Q: I have two questions about insurance. I have had the same State Farm agent for over 30 years for both home and auto insurance. He is retiring and I am in the process of looking for a new agent, not a new company. What do I look for in choosing one?

Also, even though I am staying with the same company can I somehow get a better deal with a new agent, how do I approach getting a better deal, what should I ask for?

A: I would talk to your current agent about the agent he will refer his “book” of business to when he retires. He may have groomed someone. He may know someone else who is really terrific on whom you can rely.

I’ve found that insurance agents typically know what’s going on with other agents. You should talk to your agent about your concerns and whether different agents are empowered to give you different deals.