Car salespeople, attorneys and insurance agents all have something in common — they are not always held in the highest esteem. I know, major shock, but it’s true. Why is that the general consensus? What is it about insurance folks, at least, that makes most people wince? Is it a justified reaction, and, most important, can I change it with this article?
Although I gave you a short list of business types that most of us don’t exactly love, they and others at the bottom of the barrel have something in common. And no, I am not referring to the fact that you don’t like ’em. Each work in an industry that we turn to out of necessity. These are occupations that you may even say we are forced to interact with, like it or not. Get sued, you need to have an attorney. Need a car, time to deal with a car salesperson. And, yes, if you a house and/or a car, you will find no shortage of people looking to sell an insurance policy to you.
Let’s zoom in a bit and focus on the insurance dude or dudette. They get up in the morning, have some coffee (regular, not decaf), shower (hopefully) and are at their desk when the sun rises. Yes, that’s earlier than most workers, because some of the large insurers are in different time zones, and the early agent gets the underwriter.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What insurance pros get to hear again and again
You have an increase in your auto insurance? Maybe you call your agent to ask what you can do about it. But guess what? Your agent has lots of clients, and if you have an increase, chances are many, if not all, of their clients do as well and are making that same call. Imagine the phone ringing, or email inbox filling up, day after day, week after week, with nothing but people saying, “Why did my premium go up?” I highly doubt anyone asks the grocer or the person scanning movie tickets why the prices have jumped. Insurance agents get to hear it. Again and again.
Maybe you’re unlucky enough to have a car accident. I know, it isn’t your fault, but either way, you’re going to reach out to your insurance contact. Safe to say you’re going to be, well, not your best self. You hit something and you’re mad, or something hit you and you’re madder. Regardless of what happened, you’ve had a loss, and you need to file a claim. In the words of Ray Parker Jr.: “Who ya gonna call?” The answer in this case is your insurance agent. You’ll get on the phone and maybe take out all the frustrations you have about your accident/theft/loss. You’ll yell, make demands, and that’s just the way it is. You’ve had a loss — you’re allowed to act this way, right? It goes with the territory of being an insurance agent.
Another scenario: You’re out to dinner with friends, having drinks, good food and some laughs. Someone breaches the topic of what they are paying for their car insurance. All of a sudden, everyone is in a frenzy. “You pay what? I pay so much more!” Or words to that effect. You want to know why you are overpaying. You’re going to contact your insurance agent. (That’s always a fun-filled interaction.) So you give your agent an earful/email-ful: “You’re overcharging me! I’ve been with you for so many years, and you’re overcharging me!”
Once you’re done venting, your insurance agent may point out that you drive a $100,000-plus car and have a speeding ticket, while your friend might drive a $50,000 car and could have a perfect driving record.
Please keep a few things in mind
Listen, I get it. I’ve been an insurance agent since before I graduated from college, and that was, well, a while ago. I’ve heard it all, seen it all, read it all. I don’t begrudge consumers from utilizing the services of an insurance agent. That’s what we are here for, so we serve our clients. I ask only that you keep a few things in mind:
- Your insurance agent does not set the price you pay — the insurance company does.
- Your insurance agent is a human being, just like you. Interact with them accordingly.
- Your insurance agent wants to keep you happy in order to keep your business — that’s how they make a living.
Related Content
- Your Insurance Rates Keep Rising: Why? What Can You Do?
- Are You Tempted to Drop Your Homeowners Insurance?
- Car Insurance Rates Could Jump Over 50% in Some States This Year
- Four Common Misconceptions About Life Insurance
- What Impact Does Politics Have on Insurance?
-
13 Answers to Pressing Social Security QuestionsFrom smart claiming strategies for couples to tips on maximizing your monthly check, we have advice that can help you.
-
Keep Tax Collectors at Bay with Muni Bond FundsMunicipal bonds can be good insurance against inflation — and interest is tax-free. But as with all investments, understanding risk is key.
-
Keep Tax Collectors at Bay with Muni Bond Funds
Municipal bonds can be good insurance against inflation — and interest is tax-free. But as with all investments, understanding risk is key.
-
Eight Tips From a Financial Caddie: How to Keep Your Retirement on the FairwayThink of your financial adviser as a golf caddie — giving you the advice you need to nail the retirement course, avoiding financial bunkers and bogeys.
-
Just Sold Your Business? Avoid These Five Hasty MovesIf you've exited your business, financial advice is likely to be flooding in from all quarters. But wait until the dust settles before making any big moves.
-
Cord Cutting Could Help You Save Over $10,000 in 10 YearsHow cutting the cord can save you money and how those savings can grow over time.
-
Should I Buy Stocks or Should I Buy Bonds Right Now?Generally speaking, stocks provide reasonable growth while bonds provide stable income. Each play important roles in diversified portfolios.
-
You Were Planning to Retire This Year: Should You Go Ahead?If the economic climate is making you doubt whether you should retire this year, these three questions will help you make up your mind.
-
Are You Owed Money Thanks to the SSFA? You Might Need to Do Something to Get ItThe Social Security Fairness Act removed restrictions on benefits for people with government pensions. If you're one of them, don't leave money on the table. Here's how you can be proactive in claiming what you're due.
-
From Wills to Wishes: An Expert Guide to Your Estate Planning PlaybookConsider supplementing your traditional legal documents with this essential road map to guide your loved ones through the emotional and logistical details that will follow your loss.
