re: What do local insurance agents actually do?

To be fair while an agent can report the claim the claims department is going to need a statement from the insured for the claim. So it’s just a quicker process for the insured to report and give the statement all at once.

Now if you have issues with the claim that’s where an agent can step in and try to solve the problem.

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What do local insurance agents actually do?

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They do like newly retired Boudreaux's dogs do, sleep and chill out all day.

This is one industry I hope AI kills.

Totally worthless

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This is one industry I hope AI kills. Totally worthless

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You’re painting with a broad brush here.

I owned a local insurance agency for 7+ years, starting from scratch in a closet of an office that was big enough for two chairs, a desk, and a printer. Worked nights and weekends at bars and restaurants to make ends meet for 2+ years.
After 3 years hired my first part time employee.
4 years in, Hurricane Sally hit, and we had 707 claims overnight (50% of our policies).
Worked nights and weekends for 2 years to handle all claims issues. Only TWO clients hired attorneys, as the overwhelming majority were satisfied.
Due to the above, my agency doubled in size and I sold it in Jan of 24.

During my time, I worked roughly 60 hrs/wk, and my tasks were:
Managing office
Dealing with claims
Marketing
Renewals-agents don’t focus on this and it’s dumb
Charity/sponsorships
New policies

Now, I know several other agency owners, and they don’t do all the above, and it shows.

Insurance is not a fun industry, and I thought of myself as an advocate for my clients. Walked them through coverages, policy questions, claims, and gave honest advice. The 7+ years aged me 15 yrs, but the business gave me a platform for politics, charity, community involvement, and an opportunity to help literally hundreds of people in a stressful moment in their lives.

It depends on the type of agent. If you’re dealing with one of the big boys (State Farm etc) then you’re getting handed off to the 800#. If you deal with an independent, you can have them shop around for the best policies amongst the smaller insurance companies. I usually have mine review things every few years to see if there are better things out there. They’ll also work with me when I need to update terms on the policy.

I'm happy to check those knuckles brother, anytime.

They make bank

I was in an accident a few years ago. A woman backed into my car in a parking lot. Her insurance company refused to pay for a rental car while my car was in the shop. My insurance agent advocated for me with her insurance company. I really appreciated that.

I’ve never talked to an agent. Always go through websites and the internet for quotes and policies.

I assume they’re pretty worthless. Every agent I’ve known in real life put off crooked or small town attorney vibes…drinking beers at a luncheon on a weekday, always smiling, shaking hands, and laughing, always doing fun shite while the rest of the world is at work.

I imagine they constantly take advantage of the elderly or people who still are in denial the internet exists.

Rich coming from you