Five Things Every Insurance Agent Should Have

Insurance falls into two main categories: Fire and Casualty is one, and Life and Health is the other. An insurance agent/broker must be licensed to sell insurance that falls under these categories, and there is a set number of classroom training hours required, as well as a separate test for each. Regardless of the type of insurance an agent sells, (and some agents/brokers have a license for both), there are several tools of which an insurance agent should make use. This article will focus on the top 5 things that every insurance agent should have.

Each of these things is listed immediately below, numbers 1-5. The paragraphs following will give more details on each.

1) Reliable, prompt, and consistent customer service.

2) An accurate, easily navigated, and continuously updated website.

3) A method of acquiring and accessing leads to obtain new business.

4) A system of regaining “lost” accounts.

5) Knowledge and thorough understanding of changes pertinent to the type of insurance the agent sells.

Customer service is considered by many in the industry to be the cornerstone of long-term success as an insurance agent. An independent agent will usually follow up with policyholders directly. A “captive agent” (an employee of an insurance agency who can sell only products sold by that agency) often has the assistance of customer service representatives. Customer service includes, but is not limited to, keeping track of policy expiration dates, notifying the company of claims reported, and, for those licensed to do so, answering questions pertaining to coverage.

A website is considered indispensable, since most people seeking insurance tend to go online before they do anything else. A website that is not up-to-date, simple to navigate and accurate will often inspire the reader to hit the “back” button and find one that is.

An effective method to obtain new business and regain lost accounts is perhaps a key to sustainable career in this industry. This may include persuasive skills and tools such as embossed business card in business card boxes.

Lastly, an agent should have all the knowledge about the products and services that he sells or represents. He should be able to accurately answer any questions pertaining to those in order to be more credible.