Did you know there were 36,000 independent insurance agencies in 2020 in the US? For people trying to find a good insurance agency to cover their business and properties, this can mean an overwhelming number of choices.

If you live in New Jersey, the numbers are a bit more manageable since there are only 419 insurance agencies to choose from, but how can you find an agency you can depend on? Read on to learn what to look for when searching for an insurance agency in New Jersey.

Get Recommendations for an Insurance Agency in New Jersey

Word of mouth can help you narrow your options down. Knowing that someone you trust has had a positive experience with an insurance agency in the area can give you the peace of mind you need to make this choice.

When you ask for recommendations, it can be a good idea to put together a list of questions to ask the person making the recommendation. It is important the person recommends the agency because of the quality work they provide and not because of other subjective reasons.

Despite getting a recommendation, you need to do your own vetting before making a decision. Read reviews online and pay special attention to any client complaints. If you see a pattern in them, that can be a warning sign.

The right agency that offers property and business insurance in New Jersey will do its best to address complaints.

Coverage and Specializations

An agency may have excellent reviews, but that means nothing if it cannot offer the coverage you need. For a business, this can be even trickier because your business will be unique and may have unique needs.

For business insurance, you will want an agency that can provide:

• Worker’s compensation
• Commercial property
• Commercial auto
• Product liability
• Commercial general liability
• Cyber liability
• Medical malpractice
• Professional liability

These are the basics for business insurance, but there may be specifics for your own business you need, so look for an agency that offers what you require.

For home coverage, including rental homes, you need the agency to offer coverage in areas like personal property, homeowner’s insurance, liability, landlord insurance, and more. If you need coverage for a commercial property, avoid choosing an agency that has only ever offered insurance for residential properties.

By beginning your search knowing exactly the insurance you need, you can start considering the specialized agencies in your area. Most agencies have websites where they share what niches they work in. If they do not mention it, they probably do not offer it.

Prices

The agency you choose has to have rates that fit your budget while still offering quality services. The agency offering you the lowest prices is not always the best option because their coverage may have limitations. Always go through the coverage details and what fees you can expect.

Before making a decision, get at least three quotes from insurance companies in your area. New Jersey offers guides that show average coverage rates for different policies throughout the state.

Claims Process

Some insurance agencies have a complex claims process and that can be stressful when looking for compensation. Speak with the agency to see what their process is and the average time to get compensation.

The agents the agency employs have to have experience going through the claims process. They should be ready to tell you how they will go about filing the claim.

Financial Standing

Most people remain with an insurance agency for years. You need to be certain the company is financially stable enough to last for all of those years.

If there is a claim situation, the last thing you want to hear is that your insurance agency cannot cover you. There are numerous independent rating agencies that look at various factors and financial results to give the agency a letter score. Before making a choice, check these independent agencies to see what the rating is.

Client Support and Communication

If you need to contact your insurance agency, how can you do so? These days, most companies have 24/7 phone services, as well as online chats and social media support. Many have online portals where you can:

• Pay bills online
• Report claims
• Get claim support
• Ask billing questions

Working with the agency cannot be difficult. They have to offer rapid responses to your concerns and have a streamlined process for filing a claim, whether online, over the phone, or in person. Ask about how they address billing questions and policy changes.

Certification

A certified agent and agency has met the standards New Jersey’s Department of Insurance has in place. That means the agency is qualified and certified to offer its services in the state.

To get certified, an agency has to meet certain financial guidelines, letting you know the agency will meet any claims without a problem.

Some certifications to watch for are the CDAR, or certified designated agency representative, which is given to agents who have at least three years of experience in the industry. For this certification, the agent also has to complete at least 40 hours of continuing professional development each year.

Choose the Best Insurance Agency in New Jersey

Deciding on the right insurance agency in New Jersey means taking time to consider everything from their customer service to the coverage they offer. A good agency will always fight for you.

If you need the best in the state, you can turn to us at Central Jersey Insurance Associates. With our years of experience and our excellent reputation in the state, you will be in skilled hands.

Contact us now to speak with one of our agents!