Choosing a car insurance agent is no easy task. In addition to searching through many options, you have to do what is best for you from a coverage and cost perspective.

Only you know what you are looking for in an agent and company. If you find yourself stuck and unsure of how to make a final decision, focus on the agents that have the following traits:

1. Helpful no matter what. There is nothing better than working with an agent who is more than willing to help, regardless of what you are faced with or how many questions you have. If an agent is willing to go the extra mile before you are a customer, there is a good chance he or she will do the same in the future.

2. Availability. The last thing you want is a car insurance agent who is never available to provide assistance. They pass you off to a colleague when you have questions. They let their phone go to voicemail time and time again.

Your agent should always be available to help, within reason.

3. Compassion. Let’s face it: making a car insurance claim is not something you look forward to. If you find yourself in this position, it is nice to know that your agent will “feel for you.” This won’t change what happened, but it will make the claims process much easier on you.

What Now?

Now that you have a clear understanding of what to look for in a car insurance agent, it is time to ramp up your search. As you speak with agents, keep the above traits in mind. If you find somebody who offers all three, you are on the right track.