To perform at the best of your ability as an insurance agent, it’s crucial that you stay informed, and up-to-date. This means keeping up with the most recent industry trends, regulations, news and best practices. In a sector that is constantly changing and evolving, there’s no excuse to simply stop learning. Agent’s who invest their time in reading and studying industry resources will have a competitive advantage over agents who just stick to what they know.
In the digital age that we live in, the number of resources available on any given topic is amazing. But it can also be overwhelming. With so many different blogs, websites, journals, associations, podcasts and more to choose from. It can be easy to become frustrated, not knowing which one’s truly hold value and which ones should be left by the wayside. But there’s no need to worry! We’ve delved into the world of insurance information and pulled out only the best resources for insurance agents like yourself to use. By being in the know about recent industry developments and making the decision to continue your insurance-education journey. You will be able to be more successful than ever, and can serve your community as a trusted expert.
Websites, Journals, Blogs, and More
1.Benepath
Benepath.net serves insurance agents far and wide as a one-stop resource for insurance-related news, recent industry insights and innovations, qualified expert help, and lead generation services. Benepath’s blog offers articles aimed to help insurance agents like you, learn new marketing and sales techniques to increase your industry success. With topics about things like:
Time management
Lead gen tips
Social media best practices
Client retention
Tackling the OEP
Using technology to increase productivity
And much more
There isn’t another blog out there that tackles such a wide range of topics that are all informative, timely and relevant. Unlike many other blogs that seem to stay stagnant over time, Benepath.net offers new and updated articles every month. So, that you can be sure to keep up with the latest insurance news.
In addition to their blog, Benepath also focuses on helping agents increase their sales and return on investment with their industry leading lead generation. Benepath stands out from the crowd by offering leads for a variety of different insurance products that are both exclusive and produced in real-time. This means that if you buy a lead from us, it will be sold exclusively to you and no one else. Upping your chances of making a sale. Additionally, all of the consumer information that Benepath captures goes through a thorough vetting process to make sure that it is legitimate. And that the consumer is highly interested in one of your products.
To compliment the leads, they also have a team of sales representatives who specialize in insurance commerce and marketing, who will be there to help you every step of the way. This includes providing you with tips and best practices regarding contacting your lead and marketing yourself. With Benepath’s comprehensive blog, paired with their exclusive leads and knowledgeable representatives, you’ll be able to grow your business and increase your client pool in no time!
2.Insurance Journal
One of the most popular resources to utilize as an agent is Insurance Journal. This industry leading publication covers a wide range of topics such as insurance-related research, analysis, and news. Insurance journal also has various featured articles and opinion pieces available. Popular discussions include technology, marketing, underwriting, claims, regulations and much more. While Insurance Journal is available to view online. They also are one of the few publications that still offers a print version as well. All in all, it is a great place for agents to read up on recent trends and a variety of expert projections.
3.Insurance Business America
Insurance Business America should be every agent’s go-to source for insurance related breaking news. This digital magazine provides insurance professionals with articles, strategies, and analysis pertaining to a range of topics including: sales, marketing, specific lines of insurance, trends, technology, risk management and more. This wealth of information can be accessed through their website, or individuals can subscribe to their newsletter. Either way, their content will help you excel at your job by keeping you informed.
4.Agency Revolution Blog
The Agency Revolution Blog is an online publication that features articles about recent industry developments, insights and news, geared specifically towards independent insurance agents. While their articles cover a variety of subject matter. Common themes include ways to leverage marketing and technology in order to reach more consumers and become as efficient as possible. This blog is a great place for agents (especially independent ones) to brush up on ways to be an effective agent during a time where technology is growing faster than ever.
5.AM Best
AM Best is a credit rating agency that focuses on insurance. It currently stands as one of the most respected online sources for industry analysis and ratings. While using AM Best, agents can access a variety of resources helping them to gain insights on other insurance companies and competitors. These resources include reports, research and ratings, pertaining to organizations credit, financial stability, products, services and more. On the website, you can use a number of different filtering options to search for specific companies, view specific regions, and look at important documents. If you are looking to get a firm understanding of what the market and its competitors look like, then AM Best is the place for you.
6.Insurance Thought Leadership
This online platform explores a wide range of topics relevant to the insurance industry. Their website delves into topics such as insurance risk, strategy, operational tips, technology and more. Their site also includes a tab titled “ITL Programs” which features on-demand webinars, and monthly topic discussions. With a mix among practical advice, perspectives of industry leaders, and insurtech news, Insurance Thought Leadership can help any agent expand their base of knowledge.
Insurance Industry Organizations and Associations
1.National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
The NAIC is an organization that was created and is governed by the chief insurance regulators from all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and five United States territories. The NAIC is the best place to go for state-specific regulations, consumer reports, and other relevant industry data. As the body that sets standards and industry regulations, this organization is a great tool for any agent who’s looking to brush up on any compliance or regulatory rules and changes.
2.Insurance Information Institute (III)
The Insurance Information Institute is a trusted site focusing mainly on insurance-related research, statistics and data. It is recognized by the government, universities, and media publications as a reputable source of information. Aiming to help agents and other professionals understand recent trends and consumer behaviors, the organization covers specific lines of insurance like auto, home business, life, health and more. The statistics they provide look at things like crime, fraud, catastrophes, disasters, technology and lots more.
3.Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA)
The IIABA is a national association that represents independent insurance agents, and brokers in the United States. By providing educational resources, and advocacy, the IIABA stands as on of the greatest resources helping agents stay up to date about new developments. The webinars, conferences and other networking opportunities also make it a great place to help professionals connect with like-minded peers.
4.National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA)
The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents is another great place to find continuing education programs, advocacy, and notable industry publications. The PIA is a national trade association representing agents and brokers in the United States. To get full access to their wealth of knowledge, you must join and become a member. The group aims to serve professionals by helping them stay informed on a national and state level.
Podcasts
1.The Insurance Innovators Unscripted
The host of Insurance Innovators Unscripted, Abel Travis, explores the most relevant and recent innovations in the world of insurance. Focusing on technology, he interviews various thought-leaders and insurtech designers, helping industry professionals become more efficient by leveraging tech.
2.The Independent Agent Podcast
This podcast takes a look at some of the most difficult questions and topics that independent insurance agents face on a daily basis. As an independent agent who is looking to expand their business, the Independent Agent Podcast serves as a great tool, examining sales techniques, marketing strategies, management tips, technological innovations and more.
3.The Insurance Guys Podcast
In this witty, yet educational podcast, hosts Bradley Flowers and Scott Howell interview successful industry professionals. This conversational format allows listeners to learn from other people’s personal experiences and mistakes, so that they can take the good and avoid the downfalls in their own careers.
4.The Insurance Dudes
Hosted by Craig Pretzinger and Jason Feltman, the Insurance Dudes Podcast uses humor and insight to discuss a wide range of topics. While many different subjects are explored, the common focus of the podcast is personal growth, sales and marketing strategies.
Online Communities
1.Reddit (r/Insurance)
Reddit serves as a popular online space for members of different communities to communicate and discuss topics of interest. The r/Insurance subreddit, serves as a great place for insurance agents, brokers, and other industry professionals to post interesting articles and opinions. As well as ask questions, and discuss their experiences. By putting members of the many different sectors of the insurance world all in one place, there is always some insight to be gained. Who knows, you might meet some individuals who you’ll wind up connecting with in the real world too.
You probably already know about LinkedIn, but you might not be using it to its fullest potential. If you haven’t already, research and join relevant groups on LinkedIn that pertain to the insurance industry. Additionally, you should make sure that you’re following the top insurance industry thought leaders as they often post great information and articles. Additionally, you should never forget to use LinkedIn for its main purpose— networking. You never know who you might meet.
Conferences
Insurance conferences are a good place to see what leading companies are doing, expand your network of peers, and learn from experts. While there are a bunch of different conferences that are available each year, some popular ones are: Insuretech Connect which focuses on innovation and technology, and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) Annual Convention which brings some of the top insurance company representatives to one place to share educational content and to provide networking opportunities.
Wrapping Up
In the modern era, we are lucky to have so many helpful resources and educational materials at our fingertips. While it can be overwhelming to sort through the weeds to find the gems. Staying informed and up to date will give you an edge over your competitors. We provided a plethora of resources, and while we don’t expect everyone to bookmark every single one of them, try to pick a few that you are interested in and engage with them on a weekly basis. With online publications, associations, communities, podcasts, conferences and more, there really is something for everyone. So, stay committed, and remember — as soon as you stop learning, you stop growing.
If you are an agent looking for ways to increase your sales this year, you’ve come to the right place. At Benepath we specialize in producing insurance leads that are bound to help you grow your business. We offer both data leads and inbound phone calls in the following verticals: health, Medicare, life, group and commercial insurance. All of our leads are exclusive, and produced in real-time, giving you the best chance at success. If you are interested in taking advantage of our leads, fill out a form or give us a call at 888-684-3121.
The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents is another great place to find continuing education programs, advocacy, and notable industry publications. The PIA is a national trade association representing agents and brokers in the United States. To get full access to their wealth of knowledge, you must join and become a member. The group aims to serve professionals by helping them stay informed on a national and state level. 
