When is the best time to ask a client for a referral?

Right after you've been useful: a claim paid, a review that found something, or when the client thanks you. Also when they mention a friend or colleague with news, like a new baby or a new home, since that's a specific person with a reason to talk.

How do I ask for referrals without sounding pushy?

Ask once, at the right moment, and make it about a specific kind of person rather than "anyone you know". Then give them an easy way out: "No need to think of anyone now." Offering a message they can forward also takes the pressure off, because their friend decides whether to get in touch.

Can I call a referral my client gave me?

First check with your client that their friend agreed to be contacted. If you plan to call or message a Singapore number about insurance, check the Do Not Call Registry first, unless the friend has clearly agreed to hear from you in a form you can show later. The simplest route is to have the client introduce you, so the friend reaches out or joins a group chat.

Can I give clients a gift for referring someone?

Check with your company's compliance team before offering anything in return for an introduction, as firms have their own rules. A thank-you message is always fine and is often what clients remember.

Should I tell my client what their friend bought?

No. You can say you met, and thank them. What their friend shared with you, and anything they bought, stays private.

How do I keep track of who referred whom?

Note it on the new client's record the day you meet them, so you remember to thank the right person. AdvisorKin keeps who referred whom on each client, with your meeting notes.

For advisors in Singapore

How to ask clients for referrals

The best referrals come from clients who have just seen you be useful. Ask at that moment, ask about a specific kind of person, make it easy to say yes or no, and thank them whatever happens.

Below: when to ask, the words to use, messages to send, and the PDPA and Do Not Call points every advisor in Singapore should know.

When to ask

Right after a claim is paid: The moment your work mattered most. Clients are grateful, and they tell the story to friends anyway.
After a review that found something: A gap closed, cover that still fits after a new job, a plan they'd forgotten about. They've just seen what you do.
When they thank you: "Thanks, that was really helpful" is the easiest opening there is. Say you're glad, then ask.
When they mention someone's news: A colleague with a new baby, a sister buying a flat, a friend who just started work. That's a specific person with a real reason to talk.
A few weeks after they sign: Once the policy documents have arrived and they know you followed through.

When not to

At a first meeting, before you've done anything for them
While they're upset, unwell, grieving or waiting on a claim
In a birthday or festive greeting
Every time you meet. Once a year, at the right moment, is plenty

What to say in the meeting

The simple ask

“I'm glad that helped. Most of the people I look after came through clients like you. Is there anyone you know who's [just had a baby / changed jobs / bought a home] and might want the same check?”

When they've mentioned someone

“You mentioned your colleague [Name] was asking about [hospital cover]. Would you be comfortable introducing us?”

No pressure

“No need to think of anyone now. If someone ever asks you about [insurance], I'd be glad to help them the same way.”

Making it easy

“Would it help if I sent you a short message you can forward? Then they can decide whether to get in touch.”

Messages to send

Ready for WhatsApp. Fill in the highlighted parts and send.

After a claim is paid

Send: A few days after the payout

Hi [Name], glad the claim came through and that's one less thing to worry about. If anyone you know ever needs help sorting out their cover or a claim, I'd be happy to help them the same way.

After a good review

Send: The day after the review

Hi [Name], thanks for making time yesterday. Good to know your cover still fits after the new job. If a friend or colleague ever wants the same check, feel free to pass them my number.

A message they can forward

Send: When they say yes to introducing you

Hi [friend's name], I've been working with [your name] on my insurance planning. They were really helpful when [what happened]. If you ever want a second look at your cover, you can reach them at [your number].

Replying to a group chat introduction

Send: As soon as the client adds you

Thanks for the intro, [client's name]! Hi [friend's name], nice to meet you. [Client's name] mentioned you were [looking at cover for the new baby]. Happy to share what I know, no obligation at all. When would suit you for a quick call?

They said "let me think who"

Send: A week or two later

Hi [Name], no rush at all on what we talked about. If someone comes to mind, I can send you a short note to forward, so they can decide whether to get in touch.

Thank them for the introduction

Send: After you've met the friend, whatever happens next

Hi [Name], I met [friend's name] yesterday. Thank you for thinking of me, I really appreciate the trust. I'll take good care of them.

PDPA and Do Not Call: what to check first

Ask before you take a number. Check with your client that their friend has agreed to be contacted by you. LIA's code of conduct for tied agents makes this part of the due diligence.
Check the Do Not Call Registry. Before you call or message a Singapore number about insurance, check the registry, unless the friend has clearly agreed to hear from you in a form you can show later. A friend's say-so passed on by your client isn't enough if their number is registered.
Let the client make the introduction. A group chat introduction, or your number forwarded so the friend contacts you, avoids both problems and gets a warmer start.
Keep each client's details private. Never tell one client what another has, or what their friend bought.

General information, not legal advice. Your company's compliance team has the final word.

Know when the moment is right

The right time to ask is usually a moment you'd otherwise forget: a claim paid, a review done, a friend mentioned in passing. AdvisorKin keeps what each client tells you, who referred whom, and reminds you who to follow up each morning.

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Questions advisors ask

When is the best time to ask a client for a referral?: Right after you've been useful: a claim paid, a review that found something, or when the client thanks you. Also when they mention a friend or colleague with news, like a new baby or a new home, since that's a specific person with a reason to talk.
How do I ask for referrals without sounding pushy?: Ask once, at the right moment, and make it about a specific kind of person rather than "anyone you know". Then give them an easy way out: "No need to think of anyone now." Offering a message they can forward also takes the pressure off, because their friend decides whether to get in touch.
Can I call a referral my client gave me?: First check with your client that their friend agreed to be contacted. If you plan to call or message a Singapore number about insurance, check the Do Not Call Registry first, unless the friend has clearly agreed to hear from you in a form you can show later. The simplest route is to have the client introduce you, so the friend reaches out or joins a group chat.
Can I give clients a gift for referring someone?: Check with your company's compliance team before offering anything in return for an introduction, as firms have their own rules. A thank-you message is always fine and is often what clients remember.
Should I tell my client what their friend bought?: No. You can say you met, and thank them. What their friend shared with you, and anything they bought, stays private.
How do I keep track of who referred whom?: Note it on the new client's record the day you meet them, so you remember to thank the right person. AdvisorKin keeps who referred whom on each client, with your meeting notes.

Sources, checked 4 October 2026:

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