Insurance agents are notorious for being difficult to get ahold of. While this may not be the case across the entire industry, it is something to be aware of.
Over the years, I have had my fair share of run-ins with insurance agents who will do anything to avoid communication. They are available when it comes to signing up a new customer, but after the contract is signed they go back into hiding.
Are you finding it difficult to effectively communicate with your insurance agent? You have two options:
- Cancel your policy and find an agent that better values your business
- Learn how to better communicate with these professionals
Since canceling your coverage can be such a pain, you may opt for the latter.
Here are five ways to put yourself in position to communicate more effectively with any insurance agent in your life:
1. Use the phone. While there is nothing wrong with sending an email from time to time, if you have a time sensitive inquiry (such as a claim) you need to contact your agent via telephone.
When you make a phone call it is hard for your agent to hide. When you send an email, however, this is not always the case. Don’t be shy about picking up the phone, asking for your agent, and doing whatever it takes to get him or her on the line.
2. Find out if your agent uses email on a regular basis. Even though it is 2014, there are still insurance professionals who don’t care to use email. These people have an email account, but they rarely check for new messages.
It is important to find out once and for all if email communication is something your agent believes in.
3. Get to know your agent’s team. It is likely that your insurance agent is not the only person in his or her office. In fact, you will probably go through a secretary before you ever get directly to the agent. You should get to know this person as soon as possible. Make friends with the secretary, as this will benefit you in the long run.
4. Be quick, clear, and concise with your message. Most insurance agents don’t want to spend hours on end speaking with you on the phone. If they know you are a “long talker” they are going to avoid your calls at all costs. On the other hand, if you have the reputation for only needing a minute or so of their time your chance of connecting is much greater.
5. Follow up on any voice message. You may find that leaving a voice message is something you have to do. Maybe the secretary put you through to the agent’s mailbox. Or maybe you are calling after hours.
If you don’t get a response to your voice message within an appropriate period of time, be sure to follow up.
Final Thoughts
No matter who you are, there is a good chance that you pay for many types of insurance coverage. From car to home to life, the policies you carry cost you money. For this reason, you deserve to be treated like a valued customer.
Use the five tips above to ensure effective communication with your insurance agent in the future.