How is COVID-19 affecting your agency?

[Jessica Durphy]

Since opening my agency here in KY, almost 5 years ago.. we have had the slowest week yet. That's to be expected with the COVID-19 madness, and I'm not taken by surprise. However, I'm wondering what everyone is doing during this time? Are you still writing? And if so, are these people that were in your pipeline, OR are they new prospects?

My employees are still working, because I know that this will pass, and when it does, I'll still need them. I fully intend on taking care of them during this "shut down" period.

My customers are still paying their insurance premiums.. because they know their need for insurance on their homes, autos, life, commercial... etc. Although, I also, fully expect some to cancel because they couldn't afford premium.. or at least make adjustments to their policies (temporarily) …

As more and more people are having to be confined to their homes, losing jobs, etc. These folks are either NOT thinking about insurance at all OR they are SCRAMBLING trying to think of ways to save money. Do you guys believe it's worth it to still send out postcards/letters/"cold call" or tele-market??

Just wondering how this is affecting (good or bad) your agencies?

 

[fed up]

Hit the phones, go through your BOB, people are home. The reason I'm calling is your policy is about to, just renewed, will soon renew..and I wanted to touch base to see if there have been any upgrades to the property (make sure we have the correct vehicles and coverage). I am finding 3-5 customers per day who have upgraded the HVAC system, added a piece of jewelry, had a kid move out of or back into the home.

 

[Jessica Durphy]

Thank you!! I appreciate your response!!!

 

[fed up]

All,
I have used FoodServiceDirect for years. they have latex gloves ready to ship in 1 day, 100/box, 10 boxes/case for $40. If you are an agency which takes lots of cash payments perhaps this would be a means to help your customer. Hand them a glove for their premium, give them the receipt, and deposit the premiums after close of business after a good wipe down of cash.

 

[Markthebroker]

I wrote a $4,500 policy yesterday, and a $4,200 policy today, and I'll be proposing a $3,500 policy later today. All stuff I've been working on. Not a lot of new bizz coming in right now, though.

This slowdown will give me time to catch up on admin stuff, then call on auto repair shops I have been referred to. They can still be open because they are "essential". Some might have closed, but some will possibly be open and free to chat as they probably have more free time, and are taking a look at their finances right now. We'll see.

 

[Jessica Durphy]

I wrote a $4,500 policy yesterday, and a $4,200 policy today, and I'll be proposing a $3,500 policy later today. All stuff I've been working on. Not a lot of new bizz coming in right now, though.

This slowdown will give me time to catch up on admin stuff, then call on auto repair shops I have been referred to. They can still be open because they are "essential". Some might have closed, but some will possibly be open and free to chat as they probably have more free time, and are taking a look at their finances right now. We'll see.

Ok... Good ideas!! I have my commercial producer making those calls !!
And I will be catching up on some overdue things as well!
Thanks for the advice!

 

[CTInsureMe]

The issue I'm having (I'm making outbound calls off "warm" lists) is that many people, understandably, just don't want to hear from someone trying to peddle their wares. I understand we are offering a "need-based" product, but actively soliciting something right now feels, to put it bluntly, douchey.

Be interested in any thoughts from others trying to source leads right now. Be well and be safe!

 

[Jessica Durphy]

The issue I'm having (I'm making outbound calls off "warm" lists) is that many people, understandably, just don't want to hear from someone trying to peddle their wares. I understand we are offering a "need-based" product, but actively soliciting something right now feels, to put it bluntly, douchey.

Be interested in any thoughts from others trying to source leads right now. Be well and be safe!

So, I've been writing new business this and last week. Quite frankly, I'm just using my social media platforms and asking if people would want to be my guinea pig.. LOL... and honestly I've written 4 new households this way.

In my down time, absolutely, catching up on the admin stuff that gets shoved to the side. I've got 5000 postcards to mail out, but NOW is NOT the time. So, a task that I had my employees start doing, Call on our existing customers and simply ask "How are you holding up!?!"... and the response we are getting is beautiful. Some agents feel like this could be a waste of time, however, time is what we have now.. and letting my customers know that this is a temporary thing, and that we are still going strong and we are here for them has been a GREAT asset! (we are fairly new to the area)

 

[CTInsureMe]

So, I've been writing new business this and last week. Quite frankly, I'm just using my social media platforms and asking if people would want to be my guinea pig.. LOL... and honestly I've written 4 new households this way.

In my down time, absolutely, catching up on the admin stuff that gets shoved to the side. I've got 5000 postcards to mail out, but NOW is NOT the time. So, a task that I had my employees start doing, Call on our existing customers and simply ask "How are you holding up!?!"... and the response we are getting is beautiful. Some agents feel like this could be a waste of time, however, time is what we have now.. and letting my customers know that this is a temporary thing, and that we are still going strong and we are here for them has been a GREAT asset! (we are fairly new to the area)

I like the "How are you holding up?" thing, and I have been doing somewhat similar with my existing folks. Trying to be very soft, and non-invasive on the calls I am making for new biz. It's a delicate situation, but obviously people are looking to save money too, so I am going to just keep plugging away

Best of luck!

 

[marindependent]

Yes I found have business dipped some. But lately things have come back strong.