TEACHKIDS

Who to Invite

Use the information in your agency management system to run a list of your client's children. Remember, the personal auto policy application requires all residents of the household to be listed on the application, not just drivers. (The application requests, RESIDENT & DRIVER INFORMATION [List all residents & dependents (licensed or not) and regular operators].") The same requirement is not found in the ACORD homeowners' application, but a proprietary application may ask for such family information.

Invite the 14 to 19-year-old kids. These are the ones learning to drive, just beginning to drive, getting ready to graduate, headed to college, and looking towards their futures. Encourage them to bring their friends (because no kid wants to go anywhere without a friend) and their friend's parents.

How to Invite

Have personal invitations printed. Kids rarely get mail and the invitation will be special to them in a strange way. Send a separate letter to the parents explaining the topic or topics you plan to cover and personally invite them to attend with their child(ren) so they can continue the conversation at home."

Place open invitations on your website, Facebook page, or any other media you use.

Ask for an RSVP so you know how many to expect.

Make this a big deal! An event! Have snacks and drinks and even a door prize if you want.

But remember, your goal is to teach not sell.

What to Teach

Initially focus on the personal auto policy. Parents feel the economic pain of a new driver, and the new(er) driver hears about this pain quite often from his/her parents I know, I keep telling my daughter how much she is going to cost me. Plus, personal auto coverage is the focus of most TV advertising's half-truths and neighborhood lies.

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The PAP Outline

Every state Department of Insurance makes available some level of basic personal auto training for consumers. Click here to access PAP educational resources by state. If you look at multiple states, you will notice the level of detail and focus varies by state.

If you want to provide more detail than the state provides or just want to develop your own outline, you can use the following outline for ideas to build your own personal auto program.

Download the Sample Outline

Regardless the source, the state, or an internally developed outline, limit the class to no more than 90 minutes with a 10-minute break in the middle. But because there is so much needed information, consider holding two sessions over a couple weeks a basic class and an advanced class (but come up with better names Beginners and Masters, or something like that).