Saving clients money on insurance is Rochlis' goal

A conversation about the complexities of health insurance is what began Craig Rochlis’ career as a broker in the field.

Unlike many agents, Rochlis only sells insurance for health — not life, auto or homeowner. By doing this, he has the ability to focus on all the little nuances and have a better understanding of how the system works overall.

“I felt that there was definitely a need for someone who specializes in [health], because it’s an ongoing concern for everyone,” said Rochlis.

He believes that this also allows him to provide his clients with the most cost effective plan. Rochlis serves individuals and families who are not covered by other means, as well as Medicare clients who would like extended coverage. He also supplies plans for small businesses.

Rochlis achieves more affordable, cost effective plans by weeding out many costly features, or coverage, that most people do not need. He justifies this by showing his customers that the money they save by not spending it on unnecessary coverage is more than enough to cover emergencies.

This way of thinking has proven to be a great way of doing business. According to Rochlis, he has a higher rate of retention than what is considered normal for the industry, because many of his customers can’t find better rates and are not hassled with sells calls. He even keeps clients who move away from the Fallbrook area.

“There’s something I learned a long time ago: If you put the client’s interest ahead of everything else, your interests are secondary… you’ll keep clients,” said Rochlis. “It may take you a little bit longer period to build up your income, but you’ll hold that income, retain that income, for a long time.”

Rochlis elected to handle Blue Cross because he felt they were the best insurance provider. He made this decision after analyzing insurance companies on various criteria, including customer service, timely compensations and coverage. Blue Cross ranked the highest, he said.

This decision was affirmed after a client applied for coverage through Blue Cross, then found out she had cancer prior to her effective coverage date. Rochlis notified Blue Cross and the company said they would still cover the woman at the rate they originally agreed upon.

“This just reinforced that I was placing my clients in the right place,” said Rochlis.

Rochilis enjoys his job because he can help his clients “minimize what they spend on their premiums and yet retain a good quality coverage so they don’t have to worry.

“It gives me the opportunity to save people a lot of money.”