Frequently asked questions
How can I find an insurance broker near Columbia?
Mployer Advisor lets you search for Columbia-area insurance brokers, advisors, or consultants in one place. Narrow your results at the top of this page by M Score rating, company size, the type of insurance you’re looking for, or even your industry.
How are insurance brokers in Columbia paid?
Most often business insurance brokers are paid through commissions and fees. Small and mid-size companies’ insurance brokers are typically paid through commissions. These are paid to the broker by the insurance company you select. Larger companies often set up a fee-based arrangement instead of a commission-based arrangement with their broker or consultant partner.
Can I compare insurance brokers in the Columbia area?
It can feel overwhelming to sift through the many brokers in the Columbia area. It’s why Mployer Advisor provides a free comprehensive list of all Columbia insurance brokers. We include overviews, customer reviews, and our independent rating called an M Score. The higher the M Score, the broader the broker’s experience. With an M Score, you are empowered to choose the best broker for your company.
What is the difference between an insurance broker, agent, and a consultant in Columbia?
Insurance brokers, agents, and consultants in Columbia all have a similar role as they help a business or individual select an insurance company and plan.
- Agents represent one specific insurance company only for the most part, they sell that insurance company's products.
- Brokers are often independent and are able to quote multiple insurance company's prices. They are usually paid through a commission from the insurance company selected.
- Consultants are usually brokers as well, but they work with larger companies and are paid on a fee based arrangement, similar to general management consultants. That is why they are often called consultants.
You can use Mployer Advisor to find Columbia based insurance brokers and consultants.
Should I hire an independent Columbia insurance broker?
Finding the best insurance for your business can feel intimidating, as there are a lot of options in Columbia. For most organizations, it’s beneficial to hire an independent broker.
An insurance broker local to the Columbia area will have familiarity to the Columbia healthcare systems and insurance plans. This gives Columbia insurance brokers unique insight that others from out of the area may not have. Also, independent insurance brokers are able to quote you prices for your employees from a wider range of insurance carriers and therefore can often find prices and plans that better fit unique needs.
How do I choose a benefits broker in Columbia?
It can feel overwhelming to sift through the many brokers in the Columbia area. That is why Mployer Advisor provides a free comprehensive list of all Columbia insurance brokers. We include overviews, customer reviews, and our independent rating called an M Score.
Can I change my insurance broker?
If you are currently working with a broker, it’s important to know that you can always change your insurance broker. Even if you’re happy with your broker, it’s a good idea to evaluate Columbia-based insurance brokers often.
If you do not feel like you as a business are not receiving the right price or level of service you deserve, you should evaluate a new insurance broker. Mployer Advisor provides a free list of Columbia based insurance brokers and consultants for you to review including customer ratings and independent scores.
Will my insurance broker handle my insurance claims?
Insurance brokers in Columbia do not specifically handle claims, that is the role of your insurance carrier. Your insurance broker can help you navigate the claims process if needed, especially for large and or questionable claims.
Do all Columbia brokers have an M Score?
We work hard to ensure every M Score is accurate, helpful, and pushes the insurance brokerage industry to be open and transparent. It’s calculated using a brokerage's breadth and depth of experience across industries, employer sizes, and offerings. An industry-first, the M Score is available for most Columbia-based brokers and more are being added every day.
When is the best time to shop for a new insurance broker?
Making the right insurance choice saves money, helps retain the best employees, and can prevent unforeseen costs. An insurance broker is an invaluable asset so the best time to shop for a new Columbia-area insurance broker is earlier than you think. Extra time helps identify the skills and capabilities expected of your ideal broker, lets you understand how different brokers deliver different results, and gives you the ability to use neutral third-party tools like Mployer Advisor to evaluate broker options.
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