Interview of Mr. Spyros Stefanis, Regional Director of Epirus, Corfu and Lefkada of SOFOS Insurance Agency SA to Dimitris Rouchotas.
Mr. Spyros Stefanis has had a long career in the insurance market, serving as an administrative officer and executive as well as an insurance mediator. Since 2013 he has been working with SOFOS Insurance Agency AE, being responsible for the Regional Directorate of Epirus, Corfu and Lefkada.
In this capacity, he talks to us about the special characteristics of the insurance market in his region, but also about his vision regarding the development of his cooperation with SOFOS Insurance Agency AE, which represents, as he emphasizes, "the new idea in the area of mediation, that the insurance market constitutes an economic area that requires a balanced relationship between: insurance companies, intermediaries in the conclusion of insurance contracts and consumers".
Mr. Stefanis, would you like to present to us the history of your professional activity, as it has evolved in your local market?
SP.ST.: I started in the insurance market in 1988 as Administrative (insurance company employee) and in 1992 I continued my career as Insurance intermediaries, setting up my first insurance office, in Ioannina.
Along the way (1995-2013), I was administrative officer (regional director) of a large insurance company, without ever ceasing to be active as an insurance intermediary.
I continued to fight for everyday life, with the aim of qualitatively increasing the portfolio, both on an individual and group level (team of partners), gaining experience, relationships of trust, reliability, solvency towards colleagues, customers, but also in the insurance market in general .
The 2013 (in the middle of a crisis), together with Mr. Christos Sofos (SOFOS Insurance Agency SA), we started something new not as an idea, but as a philosophy. A mediation scheme, initiated and based on concepts such as trust, consistency, certainty. Today, four years later, the scheme has succeeded, grown and developed continuously, with old and new partners, always based on the principles and moral values with which it started.
Having traveled a path of 30 years in the insurance market, being in charge of the Regional Directorate of Epirus, Corfu and Lefkada, of SOFOS Insurance Agency AE, I carry our partnership-oriented philosophy everywhere: "If you want to go close - fast, go alone! If you want to go Safely - Far, come with US!".
How would you describe the insurance activity recorded in your region? Which risks have the greatest demand for insurance coverage? What is the collaborative climate of your fellow professionals in your field?
SP.ST.: The financial crisis has significantly limited the sale of insurance products. Nonetheless, there are already signs of recovery in insurance activity, as consumers show interest in health, retirement – life, investment plans.
The risks that are in great demand are those of civil liability coverage from vehicle traffic. Unfortunately, while there is legally mandated coverage for many risks, however the sales move to very low quantitative levels, Especially due to the doubling of insurance premiums.
Ο competition in the areas under my responsibility it is recorded as high, as the low level of claims, both in the vehicle sector and in other sectors, makes them attractive to insurance companies.
The atmosphere of cooperation with colleagues in the area of mediation is excellent and must be maintained at this level. It would be good not to be disturbed by inappropriate ephemeral interventions of unfair competition. To be strengthened with training actions in the field of sales promotion and quality services.
What is the experience of your cooperation with SOFOS Insurance Agency AE and what is your vision for the development of this cooperation?
SP.ST.: SOFOS Insurance Agency AE represents the new idea in the field of mediation, that the insurance market constitutes an economic area that requires a balanced relationship between: insurance companies, intermediaries in the conclusion of insurance contracts and consumers.
Our collaboration is in constant qualitative upgrading of the insurance services provided to consumers, based both on the extent of coverage and on modern electronic applications. Our vision is the creation of an association (group) of mediators who have knowledge, want, can and cover the risks of the insured, providing full insurance protection.
My relationship with SOFOS Insurance Agency AEis highly productive, since in any case we find the required coverage and every issue is dealt with immediately, through the company's excellent online application. Is relationship of trust with transparent procedures and mutual respect. Relationship between measure and understanding. Dear cooperation.
What is your feeling about the future of insurance services in Greece and what are the points that you think insurance companies should pay attention to, in order to improve the appeal of their work to the consumer public?
SP.ST.: Insurance services in the future will be provided by fully specialized and organized mediators. The ability to provide quality services will be the criterion for choosing the intermediary by consumers. Sales will no longer be limited to traditional but complex insurance products.
The insurance companies they must daily monitor the needs of consumers and to offer specific clear coverages, which are fully understandable. Covers that enhance consumer confidence in private insurance.
I believe that, today, the insurance market in general does not have the required know-how and this is where it should focus its attention. The insured person must be absolutely sure that in any case the money available for insurance premiums and investments through them are secured. Today, the consumer is not satisfied with the presentation of programs by the insurer, as he investigates their reliability through other means and ways.
The obligation to provide information and advice to the insured as well as the provision of services from a distance needs a complete upgrade and reformation, so that in the future, the principle of full trust prevails in the relations of the insurance market with consumers.
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