Real Life Insurance Quotes - Seldom Given By Websites
The fast paced life styles of the 21st century along with easy access to the internet have seriously impacted interpersonal communication and service. That is, people just don’t talk to each other beyond what is required during their workday—and in some cases, that isn’t much at all as many jobs now involve sitting in front of a computer for 8 hours a day.
While there is something to say for speed and convenience, the lack of personal contact is affecting people in areas of critical decisions. A major one is the need for life insurance. Statistics show that a surprising number of young people think that what they have on the job—if they have life insurance from their employers—is all they need. It isn’t.
When folks discover that they really need privately owned life insurance, they immediately sit down in front of a computer and within just a couple of clicks can find a link that says “get your quotes online now” or something to that effect. They put in the required information which includes their address, phone number and any major medical problems and expect to get instant quotes from several companies from which they can choose the one they want.
Occasionally a quote might pop up. Usually, it doesn’t work like that.
The web site contacted is usually going to be a third party lead generation service to which agents subscribe. The consumer inquiries are instantly sent to 5 (or more) agents who will then try to call the consumer. Some agents may provide a tentative quote—nothing is ever firm in life insurance until the application process is completed and the policy is issued—while others (the best ones, actually) will refrain from rattling off numbers until they see the client face to face. The latter makes the most sense as life insurance is more complicated than it seems. That is, there are many reasons for life insurance beyond putting a person in the ground, and a good agent will work with the client and help find a policy that meets that person’s goals both now and in the long run.
The reason you don’t usually get a quote on the internet (unlike car insurance) is that many state insurance commissioners forbid the posting of insurance rates by a third party. Although an actual insurance company website may give you a quote, if a company suggests a price and then has to raise it due to underwriting requirements, a bad impression is created in the mind of the consumer. Consequently, even company quotes are often higher priced than other policies or are “graded,” meaning coverage is guaranteed, but there may be a waiting period.
Life insurance is one thing that should be purchased face to face, although plenty of companies offer policies through the mail. Nearly all mail order policies have clauses the average person doesn’t understand. “Modified” whole life, for example, often means the benefit will never change, but the premium may be adjusted periodically. Other variations abound. Unless you have worked in insurance yourself and understand the terminology, purchasing without the help and corresponding signatures of a real person can be a big mistake.
How do you know whether or not you will get an actual quote online? If you have to put in your phone number before getting a quote, you won’t be getting the quote. You’ll be getting a phone call. That isn’t a bad thing as long as you are seriously searching. If you are just “playing around” on the internet, you should keep in mind that all agents to whom your information is sent will have to pay a fee. As long as your phone number is valid, they will be stuck paying for it even if you purchase from someone else or make no purchase at all. Agents know this and just hope to be able to give you the most convincing presentation so the fruitless leads they pay for will be balanced out by the occasional sale. If you don’t want to talk to a real person, stop filling in the form before you have to enter an address or phone number. If you are seriously shopping, answer the phone. Don’t make the agents call you repeatedly while you watch
Karen Ruff, D.A. is a freelance writer and insurance agent for a nationwide company that is over 128 years old. Licensed in South Carolina, she specializes in life insurance and is a certified long term care agent as well. She also provides families with cancer insurance, seniors with the best Medicare Supplement plans, and is able to set up annuities to help seniors protect their savings or investments.
Dr. Ruff is also the owner of a quarterly senior-focused newsletter “Senior Sword.” Currently available in print only, the newsletter will soon be available online in pdf format. For additional information, you can contact her at silvercribler@aol.com
Tags: agents, contact, Insurance, life, life insurance, online quotes, quotes, truth
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