How to Find Out if Your Insurance Agent Is Licensed & in Good Standing

Purchasing an insurance policy is an important step in protecting your health and assets, and there are numerous companies and agents from which to buy policies for such things as health, auto and home. Insurance agents --- sometimes called insurance brokers --- must have a current license to legally sell insurance in their states of practice. Consumers can verify whether a specific insurance agent is licensed in their state by visiting their state government's website for the department of insurance. Complaints against agents can also be checked elsewhere online.

Things You'll Need

• Insurance agent's business card or website address

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Instructions

Verify information

• 1

  Make a note of the agent's license number. Check the agent's website, business card, advertisements or insurance quote documents, or call his office and ask for it. At the very least, make a note of the agency's address and verify the spelling of the agent's name to input into licensing search engines.

• 2

  Do an online search for and visit your state's department of insurance website. Find the search box to enter the agent's license number. Verify the agent has a current license and that they are specifically licensed for the type of insurance you are considering.

• 3

  Review the agent's licensing record for complaints against him or her. Make sure the agent has not been issued any denials of license or disciplinary actions, which should also be noted on their licensing profile.

• 4

  Check for complaints against the agent or his insurance company through the Better Business Bureau. Call your local BBB office and make inquiries, or visit its official website to perform a search.