Who has the worst reputation?

But AmbiePam, we're not talking about the insurance COMPANY, just the insurance agent. You know, the person with a local office or who comes to your home or busines to sell you a policy.

OK. I lump them in a group because the agent just does what the company tells them too.

Not really, a lot of people don't know this but insurance agents are ALL independant contractors. They do have to sell what the companies make available; but, they do have the choice about which companies they represent. Plus, a lot of them get in trouble because they do things the company tells them not to do. A good example is the company would be perfectly happy, if the agent called on 50 people in a months time. But, the agent might decide to call on 10 people 5 times in a month. Or a company will tell an agent what they do and don't cover, but the agent maight misrepresent the policy and say it covers more than it really does. So if you have a problem with the agents - fine. But, if the problem is with the insurance industry; the agent only sells what is available.

I forgot to say that most politicians are lawyers, so it might be a tie. Lloyd

I know what you mean. When I was little, The average parent wanted their sons to grow up "to be President". Now the only ones who want their children to do that, are parents who are already either lawyers or politicians. The average parent doesn't want to see their child grow up and go into politics anymore. After all, who wants a corrupt politician in the family.

Please remember that not all sales people work on commission and not all of the ones that do work on commission are "driven" by those commisions. Some of them are just plain "bad people" in the first place. Others really do believe in their product; but, they don't know there is something better out there. Their company says they are the best and the poor saleperson believes them. (If I told you the number of companies that wanted me to sell their product and told me they had the "best rates in my area" it would take me all day! Everyone can't be "best", "lowest", etc.) Then, there are the true "gems" of the sales world. These sales people look at the "big picture" and know that if what they have is NOT right for you; they will get referral business from you by sending you to a company that has a product that fits your needs. Of course, if their product is the right choice for you, it takes time for you to be sure they are a gem and that they don't fit into one of the other categories. I am an insurance agent and my biggest "kick" is when one of my clients comes back to me and either says "thank you for selling me ......" or "I hate to admit it; but, you were right. I should have gotten ...... when you told me about it". 90% of the time, I have the correct product for them and the other 10% I do send them out the door with a possible source for what they need.

Another reason why I personally feel politicians are on the bottom rung is fairly easy to see. Just check our Congress and see how many politicians are or were lawyers!

You just made me laugh pretty darn hard. Thanks!

Like you, I am an insurance agent. I always try to do what is best for my clients, whether they agree with me at the time or not. The ones who go along with my advice, frequently come back and thank me because when they needed it the coverage was there. But, I have also seen bad insurance agents. The ones who don't tell their clients everything they need to know and who only look out for themselves. I am a multi-line agent - selling life, health, auto, home, etc. I contantly overhear agents in meetings who are placing thier clients in overpriced policies with limited benefits JUST so the agent can qualify for a trip or bonus. They make me sick and I am an agent myself. I know what you mean about some of the mortgage brokers though. The fees they are charging are ridiculous and some of the loans they try to get people to accept hurt them in the long run; BUT, they haven't acquired the bad reputation with the general public yet.

Actually, I am a little surprised by your listing lobbyists separately from politicans. In my state, the majority of lobbyists ARE ex-politicians. They spend a couple of years in office so they get to meet people and learn how the system works and then they make the switch. They make more money and are involved in the same things; but, they are ususally less in the "public eye".

I should have lumped them in with the other two, but it was somewhat of an afterthought. Okay, three way tie!