Search
 

"Smart shoppers" still need agent advice

Self-taught policyholders may be able to get that proverbial "enough information to be dangerous," but they'll still need support from an expert to sort it out.

By Gail Straus | Updated on June 23, 2009

In research conducted for an integrated marketing agency that works in the insurance industry with both policyholders and agents, we hear a lot about the valued relationship between policyholders and their agent or broker.

But how do policyholders see their roles in this relationship? Whether their titles are risk managers, chief executive officers, chief financial officers or office managers, they take their responsibility for making decisions about their business insurance seriously. Along with their agent’s advice, they conduct their own research by paying careful attention to the health of their insurance carriers and reading their insurance policies.

Empowered by vast amounts of information at their fingertips, committed to holding the bottom line on their company’s expenditures as well as their risks, and comfortable advocating for their best interests, these policyholders are smart shoppers. Before presenting agents’ recommendations to their executives, designates representing small- and mid-sized businesses told us about their online searches. They satisfy their consumer instincts by investigating the carriers’ financial stability and what others in their industries had to say.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Dig Deeper

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.