The Ultimate Referral Script

Word-for-word ways to grow your client list without weird vibes or awkward asks

Summary: Referrals remain the lifeblood of independent agents—but let’s be honest: asking can feel downright cringey. This guide offers natural, value-driven referral scripts, timing tips, and follow-up examples to help agents ask confidently and get real results.

If you're an independent agent, you've likely heard the advice: “Just ask for referrals.” Simple, right? Yet so many agents squirm at the idea—because asking for a favor can feel pushy, transactional, or just plain awkward.

But here’s the truth: asking for referrals doesn’t have to feel like a cold call in your cousin’s driveway. With the right script, timing, and mindset, it can become a natural and effective part of your business strategy.

Why Referrals Matter

According to a study by Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from people they know more than any form of advertising. For independent agents, that trust translates directly into conversions.

And it gets better: leads generated through referrals convert 30% better than leads from other sources and have a 16% higher lifetime value, according to HubSpot.

That’s why referral-based selling is not just “nice to have”—it’s essential for long-term, sustainable growth.

📅 When to Ask

Timing is everything. The ideal moment to ask for a referral is:

• After a successful enrollment or policy setup

• After solving a problem or going above and beyond

• During annual policy reviews

You want to catch clients in a moment of satisfaction—when you’ve delivered clear value.

The Ultimate Script

Here’s a word-for-word script you can customize and use:

“Hey [Client's Name], I’m so glad we were able to get your coverage squared away.

I really appreciate the trust you placed in me. If you know anyone else who could use a second opinion on their insurance or just wants help figuring things out, feel free to send them my way. I’ll treat them with the same level of care I gave you.”

Why it works:

✅ It's casual and conversational

✅ It focuses on the value, not the favor

✅ It positions you as helpful, not salesy

You can also personalize it with specific examples: “If you know any friends also going through open enrollment…” or “Anyone you know who's been frustrated with their Medicare plan…”

Pro Tip: Add a line like “No pressure at all—it just helps a lot when happy clients spread the word.”

📨 How to Follow Up

If they express interest but don’t follow through, don’t ghost them. Here’s a gentle follow-up you can send a few days later:

“Just checking in—I really appreciate you thinking of anyone who might need help with their insurance. If anyone comes to mind, feel free to connect us. Thanks again!”

🌐 Make It Easy

Use a simple referral form or create a basic landing page you can text or email. Platforms like HubSpot CRM and Zoho CRM offer automation tools to track referrals and send reminders.

🛠 Expert Quote

“Asking for referrals shouldn’t feel like a favor—it’s about offering someone else the same great experience your client just had,” says sales coach and author Jeb Blount in his bestselling book, Fanatical Prospecting.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Asking for referrals doesn’t have to feel awkward if you lead with value, ask at the right time, and make it easy for your clients to share the love. Build it into your client process, and over time, referrals won’t be a “bonus”—they’ll be your primary source of growth.