PIA National President Johnny Lee: Insurance Is Not ?Stuff?

Recently, the CEO of one of the strategic partners who is helping a big online retailer market auto insurance was quoted saying, “Consumers don’t want a relationship with an agent or even a carrier,” and “The consumer is looking for a store or aisle in a store where the shelves are stuffed with every risk management product they need.”

PIA National President John G. Lee takes issue with this in his most recent President's Message. Lee says that contrary to the claims of those who try to market insurance as a commodity, consumers don’t see it that way. They know that insurance is a contract to protect people and their property, and a promise to be made whole in the event of a loss. It’s not something that can be found in a box next to the canned tomatoes at a discount store.

“They can stuff their shelves with whatever they want,” Lee stated. “If you look at the facts as opposed to the hype, consumers want a relationship. Statements to the contrary come from our competitors. What would we expect them to say?”

“Insurance is serious business,” Lee said. “It is not ‘stuff.’”