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Challenges & solutions for advisors - part 3 - Operations
Discover practical solutions to advisors' biggest challenges, and how smart technology can help.
11 June 2025
Profit margins in the insurance industry are under pressure, and many insurance advisors are looking for ways to be more efficient and maintain (and increase) their profitability.
At the same time, many of the advisors we've spoken with tell us they have a more difficult time to find qualified staff. It's leading to increased workloads and other challenges to deliver high quality service and grow profit. In part 3 of this series, we'll look at how advisors can overcome these obstacles.
Challenge 1: Pressure on profitability
Het traditionele verdienmodel van veel verzekeringsadviseurs is gebaseerd op provisies, maar de druk hierop neemt toe door strengere regelgeving en transparantie-eisen. Dit dwingt adviseurs om naar alternatieve inkomstenmodellen en kostenbesparende maatregelen te gaan kijken.
The main revenue model of many insurance advisors is based on commissions, but stricter regulations and transparency requirements are putting this revenue model under increased pressure. It's forcing advisors to start looking at alternative revenue models and cost-saving measures.
How do I make sure I stay profitable?
Subscriptions for service:
Some advisors have already switched to a subscription model to ensure revenue for themselves. By charging clients a fixed monthly or annual fee for advice and service, you can create a stable revenue stream. This way, advisors are less dependent on commissions, and you can build a long-term, transparent relationship with your clients.Digital purchasing funnels:
By partially or fully automating the process of buying insurance, advisors can reduce their cost per policy. Online purchasing funnels with automated underwriting processes allow simple insurance products to be bought without the needing to advisor intervene. This way, advisors have more time for more complex advisory work.Efficient client segmentation:
Combined with digital purchasing funnels, customers can be categorized more efficientlt. Advisors can then determine the appropriate service levels. This means that customers with more urgent advice needs can receive a more intensive service, while less complex products are efficiently bought through (among other things) automated and digital processes.
Challenge 2: Efficiency in administration
Many insurance advisors still spend more time on manual administrative tasks than they would like. This not only creates a high workload, but also hinders scalable growth.
How can I work as efficiently as possible?
Automating repetitive tasks:
By using smart client information or CRM systems and automated workflows, repetitive tasks such as policy management and billing can become more efficient. For example, by setting up automatic reminders for premium payments and policy renewals, there is less manual follow-up, leaving more time for advice and other customer needs.Self-service customer portals:
Self-service portals can reduce the workload for advisors. It allows customers to easily check their policy conditions, make minor changes, and download invoices, all without taking up an advisor's time.Data-integratie:
De juiste koppelingen met backoffice-systemen voorkomen dubbel invoerwerk en verhogen de nauwkeurigheid van klantgegevens. Door (verschillende) systemen aan elkaar te verbinden, kunnen klantgegevens één keer goed worden ingevoerd en automatisch worden gesynchroniseerd met polisadministratie en factureringssystemen.
Challenge 3: Shortage of staff
The search for well-trained staff remains a major challenge. Advisors are looking for ways to find and retain the right employees without compromising on service.
How do I find and keep good staff?
Digital tools to help, and more time for advice:
Automating administrative tasks leaves more time for providing customers with solid advice. And since that's what advisors are all about, spending more time on advice already makes a position more attractive. This allows advisors to focus on valuable client conversations and strategic risk management, rather than wasting time on repetitive administrative work.Hybrid approach:
By using technology smartly, advisors can serve a large client portfolio with a smaller team. For example through chatbots that handle simple client questions or automated dashboards that give advisors insight into client data, changes and risk profiles.Targeted education and training:
Investing in training programs ensures better employability and higher staff retention. This can be done, for example, through e-learning modules or collaboration with insurers to keep employees constantly updated on market developments and regulations.
Ready for the future
Insurance advisors face many challenges, but thankfully digitization can help overcome all of them. By embracing smart technology and innovative processes, you can work more efficiently, reduce workloads and increase customer satisfaction at the same time.
In the next part of this blog series, we take a closer look at how insurance advisors can prepare for future regulations and compliance requirements without increasing their workload.
Also want to get your office ready for the future? Get in touch with Ronnie, to schedule a quick call!
