McKinsey, Commodities, and the Death of the Independent Agent
A recent McKinsey report concludes that personal lines insurance, by and large, has become a commodity. It also questions the viability and value of the agent. This article excerpts one…
Human Resources
Are You and Your Clients Ready for a Pandemic?
We’ve been hearing about it for months now, about the allegedly very real possibility of a worldwide pandemic. Is the threat for real? And, if so, what have you done…
Human Resources
This section of the VU offers tips, techniques and legal caveats that you can follow during the hiring process. Also discussed employee relations, licensing and more. Talent Recruitment and Development…
40 Hours and I’m an Insurance Agent
In my state, a manicurist has to complete 600 hours of classroom and supervised work experience to get licensed. An insurance agent? Put in 40 hours and you could be…
Should the Agency Receptionist Be Licensed?
An agency receptionist transfers phone calls, takes messages, opens mail, directs clients to CSRs, and accepts direct bill payments from clients. She allegedly does not discuss coverage with clients. Does…
Can Personal Lines CSRs Handle BOPs?
We were recently asked our opinion about whether personal lines CSRs could also handle small business accounts written on BOPs. While some CSRs can make the transition, it is fraught…
Agency Dress Codes
When I first started in this business, my employer required not only a coat and tie, but also a HAT! My how times have changed. In many organizations now, “business…
Can You Teach a Dog to Quack?
Experienced employees gravitate to those areas for which their talents are best suited. Forcing CSR’s to sell, forcing salespeople to adhere to detail oriented efforts, and forcing management responsibilities on…
Who Should Be Licensed in the Agency?
Is it an E&O exposure for a licensed agent/CSR to review and sign applications for an unlicensed CSR? If you have a CSR who is not licensed mailing out endorsements to an…
