Best Questions to Ask an Insurance Agent (2026)
Good questions get you a better quote, and tell you a lot about who you're dealing with.
Facts checked September 23, 2026
Whether you're talking to a captive agent, an independent agent or a broker, the quality of the quote depends on the conversation. These questions work for auto, home, life and most other personal lines.
For product-specific questions, see our lists for auto and life insurance agents.
The questions
1. Are you licensed in my state, and can I check that?
Why ask: Anyone selling insurance must be licensed where you live
Ask for their name as it appears on their license, then look it up with your state insurance department or the NAIC's consumer license lookup.
2. Which insurance companies can you quote?
Why ask: It tells you how wide the comparison really is
A captive agent represents one company. An independent agent or broker may quote several. Neither is wrong, but you should know which you're talking to.
3. How are you paid?
Why ask: It's fair to understand the incentives
Most agents are paid commission by the insurer, and some charge fees. Knowing how they're paid helps you weigh their recommendations.
4. Is this the same coverage I have now?
Why ask: A cheaper quote is often thinner coverage
Bring your current declarations page and ask them to match it line by line, then show you what they'd change and why.
5. What isn't covered?
Why ask: Exclusions matter more than the headline
Ask for the main exclusions in plain English, such as flood, earthquake, business use, wear and tear or pre-existing conditions, depending on the policy.
6. What are all of my deductibles?
Why ask: There may be more than one
Home policies can have separate wind, hail or hurricane deductibles, and auto has separate collision and comprehensive deductibles. Ask whether any is a percentage.
7. Are my liability limits high enough?
Why ask: The coverage that protects your savings
Ask what they'd recommend given what you own and earn, and what an umbrella policy would add.
8. Which discounts am I getting, and which am I missing?
Why ask: Discounts often go unclaimed
Ask for the list applied to your quote, then ask what else you might qualify for.
9. What happens when I file a claim?
Why ask: Service is what you're really buying
Who do you call first, the agent or the insurer? Will the agent help if a claim is disputed?
10. What happens at renewal?
Why ask: Prices and terms can change every year
Ask whether they review your policy before renewal, and what they do if the price goes up sharply.
11. Are there fees on top of the premium?
Why ask: The quoted premium may not be the full cost
Ask about installment fees, policy fees and any broker fees, and whether paying in full avoids them.
If something goes wrong
Every state has an insurance department that licenses agents and takes consumer complaints. If you can't resolve a problem with an agent or insurer, that's where to go.
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Common questions
Start with whether they're licensed in your state, which companies they can quote, whether the quote matches your current coverage, what's excluded, and what all the deductibles are.
Use your state insurance department's license lookup, or the NAIC's consumer license lookup, which covers most states. Search by the agent's name or license number.
A captive agent knows one company's products in depth. An independent agent or broker can compare several companies. Many shoppers get quotes both ways.
Keep reading
Sources
- NAIC: State insurance departments and agent search. Checked September 23, 2026.
General information only, not insurance advice. Coverage, availability and terms vary by insurer and by state, and are subject to underwriting. Quote My Policy LLC connects you with licensed insurance professionals. Quote My Policy is not an insurance company and does not issue policies. Nothing here binds coverage.