Before a Purchase After a Purchase Before a Purchase Look for a company that is reputable, consumer-oriented, and financially strong. A number of insurance rating services rate the financial strength of companies, and such information can be obtained from your agent or from public or business libraries. Rating agencies include A.M. Best Company, Fitch Ratings, Moody's Investor Services Inc, Standard & Poor's Insurance Rating Services, and Weiss Ratings.    Ask for outlines of coverage so you can compare the features of several policies. Make sure you fully understand what the policy covers and note when the insurance becomes effective. Make sure the information you provide is accurate and that your application has been filled out correctly. Always answer questions about your medical history and health carefully and truthfully. Promptly notify your agent or company of errors or missing information. Make your check or money order payable to the insurance company, not the agent. Do not pay with cash and get a receipt. Consider having the premium automatically taken out of your bank account, so you won't lose your coverage if an illness or accident prevents you from paying your premium. ACLI has created a policy checklist to help you compare policies offered by different companies, or different policies offered by the same company.  After a Purchase Carefully review the contract during the "free-look" period. After you have purchased an insurance policy, you may have a "free-look" period -- usually 30 days after you receive the policy -- when you can change your mind. If you decide not to keep it, the company will cancel the policy and give you an appropriate refund. Contact your agent or insurer if you don't receive your policy within 60 days. Notify your insurance company if you change banks, if you have premiums automatically deducted from your bank account. A missed payment could jeopardize your policy. Contact the insurance company's customer services division with concerns or complaints about your agent or the company. If you are still dissatisfied, contact your state insurance department.