A good, trustworthy life insurance agent is extremely hard, if not impossible to find. I’ve been in the industry since 2004, so I’ve worked with and encountered my fair share of agents. I understand why the life insurance agent stereotype exists. A greasy, high pressure, oversized suit wearing salesman — who acts as if he’s your best friend. He might as well be a used car salesman. Don’t get me wrong, if you have a helpful agent that you trust, that’s great, but I’ll dare to say that the majority of agents don’t really have your best interest in mind. Here’s why:

1) What he’s selling you isn’t always the best option

Some agents only represent one or two life insurance companies. How can you be sure you’re getting the best plan out there when you only have a few to choose from? On top of that, agents have their favorite policies to sell – ones who’s company offers vacation incentives, or plans that pay a higher or advanced commission. You might be able to find a better policy with lower rates than what you’re being offered.

2) He really wants to handle your investments

Ask any life insurance agent if they’d rather sell you a $100,000 life insurance policy, or roll your $100,000 retirement account into an annuity. They could care less about the measly life insurance, but will jump at the chance to roll your money into one of their high commission accounts. I’ve known agents that only meet with life insurance prospects to sniff out money they can move.

3) He wants to sell you what you don’t need

The higher the death benefit, the more a policy will cost. Universal and whole life policies also cost more. Higher cost = larger commission. Don’t be surprised when an agent tells you how much death benefit your family needs and offers you an overpriced life insurance plan that you don’t need.

4) He’s here today, gone tomorrow

90% of insurance agents are out of the industry within 2 years. But wait – during the sales pitch, your agent assured you how he keeps in touch with all his clients, and how you’re not just buying a life insurance policy, you’re forming a lifelong relationship. Chances are, that’s a load of crap.

Times have changed. Back in the day, the only way to buy life insurance was through a local agent. Now, thanks to the internet, you can get instant quotes online and apply for coverage all from the comfort of your own home. It’s easy to know you’re getting the best value, and you won’t be sold something you don’t need. Plus you won’t have to deal with a questionable agent that takes up your valuable time.