• Name: Lindsey Manhart
• Employer: American Family Insurance
• Position: I advise people on their insurance to ensure their policies are tailored to fit their needs.
• Location: Minnetonka, MN
• Education: B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and Spanish
How long have you been in your career field?
14 years
What led you to work in this area?
My father has been an agent for 40 years. When I was younger, he arranged his schedule so that he could be there for our concerts, sporting events, etc. Also, over the years, I saw many examples of how the products he sold helped others.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your work?
That insurance is a commodity and finding the cheapest product is the best option. Insurance is meant to protect you, your family, your finances, and your dreams. An advisor can help you make sure your policies do exactly that. It’s about value, not price.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Without question, it’s the client interaction.
When do you recommend that an individual start thinking about utilizing your services?
As soon as you’ve established a household apart from your parents, you should have your own insurance. Sometimes, sooner. It doesn’t cost you anything to get information. So, if you question whether or not you need a policy, just ask!
What is a best piece of advice that you share with clients as they think about the services you provide?
Find an agent you like, know, and trust. When looking, ask for referrals from your friends and family.
Most often, it’s to your benefit to have your insurance all in one place; you get reciprocal discounts.
Choose the highest deductible you can afford as long as it is still cost-effective.
Any interesting anecdotes related to your work?
Unfortunately, most “interesting” anecdotes have to do with insurance fraud. Google “insurance fraud cases” and you’ll see some examples of the things that we occasionally see. Here’s one interesting article. While most claims are legitimate, agents and claims adjusters can often identify the red flags in fraudulent cases. It’s always interesting once the Special Investigation Unit gets involved!
