I got really lucky calling Allianz Insurance to talk about a new life insurance policy because it turns out that if you don't say anything you can get straight to an actual person. That is a very useful hack that I will remember if I ever need to call them again, but hopefully, I won't have to worry about that.
That said, the reason I called Allianz Insurance is because I want to investigate a life insurance plan for myself. My partner has worked full-time for most of our marriage, and so he has built up a suitable life insurance plan from his employer. However, as an independent business owner, I have never had that chance, and now that we are getting older it's time for me to invest as well.
Thus, I have been making phone calls to learn a bit more about what my options are and what life instance plans should be priced at. I don't really know the answers to those questions, but I figure if I call around I will get a good baseline.
Therefore, walking into my phone call with Allianz Insurance I wasn't sure what to expect. I know they are a major company and they work with many brokers and companies, so I expected a long wait to get to someone. It worked out okay though because my slow action helped me skip the directory.
When I called, an automated voice answered and said, "Welcome to Allianz Life. If you’re an Allianz contract holder or are calling to report the loss of a loved one or to start a new beneficiary claim, please press 1. If you are a producer or FMO or calling for assistance with a life or long-term contract, please press 2. If you are a registered representative or broker-dealer calling for assistance with arable annuities, please press 3. If you need to speak to the receptionist, please press 4. To hear these options again, please press 6."
This is where I got lucky because my head was spinning from those options and before I had a chance to choose one, it sent me straight to an operator. The operator had a slightly accented voice, but I was able to explain exactly what I needed to her and they then sent me directly to the right person. After the transfer, I only had to wait a few minutes on hold to talk to the correct agent. If I had to call again, I would make sure that I don't choose an option so I could go to an operator again.