Have you wondered if a virtual assistant will be skilled enough to help your agency?
Or worse, will you waste weeks retraining someone who should have been prepared from the start?
At Lava Automation, we have placed virtual assistants at more than 200 agencies across the United States. We know what experience looks like, and we prepare virtual assistants to deliver from day one.
This article explains how we define experience, the training virtual assistants receive, what to expect in the first 60 days, and when to expect results.
What does experience look like for a virtual assistant?
Most agency owners want to know two things about a virtual assistant: their level of knowledge in their industry and if they can make a quick impact. Many hope for a virtual assistant who needs no training at all. That expectation always leads to frustration. No virtual assistant comes fully trained. Every new hire must learn your systems, your clients, and your culture.
At Lava Automation, an experienced virtual assistant brings a relevant background and receives weeks of structured training. By the time they join your agency full-time, they are familiar with core tasks like renewals, certificates of insurance, and CRM updates, so you are building on a solid foundation rather than starting from zero.
Some virtual assistants come from administration or finance backgrounds. Others bring customer service skills that fit well with client communication. The goal is a strong starting point, not instant mastery.
The way a virtual assistant is prepared before placement determines how quickly they can contribute.
What training do Lava virtual assistants receive before placement?
Most virtual assistants arrive with little to no preparation. Lava invests in training so you are not starting from scratch.
Our program covers:
Compliance and data protection.
Core insurance workflows like renewals and COIs.
CRM training in simulated client systems.
Virtual assistants practice real tasks with trainers who specialize in insurance operations. They are tested for accuracy and speed, so early work does not fall back on your team.
Training sets the stage, but the first 30 to 60 days will prove how that learning turns into daily performance.
What should agencies expect in the first 30 to 60 days?
Virtual assistants do not arrive fully trained for your exact workflows. They know the tasks, but they still need your direction on how you and your clients expect them done.
Typical ramp-up:
Weeks 1 - 2: Shadow key processes, review systems, start small repeatable tasks.
Weeks 3 - 6: Grow independence with feedback and light oversight.
By Day 60: Begin to handle core responsibilities on their own and return time to your team.
Plan five to ten hours a week for training and check-ins during this window. The early lift always feels heavy, but the payoff will far exceed your investment.
Fit also matters, so placement must match your workflows and priorities.
How does Lava match the right virtual assistant to your agency?
Some agencies need high-volume renewals. Others need client communication or CRM management. Lava reviews your workflows and then recommends candidates based on your specific needs. You can interview multiple candidates to find the perfect fit. If a virtual assistant’s performance ever falls short, we provide retraining, coaching, or a replacement so momentum is not lost.
A thriving partnership starts with a good match, and continued support keeps performance strong as tools and rules change.
How do Lava virtual assistants keep growing after placement?
Growth requires structure. Without it, performance will always plateau.
Lava Automation provides each of our virtual assistants with:
Monthly compliance and policy updates
Regular coaching calls with dedicated internal trainers
New training modules as systems evolve
With support, many virtual assistants move into advanced roles like process ownership or client outreach. Agencies that put in the time with their new hire will gain reliability and depth over time.
When will my agency start seeing results?
Progress appears in 20 to 40 days. Full integration is common within 40 to 60 days.
Signs of results include:
Less time reworking mistakes
Faster turnaround on recurring tasks
Independent handling of daily workflows
One agency grew from eight million to forty-six million in premium after adding virtual assistants. Another scaled from one to twelve and credited the change with transforming their operations.
Results will heavily depend on how your agency approaches the partnership.
How do you get the most from your virtual assistant?
Treat your virtual assistant like a valued team member, not a temp. Share context, give feedback, and document the way you want work done. Remember: No virtual assistant comes fully trained, so early guidance will shorten the path to independence.
Owners who invest a little time in building a relationship with their virtual assistant see significantly stronger returns and better retention.
How can you evaluate experience when deciding on a virtual assistant?
Hiring a virtual assistant works best when you start with a solid foundation and then add your agency’s context. Agencies that provide early direction see faster results, stronger retention, and lasting value, while those expecting instant mastery often face delays and frustration.
At Lava Automation, we prepare every virtual assistant with structured training, ongoing coaching, and careful matching. With more than 300 agencies served, we know what it takes to set placements up for success.
Your next step is to read Lava vs. Elevate to see how we compare and what to avoid when choosing a provider.
Frequently asked questions about virtual assistant experience
How do I know if a virtual assistant is experienced in my industry?
Every Lava virtual assistant is trained in insurance workflows, compliance, and CRM systems before placement. They begin with context so you are not starting from zero.
What level of oversight should I expect in the first 60 days?
Plan several hours each week for training and feedback. By the end of two months, most agencies see their virtual assistant working with much less oversight.
Can a Lava virtual assistant handle compliance-sensitive tasks?
Yes. All Lava virtual assistants pass background checks and complete compliance training before working with client data.
What happens if my virtual assistant is not meeting expectations?
Lava provides retraining first. If needed, we assign a replacement so progress is not lost.
How soon will I see savings?
Most agencies save ten to fifteen hours a week within the first month. Early gains often appear within the first 60 days.
