How to Spot Red Flags When Choosing an Insurance Agent
Choosing an insurance agent is more than just picking someone with a license. Your agent should be a trusted partner—someone who understands your goals, explains your options clearly, and recommends what’s best for you, not what pays them the biggest commission.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Many agents are captive to one company or motivated to push high-commission products without fully explaining alternatives. If you’re looking for an insurance professional you can trust, here are a few red flags to watch out for:
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They only show you one company’s products.
If your agent doesn’t offer comparisons, they may be working with limited options—or only trying to sell what benefits them most. -
They pressure you to buy immediately.
Good agents educate, they don’t intimidate. A trustworthy advisor gives you time to understand your options. -
They can’t explain why a product is right for you.
If the explanation sounds like a script or is overly vague, that’s a red flag. -
They avoid your questions or gloss over fine print.
Your agent should be transparent about fees, surrender charges, and policy mechanics.
At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we take pride in educating our clients, not pushing them. As a family-owned, independent brokerage representing over 75 top-rated companies, we work for you—not any one carrier. You’ll get real comparisons, honest advice, and support long after the policy is issued.
👉 Visit our About Us page here to learn why 100,000+ clients trust our approach.
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Ready to explore insurance and annuity options that offer guaranteed income, principal protection, disability, life insurance, Social Security and Medicare reviews, and long-term financial growth? Let the expert advisors at Diversified Insurance Brokers help you find the right strategy for your retirement goals.
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FAQs: How to Spot Red Flags When Choosing an Insurance Agent
What are the biggest red flags when interviewing an insurance agent?
Major red flags include high-pressure sales tactics, refusal to provide written quotes, lack of transparency about costs, and pushing one product without comparing alternatives.
Should an insurance agent show options from multiple carriers?
Yes. Independent agents should compare multiple companies. An agent who only pushes one carrier may not be providing objective recommendations.
Is it a red flag if the agent avoids answering questions?
Absolutely. Clear answers are essential. An agent who dodges questions or uses vague explanations may not be acting in your best interest.
Why does agent licensing matter?
Licensing ensures the agent is legally allowed to sell insurance in your state. You should avoid anyone unwilling to verify their credentials.
Are high-pressure sales techniques a warning sign?
Yes. Ethical agents educate and guide you, not pressure you into buying quickly. High-pressure tactics suggest the agent is prioritizing commissions over your needs.
Should I avoid agents who promise unusually high returns?
Yes. Any agent guaranteeing unrealistic growth or “risk-free” high returns should be considered a major red flag.
Can an agent refusing to provide written documentation be a concern?
Yes. Reliable agents provide brochures, illustrations, and disclosures. Refusing to document recommendations is a serious warning sign.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
