Posted On: September 11, 2008, 6:03 am CDT

Posted By: That's Right

What is the role of the agent? Yes, that is right. The agent is only responsible for selling a piece of paper. The agent then collects his or her commission, and waits for the phone to ring. After the loss the agent goes to see the insured and tries to look important, because we want that next renewal, right? Oh, the agent may have to issue a few certificates of insurance when correct - oh, and doesn't care if they do that correctly or not, most of the time. Just put on the cert whatever is requested, right? The agent does not attend and should not attend Loss Control visits. The agent does not practice or get involved in risk management. The agent does not take the Loss Control suggestions or recommendations and counsel the insured on the importance of maintaining the insured's property. Kind of reminds me of the agent who was writing a heavy property risk with our Company. Our LC advised that the sprinkler system needed maintenance and significant updating. The insured ignored our suggestions and we asked the agent to get involved. The agent told us he was not in the business to sell sprinkler systems! We non-renewed, and 2 years later that $10 million building was lighting up the night sky on the 10:00 news. Indiana paid for that one, and of course they didn't even do Loss Control on the building. And the agent still collected all of his commission.