Top 10 New Year Resolutions for Insurance Agents

Each new year is a chance to build on the prior year’s successes. For insurance agents and agencies, that often translates to finding fresh ways to serve clients, create new relationships and craft a more sustainable business.

At PALIG, we’re proud to work with dedicated agents and agencies who routinely go above and beyond for their clients. In that spirit, we’re pleased to bring you this year’s top 10 resolutions for sales professionals. We hope they inspire you to achieve new heights in the year ahead!

1. Offer Annual Policy Reviews to Every Client

Life changes quickly. Proactive agents make sure their clients’ insurance keeps up. That’s why conducting annual policy reviews/needs assessments is an essential service.

From the outset, create the expectation of annual reviews. Get them on the calendar. Approach every meeting ready to actively listen and make personalized recommendations.

Such meetings serve multiple purposes. They reveal coverage gaps and new information. They often present natural cross‑selling opportunities. And, whether you end up making changes or confirming your client’s coverage is up to date, they reinforce your role as a valued advisor.

2. Find Ways to Leverage Digital Tools More Fully

Successful agents and agencies are continually fine‑tuning and expanding the ways they communicate with prospects and clients. In addition to phone calls, they’re using a mix of email, text messaging, social media and client portals to stay connected.

Make it a point to engage on multiple platforms. One month, you might send a short text reminder about an upcoming renewal. The next, a quick explainer video shared via email. Of course, take the time to learn what your clients prefer—and personalize accordingly.

3. Make Client Retention a Top Priority

Retaining existing clients is key to growing any business. It’s far easier and more cost‑effective to keep a client than replace one.

The best way to ensure client retention is simple: provide excellent service! Return calls promptly. Get involved when clients can use some help with a claim or administrative issue. And create a schedule of multiple touchpoints with them throughout the year.

4. Emphasize Wellness and Preventive Care

Wellness has become an increasingly important topic for consumers and employers. Fortunately, it is for PALIG, too. Make sure your health insurance clients understand all their preventive care benefits: annual checkups, screenings, vaccinations, etc.

Consider sharing simple wellness tips in your communications. And if PALIG is conducting a screening event in your area, be sure your clients know about them. When clients use their benefits more fully, they appreciate their policy’s value.

5. Don’t Just Sell—Educate

Insurance isn’t complicated—it’s often misunderstood. For example, studies show that many consumers put off buying life insurance not because they don’t want it, but because they’re unsure how it works.

You can fill that knowledge gap. Be the agent who provides educational webinars, short videos or clear informational emails that explain the basics in simple, relatable terms. Skip the jargon and focus on what matters most to your clients.

When you present a proposal or deliver a policy, make sure your clients truly understand it. You’re not just selling insurance— you’re empowering them with knowledge

6. Sharpen Your Sales Skills and Product Know‑How

Even the most successful agents acknowledge there’s always a little room for improvement. This year, commit to deepening your understanding of those products you sell less often, so you can offer them more confidently.

And if you’re not already doing so, think in terms of cross‑selling. Understanding how life, health, and supplemental products work together allows you to serve clients more holistically. Bonus: multi‑line clients are more loyal than single‑policy clients.

7. Strengthen Your Brand as Trusted Advisor

Your personal brand—your professional image—matters. Even if you’re an established agent, it needs regular polishing.

Make this the year you update your online profiles (when was the last time you did so?). Raise your visibility on social media by posting helpful insights and tips, not just promotions.

Offline, look for ways to engage locally, whether attending community events or supporting a local charity. Choose causes you truly care about. When you’re authentic, it shows.

8. Make A Habit of Requesting Client Referrals

Some agents hesitate to ask for referrals, but satisfied clients are often happy to provide them. Many highly successful agents build their businesses largely by referrals.

The easiest way to request referrals is to time them naturally, such after a warm policy review or successful claim resolution. Referrals are far easier and more effective than cold calling. And when a referral results in a new shared connection, it strengthens your bonds with both clients.

9. Practice Intentional Time Management

In sales, time is your most valuable asset. Regularly audit how you spend your hours and eliminate low‑value activity when possible. Identify when you’re most energetic—most people have a “sweet spot” in their day—and reserve that time for client interactions.

And here’s a thought. Studies show that “batching” similar tasks—such as spending mornings on prospecting and afternoons on service and admin—can improve productivity.

Some days, you just have to roll with the punches but try to be intentional in how you organize your time when you can.

10. Prioritize Your Own Well‑Being

Finally, remember that your well‑being matters, too. Burnout helps no one, including clients. Prioritize your health. Get enough rest. Spend time with people you care about and doing activities you love.

The bottom line: a healthier, happier agent is going to be a more effective, successful agent. There’s a whole new year in front of you. Make the most of it. And know that your PALIG sales team is here to help you make it your best one yet.