Sarasota Insurance Agency >> blog
Back in 2013, I wrote this article about whether or not insurance agents are really necessary in today’s world.
Well, we’re fresh into 2018, and over the last 5 years, the industry had changed significantly.
I’d like to look at this with a fresh, modern perspective and tell you where I think the future of insurance agents is headed.
We already know that the insurance industry has started diving into the online space. You’ve got online insurance quotes, chatbots, and you can even purchase your insurance policy without ever speaking to a human being.
That leaves all of us wondering: Are insurance agents really necessary?
Here’s the real dilemma. Insurance companies and consumers are always searching for ways to save money. In their eyes, agents can seem like an unnecessary expense.
Why should the insurance company give up commission to an agent if the consumer can get a quote online?
Why would a consumer need an agent, when everything they need is right there on the web? After all, agents are driving up the cost of insurance due to their commissions, right?
To both parties, cutting out agents can seem like a cost-effective idea.
The fact of the matter is that if agents are eliminated, the consumer will face an array of problems.
And the answer to all of these questions is an agent!
Sure, you can go online and get a quote, chat with a robot, and make a purchase, but an agent is so much more than that.
An agent isn’t just a sales rep – an agent is the consumer’s partner. An agent makes sure the consumer has the right coverage, the right policy terms, and the right price.
The agent takes the time to understand what the consumer needs and matches them with the right insurance company.
While online quotes are nice, the reality is that they aren’t all they’re cut out to be.
Many smart consumers are starting to realize the limitations and pitfalls of using online quote systems to buy insurance.
And the most important part of this whole equation is that humans like to deal with humans! You’ll find that most consumers want to interact with another human when making an important purchase.
Ordering something off of Amazon? No problem.
But making a huge financial decision that will impact the rest of your retirement? I think people want to make that decision with the help of another person.
And if you think about it, when was the last time you kept pressing 0 trying to get to a human being?
I don't see insurance agents going anywhere anytime soon. Agents remain relevant to both insurance companies and to consumers.
They make a huge difference for both sides:
If you’re an independent agent, you can probably name a dozen other things you do for your clients that an online quoting system could never do.
You know the value that you offer to your clients. Never let an insurance company or an uninformed consumer tell you otherwise.
Insurance is changing rapidly – I know that when Jeff and I first got into the industry, we never saw a world where we didn’t knock on doors and do the kitchen table close. But there’s still that human desire to have an interaction with another person, and the value you provide can’t be replicated by the digital world.
Now is the time to look at expanding your products and services. Branching out to offer more products means that you will attract new clients while further enhancing your current customer service.
People don’t want 5 different agents for each type of insurance they have. If you can be a full-service agent, that’s just one more way that you can make sure your job is secure.
Look for a field marketing organization that offers the best deal for you, as an agent, and for your clients.
Original Source: https://www.newhorizonsmktg.com/news/are-insurance-agents-really-necessary2018-07-05 17:44:47