Insurance World

The online insurance shoppers have some distinct advantages. They don’t need an appointment. They don’t need to be on the telephone. They just need to be prepared. If you are planning to shop online then you need to have some basic information at your disposal. The first time buyer needs to have some basic information. The best resource for that information would be an appraisal. The home appraisal has most of the information necessary to give you an adequate quote. The market value of the home along with the square footage are the two most important criteria used to determine the amount of insurance needed. The market value and age will dictate the type of policy to purchase. The renewal declarations page is a valuable source of information for the comparison shopper.

Actual Cash Value – Actual cash value is one way the insurance companies settle losses. This method will calculate the actual replacement cost at the time of loss and subtract any depreciation because of age or use. You will generally see actual cash value policies written on older homes. Many of your older homes have a market value much less than the cost to rebuild. The older Victorian homes built in the early 1900’s are a good example.

Replacement Cost – This method is used for newer homes or homes under construction. Replacement cost claim settlements use materials of like kind and quality when repairing or rebuilding the structure and there is no allowance for depreciation.

The correct square footage is very important because the online insurance calculators determine the actual cost to rebuild your home based on your square footage calculation. Air conditioning and fireplaces are upgrades that increase the replacement cost value of your home. Finished basements and outdoor decking also add to the calculation.

Discounts are given for smoke detectors, dead bolt locks and fire extinguisher. There are even larger discounts for burglar and fire alarms that transmit directly to the police station and fire department. Be prepared with this information and your online shopping will be so much easier. View our recommended insurers for more detailed information.

Did you know there are publications that have been created to serve the needs of every agent and broker? Insurance is a huge industry and trying to keep on top of all the latest news and regulations is a job in and of itself. One such magazine, American Agent and Broker, has a wonderful website located at www.agentandbroker.com. Check out this month’s issue, which features articles on how to build your insurance business with boat and yacht insurance. You can read about the upcoming highlights for April’s issue as well. In the UK you can access this site, www.insurancenewspapers.com for free insurance press public information.

Marketing yourself and deciding how to advertise your business can be a daunting task. There are so many avenues available to brokers. Insurance is something everyone needs from infant to ancient. Brokers need to be well versed in as many areas of insurance as they can. Life, auto, home, health and disability are just a few. How is a broker supposed to get the word out that he is in business? Everyone familiar with sales knows the phrase ‘circle of influence’ or your ‘warm market’. These terms refer to the people you know best, your friends, family and colleagues. Let them go to work for you with referrals and word of mouth advertising. Take the top ten from your list and offer gift certificates for every person they refer that you write a policy for. It’s a nice way to say thank you and show how much you appreciate their loyalty.

Check out other brokers and their websites, advertising efforts and community involvement. Take their best secrets and tweak them to fit you and your way of doing business. Don’t discount becoming involved with your community. When you are out there working for the common good the common good is coming to you for their insurance needs.

Try and think back to the first time you purchased insurance from a broker. You can make a niche for yourself by going after the newest drivers, homeowners and start up businesses. Share your wealth of knowledge with them and they will remain loyal customers for all their insurance requirements.