Requiring renters insurance

I'm an insurance agent and I'm trying to get into apartment complexes or management groups that require renters insurance and offer my services.

Thus far I've tried emailing a few but I got an email back saying I was affecting their close rate.
I've been into a few local apartment complexes but pinning down the manager seems a bit of chore.
My next step was to send out letters, but i'm not sure if I'll be wasting time on money.

I'm not trying to sell anything here but here's what i've been using as selling points.
$10 per tenant sent to me.
I work nights and weekends.
Servicing any policies I get so the administration can contact me directly for insurance renewal paperwork.

If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.

Your first step should be to find out which communities require renters insurance and focus on those first. Don't limit your contact to the property manager - Make friends with the leasing agent or assistant manager - they are going to be your best allies in the office, anyway. Don't just leave a brochure... the agent who gets the majority of business from my residents includes a pretty detailed letter about WHY you need insurance. There's also a household inventory form and template for creating a household budget (he also has a number of personal finance offerings). He also includes "sample" premium rates, so folks have an idea of cost.

The $10 referral wouldn't fly here - its a violation of our owner's broker license. And many properties won't let the individual keep the the referral, it would have to go to the property. Offer to bring in lunch or Starbucks (or whatever floats their boat) if that's the case where you are.

Be diligent, keep after it. DO NOT show up first thing in the morning, or during the first 5 days of the month. If the leasing office is packed, or phones ringing off the hook, be mindful and come back later.

Good luck!

Have you tried directly marketing to students? There are certainly better ways to reach them than through the manager of the building they live in. Also, factor your geographic location into the equation. We have found that cities with Tier 1 schools that also have higher than average crime rates will likely be your best bet when identifying groups of students that are willing to pay for renters insurance. Another interesting point is that, statistically, most students have received help from their parents when paying for rent. Parents place safety above all when it comes to their child living off-campus. Have you considered marketing your services towards the parent demographic?

I recommend following managers, management companies on social media, like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and seeing if you can connect in this way. Post links to articles about why it makes sense to carry a renters insurance policy, etc. Post safety tips, etc. I know this is not necessarily a fast way, but it can be very effective.

Also, reach out to the local Apartment Associations and offer to sponsor a meeting or cause they are supporting and become a member. That might be a better way of connecting with Managers and Leasing professionals.

And I just realized board doesn't work the way I thought. let me respond this way.


RE: Amanda Truax
Thanks for the Advice. My plan was to go in first thing in the morning. I'm glad you point out not to do that.

RE: HouzeMe
Honestly I hadn't even crossed my mind and I've got a few in's at the local community college. How would I get to the parents in your situation? I can certainly get flyers in to students hands, parents are another story.

RE: Mindy Sharp
I just got myself a social media manager, I agree not the fastest way but I'll bet its going to be the biggest return in the end. Thanks!

Thanks for all the advice I'll take any you've got.

Thus far I've tried emailing a few but I got an email back saying I was affecting their close rate.

This blows my mind. If they believe this, then do resident emails also impact their close rate?? Lead tracking is really off the mark if non-sales emails are seen as a negative rather than a normal course of business...

As far as gaining business, participating in networking activities like association events and here on MFI is a great idea. One important note: Make sure you establish consistency. There are a TON of suppliers who enter a market and are very excited and active at the beginning, only to completely disappear after a few months. So my suggestion is to set up a schedule for attending events, participating online, etc and stick to it month after month - don't let that aspect be the one that falls through the cracks as you get busy.

Good luck!

For getting to the parents of students....if it's not too late, find out when orientation weekend is. For nearby residential campuses with dorms, move-in weekend is also a great time. Quite often, they will have big welcome events and you may be able to get the OK to set up a table. The student housing office is going to be a great starting point of contact.