After you have discussed your needed coverages and coverage amounts with an agent, I believe the most important question to ask of the agent is "How financially strong is each insurance carrier you are recommending?" You should ask the agent for the respective carriers' Financial Strength Ratings & Financial Size Categories. Ask them to show you the A.M. Best's ratings for each carrier. If the carrier is not rated by A.M Best's, consider others that are rated favorably, depending on availability in your State
These factors will be of particular significance in the event of wide-spread losses from the occurrence of a covered peril under a homeowner policy.
Also, you should ask "What is the claims paying history of each carrier in this State, especially during catastrophic occurrences, like hurricanes, tornadoes, etc." You may need to do a little searching on your own for the answer to this question but you won't need to get too creative to find search terms that will provide you with the first-hand experiences of people who have or had claims-handling experiences with the respective carriers.
Business Development Officer, T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, Fresno, California
First, go to a trusted insurance agent. If you don’t have that relationship get a reference from friends, colleagues or neighbors. The agent should listen to you, offer sound financial advice and communicate clearly with you and the insurance company. Setting limits is the most important issue when writing homeowner’s insurance. Get the most liability protection possible. Make sure that the personal property limit meets your needs and investigate flood and earthquake coverage.
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These factors will be of particular significance in the event of wide-spread losses from the occurrence of a covered peril under a homeowner policy.
Also, you should ask "What is the claims paying history of each carrier in this State, especially during catastrophic occurrences, like hurricanes, tornadoes, etc." You may need to do a little searching on your own for the answer to this question but you won't need to get too creative to find search terms that will provide you with the first-hand experiences of people who have or had claims-handling experiences with the respective carriers.