Insurance agents offer a very personal and important service. They serve as advisors and consultants. Their job is to recommend products and services that help you protect your possessions and secure your financial security. Good agents never use a cookie-cutter approach; they look individually at their clients. They listen first, and then offer solutions. They never try to sell a product or service; they instead only recommend those that will truly help you and your individual situation. It’s important to select an agent who has the skills, knowledge, dedication and reputation to provide the service you deserve.
Develop A Relationship
The best agents focus on building relationships with their customers. Only through the development of a relationship can an agent become sensitive to changing life needs and anticipate the kinds of insurance and financial products and services you may need at different stages of your life. As a result, you want to choose someone you can depend on, and someone you feel will have a continued interest in you and your affairs.
Qualities Of A Good Agent
Agents should be focused on you and work hard on your behalf. Consider the following qualities when choosing an agent:
- References – Ask for references from other people in your age and income bracket, as well as from family, friends, and social or business acquaintances.
- Credentials – Find out if the agent has any professional education and training credentials, and advanced insurance designations such as Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Property/Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), or Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). Also, is the agent a member of any professional organizations, such as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors?
- Knowledge and Honesty – Insurance can be confusing. Your agent should be able to provide you with up-to-date information on new product developments and should use terms you understand when explaining insurance policies and financial products. Most importantly, an agent should tell you when a policy or service isn’t a good fit for you.
- Trustworthiness – Above all, your insurance agent should be someone you trust, either through recommendations from people you respect, or from your own knowledge of the person. You should be able to communicate with the agent and get the answers to your questions in language you can understand.
- Integrity – Agents should listen to you and be up front about everything they say and do. Quality insurance agents don’t focus on selling, instead, they concentrate on providing for your needs and helping others.
- Stability and Dedication – Through the years, your needs will change. Your agent should provide annual reviews to help you determine whether the policies and services you have in place are still meeting your insurance and financial needs and goals.
Look Beyond The Agent
You must also look at the companies the agent represents. Are the companies financially sound? What are their financial ratings from major ratings organizations, such as A.M. Best and TheStreet.com? Do they offer a broad range of high quality insurance and financial products and services?
Price should not be the lone reason for choosing an agent or company; consider the products available and the service of both the agent and the company. Your personal knowledge of both the company’s and the agent’s reputation for good service is a significant consideration.
Do your homework when choosing an agent. Finding someone with whom you are comfortable is the first step in creating a relationship that will help you through your lifetime.
{ 0 comments… add one now }