Posted On: January 14, 2006, 10:47 am CST

Posted By: NW Agent

It's true that most agents don't know all of the intricacies their own contracts -- much less that of their competitors -- however, most fire policies are ISO "boiler plate" contracts that have had only minor company changes or none at all... So, if they understand an HO-3(ISO) homeowner's policy, they do understand the critical points in all homeowners policies, whether their company's policy or a competitors. The balance would be the bells and whistles part of the policy. The bottom line would be to look for a competent agent who has been in the business for more than a few years and who has a good reputation in the community and runs a professional agency. They are in the position to explain the differences moreso than a new agent in the business who is just "out for a sale". There's a big difference between agents (the pros) and the "policy peddlers". The policy differences are more of the minor varieties. From my experience, after 24 yrs in the business, most insured's eyes "glaze over" when you get into that type of detail.