They deal with all the insurance providers directly and do all the donkey work in terms of identifying, comparing and selecting the right policy for you. It’s therefore an important relationship and so it’s worth taking your time to ensure you select the right insurance agent for you.
1. Good listening skillsThe ability to listen is a fundamental characteristic of good insurance agents. As the client you want to have complete confidence that the agent understands your circumstances and requirements and is therefore acting in your best interests. Being able to listen attentively is a good indication of how effective the insurance agent will be in working on your behalf.
2. Flexibility
If you have a full and demanding job, it’s often not possible to take time off work to meet up with your insurance agent. And so it’s important that your agent has some flexibility in their schedule to meet with you, say, in the evening or during lunch times. An agent that doesn’t have this kind of flexibility probably isn’t as dedicated and committed as you need them to be.
3. Effective communicator
Insurance policies are notoriously hard to understand. Written in bureaucratic, jargon-filled language, it can be quite a challenge to work out what the bottom line is. An insurance agent that is a good communicator is, therefore, essential. Your agent should be able to tell you in layman’s terms exactly what your policy covers so that you are absolutely clear what you’re signing up for.
4. Proactive approach
A good insurance agent doesn’t need to be chased. If a policy is due to expire then they will be in touch to remind you and present you with a range of alternative options. Actively working on your behalf, the good insurance agent just quietly gets on with it.
5. Knows when to take a step back
One of the most common complaints customers have about their insurance agents is that they are too pushy. There’s a balancing act to be struck in terms of being proactive and being overly persistent. A good insurance agent instinctively knows when to take a step back and to give the client time and space to consider their options.
And so when selecting your insurance agent, make sure you look out for these important characteristics so you find the perfect one for you.