The advantages of personalised insurance service

Like many industries, the internet and the rise of smart devices are changing the way in which consumers interact with insurance companies.

David Powell of Elders Insurance Metro Melbourne has been in the insurance industry for more than 30 years and has tracked the subtle shifts occurring in recent times.

"Probably the biggest change I've seen is the inroads of direct sellers through the internet. It's possibly changing the face of insurance, particularly for private insurances," Mr Powell explains.

So what does that mean for the Australian individual or business looking to protect their assets?

While the internet has made it easier and quicker to access such sellers, what may be sacrificed along the way is the context and sound advice that an adviser can provide.

The Elders Insurance agent says that customers often will make their decision based solely on the price, without being able to compare the benefits of the insurance package with those of other products on the market.

Consumers also run the risk of purchasing insurance policies that don't provide them with the cover they need.

That's because without an experienced adviser asking the appropriate questions and tailoring an insurance package to their individual needs, they are often making their decisions based on guesswork and cost alone.

"Where we differ at Elders Insurance is that we can help people to discover what their insurance needs really are," says Mr Powell.

"We've had clients who have left us based on price but come back after a claim because it didn't go well."

For him, that goes to show that Elders Insurance agents aren't simply seen as insurance salesmen, but as trusted advisers that are committed to helping their customers over the long-term with their farm, business and personal insurance needs.

"The nature of our business is we interact quite a lot with the people, it is more of a personal relationship - we know them well."