What is the role of an insurance broker? I started my career in the insurance industry working for a direct writer insurance company. While there were some advantages to that model, I also developed the ability to let my clients down gently. “As much as I’d like to help you, I don’t have an option for you. You are going to have to find an
insurance broker to help you with that.”
Upon becoming a broker, I felt like a kid walking into a candy store. There were so many options. My pocket change wasn’t going to last long! One of the first lessons I learned as a broker was that I was going to have to learn a new phrase. “I have options and I will find a solution for you. If Abbott & Costello could buy insurance that would pay in the event they split up, or Tom Jones could insure his chest hair, then surely we have an option for you.”
This is one of the great advantages of hiring an insurance broker to work with you. A good broker invests their time to understand the market options and educate their clients on the options that they have to transfer risk by exchanging premium dollars for the peace of mind that comes with buying insurance coverage.
Good insurance brokers also invest their time to develop relationships within the industry. These relationships are vital to the role of the insurance broker. This includes building trust and rapport with underwriters, working alongside loss prevention specialists to find solutions for claim prevention, and also walking alongside clients and adjusters to make sure claims are handled fairly.
One of my favorite summer activities is to fill my children’s pockets with change and march them down to a local candy store. After reviewing all of their options, they always ask how much can I get with this money? They are wanting to maximize every cent so that they can to get the most value out of their purchase.
As we grow up, our appetites for candy may change, but we are still wanting to maximize the value of the fistful of pocket change we have. Hiring an insurance broker who works with multiple insurers provides leverage, options, and ultimately value for your insurance dollars.
Be sure to seek advice and purchase insurance from those who understand your business!