Six tools every insurance agent should have

Having the proper tools can make all the difference between success and failure in the insurance industry. As an independent insurance agent or broker, you should have access to the latest technology and digital tools to help you maximize your success and grow your customer base.

In this article, we'll cover six essential tools every insurance professional should have at the ready.

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1. CRM software

Customer relationship management (CRM) software is essential for managing and organizing client data. With CRM software, you can track client interactions, store important documents, and set follow-up reminders. Look for a CRM system specifically tailored to health insurance agents’ needs, with features like policy tracking, quoting, and integration with insurance carriers.

After all, information is the key to any sale. If you're reaching out to a potential client you talked to six months ago, you should have notes about that call. Everything they might have told you about their past experience with health insurance, any dependents they may have, and their long-term goals should be readily available so you don't waste time bringing up questions you've already asked.

With a CRM, you can build better relationships with clients. Your customer service experience will become smoother for both you and your clients when you can instantly look up their contact records and see a full report of everything you've ever known about them.

Here are just a few CRM systems that can help you optimize your lead and customer experience:

• HubSpot
• Salesforce
• Pipedrive
• Oracle

2. AMS software

If you work in the insurance business, you know how important it is to nurture leads while keeping your existing customers happy. An agency management system (AMS) simplifies workflows, improves communication, and secures data. AMS software can assist insurance agents with day-to-day administrative tasks.

Here are some AMS systems commonly used by insurance agents:

• Vertafore
• Partner Platform
• ZyWave
• Better Agency
• Radiusbob

3. Social media marketing tools

When it comes to connecting with current and potential clients, it's important to engage with them on the platforms they use online. Social media serves as a significant marketing tool for insurance agents.

But, posting daily content on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X, formerly known as Twitter, can be challenging. Social media management tools let you automate and schedule posts in advance on all social media platforms so you can save time while engaging with your audience consistently. This helps establish strong client relationships and improve client satisfaction.

Here are some popular social media management tools for insurance agents:

• HootSuite
• Buffer
• Sprout Social
• SocialPilot

4. Cross-channel communication tools

Effective communication builds trust and rapport with your leads and current clients. Invest in digital tools that facilitate seamless communication, such as video conferencing software, email newsletters, and instant messaging platforms.

With so many platforms to keep track of, implementing cross-channel communication tools allows you to connect all of these forms of client communication within one single platform. You'll be able to stay on top of your overflowing inbox and ensure you don't miss a single email, text message, or comment.

Here are a few options for email marketing, chat, and messenger tools to help you stay organized:

• MobileMonkey
• Google Meet
• MailChimp
• Constant Contact
• HubSpot CRM

5. Office organization software

With more homes turning into offices, you'll need to make sure you've got all the office organization software you need to do your job from home. Whether it's note-taking, list-making, or document signing, there are dozens of tools designed to make remote and traditional office work even easier.

The best of these tools will be cloud- or web-based so all of your work is instantly saved, backed up, and accessible whenever and wherever you need it—even if you have a power outage or your computer crashes.

Here are some popular online tools that improve workflow and productivity:

• Google Workspace, including Google Docs
• Microsoft To Do
• DocuSign
• Adobe Scan
• Trello

6. Quote software

To provide the best options to your clients, you need access to a range of health insurance plans and coverage options. Quoting and comparison tools can help you easily navigate various policies, allowing you to generate quick quotes and compare different plans side by side. These quote engines save you time and ensure you can offer your clients the most suitable options.

Here are a few tools for insurance agents that allow you to generate custom quotes:

• Salesforce CPQ
• PandaDoc
• QuoteWerks
• Quotient
• EZLynx

Conclusion

As a health insurance agent, your job is to help individuals and families navigate the complex world of healthcare coverage. Having the right digital tools at your disposal can significantly enhance your effectiveness as a health insurance agent. They will streamline your processes and enable you to provide exceptional service to your prospective and current customers.

In addition to having the right tools, you need to stay up-to-date on the latest health insurance trends and challenges. One trend is the increase in small to mid-size businesses switching from traditional group health insurance to alternative benefits like health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs).

Through PeopleKeep's referral program, brokers and insurance agents can offer health benefits solutions that other advisors don't know about or fully understand. After you join our referral program, we'll give you the insights you need to become well-versed in HRAs. You can offer your clients choices that work best for them and remain their trusted advisor for health benefits.

This article was originally published on July 16, 2009. It was last updated on August 3, 2023.