Millennials are the largest and most educated generation in the U.S., and they’re changing the world like never before. Which is why it’s surprising to learn that they are also the most underinsured generation, a striking fact which also presents a big opportunity for advisors.

Last year, a survey from InsuranceQuotes.com revealed that roughly one in four adults aged 18 to 29 do not have health insurance. In addition, millennials are also the least likely age group to have other basic types of insurance like auto, life, homeowners, renters and disability.

To best market all types of insurance to millennials, it’s important to first address the questions they have as well as educating them on what they might not know. Being part of the most educated generation in the U.S. means that millennials are hungry for knowledge, and that means they want to know all they can about a product before they make a purchase.

Here are five important things this age group should know about insurance.

millennial woman

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1. That they need it.

It’s a simple enough fact, but one that many millennials quickly overlook: Do they feel they are just too young to have health or financial crises, don’t have enough assets to protect or feel insurance is only for those more established? No matter what their objection is, the fact remains that everyone needs some type of basic insurance, and millennials are no exception.

millennials in a casual office

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2. That it can be affordable.

Just like their older, more established counterparts, millennials may be surprised to find that insurance rates on a variety of products are more than affordable – in some cases, just as much as a daily Starbucks run. Sometimes all it takes to sell someone on the idea of insurance is showing them the coverage and protection they can receive for the surprisingly low rate they would be paying.

group of millennials at a cafe

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3. Insurance is a better support plan than relying on anyone else.

The millennial generation is also part of the "boomerang" generation, the trend of young adults moving back home after college or relying on other types of family financial support. This generation of young adults typically has parents who are willing and able to help them out or bail them out of sticky situations. That may mean that because they have a safety net, they are unaware on how insurance policies can help them. A traditional insurance policy is always a better answer than having to depend on family for financial assistance during tough times.

list of different kinds of insurance

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4. That there are more types of insurance than health and life.

Some millennials may not own a home just yet, but instead their most precious possession is their brand new, must-have smartphone. Many millennials skip owning a car in favor of relying on Uber or renting a car when necessary. Or maybe instead of going right into the work force after graduation, they are planning a well-deserved, month-long European vacation.

There are plenty of other types of insurance that can be useful for their needs, such as renters insurance, smartphone or tablet protection plans, travel insurance, rental car insurance and more. If traditional insurance like homeowners or auto insurance isn’t the right choice for them, there are plenty of other types of protection that can fit their lifestyle and are affordable.

Personal insurance

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5. Insurance can be easy to purchase.

Ease of purchase is critical for millennials. They are tech savvy and are more prone to quoting and buying online, getting what they need and getting it as soon as possible, and aren’t interested in having meetings or being on long phone calls to discuss their options. Like many others, they may prefer interacting online via chat or email and are more comfortable making the final purchase online. Giving millennials these self-service options are important.

Once you address these points, millennials will probably be much more likely to make the important insurance decisions to suit their unique lifestyles.

Special Reports /

5 important things millennials should know about insurance

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