If you've spent time with an insurance agent, then you may have left the conversation with a lot of anxiety about the personal and professional risks for which you are unprotected. The good news is that many of us overcome this hurdle and eventually protect ourselves against these risks. The bad news is that we often forget to look at the risk associated with the companies providing the insurance. In times of economic and political instability, marginal insurance providers are at risk, placing policyholders at risk.

For individuals interested in doing a little homework before buying insurance, A.M. Best offers an extensive database of insurance company ratings. Since 1899, A.M. Best has been collecting insurance information, for both professionals and consumers. To gain full access to the ratings, you'll need to register and wade through some technical information. If you have limited time and perhaps comfort with the more technical aspects of the site, then print out the following page describing Best's ratings, and ask you insurance provider how they rank. Most should have the answer, which you can then use to compare against other providers.

By taking these necessary steps, you'll be better prepared to weather the next unexpected financial, economic, or political crisis.