The promise is simple: compare plans from top companies and save money. It’s an attractive offer, and it’s what makes services like Select Quotes insurance so popular. Who wouldn’t want to find the best deal without all the hassle? But when a process seems that easy, it’s smart to ask a few questions. Are you really seeing all of your options, or just a small slice of the market? Is the advice you’re getting completely unbiased? We’ll break down the facts, looking at how their business model works so you can decide if it’s the right path for you.
Key Takeaways
- They’re a Broker with a Limited Menu: SelectQuote isn’t an insurance company; they’re a broker that shows you plans from a select group of partners. This means you’re only seeing a slice of the market and could miss out on a better plan from a company outside their network.
- Prepare for an Impersonal Process: The company operates on a large call-center model, so you’ll likely speak to a different agent each time you call. If you value having one dedicated person who knows your history and can offer consistent support, you may want to look elsewhere.
- Be Your Own Best Advocate: No matter who you work with, ask direct questions about how agents are paid and which companies they represent. Understanding their incentives empowers you to make a well-informed choice and find a plan that truly serves your best interests.
What Is SelectQuote?
When you see a commercial for SelectQuote, it’s easy to assume they’re an insurance company like Progressive or Allstate. However, it’s important to understand that they operate differently. SelectQuote is a large insurance agency, which means they act as a broker. They don’t sell their own insurance plans. Instead, they connect you with different insurance companies to help you compare quotes and find a policy.
Think of them as a marketplace. You go to them with your insurance needs, and they show you options from a selection of companies they partner with. This model can be helpful for comparison shopping, but it also means their recommendations are limited to the companies within their network. Their main goal is to help you find coverage by comparing plans from various highly-rated insurance carriers, all in one place.
How Does SelectQuote Work?
The process usually starts when you contact SelectQuote, either by calling a number you saw on TV or by filling out a form on their website. A licensed agent will then get in touch to discuss your needs, budget, and health status. Based on that conversation, the agent will search for plans from their partner insurance companies. They’ll present you with a few quotes and explain the differences between the policies. If you decide to move forward with one of the options, the SelectQuote agent will help you complete the application and get enrolled. Their service is designed to simplify the shopping experience by doing the comparison work for you.
What Is an Insurance Broker?
An insurance broker is a professional who acts as a middleman between you and the insurance companies. Unlike a “captive” agent who only works for one company, a broker represents multiple insurers. This allows them to offer you a wider range of products and price points. Their job is to understand your specific situation and help you find a policy that fits your needs and budget from the companies they have access to. Brokers are paid a commission by the insurance company when they sell a policy, so their service is typically free for you to use. It’s a common and legitimate way to buy insurance, but it’s good to know who the broker is partnered with.
What Kind of Insurance Do They Sell?
SelectQuote isn’t focused on just one type of insurance. They offer policies across several major categories, which is why you might see their ads targeting different age groups and life stages. Their main product lines include life insurance (like term life and final expense policies), home and auto insurance bundles, and Medicare insurance plans. For those approaching retirement, they offer both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. This broad approach allows them to serve a wide variety of customers, from young families buying their first home to seniors looking for the right healthcare coverage.
What to Expect from the SelectQuote Process
Working with an insurance broker like SelectQuote involves a few key steps, from the initial conversation to long-term support. Understanding this process can help you know what to expect and how to prepare. The goal is to move from feeling uncertain about your options to confidently enrolling in a plan that fits your needs. Let’s walk through what each stage of the journey with SelectQuote typically looks like.
The First Call
Your first interaction with SelectQuote will likely be a phone call with one of their licensed agents. The purpose of this call is for them to get to know you and your specific insurance needs. According to SelectQuote, their main goal is to help people find the right coverage at a good price by comparing plans from various highly-rated insurance companies. You can expect the agent to ask questions about your health, lifestyle, budget, and what you’re looking for in a policy. This information helps them build a profile to match you with suitable plans from their network of partners.
How They Compare Quotes
After gathering your information, the SelectQuote agent does the shopping for you. They take your profile and compare it against the plans offered by the insurance companies they work with. This is the core of their service. While they are known for making it easy to compare car insurance quotes, they use a similar method for Medicare, life, and home insurance. The agent will then present you with the options they believe are the best fit, explaining the premiums, coverage details, and deductibles for each. This comparison is designed to save you the time and effort of contacting multiple insurance companies on your own.
Applying and Enrolling
Once you’ve reviewed the quotes and chosen a plan, the SelectQuote agent will help you with the next steps: the application and enrollment. Insurance paperwork can be confusing, so having someone guide you through it can be a real help. The agent will walk you through each part of the application, making sure all the information is accurate and complete before it’s submitted to the insurance company. Just as they help you find home insurance quotes to save time and money, they also aim to make the enrollment process as smooth as possible so your new coverage can begin without any hitches.
Support After You Buy
Your relationship with SelectQuote doesn’t have to end once your policy is active. The company offers ongoing customer support to its clients. According to a review of SelectQuote, they provide tools and resources to help you manage your policy long after the initial purchase. This can include answering questions about your coverage, assisting with claims, or helping you review your plan during the annual enrollment period to ensure it still meets your needs. Having access to this post-enrollment support is an important factor to consider, as your insurance needs can change over time.
A Closer Look at SelectQuote’s Insurance Plans
SelectQuote has expanded its services over the years to cover several key areas of insurance. While they started with a focus on life insurance, they now offer plans for Medicare, home, and auto as well. This can make them seem like a convenient one-stop shop for all your insurance needs. Let’s break down what they offer in each category so you can get a clearer picture of their services. Understanding the specifics of each type of plan, and more importantly, the limitations of their comparisons, is key to figuring out if they are the right fit for you.
Life Insurance
SelectQuote says it is a top agency for selling term life insurance. This type of insurance provides coverage for a specific period, like 10, 20, or 30 years, and is often more affordable than whole life insurance. Their process involves comparing quotes from different carriers to find a competitive rate for the term length and coverage amount you need. For many people, this is their first introduction to the company. Their agents are trained to walk you through the application process, which typically includes a health questionnaire and sometimes a medical exam, to help you secure a policy.
Medicare
For those approaching or over 65, SelectQuote offers to help find Medicare coverage. They compare plans from what they describe as many highly-rated insurance companies. Their agents can help you explore your options for Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). The goal is to present you with plans that fit your healthcare needs and budget. They aim to simplify the complex world of Medicare by showing you several options side-by-side, explaining the differences in premiums, deductibles, and copays to help you make a decision during your enrollment period.
Home and Auto
Beyond health and life insurance, SelectQuote also provides a service for comparing home and auto insurance policies. Much like their other offerings, they shop for home insurance quotes and auto policies from various providers. This service is designed to save you the time and effort of contacting multiple insurance companies on your own. By bundling home and auto policies, customers can sometimes find additional savings. Their agents will ask about your property, driving history, and coverage needs to find policies that match your requirements from their network of insurance partners.
What Are the Coverage Limits?
This is an important point to understand. SelectQuote works with a select group of insurance companies. While they compare plans, they are only comparing options from the carriers within their specific network. This means you won’t see every plan available in your area. There could be another company—one that SelectQuote doesn’t partner with—that offers a plan with better coverage or a lower premium for your specific situation. You are only seeing a slice of the market, not the entire pie, which could cause you to miss out on a more suitable option.
Where Is SelectQuote Available?
SelectQuote has been in the insurance business since 1985, giving them a long history in the industry. They are a large, national agency licensed to sell insurance in many states across the U.S. However, the specific plans and insurance companies they represent can vary from one state to another due to local regulations and partnership agreements. Before you invest time in their process, it’s always a good idea to confirm that they are licensed in your state and to ask which specific insurance carriers they work with for your location.
Fact vs. Fiction: Common Beliefs About SelectQuote
When you see ads for a service like SelectQuote, it’s easy to form an impression of how they work. But sometimes, the reality of the process is a little different from what you might expect. Let’s clear up some common beliefs and look at what you can really anticipate when you work with them. Understanding these points can help you decide if their approach is the right fit for your needs.
Do They Compare All Your Options?
A common assumption is that a large broker like SelectQuote will show you every possible plan from every insurance company. The reality is that they only compare plans from a specific group of insurance companies they have partnerships with. This is a key detail because it means you won’t get a view of the entire market. While they offer a selection, you could potentially miss out on a more suitable or affordable plan from a company that isn’t in their network. It’s always a good idea to understand which carriers an agent or broker represents before making a decision.
How Personalized Is the Service?
You might picture having a dedicated agent who gets to know you and your situation. However, SelectQuote primarily operates on a call center model. This structure often means you’ll speak with a different agent each time you call with a question or concern. While the agents are trained to help, this approach can feel impersonal and may lead to frustration if you have to explain your circumstances over and over again. If you value building a long-term relationship with one person who understands your history and needs, this is an important factor to consider.
Are Agent Recommendations Unbiased?
It’s fair to wonder if the advice you’re getting is truly in your best interest. SelectQuote agents earn commissions from the insurance companies for the policies they sell. Because of this commission-based structure, there’s a possibility that the plans they emphasize could be influenced by their financial arrangements with certain carriers. This doesn’t mean you’ll get bad advice, but it’s a fundamental aspect of how the industry works. Understanding how agents are paid can help you ask better questions and feel more confident in the choices you make.
What to Expect from Customer Support
While there are some potential drawbacks to their model, many people have positive interactions with SelectQuote’s customer support. In fact, customer reviews frequently praise the staff for being knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely helpful. Many describe the process, from the initial phone call to the final policy approval, as being smooth and straightforward. According to reviews on Trustpilot, the efficiency and expertise of the agents are often highlighted as major strengths. This suggests that while the service might lack a personal touch for some, the team is well-equipped to handle the technical aspects of getting you insured.
A Look Behind the Curtain: How SelectQuote Operates
To really understand if a service is right for you, it helps to see how it works on the inside. The way a company is structured, how its agents are paid, and its relationships with insurance carriers all play a part in the experience you’ll have. Let’s pull back the curtain on SelectQuote’s business model so you can have a clearer picture of what to expect when you work with them.
A Limited Network of Insurance Companies
One of the most important things to know is that SelectQuote doesn’t show you every plan from every company. They work with a specific group of partner insurance companies. While this can simplify the options presented to you, it also means you won’t get a view of the entire market. You could potentially miss out on a plan with better coverage or a lower premium from a carrier that isn’t in their network. It’s a trade-off between a curated selection and a comprehensive search, and it’s something to be aware of from the start.
How Agents Are Paid
You might wonder how SelectQuote can offer its service for free. The answer is commissions. When you sign up for a plan through one of their agents, SelectQuote receives a payment from that insurance company. This is a standard practice for insurance brokers. However, it’s helpful to be aware of this dynamic. Since agents are compensated by the companies they partner with, their income is tied to making a sale from that specific pool of options. This is a common model, but it’s a factor to keep in mind as you evaluate their recommendations.
Common Sales Practices
Many people who contact SelectQuote report receiving frequent follow-up calls and emails. This is a common sales strategy designed to keep the conversation going, but it can feel overwhelming for some. Former employees have also described a sales environment focused on meeting quotas. Knowing this ahead of time can help you set expectations. If you decide to reach out for a quote, be prepared for persistent communication and a sales-focused conversation. You can always be direct and tell an agent your preferred method and frequency for follow-ups.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
It’s also important to be aware of some serious legal issues facing the company. SelectQuote is currently involved in a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice alleging an illegal kickback scheme. The government claims the company made improper payments to other brokers to push certain Medicare Advantage plans. This kind of legal trouble raises significant questions about whether the advice provided to customers was always unbiased and in their best interest. When a company faces accusations like these, it’s a critical piece of information to consider as you weigh your options.
How Does SelectQuote Compare to Other Options?
When you’re looking for insurance, you have several paths you can take, and SelectQuote is just one of them. It’s important to know that SelectQuote is a large insurance broker, not an insurance company. This means they don’t sell their own policies. Instead, their role is to connect you with different insurance companies to compare quotes. Understanding how their model stacks up against other choices can help you decide on the best approach for your needs, especially when it comes to something as important as your Medicare coverage. Let’s walk through the main alternatives so you can see the full picture.
Buying Directly from an Insurance Company
You can always go straight to the source and buy a policy directly from an insurance carrier like Aetna, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare. The main advantage here is that you’re dealing with the company that will ultimately service your policy. However, the biggest drawback is the limited selection. An agent at a specific company can only sell you that company’s products. They can’t tell you if a competitor has a better plan for your situation or a lower price. This approach requires you to do all the comparison shopping yourself by contacting multiple companies individually, which can be time-consuming and confusing.
Working with Other Brokers
SelectQuote is one of many insurance brokers. Their stated goal is to help people find good coverage at competitive prices by comparing multiple insurance companies for you. This is a definite step up from going direct, as it saves you the legwork of calling each carrier on your own. However, brokers can vary widely. Some, like SelectQuote, are massive, national call centers that handle a high volume of clients. Others are smaller, local firms. The key difference often comes down to the number of insurance companies they represent and the level of personal service you receive. Not all brokers have access to the same plans.
Partnering with an Independent Agent
For a decision as personal as Medicare, many people find it’s best to work with an independent agent who specializes in this area. Unlike a call-center agent who might handle thousands of calls, an independent agent can provide dedicated, one-on-one support. They take the time to understand your health needs, prescriptions, and budget to find a truly suitable plan. A key advantage is that independent agents typically represent a much wider range of insurance companies, including smaller, regional carriers that large national brokers might overlook. This gives you a more comprehensive view of your options and a better chance of finding the perfect fit.
Using Online Comparison Tools
Online tools have made it incredibly easy to get quick insurance quotes. SelectQuote, for example, emphasizes that they can help you compare auto insurance quotes from top providers in minutes. These tools are great for getting a ballpark idea of costs for simpler products like car insurance. However, they often fall short for complex needs like Medicare. An online form can’t ask the detailed follow-up questions a human agent would. It won’t know which local doctor networks are best or how to account for your specific prescription list. These tools can be a good starting point, but they rarely provide the complete, nuanced picture needed to make a confident Medicare decision.
The Pros and Cons of Using SelectQuote
When you’re looking for an insurance plan, it’s smart to weigh the good with the bad for any company you consider. SelectQuote, like any large broker, has its strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, their size and model can lead to competitive pricing. On the other, the experience isn’t always as personal or smooth as you might hope.
Understanding both sides of the coin can help you decide if their approach is the right fit for your needs. Let’s walk through what customers often say about their experiences, from the potential savings to the service you can expect to receive.
Pro: Potential to Save Money
One of the main reasons people turn to brokers like SelectQuote is the possibility of finding a better price. As a major player in the insurance market, SelectQuote claims to be “America’s #1 Term Life Sales Agency” and suggests that customers can save significantly on policies. While this claim is specific to life insurance, the core idea is that by comparing quotes from multiple carriers, they can find a more affordable plan for you. If your top priority is finding the lowest possible premium, using a large-scale broker could be an effective way to see several options at once.
Con: Customer Service Experiences
While some customers have a great experience, others report significant challenges with service. It’s not uncommon to find reviews that praise agents for being knowledgeable and professional during the initial sales call. However, a recurring theme in less positive feedback is the difficulty in getting help after the sale. Many people have shared their frustration with trying to reach an agent or support staff when they have a question or a problem. This inconsistency means that while you might connect with a helpful person initially, ongoing support isn’t always guaranteed.
Con: Communication Issues
Clear and timely communication is crucial when you’re dealing with something as important as insurance. Unfortunately, this is an area where some customers feel SelectQuote falls short. People have reported long delays in the application process, sometimes waiting weeks for updates on things like medical records or final approvals. In more serious cases, customers have been denied coverage without receiving a clear or timely explanation. These communication gaps can leave you feeling confused and uncertain about the status of your policy.
Con: Unexpected Fees or Costs
Nobody likes financial surprises, especially when you’re on a budget. A number of customer complaints mention that the final price of their policy was higher than the original quote. In one instance, a customer noted their final premium was nearly double the initial estimate, and the entire process took two months to complete. While quotes can change based on underwriting, a significant price hike can be a major issue. It’s a reminder to ask detailed questions about what might cause your premium to change before you commit.
How They Handle Customer Complaints
The way a company addresses problems can say a lot about its priorities. When you look at public review sites, SelectQuote doesn’t have a strong track record of responding to negative feedback. This lack of engagement can be concerning, as it suggests that resolving issues for unhappy customers may not be a primary focus. If you value knowing that a company will be there to help you work through any problems that arise, this is an important factor to consider.
How to Make the Right Choice for You
Choosing a Medicare plan is a major decision, and it’s important to feel confident in the path you take. Whether you work with a large broker like SelectQuote or an independent agent, the goal is to find a plan that truly fits your life. Here’s how to think through your options and make sure you’re in the driver’s seat.
Who Might Benefit from SelectQuote
If you’re looking for a fast way to compare plans from several major insurance carriers, SelectQuote can be a useful starting point. Their process is designed for efficiency, helping you see quotes from their partner companies all in one place. This approach works well for people who are comfortable doing their own research, feel confident asking direct questions, and want a streamlined way to see multiple brand-name options without visiting several different websites. It’s a straightforward service for those who prioritize convenience and want to quickly get a sense of what’s available from a curated list of providers.
When to Look for Other Options
You may want to explore other avenues if you prefer a more comprehensive and personalized experience. Because SelectQuote only works with a limited number of insurance companies, you won’t see every plan available in your area. This means you could miss out on a better or more affordable option from a company outside their network. If you value having a complete picture of the market or feel uncomfortable with a sales process that seems rushed, it’s a good idea to slow down. Your peace of mind is paramount, so if you feel pressured, it’s a clear sign to look for guidance elsewhere.
Key Questions to Ask Any Agent
No matter who you speak with, asking the right questions can help you get the clarity you need. Being prepared empowers you to make a well-informed decision. Here are a few key questions to have ready for any agent or broker:
- How are you compensated for selling this plan?
- Which insurance companies do you represent?
- Can you show me a list of all the plans available in my county, even those you don’t sell?
- What factors might cause my premium to change in the future?
An agent who is focused on your best interests will be happy to answer these questions openly and honestly.
How to Protect Yourself
Always remember that you are in control of your healthcare decisions. Because many agents work on commission, their recommendations can sometimes be influenced by their relationships with certain insurance companies. Take your time to review all documents and never sign up for a plan on a call if you feel uncertain. It’s also wise to be aware of a company’s reputation. For instance, some brokers have faced legal scrutiny; investors even sued SelectQuote after the Department of Justice intervened in a lawsuit involving kickback allegations. Finding a trustworthy advisor who puts your needs first is the best way to protect yourself and secure the right coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is using a service like SelectQuote really free? Yes, you won’t pay a direct fee for their help. Insurance brokers, including SelectQuote, are paid a commission by the insurance company when they successfully enroll someone in a plan. This is a standard industry practice. It’s just good to be aware that their payment comes from the carriers they partner with, not from you.
Will SelectQuote show me every Medicare plan available to me? No, and this is a critical point to understand. SelectQuote only presents plans from a specific group of insurance companies they have contracts with. You are seeing a curated selection, not the entire market. This means you could miss out on a more suitable or affordable plan from a carrier that isn’t in their network.
What’s the difference between using SelectQuote and a local independent agent? The experience often comes down to the breadth of options and the style of service. SelectQuote is a large call center, so you may speak with a different agent each time you call, which can feel impersonal. An independent agent typically provides dedicated, one-on-one support and often represents a wider range of insurance companies, giving you a more complete view of what’s available in your area.
Why would I use a broker instead of just calling an insurance company directly? If you call an insurance company directly, their agent can only discuss that company’s products. They can’t tell you if a competitor offers a better plan for your needs. A broker saves you time by comparing options from several different carriers at once, which is much more efficient than you calling each company on your own.
Are the agents’ recommendations always in my best interest? While agents are there to help you find coverage, it’s important to remember that they work on commission. This means their income is tied to selling policies from their network of partner companies. This doesn’t mean you’ll get bad advice, but it’s a good reason to be an active participant in the conversation. Always ask questions to ensure the plan they recommend truly fits your unique health needs and budget.