There is an interesting article in the January 2017 edition of the AAA Motorist magazine. It’s titled, “Millenials turning to travel agents for stress-free travel. Online bookings losing their luster for digital natives.” (Vol. 109, No.1, Northeast Ohio Region).
The article cites a study by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) which found that 30 percent of Millennials reported using a travel agency in the last 12 months. It also reported that there has been a 14 percent increase of Americans (earning more than $50,000) using travel agents over the last 3 years.
According to Pew Research, four out of five Millennials sleep with or next to their cellphones. Why are these tech savvy Americans looking for the personalized service of a travel agent instead of booking online?
I believe it is for the very save reasons these folks are beginning to understand the value of a licensed agent when purchasing insurance – time, expertise and savings.
Just as travel agents can save consumers the time and hassle of researching travel options online; independent insurance agents can shop multiple markets to find the best deals available.
Just as travel agents have the expertise to recognize the pitfalls of hidden fees, blackouts, and restrictions; insurance agents can identify the benefits and weaknesses between different insurance policies. It does no good to save money on an insurance policy, only to find out that those “savings” may cost you thousands of dollars at the time of a claim.
Finally, just as travel agents can work on your behalf if something goes wrong; your independent insurance agent can be in your corner should the same thing happen with your insurance company. Who wants to “go it alone” when there is a problem with a claim?
There’s no question that the web brings with it a number of quick options for travel and insurance. However, more and more consumers are seeing the real value (and savings) of choosing the expertise and service only a true professional can provide.
Regis Coustillac, CIC