to answer your questions. Remember, you'll be dealing with this company if you have an accident or other emergency.

Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs

Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Your premium is based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and anti-theft devices. Some states require insurers to give discounts for cars equipped with air bags or anti-lock brakes. 

Cars that are favorite targets for thieves cost more to insure. Information that can help you decide what car to buy is available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Ask for higher deductibles

Deductibles represent the amount of money you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 percent to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more.

Reduce coverage on older cars

Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. It may not be cost-effective to continue insuring cars worth less than 10 times the amount you would pay for coverage. Any claim payment you receive would not substantially exceed your premiums minus the deductible. Claims occur on average only once every 11 or 12 years. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of a car, or you can look it up online at Kelley Blue Book. Review your coverage at renewal time to make sure your insurance needs haven’t changed.

Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer

Many insurers will give you a discount if you buy two or more types of insurance from them. Also you may get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce premiums for long-time customers. But shop around; you may save money buying from different insurance companies despite the multi-policy discount.

Take advantage of low-mileage discounts

Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles per year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who carpool to work.

Ask about group insurance

Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers, or through professional, business and alumni groups and other associations. Ask your employer or any groups or clubs to which you belong.

Maintain good credit

Your credit rating may affect what you pay for insurance, so keep a close eye on it. Credit makes insurance rates more accurate, fair and objective. While the use of insurance scoring varies from state to state and company to company, it is a fact that drivers with long, stable credit records have fewer accidents than drivers who don't. There are various Internet services that allow you to check your credit rating and provide tips on how to improve your score.

Seek out safe driver discounts

Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also qualify for a cut if you have recently taken a defensive driving course.

Inquire about other discounts

You may get a break on your insurance if you are over 50 or in some cases 55 and retired or if there is a young driver on the policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or is at a college, generally at least 100 miles away.

When you comparison shop, inquire about discounts* for:
$500 deductible
$1,000 deductible
More than 1 car
No accidents in 3 years
No moving violations in 3 years
Drivers over 50-55 years of age
Driver training course
Defensive driving course
Anti-theft device
Low annual mileage
Air bag
Anti-lock brakes
Daytime running lights
Student drivers with good grades
Auto and homeowners coverage with the same company
College students away from home
Long-time customer
Other discounts

*The discounts listed may not be available in all states or from all insurance companies.

But don’t forget that the key to savings is not the discounts but the final price. A company that offers few discounts may still have a lower overall price.