Find an insurance agent near you
An insurance agent helps you choose and buy coverage for your car, home, life, health or business. Captive agents sell for one company, while independent agents can quote several. A good agent explains what a policy covers and excludes, not just the price.
Find insurance agents by city
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Philadelphia, PA
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Austin, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- Columbus, OH
- Charlotte, NC
- Indianapolis, IN
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Nashville, TN
- El Paso, TX
- Washington, DC
- Boston, MA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Portland, OR
- Detroit, MI
- Memphis, TN
- Louisville, KY
- Baltimore, MD
- Milwaukee, WI
- Albuquerque, NM
- Fresno, CA
- Tucson, AZ
- Sacramento, CA
- Kansas City, MO
- Mesa, AZ
- Atlanta, GA
- Omaha, NE
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Raleigh, NC
- Long Beach, CA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Miami, FL
- Oakland, CA
- Minneapolis, MN
- Tulsa, OK
- Bakersfield, CA
- Wichita, KS
- Arlington, TX
What do insurance agents do?
- Auto insurance
- Homeowners and renters insurance
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Business insurance
- Umbrella policies
- Flood insurance
- Policy reviews
- Claims help
- Bundling policies
How do you choose a good insurance agent?
- Check the agent's license with the state insurance department.
- Decide whether you want an independent agent who quotes several companies or a captive agent for one company.
- Compare coverage limits, deductibles and exclusions, not just the premium.
- Ask how they get paid. Most agents earn commissions from insurers.
- Ask how they help when you file a claim.
- Review your policies each year or after big life changes.
Insurance agents must be licensed by the state for each line of insurance they sell; you can check a license with the state insurance department.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed in my state for this type of insurance?
- Do you work with one company or several?
- What does this policy not cover?
- How would a claim work, and will you help?
- What discounts can I get?
- How are you paid?
Red flags to watch for
- Pushing you to cancel a policy before the new one is in force.
- Pressure to buy complex products, like some life or annuity products, without clear explanation.
- Unwilling to give the policy in writing.
- No license or unlicensed for your state.
What changes the price?
- Coverage limits
- Deductibles
- Your claims history
- What is insured: car, home or business
- Location and risk
- Discounts and bundling
Questions people ask
What is the difference between an agent and a broker?
An agent usually represents insurance companies. A broker often represents the buyer and shops policies for you. Both need licenses.
Does using an agent cost more?
Usually not directly. Agents are often paid by insurers. Prices can still differ between companies, so compare.
What is an umbrella policy?
It adds liability coverage above your auto and home policies for large claims.