When should clients get the card?
At natural finish lines: a new policy, a renewal review, or a claim that's been settled. Give it to every client at that point, not only the ones you think are happy.
Can we enter reviewers in a drawing or send a gift card?
No. Google doesn't allow anything in return for a review. Georgia's insurance law also bars inducements tied to a policy; promotional items to customers are capped at $100 a year and can never depend on a sale or renewal. Keep reviews and promotions completely separate.
How do we reply to a review about a claim?
Keep it general: thank them and invite them to call the office. Never confirm a claim, a policy, coverage or a premium in a public reply, even if the reviewer brought it up.
We're a captive agency for a national carrier. Can we do this?
Usually yes, but many carriers have their own rules for agent listings, signage and review replies. Check yours; we set things up to fit them.
How does verification work for an insurance office?
Like any office: Google chooses the method, often a short video or a mailed postcard to your address. An agent's own listing in a shared office can take extra steps.
Is there anything we should avoid asking customers?
Yes: never ask for a specific star rating or wording, never offer anything in return for a review, and never ask only the customers you think are happy. The card simply makes it easy for everyone to leave an honest review.
Which Google category fits best: “Insurance agency”, “Auto insurance agency” or another?
It depends on what most of your work is. The exact Google categories for this trade are “Insurance agency”, “Auto insurance agency”, “Home insurance agency” and “Life insurance agency”. Your primary category should be the one that describes your main service. Choose only categories that describe what you actually do. When we set up or clean up your profile, we check each one in Google's own category picker.