17 Commercial Lines Account Manager Interview Questions and Answers

As a commercial lines account manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of a book of business for a commercial lines insurance company. This will include servicing existing accounts, developing new business, and cross-selling other products and services.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have excellent communication and customer service skills, as well as a strong understanding of the insurance industry. You will also need to be able to work independently and be self-motivated.

If you are applying for a job as a commercial lines account manager, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and knowledge of the insurance industry. In this guide, we will provide you with some sample questions and answers that you can use to prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with the types of insurance policies that businesses can purchase?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with commercial lines insurance policies. Use examples from your previous job to highlight your knowledge and expertise in this area.

Example: “I have worked with businesses for several years, so I am familiar with many types of commercial lines insurance policies. For example, I helped a client purchase an umbrella policy that would cover them if they were sued by a customer or employee. Another time, I helped a client find liability coverage for their business. This type of insurance protects against claims of negligence.”

What are some of the most important skills you have that help you be a successful commercial lines account manager?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities needed for this role. When answering, it can be helpful to list a few of your strongest skills and how they help you succeed in this position.

Example: “I think one of my most important skills as a commercial lines account manager is my ability to communicate effectively with clients. I find that many people are nervous about insurance policies, so I make sure to explain everything clearly and answer any questions they may have. This helps them feel more comfortable and confident in their coverage. Another skill I rely on is my attention to detail. As an account manager, I am responsible for ensuring all paperwork is filled out correctly and submitted on time. Having strong organizational and time management skills allows me to ensure these tasks get done.”

How would you approach a business that has never purchased insurance before about the benefits of doing so?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach clients who may be skeptical about purchasing insurance. Use examples from your experience to show that you know how to convince a client to buy coverage and why it’s important for them to do so.

Example: “I would first ask what their current insurance situation is, including whether they have any policies in place at all. Then I would explain the benefits of having commercial lines insurance, such as protection against property damage or liability claims. I would also emphasize the importance of having an insurance policy before they start doing business with other companies.”

What is your experience working with small businesses?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience working with their target audience. They want someone who can help them grow their small business accounts and develop long-term relationships with these clients. In your answer, share a few examples of how you helped small businesses in the past. Explain what steps you took to help them succeed.

Example: “I’ve worked with many small businesses throughout my career as an account manager. I enjoy helping these companies because they are often more personable than larger corporations. When I first meet with a small business owner, I try to learn about their company culture and values. Then, I work with them to create a marketing strategy that aligns with their goals. This helps me build strong relationships with these clients.”

Provide an example of a time when you successfully convinced a client to renew their insurance policy with your company.

This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your sales and customer service skills. Use examples from your previous experience that highlight your ability to communicate effectively with clients, as well as your negotiation skills.

Example: “In my last role, I had a client who was nearing the end of their policy term. They were looking for lower rates on their commercial lines insurance policy. After reviewing their current coverage, I found ways we could reduce their premiums by 10%. The client was very happy with this reduction in price, so they renewed their policy with us.”

If a client was unhappy with the amount of coverage you provided, how would you handle the situation?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you have the ability to resolve it. Use your answer to show that you are a problem solver who is willing to take responsibility for any issues that arise with clients.

Example: “If a client was unhappy with the amount of coverage I provided, I would first listen to their concerns and ask them what they expected from our relationship. Then, I would review my notes on the initial meeting to ensure I understood why they wanted more coverage. If I still didn’t understand, I would schedule another meeting so I could learn more about their needs. Once I had all the information I needed, I would work with my team to find an appropriate solution.”

What would you do if you were unable to find a solution to a risk a client was facing?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to collaborate with others and commitment to finding a solution for clients.

Example: “If I couldn’t find a solution to a client’s risk, I would first try to gather more information about the situation to better understand it. Then, I would reach out to my team members or other account managers to see if they had any ideas on how to resolve the issue. If we still weren’t able to come up with a solution, I would contact the client to let them know that we were working on a resolution but didn’t have an immediate answer.”

How well do you communicate verbally and in writing?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your communication skills. This is because commercial lines account managers must be able to communicate with clients and other team members effectively. To answer, you can describe a situation in which you had to use verbal or written communication skills to solve a problem or achieve a goal.

Example: “I have always been good at communicating verbally and in writing. In my previous role as an account manager for a small insurance company, I was responsible for managing the accounts of several large businesses. One day, one of my largest clients called me about their policy renewal. They were unhappy with our service and wanted to cancel their contract.

I listened carefully to what they said and asked questions when needed. Then, I explained how we could improve their experience by working together. After that, they decided to stay with us.”

Do you have experience working with clients from other countries?

If you’re applying for a position with an international company, the interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with clients from other countries. Use your answer to highlight any foreign language skills or cultural knowledge that can help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I do have some experience working with clients from other countries. In my last position as an account manager, I worked with several European companies and helped them find insurance policies that met their needs. While I don’t speak multiple languages, I am familiar with many of the customs and cultures of these countries. This has helped me understand what types of coverage they need and how we can best serve them.”

When is the best time to approach a client about renewing their insurance policy?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your sales skills and determine if you are familiar with the best practices of commercial lines insurance. In your answer, explain when you would approach a client about renewing their policy and why that time is ideal for doing so.

Example: “I believe it’s most effective to approach clients about renewing their policies two months before their current policies expire. This gives me enough time to prepare all necessary paperwork and ensure I have everything in place to complete the renewal process smoothly. It also allows me to follow up with clients who haven’t yet renewed their policies by the deadline.”

We want to improve our customer service ratings. What ideas do you have to help us do this?

Customer service is an important part of any insurance company. Employers ask this question to see if you have ideas on how they can improve their customer service ratings. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to help the company achieve higher ratings. Show that you are a problem solver who will use your creativity to find solutions.

Example: “I think one way we could improve our customer service ratings is by having more face-to-face meetings with customers. I know some companies do this over Skype or FaceTime, but I think it’s better to meet in person. This allows us to build relationships with customers and show them that we care about their needs. Another idea is to hire more people so we can reduce wait times for customers.”

Describe your process for keeping track of customer accounts and updating customer information.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you organize your work and keep track of important information. Use examples from past experiences to explain how you use technology or other methods to manage customer accounts and update client information.

Example: “I have a system for keeping track of all my customers, including their contact information, insurance policies and any changes in their personal information. I use an online database that allows me to enter new information as it comes in and then sort through each account by different criteria, such as policy number, last payment date or zip code. This helps me quickly find specific information when needed.”

What makes you the best candidate for this commercial lines account manager position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your relevant experience and soft skills.

Example: “I am passionate about helping customers find affordable insurance policies. I have extensive knowledge of commercial lines insurance products and services, which makes me well-equipped to help clients find solutions to their unique needs. My communication skills are also top-notch, as I enjoy working with others and building strong relationships. These skills make me a great fit for this position.”

Which insurance policies have you had the most experience selling?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience level and how you might fit into their company. If they ask this question, it’s likely that they’re looking for someone with a lot of experience selling commercial lines insurance policies. When answering this question, try to pick one or two types of policies you’ve sold the most in your career.

Example: “In my last position as an account manager, I was responsible for selling property and casualty insurance policies. In my previous role as an underwriter, I helped sell life insurance policies.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of this job?

Employers ask this question to see if you understand the role and what they are looking for in an employee. They want someone who can do the job well, but also fit into their company culture. When answering this question, try to emphasize your skills that match the job description. You should also mention a few things about the company or department that you like.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of this job is customer service. I love helping people find insurance solutions and making sure they feel supported throughout the process. I am excited to work at a company where customer service is so highly valued.”

How often do you update customer information?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you keep track of important information about your clients. Use examples from past experiences to explain how you stay organized and ensure that you have all relevant details on file at all times.

Example: “I update customer information every time I speak with a client or send them an email. This helps me make sure I have their most recent contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses. It also allows me to confirm any changes they may have made to their policy or billing information. In my last role, I had five active accounts, so this was something I did daily.”

There is a mistake in a customer’s policy information. What is your reaction?

This question is an opportunity to show your customer service skills. It also allows you to demonstrate how you would handle a mistake in the workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give examples of mistakes you have made and how you handled them.

Example: “I once had a client who was paying for flood insurance but did not live near any bodies of water. I realized my mistake when I was reviewing their policy information before sending it out to the underwriter. I immediately called the client and explained that there must have been a mistake with their policy. They were very understanding and we fixed the issue right away.”