Internet insurance cutting out agents

by TLE » Tue Jan 20, 2009 04:48 am
Posts: 20
Joined: 17 Dec 2008

I was wondering if all these company's I see on TV that sell insurance on the internet and do not use an agent and they give a discount if you buy on line,does this hurt sales for some agents, and is it possible this could eliminate the agents job.

Total Comments: 81

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 03:31 pm Post Subject:

Many of these organizations are direct to consumer-firms that own call centers, staffed with licensed insurance agents that are paid on salary. In this situation, yes the insurance agent/broker is cut out. However, there are some firms that run commercials to drive leads in which they sell to brokers. However, the majority that I am familiar with, like Select Quote and ICANN, are direct to consumer firms.

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:25 pm Post Subject:

It seems that it would be better to give the agent the lower rates so he/she could build their block of business faster, but the companies just don't see it that way. It's called greed.

I agree 150% Maze.. Actually if I were an agent that sold policys for that company this would tick me off, as they are in essense under cutting their own agent...but as you said argueing it will never get you anywhere at all...

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 10:30 am Post Subject:

Buying any type of insurance online, whether it be life, health, auto, or home, to me is not a good idea.



I'd echo Maze here, whether or not the online purchases would reduce insurance agents' pay-out, from the consumers point of view, I personally wouldn't support the idea of buying insurance online. You should always have the agent explaining the coverage benefits to you. I'd feel confident that way.

Regards,
Juanita

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 12:04 pm Post Subject:

I couldn't agree more Jaunita...there is no substitue for a knowledgable agent...hard to prove that to the computer age masses though...until it's too late.. :roll:

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 08:37 pm Post Subject:

WOW all this from one question. so I guess if you wanted to become an P&C agent it might not be a good idea.Like most companies they want to make more even if it cuts out the people that got them there.
NOW not to start a problem but do you think this will start to happen with life and health to.

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:55 pm Post Subject:

Oh, life and health were the first. There are many sites where a person can purchase life insurance online.

If you are thinking about becoming a P&C agent, don't let the ability to purchase insurance online stop you.

It's just one more competitor and we have a lot of them.

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:25 am Post Subject:

TLE wrote:

WOW all this from one question.


Yes TLE!

Thread wars are kind of like a California brush fire that ignites by spontaneous combustion.



But you have to admit it was a good topic and I think we beat that dead horse into an unrecognizable pile of wordsmith soup!

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:54 am Post Subject:

now look whos talking

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 01:17 am Post Subject:

now look whos talking

Would you like to be a guest, Guest?

Click linky above, but have ear muffs close by! :wink:

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 02:02 am Post Subject:

Yes I am thinking of getting into P&C and life and health, also just wanted to know if I can make it but it seems hard if the insurance companies don't give you a chance, if they under cut you with the price. another dream crushed by big company.
YOU THINK WITH THE BONUSES THE CEO GIVES THEMSELVES THE PRICE WOULD BE HIGHER ON THERE END.

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