Why are insurance agents never in their offices?
I’ve had State Farm for 12 years and had four different agents. I’ve never seen one in their office, nor have I ever met one. What are they doing?
I’m an agent and I’m in my office M-F 8:30-5:00. I don’t “go out and sell insurance” people call me for quotes. I’ve never once had to leave my office for such malarkey.
THey’re out selling insurance. Most of the time, you have to go out to find the clients, they don’t usually come to you. Like any selling job, you have to make appointmetns, and go to the buyer.
But, then they have to hire someone to “manage” the existing business – usually a licensed “customer service representative” or account manager. That’s the person who can answer your questions or make changes to your policy.
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Most of the time they are in the field selling insurance. They have to make commission. Otherwise they are probably at lunch. Lol.
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There is a lot of field work involved in being a good insurance agent. Home policies in particular require agency level underwriting which includes on site inspection as well as photographing & meansuring to determine adequate levels of coverage and provide documentation on file in support of the policy, as well as “closing the deal” saleswise.
There is also a lot of marketing and community relations involved in the insurance business. There is no substitute for getting out and beating the bushes and getting known in the community. For my boss, this includes sponsoring local youth things like 4-H, sports teams, etc., as well as just seeing and being seen around our small town.
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I work for an independent insurance agent
if you can’t ever get in contact with your agent its time to find a new one. State Farm and Allstate are notorious for this. they are out in the field selling while their existing clients cannot ever get to them.
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Agent
You can always make an appointment for the Agent. There is usually a licensed staff person in the office that is available to help you with whatever you need. As long as you get good service, who cares about anything else? I am sure if you call your agents office you can make an appointment.
Hopefully the Agent has good staff. He pays them to do the work. That is what happens in any business. The boss pays someone else to do the work. All that matters to you is you get what you need and you get good service. If you don't transfer to another State Farm office.
I am a licensed staff person in a State Farm office.
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http://www.statefarm.com
I’m an agent and I’m in my office M-F 8:30-5:00. I don’t “go out and sell insurance” people call me for quotes. I’ve never once had to leave my office for such malarkey.
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Have you checked the golf course?
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As an agent I can answer this with authority.
1. Leave SF and AS they are in the business of turn and burn. Once they get you, they forget you.
2. Locate a COUNTRY Financial office if there is one in your area. You will have better luck because they meet with you at least one time a year to review your coverage.
3. We do take appointments that require drive time and appt time, we cannot be here from 6am (for the early folks) until 9pm (for the late guys) everyday. We have families and lives too.
4. Try email, i find it very helpful and then you have the answers in writing too.
I hope this helps…
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If it’s sunny we’re golfing, rainy– at happy hour…
Dunno…I’m in my office now.
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I would think that is why you have had 4 different agents over 12 years – they are not making a commitment to meet their clients at least once a year. All agents and brokers should do that.
That said, an agent can’t wait around for the phone to ring. They have to be out of the office meeting new people, taking courses, visiting clients, etc. Most agencies have Customer Service Reps assisting them. These CSR’s are licensed and can answer your questions.
Hope that helps
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6 years as an agent – 2 years as an independent broker