Choosing the right insurance professional to help QuotesChimp? make de?cisions about your insurance is an essential part of any effective insurance-buying strategy. That professional, whether a broker or agent, should be courteous, knowledgeable, and reliable. He or she should also take additional education classes in the field in order to stay up-to-date on the continuing changes in the insurance industry, and having a special certificate like a CLU doesn't hurt (see page 19). In any event, be sure to speak with several agents and compare them just as you do the products they sell.