When great values align!

I can't think of a better way to start a Friday than this, received from one of my clients first thing this morning;

"Hi Todd, thanks for the comprehensive summary as always.

I too am happy to support those businesses that go the extra mile, even if it means paying a bit extra – after all that is the basis of both of our businesses!

Please proceed with per your recommendation.

Thanks Todd!"

In 11.5 years of insurance broking, I have come across many, many business owners and consumers that are shopping for insurance purely on price. Whilst in many instances, I can appreciate that for a lot of people, insurance is a necessary evil and a cost they would rather not incur, I find I can at least work with those customers who appreciate its importance in protecting their livelihoods, assets and families and are prepared to engage with me in a thorough process.

On the other hand (and I'm being brutally honest and transparent here, the only way I know how), my time is simply too valuable to waste on those that simply 'want the best price'. Our industry often cops black eyes in the media as the hardship stories of those people that have bought the cheapest insurance and suffered uninsured losses as a result, seem to be far more popular or newsworthy than the far more prevalent 'good news stories'. This is a topic I've spoken about at length previously and as you know, am extremely passionate about.

The point of this article is thus, fairly straight forward; I have always prided myself on being as thorough as possible, providing my clients with all the information they need to make informed decisions, of educating them along the way, ensuring that they are as engaged in the process of obtaining insurance as they can be so that they understand why I make the recommendations that I do.

I talk to my clients about the importance of the strength of the insurance we're reviewing and how the strong, supportive and efficient claims process that our partner insurers provide, is one of the most important metrics we consider as insurance brokers. But in terms of cost and being equally as honest, yes it is most definitely a consideration to be taken into account, it always is and always will be. However, you will never, EVER find me saying over the phone or in an email to one of my clients, "I've found you the cheapest quote!"

Out of all of this, what I value most in my role as a Qualified Practising Insurance Professional, is a client such as the one who responded to me this morning, who values equally the work I put into their insurance process and the advice I provide, as much as they value the work done by our insurance partners behind the scenes. In short, I value clients who's own values mirror my own and also, the values of the insurance companies that we choose to work with.

For these reasons above, I thank this client and the majority of my clients and insurance partners. You make coming to work super easy and are a big part of the reason why I absolutely love my chosen career and profession.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone.