The Independent Agent’s Oath

Growing up, I often observed my father in action as a medical doctor. He worked long hours and upon arriving home, and after having dinner, he routinely returned phone calls to his patients. There were also many occasions when he grabbed his black bag and left to take care of someone in need.

Even though I didn’t have much personal time with him during the week, I always knew he was doing a great service for his patients who trusted him and relied on his care. Even after his retirement, I still heard many of his patients say he was the best doctor they ever had. He was sensitive to their needs, listened to their problems and was there when they needed him the most.

Thinking back to my father’s dedication to his career, I am reminded of the famous Greek physician Hippocrates. He was famous for the oath he wrote that still stands as a symbol and standard of care physicians should adhere to as they attend to their patients. It’s known this as the Hippocratic Oath. This same oath is administered today to new graduating physicians as they enter the work place to assume their duties of care.

A number of years ago, IIABA’s board of directors envisioned this same principle would also apply to the occupation of insurance agents and brokers. We certainly have responsibilities that mirror those of a family physician. We counsel our customers on what types of protection they need for their businesses or their personal assets. When something goes wrong we promise to be there to help them with their claims and assist them in their recovery. We continue to educate ourselves so we are up to date on various coverage issues and how best to handle our customers’ needs. When they need us we promise to return their phone calls or e-mails and to stay in touch with them. In doing this, we make a commitment to our customers to be ethical in our practices and to work closely with them to get the best coverage at the most reasonable price.

Since the directors initiated their own version of the oath, also known as the Trusted Choice^® “Pledge of Performance,” it has continued to grow and to flourish. We are now approaching 11,000 agencies who agree this is the standard of care they want to be known for. In addition, there are now more than 50 insurance companies who agree and want to be a part of this same mantra. Trusted Choice^® is a brand for independent insurance agents who agree these principles are important.

What I don’t understand is why those who adhere to these exact principles every day haven’t joined this movement. As we continue to promote these promises to the American public, we need good agencies and companies that can ensure the American public is provided with the service and care they expect. If you’re not a member, call your state association executive or go to TrustedChoice.com and find out today how to become one.

In addition to being a Trusted Choice^® agency, it’s vitally important that we begin discussing with our employees the importance of “living the brand.” Sometimes we get so involved with writing business that we forget how important the relationship is and the promise we made to our customers when we were asked to be their agent or broker. As we do our part, I am confident that additional insurance companies will see the difference we are making and want the same level of professionalism from their employees.

Our occupation plays such an important role in protecting America and in providing comfort for those who have experienced tragedy by some insured peril. As individuals and Big “I” associations, we are making a big difference for those we are servicing and want all of our members to consider this great opportunity.

When the day comes when I retire, I hope my family will occasionally be told by my customers that I was the best insurance agent/broker they ever had. I hope they feel I was there when they needed me and that I provided good, sound advice. This hope is why I pledge to do my best toward meeting that goal of being a Trusted Choice^® agent.

—Brett Nilsson, Chairman