Why everyone should have earthquake insurance
Selling earthquake insurance to friends, neighbors, and family is a unique opportunity and one that you should put on the top of your prospecting activity list. Everyone hopes they won’t need the policy but will be happy they have one if the need arises. The key to successfully selling earthquake insurance in these circles is to approach the topic with empathy, education, and sincerity. Here’s a guide for insurance agents on how to navigate these conversations effectively.
Understand the Product Inside and Out
First and foremost, you must have an in-depth understanding of standalone earthquake insurance—what it covers, what it doesn’t, the deductibles, the premiums, and how it differs from standard homeowners policies. Any client, including your friends, neighbors, and family will have questions, and your ability to answer these clearly and confidently will help them to make the best decision for their situation.
Educate About the Risks
Many people underestimate the risk of earthquakes, even in seismic areas like the West Coast. Your job is to educate your community about earthquake damage’s potential risks and financial implications. Use data and historical examples to make the risk more tangible.
Personalize the Conversation
When speaking with friends, neighbors, and family, or any client for that matter, personalize the conversation. Discuss their specific situation, considering:
- the location of their home
- whether they have other structures or a swimming pool
- its construction type
- their financial ability to recover from an earthquake without insurance
This personal touch makes the conversation more relevant and shows you care about their well-being.
Highlight the Financial Aspect
For many, the decision to purchase earthquake insurance comes down to finances. Discuss the costs of earthquake insurance versus the potential costs of repairing or rebuilding after an earthquake. Highlighting the financial protection that earthquake insurance offers can be a compelling argument for its value.
Share Personal Stories
If you or someone you know has experienced the benefits of having earthquake insurance during and after a seismic event, share these stories. Personal stories can be powerful in illustrating the real-world impact and value of earthquake insurance. They make the potential benefits more relatable and tangible.
Address Misconceptions
Be ready to address common misconceptions about earthquake insurance, such as overestimating the coverage provided by standard homeowners insurance or underestimating the likelihood of an earthquake. Clearing up these misconceptions can remove barriers to understanding the importance of this coverage.
Be Patient and Follow Up
Decisions about insurance coverage, especially ones that require additional expense, are not made lightly. Be patient and give your friends, neighbors, and family time to consider the information. Follow up with them after your initial conversation to answer any new questions and to provide additional information if needed.
Offer Ongoing Support
Let friends and family know you’re available to answer questions and provide support, not just at the point of sale but throughout their policy period. This ongoing support reinforces the value you bring as an insurance agent and as a trusted advisor in your community.
Selling earthquake insurance to friends, neighbors, and family requires professionalism and personal care. You can navigate these conversations effectively by focusing on education, personalization, and genuine concern for their well-being. Remember, your goal is to protect those closest to you against the financial risks of earthquakes, strengthening your relationships and building trust in your professional expertise.
Once it’s time to decide on a policy, GeoVera offers both flexible limit and single limit options that can be customized to cover the different aspects of earthquake-related risks, whether for the home, other structures, personal belongings, or temporary living expenses. Our expertise in handling earthquake-related claims is unmatched in the industry, so if the time comes, your community will be in good hands to recover financially. Offer them the resources they’ll need with a policy from GeoVera.
