Is it safe to use free insurance consultation? Explaining the mechanism and how to use it

Consult with an insurance agent

Companies that handle insurance products include “insurance companies” and “insurance agencies.” An insurance company is a financial institution similar to a bank or a securities company and is a company that engages in the insurance business. As a general rule, we can only handle our insurance products. On the other hand, an insurance agency is a company (*sometimes an individual) that is entrusted by an insurance company to sell insurance products and provide after-sales support after purchasing insurance on behalf of the insurance company. In many cases, we handle insurance products from several insurance companies, and in that case, it is possible to compare and consider multiple insurance products at the same time.

There are three main types of insurance agency services: in-store, home-visit, and online, and in most cases, you can consult for free.
Walk-in counters are often located in shopping malls, in front of stations, and on shopping streets, and the advantage is that you can stop by when you are out shopping.
On the other hand, the home-visit style is a style in which a sales representative from an insurance agency visits your home or other location to provide information on insurance products and suggest reviews. Since there is no need to go out, it can be used conveniently even if there is no walk-in counter nearby. If you want to listen to the conversation somewhere other than your home, you may be able to specify a nearby coffee shop or other location.
As the name suggests, the online type is a style where consultations are conducted online. Consultations may also be available via chat or video call. As with the in-store and door-to-door options, consultations are generally free of charge, and in many cases, you can consider products from multiple insurance companies.

At the insurance agent’s counter, they will explain in detail what kind of compensation/guarantee the insurance product has and why it is necessary, as well as provide insurance that is in line with the compensation/coverage content that you need. You can compare and consider products. Another point of peace of mind is that an insurance agent will be able to assist you with insurance experts.

Consult with an insurance company representative

Another option is to consult with a representative from each insurance company. A sales representative is a staff member of an insurance company who sells insurance products and provides post-contract support.
You can consult directly with a representative by making a reservation for a consultation, requesting information, or applying by phone from the insurance company’s website.
Staff who are familiar with each insurance company’s products will assist you, but please note that with this method you can only select insurance products from that insurance company.
Since insurance companies handle only life insurance or non-life insurance, you may not be able to consider the insurance products you need. However, if you have narrowed down the insurance companies and products you want to enroll into a certain extent, it will be easier for you to consult with us about the details of the insurance products.

Consult with an FP (financial planner)

An FP (Financial Planner) is a specialist who provides comprehensive life planning by providing consultation on a wide range of money and lifestyle concerns, such as reviewing insurance and household finances, planning for life after retirement, and asset management methods.

Because a wide range of specialized knowledge is required in insurance, asset management, taxation, mortgages, inheritance, pensions, etc., many FPs have qualifications such as CFP® qualification, AFP qualification, FP technician qualification, and comprehensive knowledge of money and life. has a point of view.
Please note that depending on whether the FP is qualified as an insurance solicitor, whether or not the FP will only be able to provide consultation or propose and sell insurance products will change.
In addition, there are cases in which the specialist area is biased, so we recommend that you consult with an FP who is familiar with the things you want to know and the insurance products you want.
Consultations with FPs are sometimes free and sometimes charged, and the average price for paid consultations varies widely, from about 5,000 yen to 20,000 yen per hour. It is best to check the specific amount and fee structure in advance.

Compare products from each insurance company and consider them yourself

Another option is to check the insurance company’s website or brochure and do your research.
You will need to have a certain level of knowledge about insurance, as you will not only need to choose your own insurance company and insurance product but also the insurance amount and compensation/coverage details.
In addition, if you do not have knowledge not only about insurance but also about the social security system, there is a possibility that the compensation/coverage content or compensation/coverage amount may be inadequate or insufficient.
You can choose the insurance products you want to take out while focusing on your own pace and way of thinking, but you have to make decisions based only on your knowledge without consulting insurance professionals such as diplomats or financial planners. It is important to note that this tends to be a subjective point of view.

We can take care of everything from application procedures to contract management.

Insurance consultation counters not only provide consultation on purchasing or reviewing insurance, but may also provide support such as changing the debit account or address after signing the insurance contract, contract renewal procedures, and insurance claims. there is.
Even when contracting insurance products from multiple insurance companies, there is no need for the policyholder to contact each insurance company, and the procedures can be completed all at once by simply contacting the person in charge at the insurance agency. is also possible.

Criteria for choosing an insurance agent

When choosing an insurance agency, check to see if they have someone with qualifications such as an FP (financial planner).
It is also a good idea to check whether many insurance companies handle not only specific insurance products but also the category of insurance products you want to consult with. If there are many types of insurance companies and insurance products available, you may be able to choose the coverage that best suits you.
In addition, check to see if there are easy ways to consult, such as at a counter, over the phone, online, or in person. Having multiple consultation methods allows you to choose the one that best suits your situation, making it easier to consult with someone.

Things to prepare before going to the insurance consultation counter

Before going to the insurance consultation counter, please check the following three points.

• Be clear about what concerns you have
• Gain basic knowledge of public security systems such as insurance and public pensions.
• If you already have insurance, bring your insurance policy and documents that explain the contract details.

Be clear about what concerns you have

Insurance is a financial product that protects against future economic risks. By identifying what concerns you have about the future, you will be able to receive suggestions on what insurance products are right for you. When presented with multiple options, it will be easier to choose without hesitation.
However, there may be some people who say, “I can’t figure out what I’m worried about” or “I’m kind of anxious.” In such a case, there is no need to worry, as the person in charge of the insurance agency will carefully listen to you and sort out the situation.

Gain basic knowledge of social security systems such as insurance and public pensions.

If you have some knowledge about insurance and the social security system, you will be able to more easily understand the explanations given by the insurance agent’s sales representative.
Additionally, Japan has a well-developed social security system, so even if something were to happen to you, you can take advantage of a variety of insurance coverage, which can often reduce your burden. Therefore, the basic purpose of private insurance is to compensate for the parts that cannot be covered by public insurance. By understanding even a little bit about the contents of the social security system such as the public pension that you are covered by, it will be easier to choose an insurance product that suits you, and it may lead to a more satisfying choice.
Of course, you don’t have to worry even if you don’t have the necessary knowledge, as the insurance agent’s sales representative will provide you with detailed information.

If you already have insurance, bring your insurance policy and documents that explain the contract details.

If you already have insurance, bring your insurance policy or something that shows the coverage/coverage details of your insurance.
This will help you decide whether your current insurance coverage is adequate or insufficient and whether you should review it.

Choose the consultation center that is suitable for you

If you are having trouble deciding to consider insurance products on your own, we recommend that you use various consultation centers. For example, Rakuten Insurance Planning Co., Ltd., an insurance sales agency, provides the following insurance consultation services.

With Rakuten Insurance Planning Co., Ltd.’s insurance consultation, professionals will suggest the best insurance for you.

At Rakuten Insurance Planning Co., Ltd.’s insurance consultation service, you can consult with an insurance advisor about a wide range of financial concerns, such as paying for insurance premiums and reviewing your household finances, through face-to-face or online interviews.
If you are interested not only in insurance but also in various matters related to money, please use this service.

■You can specify your home, work, or nearby coffee shop for an interview.

We will confirm your reservation by confirming a convenient date and time.
One of the features of Rakuten Insurance Planning Co., Ltd.’s insurance consultation desk is that you can meet at a location of your choice, such as your home, a coffee shop, or your workplace, making it easy for busy people to organize their schedules.

summary

Most of the free insurance consultation counters are operated by insurance agencies contracted by each insurance company, so you can use them with confidence. You can choose the insurance that suits you from a wide range of insurance products, so please take advantage of it.
There are also counters available online and counters where you can specify the date and time, so you can use them in a style that suits you. The insurance you need will also vary depending on your age and family structure. Please use the free consultation service regularly and review the insurance that suits you at that time.