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Sunday, May 6, 2007

How to Pick a Long Term Care Insurance Agent: Five Questions to Identify a Real Professional

People seeking long term care insurance should buy it through an independent agent. That's what most experts advise. But there's a problem. "How do you find the right agent?"

Consumers can get frustrated real fast. Looking in the yellow pages or doing an Internet search, may not help come up with the best choice for a Long-Term care insurance specialist.

To help consumers determine if an agent is solid and right for them consumers can ask the following five questions:

1. What insurance products do you offer besides LTC insurance? The aim of this question is to find out if the person's a specialist, selling only or mainly long term care insurance. You don't want someone who divides their attention between LTC, auto and life.
2. What insurance carriers do you represent? You want someone who offers a choice of A-rated companies that offer a range of solid, affordable policies.
3. About how many LTC clients do you have? A seasoned specialist will have dozens to hundreds of satisfied clients.
4. I understand there are tax breaks and other financial ramifications to long term care insurance. Can you advise me on such things? A yes is the best answer here. Well-informed agents know about the relevant regulations, but don't stray into tax law or estate planning details. Instead, they work with knowledgeable financial advisors, accountants, estate planners, and attorneys.
5. How can I learn more about you? The aim of this question is to find evidence of recognized authority. Do they have any professional designations? Can they name local professionals who recommend them? Are they scheduled to speak at an upcoming event? Do they give talks to groups or companies on request? Can they be found on the Internet?"

To learn more about Long-Term Care and Long-Term Care insurance...

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