Since COVID-19 hit, you may have been forced to work from home and got to see what it’s like.
Some people don’t mind working from home, while others have more trouble adjusting to a new setting.
Whatever your case may be, we’ll provide some tips for insurance agents who have, or will make, the transition from the brick-and-mortar agency to their humble abode.
Why Work from Home?
You have the flexibility to set your own hours and work as much or as little as your schedule allows. All you need is a high-speed internet connection and some office equipment to work from home as an insurance agent. It doesn’t matter what line of insurance products you sell!
In the past year, virtual meetings replaced in-pers sit-downs. However, you can still meet with a business partner or client in a local cafe or coffee shop. Most places are starting to reopen again if they haven’t already.
Duties of an Agent Who Works from Home
Insurance agents are on the phone a lot. Let’s assume you’re very comfortable with phone sales and know how to make your clients feel special — while also having clear communication skills. As you’ll see below, your job duties won’t change much whether you’re in the office or at home.
On a typical day, work from home agents will spend most of their time fielding calls. Other tasks include checking and responding to emails and speaking directly to customers.
Besides the communication roles, your job as an insurance agent will include:
- Recommending a policy based on the client’s needs.
- Using your software tools to process info you get from customers.
- Answering customers’ questions and solving account problems.
- Continuing marketing to generate more insurance leads.
Plus:
- Creating a rapport with prospects through cold calling, networking, and referrals.
- Distributing the payments earned from a claim that’s submitted and accepted.
- Handle administrative duties that involve policy renewals and record maintenance.
- Track the submitted claims to ensure client satisfaction.
Want to Work from Home?
To be an agent who works from home, you’ll need to meet two main criteria:
- Get a license that allows you to sell insurance, and
- Gain experience in the industry or a related field.
That’s basically it. Other requirements vary depending on the state you want to work in.
Most states will have you complete a training course followed by an exam. After you pass the exam, the next step is to apply for a license at the state licensing department. They’ll have you submit a background check.
You don’t need a degree in marketing or business to sell insurance. It starts with an inner drive, having a passion for helping people, and maintaining a positive attitude.
With that being said, an associate or bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or insurance will help you find your footing more easily.
Tips for Setting Up Your Office
For the best at-home setup, consider the following items for your office:
- Desk
- Phone
- Printer
- Scanner
- Stationery
- Ergonomic chair
- A computer with a webcam
The setup will look different for everyone, but it would help to separate your workspace from the bedroom. A change of scenery encourages creativity and allows you to stay motivated throughout the day. As long as your home office has adequate lighting and minimal background noise, the rest is up to you.
Network and Stay Informed
One of the challenges with working from home is staying connected to your network. But that’s the beauty of technology. You can schedule a zoom meeting at any time.
If you’re dealing with many insurance companies, it would help to keep a network of close contacts who can get you the most competitive rates. It will take more effort on your part to stay in touch, but it will be worth it.
Insurance training, seminars, and conferences are prime opportunities to learn, grow, and develop your best practices. Attend them when you can because you never know who you’ll meet. It just might lead to a future partnership.
The Bottom Line
Working from home as an insurance agent is appealing for both young and seasoned professionals. The location is convenient and the job gives you great freedom.
Now that you know what it would be like to work from home, it’s time to find your marketer. Secure Agent Leads is an extension of Secure Agent Marketing — the #1 insurance-focused digital marketing agency in the U.S. We do way more than just leads. Our team can build a custom website for you, manage your Google and YouTube ads, run successful social campaigns, and more! Visit our site to learn more.
