In the Information Age, many industries are moving from a much more personal and person-based approach to an impersonal approach. Where at one time you’d go into your local bank and talk to one of your neighbors about getting a loan to buy a new home, today you’re just as likely to log into a web site and put in your information, and several different lenders will make offers to you for your home loan.

The same holds true for insurance. The friendly insurance agent, who you develop a long-term relationship with and who is someone you personally know and trust, is becoming something of a thing of the past. In many ways, this particular change may not be a good thing. There are many things that a good insurance agent does for you, including:

• Sales. Let’s face it, the first and primary job a life insurance agent has is to sell you things. Now, this isn’t bad in and of itself. In an ideal world, the insurance agent has a product you need or want and you’re willing to pay for it. The main thing here is to make sure your agent has your best interests in heart, as well as her own financial interests.
• Financial advising. Many insurance agents act as financial advisers, as well. Many insurance agents come from a background in finance. If your agent has some financial knowledge, it can help weed you through the vast options in the insurance world. Today, many insurance agents also offer other financial packages such as mutual funds or retirement plans.
• Customer service. In many ways, your insurance agent is a liaison. He’s an intermediary between you and the actual insurance company. When you have a life insurance claim, the insurance agent can help you communicate effectively with the insurance company, and help you know who to call and what procedures need to take place.
• Solutions provider. Many life insurance agents also offer other types of insurance. In this regard, your life insurance agent can become a one-stop shop. You may also find that you can get a decent discount on some of your premium prices by having more than one type of insurance through the same agent.

Ultimately, you need to be able to see your life insurance agent as someone who can work for you, and who will help you find the kinds of products you need.

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