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 Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 2:27 pm Post subject: Why use an agent? |
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I wanted to buy some insurance. I find an agent online with a website. I call him and ask him if he could help me with some question and he tells me to just read his website. I told him that I wanted an agent to come out and visit with me and go over everything. He told me that he never leaves his home to sell insurance and if I wanted to buy the insurance, I had to buy it from his website.
Why not just buy the insurance directly from the Insurance Companies.
I called a few more agents I found on Google and they were too busy or lazy to help me.
I finally found an Insurance Company that would answer my questions and I just skipped the agent.
Don't they pay you guys to help us?
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guest
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| Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject: |
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That is a shame. The companies actually pay us quite well to write quality policies for them. It kind of reminds me of a time at an agency that I once worked for.
I usually work 8am to 10 pm on my business. Most of the other agents working there would roll in at 10 or 11 am and be gone by 4pm. A lot of them were complaining about not making enough money.
One of the agency managers came out of a meeting and said:
"All I have got here is 14 insurance executives and only a couple of salespeople."
I have seen it as a pervasive attitude with some agents that think they are overly important just because they have a license. They never do that well.
On the other hand, there are quite a few agents who put their clients needs first and build great relationships with their clients. They do really well financially.
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beatuplunchbox
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| Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:39 pm Post subject: |
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"Why use an agent?"
 So he/she can explain the indeterminate premium option to you silly and earn a BIG PHATT commission!  
or not either way the agent makes money.
That's my stand; That's MY story; AND; I AM; stickin' to it!
Lori-Show-Me-State.
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GarySpicuzza
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| Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 6:36 am Post subject: |
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Yeah, there are some ‘chasing money’ agents are there who have forgotten the responsibility of an agent to its client. Its sad that you have come across a bunch of such sales people. Hope you would have a pleasant experience next time.
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anonymous 12
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| Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:51 am Post subject: |
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Well OP, while it's true that agents like you have mentioned do exist in pretty significant numbers, it is also true that there are sincere agents who love their jobs and who put their clients' needs first. You could ask your friends and family if they know of any reliable agent who can help you out with insurance. Nevertheless, our community also has so many agents participating every day. They might also help you out with your needs if you are willing to take their help. What say Agents??!! 
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sil
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| Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:58 am Post subject: |
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Gary, What's with this? | Quote: | | Lori-Show-Me-State. |
OP, I'm sorry you ran across the laziest of agents....I personally have been with the same agent over 30 years, and wouldn't think of switching, he and she (husband and wife, he's pretty much retired, she's still going strong)...have always been there for us, I could call them without hesitation in the middle of the night and they would help me...Now the agents I have work for a captive company (there are still some out there)...I'm not saying by any stretch that an independent can't do every bit as good...Frankly I've found the best way to find a GOOD agent is word of mouth...talk with your family, friend, people in your community, and you'll find a good one...
(gary, still what is that about?)
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Lori
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| Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 9:51 am Post subject: |
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Just tryin' to start ANOTHER thread war, that's all...
  I haven't had one in a while so if my computer key pad isn't on fire it doesn't seem write, rite, right? 
I'm shocked, offended AND perplexed YOU have to ask. 
 With love and hugs and kisses, 
WAR!
Click linky above/below just for fun!.
Where's O-bomb-a when you need 'em?
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GarySpicuzza
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| Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 10:40 pm Post subject: |
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Something as important as insurance decisions should be conducted in person with an agent that can shop around for you. Look for A+ rated companies first over price as they have a better likelihood of being around for the long haul. Also your not going to get a better price direct from company vs agent but, your agent also serves as an intermediary between you and the company. I agree with other responses ask friends and family for a referral. Sorry, with the internet age many people get lazy and avoid the traditional eye contact, ie:appointment in client house.
Good luck to you "guest".
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Wonderer
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| Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 11:58 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | Just tryin' to start ANOTHER thread war, that's all... |
But what is it good for? absolutely nutin' say it again...(great song gary)...
no war out of me on this one friend sorry..
| Quote: | | Something as important as insurance decisions should be conducted in person with an agent |
I agree totally wonderer, there's no substitue for a good agent.
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Lori
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| Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 12:31 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | I wanted to buy some insurance. I find an agent online with a website. I call him and ask him if he could help me with some question and he tells me to just read his website. I told him that I wanted an agent to come out and visit with me and go over everything. He told me that he never leaves his home to sell insurance and if I wanted to buy the insurance, I had to buy it from his website.
Why not just buy the insurance directly from the Insurance Companies.
I called a few more agents I found on Google and they were too busy or lazy to help me.
I finally found an Insurance Company that would answer my questions and I just skipped the agent.
Don't they pay you guys to help us? |
There are a couple of things that could be happening here. There are some agents who strictly do on-line business. That is there business model. It works for them. If it doesn't work for you, don't work with them. It's not about laziness. It's a business decision.
Also, if none of the agents are willing to help you, there is a good chance that the problem is you. There must be something about what you are telling these agents that make you not worth one's effort.
They actually don't pay us to help you. We get paid to sell their policies. The insurance companies use agents/brokers who are on commission because it is less expensive and leads to more sales than using salaried employees.
A good agent is extremely valuable. I prefer to do most of my business face to fact, but a good agent can certainly do a quality job for a client without a face to face meeting. |
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InsuranceExpert
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| Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 10:05 am Post subject: Why use an agent? |
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There are many reasons to use an agent to buy insurance. The main one being knowledge. Millions of people have built personal relationships with insurance agents in their town or city. Having a good agent can save you time, money, and hassle when looking for the right coverage. Not all agents that you find online are going to give you the same service that a hometown agent would. Good agents stay informed of new products and pass along the info to their clients. Agents that have years of experience generally make enough money in renewal streams to offer you discounts without the fear of losing money. Finding the right agent will change your mind about whether or not they are worth having.
link removed by lori-no pitching your wares in the threads!
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pa insured
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| Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 10:16 am Post subject: Insurance agents work |
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Insurance agents work to find you the best possible rates and companies if you use a broker. Many agents today give both personal service and online support. If you find the right agent, you will not have to worry ablout the strength of a policy and the service behind it.
stop with the links! -lori |
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binsure
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| Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 4:57 pm Post subject: |
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If the agent in fact just wouldn't take the time to answer your questions and blew it off by saying, "just read the website", then yes, that's one of the laziest agents that I've seen and doesn't deserve your business!
I, as an agent, do get paid very well to help my clients. That's what I'm in it for, to protect the client, not the insurance company!
Since the OP stated that they went straight to the insurance company and got the questions answered...my assumption is not that the problem lies with the OP, but with the agents that they were trying to deal with.
Sadly, there are more and more agents who don't understand the need to service their clients. Service to you client/potential client is everything...otherwise, you're right....who would need an agent?
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TRK3031962
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| Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 5:38 pm Post subject: |
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TERRIFIC post and points made Todd...I agree nothing wrong with this OP, just a lazy, jerk of an agent..
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| Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 3:53 pm Post subject: |
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There are some lazy agents out there, but the days of the house call are changing. I imagine most agencies will sell more life and health through the internet and try to stay off the roads. But that does not excuse poor service. We work diligently will all of our online clients to help them sort through plans from several companies.
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