No one wants to be the insurance agent who only reaches out to policyholders when renewal time rolls around! With that said, here are some ideas to help you start those important conversations with your clients.
Read the policy.
Yes, the whole thing! It’s tempting to scan the summary page and the payment schedule and let it go at that, but you really need to understand what is and isn’t covered under your policy.
If you don’t understand something, ask me.
I know that policy language can be tough reading. (It is a legal contract, after all.) So if there’s a section you’re unsure about, I’ll be glad to go over it with you until everything’s clear.
Don’t waste time in filing a claim.
As a matter of fact, if you’re aware of a situation that might result in a claim, give notice to the insurance company as soon as possible. Failure to give timely notice can have a negative impact on coverage of the loss and related expenses.
Compare insurance coverage, not just price.
There are tons of websites out there promising you cheaper insurance rates. Just remember, sometimes you get what you pay for. The point of working with an insurance agent is finding the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
Ask me about risk mitigation resources.
While I’m here to help if you have a claim, I’d rather help you prevent one in the first place. There are lots of things you can do to help decrease your risk, from preventative care to installing technology to detect damage more quickly.
Let me know about your life events – and major purchases.
Most people realize that getting married (or divorced), having a baby, or buying a new car or house affected your insurance needs; but so can major purchases. If you renovate your house to make a room for Baby, for example, that can impact your homeowners’ policy.
Keep your insurance policy information handy.
You might keep proof of insurance in your car or your health insurance card in your wallet, but could you quickly lay hands on other insurance documents – especially in an emergency? There’s software to securely store copies of your insurance policies and other important documents online.
Be prepared to document losses.
These days, you’ll often be the first source of information about an insurance claim. Many insurance companies offer apps to help you do everything from photographing damage to compiling an accurate inventory of your personal possessions.
Be wary; major claim events bring out the scammers.
Some people are willing to take advantage of even the most tragic circumstances. When making a claim, be sure you’re working with a licensed adjuster and your agent – not someone off the street who offers to “take care of it for you.”
Insurance is about more than covering losses.
There is a wide range of insurance products available. While they help you recover financially in the wake of a loss, you can also use them to build wealth and transfer those resources to future generations.