How to Reject an Insurance Agent

Good Insurance agents are trained to be immune to rejection. For the side being sold, I learnt that some form of education or training is needed for them to. It is just so hard for some people to say no.

The feeling of being “paiseh” (Singaporean lingo for a subtle feeling of guilt) becomes stronger if the insurance agent who is a close friend or even your relative? This is actually the bigger question that bugs me. I figured I need a solution which can work.

Research online suggests 2 main approaches

1) Flat out rejection: Reiterate to the agent that you have no interest in insurance for the time being. (Might be difficult if the agent is someone you know, as you need to give some ‘face’ to him or her.)

2) Some sort of a lie: Say that you have no job, you just bought insurance, or even to the extent of cursing yourself such that you are no longer eligible for insurance. (Seriously… online advice from the forum. Notwithstanding, some of these are useful to block out hit-and-go agents)

I needed a more sustainable solution than that. The solution I was seeking was in fact the art of saying no.

Think Win Win; Saying no is not just about you

I fully understand that innately you have an obligation to help and support your friend or relative. What I have come to understand is that, “no” need not be the end point.

To Avoid: Say no, you feel bad yourself and you lose a friendship or something more.

Best: Propose an alternative and find a mutual justification

Since you can’t say no, is there a way to negotiate? Be clear and explain why their request is not possible. Remember to show your appreciation.

“I can’t, but I appreciate you asking me. Let me know if I can help in another way.”
“I cannot buy from you because I am currently not ready to buy. However, I can ..”

Offer other options like refer your friends, or giving him the first privilege when you have the intention. You are also helping him by rejecting, such that you do not waste both his and your time.

Then again, Saying no is actually just about you

Finally the most important thing to yourself is that while saying no, you are actually saying yes to your own priorities. My friend tried very hard to convince me to join him, and by rejecting him, I am actually saying yes to pursue my own dreams and plans.

The ability to be able to say no, whether to an insurance agent, or in life actually have great benefits to your psychological well being. Learning to say no can be very liberating and can be a huge stress reliever.

Well, it turned out that this post ended up extolling the benefits of learning how to say no. I just had to continue writing as this is actually, a very important life tip. So I encourage you to start being firm in saying your “NO” from today!

Hope this was useful to you!
EUFASS