- The Insurance Dudes Newsletter
- Posts
- The Key to Standing Out in the Insurance Industry
The Key to Standing Out in the Insurance Industry
The Insurance Dudes
November 11, 2025
Weekly Trivia 🤔 Question:
What household feature is responsible for one of the most common causes of water damage claims in U.S. homes each year?
Today In 5 Minutes Or Less (TLDR):
🔒 The Essence of Insurance: Making an Impact as an Insurance Agent 🔒
Dear Insurance Champions,
In the insurance industry, the competition is fierce, and it's often the case that others are selling the same type of insurance at similar prices. This reality can make it challenging for agents to differentiate themselves and secure the trust of potential clients. However, as insurance professionals, it's crucial to ask yourselves a compelling question: "Are they going to buy it from your brand or you?"
At The Insurance Dudes, we understand the gravity of the responsibility that comes with being entrusted with people's insurance. It's not just about selling policies; it's about making an impact and building meaningful connections with those we serve. With this in mind, here are some thought-provoking insights and actionable principles to help you stand out and make a lasting impression in the insurance industry:
Authenticity is Key: The relationships you form with clients are built on trust, and authenticity is the foundation of trust. Be genuine in your interactions, show empathy, and let your clients know that you are there to support them through every step of their insurance journey.
Focus on Education: As an insurance agent, it's vital to educate your clients about their insurance options, coverage details, and the potential risks they face. By empowering clients with knowledge, you become a trusted advisor they turn to when making important decisions about their insurance needs.
Personalize the Experience: Every client has unique insurance needs, and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won't cut it. Take the time to understand your clients' individual circumstances and tailor your recommendations to address their specific concerns.
Embrace Technology: Leverage digital tools and platforms to streamline processes, enhance customer service, and stay connected with your clients. Embracing technology can help you offer a seamless insurance experience while remaining agile in a rapidly evolving industry.
Make a Difference: Remember that you're not just selling policies; you're making a difference in people's lives. Approach every interaction with the intention of providing real value and addressing your clients' concerns in a meaningful way.
The essence of insurance goes beyond transactions; it's about making a positive impact on the lives of those you serve. By embodying these principles and taking deliberate actions to prioritize the needs of your clients, you can set yourself apart and become a trusted insurance professional who leaves a lasting impression.
Keep making a difference, one policy at a time.
Craig Pretzinger and Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes! 🚀
The Worst Question to Ask Clients When Selling Insurance
Never ask your client, “So, you want an insurance quote?” It’s honestly the worst way to start. It’s like walking up to someone and asking if they want a root canal. Who wants that? Nobody wakes up in the morning thinking, “Man, I hope someone gives me an insurance quote today.”
Instead, we need to flip the whole approach. Think about those folks who used to sell vacuum cleaners door to door. They didn’t just knock and blurt out, “Hey, wanna buy a vacuum cleaner?” because, of course, that would get the door slammed in their face most of the time. They focused on getting in the house first, building some kind of connection, and creating a little bit of rapport. Only then could they even attempt to talk about their product.
It’s the exact same thing in insurance. Before you can help someone with coverage or present solutions, you’ve got to take a step back and establish at least a little trust and understanding. Jumping right in with an insurance quote is all about you and your need to sell something; it’s not about the client in front of you and what matters to them. That energy is easy for clients to spot and it’s what makes people shut down, get defensive, or just say no right away.
So, what should you do? Start with them. Ask questions that matter to the person, not your quota. Find out if they’re happy with their current situation. Dig into what frustrations or challenges they’ve had. Maybe they’ve had a bad claims experience, struggled with confusing policies, or just want to understand what they’re really paying for. Have a real conversation, and let your questions come from a place of genuine curiosity and interest in helping.
When you approach things this way, you break through that initial resistance and actually have a shot at making a difference for someone. People are way more likely to listen and open up when they feel you’re really listening and not just running a sales script. And that’s where the magic happens not in the quote, but in the rapport you build at the very beginning.
This small shift makes all the difference. It’s what separates those who just “sell insurance” from those who actually help people protect what matters most to them.
Around The Web 🌎
The YouTube 🎥
Sometimes the easy path comes with handcuffs. Direct appointments give control. Aggregators give access, but some come with exit restrictions and 2-year non-competes.
The real question isn’t just what you get, it's whether you could’ve built it without them. Choose leverage, and not limitations.
This Week On The Podcast 🎧
 | In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Susana Gibb, who transitioned from a theater major and professional actress to a thriving insurance entrepreneur. Susana's story demonstrates how creativity and entrepreneurship can flourish together, from performing on stage to running her own agency. Susana discusses how her acting background has influenced her communication, confidence, and leadership approach. She offers insights on growing a successful agency, fostering team accountability, and leveraging creativity as a key business asset. |
Answer To The Weekly Trivia Question:
The household feature responsible for one of the most common causes of water damage claims is plumbing, particularly the plumbing in bathrooms and kitchens.
Leaking pipes, overflowing toilets, and leaking appliances like dishwashers and washing machines are frequent culprits that can lead to significant water damage claims.
Plumbing: Worn-out or leaking pipes are a major cause of water damage claims.
Appliances: Washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can all leak or flood, causing water damage.
Toilets and Sinks: Overflowing toilets and leaking sinks or faucets are a very common problem in bathrooms and kitchens.
Roofs: While not a plumbing feature, a damaged roof can also lead to significant water damage claims due to leaks from rain or snow.
We put together a free book and checklist to grow your insurance agency 👉 Here
Reply