Insurance is a complicated field. Any product or commodity can be classified as essential, like food items. There are products that are purchased after seeking expert opinions, such as medicines, for which medical practitioners are consulted. Insurance products belong to this category, as the effect of the decision to buy lasts for a long time. Insurance products require an understanding of various technical termsan understanding that requires considerable time and effort. The traditional distribution channels for insurance products are career life agents who represent a single insurance company and independent agents who represent many companies. Currently, the innovative additions to the channel are the use of mail, phone and the Internet. Insurance products are also sold through banks and stockbrokers. The main channel for distribution is through agents. According to the LIMRA estimate, 90% of the life insurance products are sold by agents. An agent is an authorized representative of an insurance company who sells and services insurance contracts. Similarly, there are brokers, whose job is similar to that of agents, except that they represent the party seeking insurance. Agents are licensed by states to sell insurance products. The role of an agent is both an advisor and a seller. As agents function as salespersons, before purchasing a policy, it is important to seek an agent who can offer comprehensive advice rather than simply a desire to sell. According to the 10 rules to be followed by the buyers of policies developed by the American Council of Life Insurance, rule number three states to select a competent, knowledgeable and trustworthy agent. There are laws that limit the power and penalize the agent for misconduct. Informal advice can also be sought through the Internet through blog sites and other dedicated sites for insurance products. But before seeking advice, one should know what specifically he is seeking. One should prepare to ask intelligent questions that would lead to answers that form the basis for decisions. |
