Survivorship A to Z -

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More and more people are buying insurance directly from insurance companies, often online.

While this can sometimes be the least expensive and most efficient method, you shouldn't overlook the advantages of using a personal contact to buy insurance. There is no out-of-pocket cost to using an independent insurance broker (a professional who works on your behalf) or an insurance agent (a professional who works with a particular insurance company.)

A professional can help you choose the best coverage for you given the totality of your situation. A professional can also be very valuable in the event of a loss (at no cost to you.)

We urge you to at least consult with an insurance broker if:

If you are unsure what types of insurance you need, if any,
Your situation is complex.
You have submitted one or more claims in the last three years.

An experienced financial planner can also provide advice about your needs and how best to insure them. If the planner is also a licensed insurance broker, the advice may be at no out-of-pocket cost to you. If the planner is a "fee only" planner and only works on a fee basis, the advice will cost you.

Another alternative is to hire a professional insurance consultant. Consultants work on a fee only basis. They are likely to be unnecessary for simple insurance questions. They can be particularly useful for complex situations with major money involved.