If you took the time to make a google search, life insurance started in the 18th century. We have come a long way.
During this time of COVID-19, there have been a substantial number of people who wondered why are insurance agents considered essential workers?
Editor’s Note:
- If you don’t think you are well covered, speak to your agent.
- If you are well covered, please sign up for our guide to Free COVID-19 Coverage.
- If you don’t have an agent, just sign up for the guide and we will recommend a good one, though everyone has a friend in insurance.
Most people encounter insurance agents during their commute. The common impression is that of agents approaching you with a survey, looking to have some preliminary filter to qualify you as a prospect. Does that answer why insurance agents considered essential workers? Totally no!
The most common places would be MRT stations, bus terminals & shopping centres. You may remember coming across full fledge insurance road shows at COMEX and other major exhibitions.
COVID-19 has brought “Circuit Breaker” to Singapore. That means roadshows and camping at key nodes of the transportation is not going to be possible. It doesn’t help that only 1 out of 50 people actually stop to do a survey (this is probably the most outdated method of getting new leads.). So, why insurance agents considered essential workers?
Staying home doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen
Just because “Circuit Breaker” is here and everyone stays at home doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen. There are still people who need to move around – the essential services.
Health and social services, that’s your doctors, nurses and social workers who make sure the ill and poor have a helping hand. Pharmacies, laboratories, radiological, disease surveillance and responses services still need to continue to ensure our sick gets the treatment they need. Interestingly, this includes TCM clinics.
Food supply is another major area. Supermarkets, F&B outlets and fast food remain open during this period although their revenues are sure to drop. Food manufacturing and production has to go on to ensure the nation is fed.
Almost every lifestyle necessity service needs to be open too – laundry, plumbers, electricians, gas pipe repairers, locksmiths, vehicle recovery and repair, hardware stores, vets, pet supplies, and the list goes on.
That’s a lot of people who still need to move around. They probably move around in the 18,000 taxis and 45,000 PDVL drivers.
Let’s not forget the folks from Deliveroo, FoodPanda and GrabFood which have been serving meals to families way too often during this time.
So, what do Insurance Agents need to do during “Circuit Breaker”?
Many would imagine that an insurance agent can just do all the work from home via phone or a Zoom conference. It isn’t entirely untrue. They can do the following at home:
- Tie you up with refinancing partners. It’s just a phone call away.
- Review your portfolio to ensure you are still on track to your goals during turbulent times.
- Team training. I’m sure your insurance friends are all showing off their 16-participant Zoom training sessions without being aware of Zoom’s security problems.
That’s not all they have to do though.
Because accidents do happen.
Said someone who just had an accident & realised why insurance agents considered essential workers.
Accidents do happen and you have to call your insurance agent when it comes to that. You will understand why insurance agents considered essential workers.
Are insurance agents considered essential workers?
Imagine being hospitalized and being in a considerable amount of pain because you have broken something or just had a surgery. Would you prefer to have a Zoom video conference with you agent?
Insurance agents do the following essential tasks out of home during “Circuit Breaker”:
- Process claims. This process requires time, details and understanding of your situation to lodge a successful claim.
- Top up of insurance coverage. We’re in a pandemic.
- Ensuring clients are making the right choices, like signing up for free coverage offered by banks and insurers.
During COVID-19, wearing a mask is insurance.
When something bad happens to you, the last thing you would want to worry about is money. That’s why insurance is important. That’s why insurance agents considered essential workers.
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