Is this a common trend for insurance providers?

Question

I recently started working for an insurance agency in Atlanta, GA, and I've noticed that probably 90% of our clients are rather overweight. I'm curious... Does the need for insurance increase with a gain in weight? Are thin people more likely to purchase insurance from one provider and never switch? Are fat people fickle?

Answer 1

You might find those peculiarities depending on the type of insurance.  I see varying ones as well.

Answer 2

What kind of insurance are you selling?  Life/Health?  If that's the case, maybe they come to you because they're more likely to be able to get coverage from your company.  I sell personal lines, life, health, and commercial just north of Atlanta & I see every shape and size of person.  

Besides, what difference does it make?  You sound kind of biased.

Answer 3

90% might be off, but I have noticed in my practice that more and more people are being rated due to build.  I don't think it's a fickle thing, or one being more likely than the other to buy...it's a society and lifestyle thing.  People these days don't eat as healthy or excersize as much as they used to.  Obesity can lead to various illnesses and ailments and increases the chances of mortality and serious illness...so to come extent, I guess being overweight does increase the need for insurance.  About the loyalty of thin people?  People are loyal if they are happy with the services they are provided with...if client retention is an issue, it's likely more a problem with the way the client is treated.  I've seen studies where most clients that leave an advisor are happy/ok with things, but not happy enough and felt more could be down.

Not sure if that answers your questions, but that's what I've noticed in my practice in Canada.

Answer 4

According to Consumer Reports, 66% of Americans are overweight.  

I'd say your 90% is off.  But yes, the majority of Americans are overweight.  It's an increased risk factor for health and life insurance, but not car or house insurance.