There are agents that are only focused on their own needs (to make the sale) but usually they don't last long in the business. They get weeded out.
In the insurance business, customers aren't stuck with their decisions. It's not like you bought a car or a swimming pool.
Usually you have a monthly payment. You always have the first 30-days that you can cancel and get a full refund. After that you can still cancel and walk away. No one is stuck with something they can't get out of.
So bad high pressure insurance agents usually don't last long. They make sales but their sales fall off the books and their commissions become charge-backs. They starve out.
The first thing you should do is not work with an agent that is less than 3-years in the business. That will eliminate 90% of the bad ones right there.
Most experienced agents make plenty of money. We don't have to do the wrong thing because doing the right thing is very profitable for us.
Owner, Wright Insurance Agency, Great Pittsburgh Area
It generally pretty easy to see who actually cares about your best interest when dealing with an agent. A good agent will sit down with you, get to know you a little about what the insurance is going to cover and about you personally, ask you a series of questions about your needs, and come up with several different ideas to suite you based on your needs and your personal financial situation.
They'll take the time to explain the basics of each policy and what the pros and cons are of each one. Most importantly, they'll listen to you and understand your situation. It should never be a pressed situation because buying life insurance is probably the most important thing you'll ever do for your family in terms of protecting them.
Having been in this business for more than 30 years I have seen many agents come and go. There are, unfortunately, agents who are self centered and just interest in a sale. Check out the agent. Is he or she new in the business? Sometimes those agents do not have the experience in life to understand what they are selling. Are they independent or do they work for a company as a captive agent? Sometimes captive agents are being pressured by their sale managers to make a sale regardless of the clients needs especially when they are new. Are they local? Is there home phone listed on their business card? Some agents are sent in by a company from out of town. They may have an office phone number listed but no cell or home making it impossible to reach them if you need them of hours. I believe in being accessible to my clients. How pushy are they to make the sale THAT day? While buying insurance is important, if you are not comfortable with the agent don't let them pressure you. If they are truly caring then they will allow you time to make a decision and will be ready to answer any concerns about why you can't make a decision. Just be honest though. If you have a concern, tell the agent. Don't just give him a put off. Do they ask questions to help determine what your needs are or are they just peddling policies? A policy peddler is easy to spot. Not that these answers necessarily disqualifies them about how much they care, it is just some factors to weigh when evaluating your agent..
In my practice we try to help a person determine their needs and what they are trying to do. I look at affordability, family situation, debts, and other factors. I try to help solve problems. I go over the solutions and let the client make the decision, I do not try to twist arms to make a sale. When I make a new client I keep in touch and let them know I care and that if they need me I am there to help them. My clients can always reach me with questions.
An agent who is trying to make a commission and does not care about his clients can be easily be recognized by his actions and demeanor and his willingness to work with you.
Agents that ask questions and listen to your response are usually more interested in helping you regardless of any commission they may (or may not) earn from a sale.
With over 38 years in this industry I ask myself, what would I want to know if I were making a decision about insurance.
The bottom line is always, this is your plan and your money. Let me provide you the information so you can make the right decision in your time frame.
Business Development Officer, T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, Fresno, California
Just like people in any occupation, some look at the work as noble and others look at it as means to an end. The life insurance agents that care are frequently those who have had to deliver death claims. It is a sobering experience to be the only one to show up at the house with a ray of hope. I have seen gratitude like I have not experienced elsewhere. I try to tell them, this is what your spouse meant when he said that he loved you.
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In the insurance business, customers aren't stuck with their decisions. It's not like you bought a car or a swimming pool.
Usually you have a monthly payment. You always have the first 30-days that you can cancel and get a full refund. After that you can still cancel and walk away. No one is stuck with something they can't get out of.
So bad high pressure insurance agents usually don't last long. They make sales but their sales fall off the books and their commissions become charge-backs. They starve out.
The first thing you should do is not work with an agent that is less than 3-years in the business. That will eliminate 90% of the bad ones right there.
Most experienced agents make plenty of money. We don't have to do the wrong thing because doing the right thing is very profitable for us.
They'll take the time to explain the basics of each policy and what the pros and cons are of each one. Most importantly, they'll listen to you and understand your situation. It should never be a pressed situation because buying life insurance is probably the most important thing you'll ever do for your family in terms of protecting them.
In my practice we try to help a person determine their needs and what they are trying to do. I look at affordability, family situation, debts, and other factors. I try to help solve problems. I go over the solutions and let the client make the decision, I do not try to twist arms to make a sale. When I make a new client I keep in touch and let them know I care and that if they need me I am there to help them. My clients can always reach me with questions.
An agent who is trying to make a commission and does not care about his clients can be easily be recognized by his actions and demeanor and his willingness to work with you.
With over 38 years in this industry I ask myself, what would I want to know if I were making a decision about insurance.
The bottom line is always, this is your plan and your money. Let me provide you the information so you can make the right decision in your time frame.