Back to All Posts
5 min readinsuranceI Don't Have Time Right Now

How to Handle "I Don't Have Time Right Now" in Insurance & Risk Management Sales

Expert framework for overcoming the "I Don't Have Time Right Now" objection in Insurance sales. Proven 3-step method with industry-specific examples.

ScriptFly AI Team

Expert Sales Trainers

How to Handle "I Don't Have Time Right Now" in Insurance & Risk Management Sales

Every insurance sales rep knows the gut-punch moment: You're mid-pitch, momentum building, when suddenly the prospect drops the conversation killer - "I don't have time right now." Your carefully crafted strategy screeches to a halt, and another potential sale slips away.


Why Insurance Prospects Say "I Don't Have Time Right Now"

Time isn't just money in insurance sales - it's the most precious currency. Prospects in risk management and insurance are typically busy professionals juggling complex responsibilities. They're not avoiding you; they're managing high-stakes decisions that impact their entire business or personal financial security.

The Real Reasons Behind This Objection:

  • They genuinely have competing priorities right now
  • They're uncertain about the value of your specific solution
  • Fear of making a wrong decision is masquerading as "no time"
  • They haven't connected emotionally with the potential risk


The Wrong Way to Respond (That Most Reps Do)

Most sales reps fold like a cheap lawn chair when they hear "no time." They apologize, promise to "follow up later," and essentially surrender the opportunity.

Don't:

  • ❌ Say "No problem, I'll call you back later"
  • ❌ Get defensive or pushy
  • ❌ Immediately offer to reschedule without adding value


The 3-Step Framework That Actually Works

Step 1: Acknowledge Without Agreeing

Validate their perceived time constraint while subtly challenging their assumption. This isn't about agreeing they're too busy - it's about showing you understand their world.

Example Response:

"I completely understand that managing risk and insurance isn't something you can rush. But would you agree that 10 minutes could potentially save your business thousands in potential exposure?"

Step 2: Reframe the Conversation

Transform the discussion from a time-consuming task to a strategic opportunity. In insurance, you're not selling a product - you're offering protection and peace of mind.

Example Response:

"I'm not asking for a long commitment. I'm offering a quick diagnostic that could reveal critical gaps in your current risk management strategy."

Step 3: Ask a Diagnostic Question

Questions are your secret weapon. They shift control, spark curiosity, and reveal underlying motivations.

Power Questions to Ask:

  • "What would a 20% reduction in potential liability risk mean for your business?"
  • "If we could streamline your insurance process in just 15 minutes, would that be worth exploring?"
  • "How are you currently managing potential unforeseen risks?"


Real-World Example: Guardian Shield Insurance

A Guardian Shield Insurance sales rep was pitching comprehensive business liability coverage to a mid-sized manufacturing firm. When the prospect said, "I don't have time right now," the rep didn't miss a beat.

What Happened: Instead of backing down, he asked, "If I could show you how to potentially save $50,000 in potential liability in under 10 minutes, would that be worth a conversation?"

The prospect's perspective immediately shifted. The 10-minute investment suddenly seemed like a minimal time commitment compared to potential massive savings.

Key Takeaway: By reframing time from a constraint to an investment, the rep transformed a potential rejection into an engaged discussion.


Industry-Specific Considerations for Insurance & Risk Management

Insurance sales require a nuanced approach. You're not just selling a policy - you're offering strategic risk mitigation.

  • Compliance Complexity: Prospects are often overwhelmed by regulatory requirements
  • Average Deal Size ($8,000): High stakes mean higher scrutiny and time sensitivity
  • Typical Objection Triggers: Complex comparisons, fear of making wrong decision

5 Variations You Can Use Tomorrow

Variation 1: The Empathy Reframe "I know your time is incredibly valuable. That's exactly why I want to help you protect it by addressing potential risks efficiently."

Variation 2: The Social Proof Angle "Most of our clients initially thought they didn't have time - until they realized how much time and money our approach actually saves them."

Variation 3: The Risk Reversal "What if not taking 10 minutes now could cost you significantly more later?"

Variation 4: The Future-Pace "Imagine looking back in six months, knowing this 15-minute conversation prevented a major financial setback."

Variation 5: The Direct Challenge "Can you honestly afford to NOT take 10 minutes to evaluate your current risk exposure?"


Common Follow-Up Objections (And How to Handle Them)

"Send me an email instead" → Offer a 2-minute video overview that's more engaging than an email.

"I'll look at this next quarter" → Highlight immediate risks and potential cost savings that can't wait.

"My current provider handles this" → Ask strategic questions that reveal potential gaps in their current coverage.


The Bottom Line

Handling the "no time" objection isn't about manipulation - it's about demonstrating immediate, tangible value. In insurance and risk management, every conversation is an opportunity to provide strategic insight.

Quick Win: Practice your reframing technique. Record yourself. Get uncomfortable. Get better.


Want a Complete Script with 88 Pre-Built Objection Responses?

Stop scrambling for the right words in the moment. ScriptFly AI generates a complete, personalized sales script for your exact product and industry in under 5 minutes.

What You Get:

  • ✅ 88 objection responses across all scenarios
  • ✅ Multiple opening variations
  • ✅ 7 proven closing techniques
  • ✅ Email templates and follow-up sequences
  • ✅ Unlimited revisions based on your real call feedback

$97 one-time payment. 14-day money-back guarantee.

Get Your Custom Sales Script →


Posted by ScriptFly AI Team

Ready to Never Get Stumped Again?

Get a complete sales script with 88+ objection responses tailored to your exact product and industry

Common Questions About This Objection

When is the best time to use this objection response?

Use this response immediately when you hear the objection. The key is to acknowledge their concern authentically before reframing it. Timing matters—respond too quickly and you seem dismissive, wait too long and you lose momentum.

What if this script doesn't work for my specific situation?

Every prospect is different. Use these scripts as frameworks, not word-for-word responses. Adapt the language to match your industry, product, and the prospect's communication style. The underlying psychology remains the same.

How do I practice these responses effectively?

Role-play with a colleague or record yourself. Focus on tone and delivery—confidence matters as much as the words. Practice until it feels natural, not scripted. The goal is to internalize the framework, not memorize lines.

Can I combine this with other objection handling techniques?

Absolutely. These responses work well with techniques like the "Feel, Felt, Found" method or the "Boomerang" technique. Layer multiple approaches for complex objections, but keep it conversational—never sound like you're running through a checklist.

How many times should I try before moving on?

If you've addressed the same objection 2-3 times using different angles and they're still not budging, it's likely not a real objection—it's a polite way of saying no. Know when to pivot or disqualify the prospect to focus on better opportunities.