Are You Engaging Clients… or Enraging Them?

Let’s be clear, no advisor sets out to enrage clients. Yet, it does happen. And the consequences? Lost sales, no referrals, and lots of unnecessary extra work.

Ironically, the problems often come up with smaller cases when using such platforms as Drop Ticket, Express Complete, and other sales platforms that are designed to simplify and speed up the process. After answering just a few questions, it’s easy to request Best Class and hit enter. The resulting low-cost quote I sure please the client.

(Related: Is Term Life Conversion Time Running Out?)

Then, as every advisor knows, the insurance company follows-up with a phone call to the client with more detailed questions. This is when the picture and price can change. When this happens, the advisor must deliver bad news, which can jeopardize the client-advisor relationship. Although it’s possible to overcome such a hurdle, it may require extra work, possibly a new application, and lots of hand-holding.

The way to avoid problems when using a “quick and easy” app is to ask the right questions so you avoid facing troublesome issues later on. Then, you can share the information with your brokerage manager to help identify the appropriate company and product. Here are seven questions to ask clients so you get it right the first time:

1. Ask about family health history.

Cancer or heart-related conditions can impact the even the best of applicants.

2. Ask about meds being taken.

They provide insight into possible medical issues.

3. Ask about marijuana use.

Was the client a recreational user some years ago, while in college, 10 months ago, or even currently using? Companies differ: some may classify marijuana as “tobacco,” while a few do not. Even a preferred nonsmoker class is obtainable with the right company.

4. Ask about tobacco use. It’s shades of gray, when it comes to smoking, so get as much information as possible.

Vaping, e-cigarettes, cigar smoking and chewing tobacco may qualify for non-smoker rates with some companies. Making the wrong choice can more than double any nonsmoker rate quoted

5. Ask about the client’s build. If it turns out that the age 60 male client is 5’ 8” and weighs 230 lbs., this is information that will be of interest to a carrier.

Ask if there’s been any weight change in the past 12 months, as this impacts how companies access an applicant’s build. Half of any weight loss is typically added to the current weight for underwriting classification purposes.

6. Ask about desired features. Is having a chronic or critical illness benefit as a policy feature important?

Is a return-of-premium option worth considering? Would an LTC rider be a desirable benefit, if offered?

7. Ask about the client’s lifestyle.

The issue here is not about bungee jumping or piloting small aircraft. The issue is to determine a client’s health awareness. Knowing an applicant’s dietary regime, their types and frequency of exercise, and whether or not they track their activity all help to fill in the picture.

If you want clients to get the best offer for the right product and the right company using a “quick and easy app,” engaging them in a health and lifestyle conversation gets the best results for both for you and for them.

— Read What a Spreadsheet Won’t Tell You About Selling Life Insurance on ThinkAdvisor.

Gregory E. Schwabe, FLMI, is national marketing director for First American Insurance Underwriters, a Needham, Massachusetts-based insurance brokerage firm specializing in coaching producers.

Health Insurance

Are You Engaging Clients… or Enraging Them?

1. Ask about family health history.

2. Ask about meds being taken.

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3. Ask about marijuana use.

4. Ask about tobacco use. It’s shades of gray, when it comes to smoking, so get as much information as possible.

5. Ask about the client’s build. If it turns out that the age 60 male client is 5’ 8” and weighs 230 lbs., this is information that will be of interest to a carrier.

6. Ask about desired features. Is having a chronic or critical illness benefit as a policy feature important?

7. Ask about the client’s lifestyle.

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Health Insurance

Are You Engaging Clients… or Enraging Them?

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1. Ask about family health history.

2. Ask about meds being taken.

Podcasts

More on this topic

Resource Center

3. Ask about marijuana use.

4. Ask about tobacco use. It’s shades of gray, when it comes to smoking, so get as much information as possible.

5. Ask about the client’s build. If it turns out that the age 60 male client is 5’ 8” and weighs 230 lbs., this is information that will be of interest to a carrier.

6. Ask about desired features. Is having a chronic or critical illness benefit as a policy feature important?

7. Ask about the client’s lifestyle.

More on this topic

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