Getting life insurance is a big financial move. Depending on the type of policy you end up with, you can be paying for it for many years to come. That makes the work of choosing every part of it very important — even when it comes to choosing an agent. Unless you change insurance companies, you may be interacting with the same agent for a long time so it’s wise to choose someone that you trust and feel comfortable with.

Start out by getting referrals from family and friends, business associates or trusted advisors such as your lawyer or accountant. To get a complete list of agents working in your area, contact your state insurance department.

When you have a list of potential agents to work with, find out more about each agent’s insurance company. Find out what types of insurance they specialize in and the range of policies they offer. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau and find out if they’ve had any complaints lodged against them recently, too. You can also consult with reputable websites to see feedback about each insurance company.

Once you narrow your list down to reputable companies who specialize in the type of insurance you are looking for, it’s time to begin contacting the agents. Arrange face-to-face meetings with at least three or four agents, more if you have the time. Find out about their qualifications and their specialties, as well as their customer references. Ask them if they’re a member of a professional association such as the National Association of Life Underwriters or the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors—agents who are members of these types of associations are required to maintain high ethical standards in their work.

In your initial interview, be on the lookout for an agent who is willing to take time to answer all your questions and who asks you questions, too. The agent who doesn’t ask questions about your current financial situation and your goals may be an agent who isn’t necessarily interested in helping you get coverage that best meets your needs. A good agent will want to know all the details about your finances and your plans before shoving policy offers into the mix. Because it can be difficult to comprehend insurance terms in one sitting, it’s always good to find an agent who can break it down into language that you can easily understand without leaving out important details.

When you’re making your final selection, don’t forget to call your state insurance commission or find them online at http://www.naic.org to investigate the qualifications and reputation of potential agents.

And finally, go with your gut instincts just as much as with tangible things like qualifications—if you feel uncomfortable with any agent, or feel that they may not be working in your best interests, just walk away and keep looking. Insurance will help protect you and your family, so take the extra time and don’t let yourself be rushed into making a choice.

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