Second, ask around. You may want to find out if your local Better Business Bureau has received complaints about a particular agent. Ask the agent for recommendations from some other clients. Third, ask agents what kind of service you can expect from them. Finally, remember who your agent works for.
Agents work on a commission basis for insurance companies.
Legally, they do not work for consumers. While the price you pay is important, buying the cheapest policy is not necessarily a good idea. Then again, looking only at benefits could result in paying a higher than necessary premium. How long the company has been in business offering similar policies The Oregon Insurance Division has several brochures to help you choose a company. Some of these brochures even compare premiums and benefits.