Tom and Harry Talk Personal Umbrella Policies While Running

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(Tom and Harry are jogging along a dirt trail at sunrise, their breath visible in the cool morning air. The trees around them sway gently in the breeze, and the rhythmic sound of their sneakers hitting the ground fills the silence between words.)

Harry: [Breathing steady] You ever notice how running and life are a lot alike?

Tom: [Grins] If you mean that both get harder the older you get, then yeah.

Harry: Ha! That too. But I was thinking about how one misstep can change everything. You’re running fine, feeling good, and then—bam!—you trip over a root and eat dirt.

Tom: Sounds like you’re talking about more than just running.

Harry: Yeah. My neighbor is in a real mess. His son borrowed his car, got in a wreck, and now they’re getting sued for way more than their insurance covers.

Tom: [Shakes his head] That’s rough. And let me guess—they don’t have a personal umbrella policy?

Harry: Nope. Didn’t even know what it was until now.

Tom: That’s the thing. Most people don’t. They think their home and auto insurance is enough, but these days? Lawsuits are out of control. One big accident, and you could lose everything.

Harry: Yeah, I mean, his car insurance covered some of the damages, but the other guy’s lawyer is coming after their personal assets now. I never thought about that happening.

Tom: Exactly. Regular liability limits aren’t keeping up with the way people sue these days. A personal umbrella policy gives you extra protection—think of it like an extra layer over your regular policies.

Harry: So, let’s say I cause a wreck, and the medical bills are more than my auto insurance covers. This umbrella policy would kick in?

Tom: Yep. And not just car accidents. It covers all sorts of things—someone getting hurt on your property, your kid doing something dumb that lands you in a lawsuit, even stuff like defamation if you say something online that ticks off the wrong person.

Harry: Wait, so if my teenage nephew posts something stupid on social media, and someone sues, that could come back on me?

Tom: If you’re legally responsible, yeah. People don’t realize how easy it is to get dragged into a lawsuit these days. That’s why umbrella coverage is so important.

Harry: Alright, so what’s the damage? How much does this cost?

Tom: For a million bucks in coverage? A couple hundred bucks a year. The more coverage you want, the more it costs, but it’s still one of the best deals in insurance.

Harry: [Whistles] So, for less than I spend on coffee in a year, I can protect myself from losing my house if something goes sideways?

Tom: Exactly. It’s like running with the right shoes. You don’t think about it until you twist your ankle, but by then, it’s too late.

Harry: [Laughs] Alright, alright. You sold me. How do I get one?

Tom: Simple—call your insurance agent and ask. They’ll look at what you already have and add it on. Takes maybe 15 minutes.

Harry: [Nods] Good deal. I’d rather be covered than caught off guard.

Tom: Smart man. Now, let’s pick up the pace—I want to get breakfast after this, and I’m starving.

(They push forward, picking up speed, with Harry already mentally adding “call insurance agent” to his to-do list.)

 

How Insurance Agents Can Better Serve Their Clients: Customer Service, Education, and Quality Solutions

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In today’s competitive insurance landscape, agents who prioritize customer service, education, and quality solutions can build long-lasting client relationships and stand out from the competition. Clients are not just looking for a policy; they want an agent who understands their needs, educates them on their options, and provides solutions that truly protect them. Here’s how insurance agents can excel in these three key areas.

  1. Elevate Customer Service

Customer service is the foundation of any successful insurance agency. Clients want to feel valued and heard, and how an agent interacts with them can make all the difference.

  • Be Accessible: Make it easy for clients to reach you via phone, email, or text. Quick response times show that you prioritize their concerns.
  • Listen Actively: Instead of pushing policies, take the time to listen to their unique needs and concerns.
  • Follow Up Consistently: Check in with clients after policy purchases, renewals, and even claim processes to ensure they are satisfied.
  • Personalize the Experience: Remember details about their families, businesses, or life events to build a deeper connection.
  1. Focus on Client Education

Many clients struggle to understand the complexities of insurance, which can lead to misunderstandings or inadequate coverage. A well-informed client is more likely to appreciate the value of their policies and trust their agent’s guidance.

  • Simplify Insurance Jargon: Break down policies in simple terms so clients understand what they’re buying.
  • Offer Informational Content: Create blog posts, videos, or newsletters covering common insurance questions and industry updates.
  • Host Educational Sessions: Webinars or in-person workshops on topics like home insurance, business liability, or life insurance can position you as an expert and trusted advisor.
  • Encourage Questions: Clients should feel comfortable asking anything, knowing they’ll get clear and honest answers.
  1. Provide Quality Solutions

Selling insurance isn’t just about closing a deal—it’s about offering policies that genuinely fit a client’s needs and provide adequate protection.

  • Conduct Thorough Risk Assessments: Every client has unique risks. Take time to analyze their situation and recommend coverage that makes sense for them.
  • Offer Customized Policy Options: Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches. Work with various carriers to provide the best coverage at competitive rates.
  • Review Policies Regularly: Clients’ lives and businesses evolve, so periodic policy reviews help ensure they remain properly insured.
  • Advocate for Clients During Claims: Assist clients throughout the claims process to ensure they receive fair and prompt resolutions.

By prioritizing customer service, client education, and high-quality insurance solutions, agents can build trust, strengthen relationships, and improve retention. In an industry driven by reliability and protection, being a client-centered agent will set you apart and position you for long-term success. Clients don’t just need insurance; they need a dedicated advocate who will guide and support them every step of the way.

 

The Importance of Reviewing Insurance Coverage with Clients—and Three Techniques to Do It Right

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As an insurance professional, one of your most important responsibilities is ensuring that your clients have the right coverage for their evolving needs. Many policyholders purchase insurance and rarely revisit their coverage—until it’s too late. Regular policy reviews help protect clients from gaps in coverage, ensure they’re getting the best value, and build long-term trust.

Here’s why reviewing insurance coverage is crucial and three effective techniques to make these reviews impactful.

Why Policy Reviews Matter

  1. Life Changes Affect Coverage Needs
    Clients’ circumstances change—whether it’s buying a new home, expanding a business, having children, or retiring. Without updates, their insurance may be outdated and insufficient.
  2. Insurance Products and Regulations Change
    Insurance companies update policies, add new options, and adjust pricing. A review helps clients stay informed about better coverage options or potential savings.
  3. Minimize Risk and Prevent Coverage Gaps
    Many clients don’t realize when their coverage limits are too low or when new risks arise. Regular reviews help mitigate financial exposure and avoid surprises in a claim situation.

Three Effective Techniques for Reviewing Insurance with Clients

  1. The Annual Review Meeting

Scheduling an annual review ensures that clients’ policies stay aligned with their needs. During this meeting:
✅ Discuss major life, property, or business changes that occurred in the past year.
✅ Compare current policies with potential improvements or cost-saving opportunities.
✅ Educate clients about new endorsements or policy features that could enhance their protection.

Pro Tip: Make it convenient! Offer in-person, phone, or virtual meeting options to fit the client’s schedule.

  1. The Coverage Comparison Worksheet

Clients often struggle to understand how their coverage stacks up. Providing a simple comparison worksheet helps them visualize:
📌 Their current coverage limits and deductibles.
📌 What’s included vs. excluded in their policies.
📌 The impact of increasing or decreasing coverage.

Pro Tip: Show real-world claim scenarios to highlight potential risks and solutions. For example, “If your home was damaged by a wildfire, your current policy would cover X, but if you upgraded to this endorsement, you’d have full replacement cost coverage.”

  1. The Risk Assessment Questionnaire

A short questionnaire helps uncover risks the client may not have considered. Sample questions include:
🛠️ Have you made any major home renovations?
🚗 Do you use your personal vehicle for business?
📦 Have you started renting out a room or property?

Pro Tip: Use the questionnaire results to personalize recommendations, showing the client how even small changes in their life can impact their insurance needs.

Final Thoughts

Insurance isn’t a one-and-done purchase—it’s an ongoing partnership. By proactively reviewing coverage, you not only ensure clients are properly protected but also strengthen long-term relationships and trust. Using structured techniques like annual meetings, coverage comparisons, and risk assessments can make these reviews more effective and valuable.

Want to schedule a policy review? Contact us today to make sure you’re fully covered for whatever comes next!

 

Tom and Harry Discuss Risk Management at Work

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Tom and Harry are in an office breakroom, coffee cups in hand. The hum of computers and distant phone conversations fill the background as they lean against the counter.)

Harry: [Sipping coffee] You ever notice how people think insurance is the answer to everything?

Tom: [Smirks] Says the guy who’s always asking me about insurance.

Harry: Yeah, yeah. But hear me out. The other day, the boss was talking about how we need better risk management in the company, and someone—won’t name names—said, “Why not just buy more insurance?”

Tom: [Shakes his head] Classic. Some folks think insurance is a magic shield, but it’s not always the best—or only—solution.

Harry: That’s what I’m saying! I mean, don’t get me wrong, insurance is important. But if you’re relying on it as your first line of defense instead of your last, you’ve got problems.

Tom: Exactly. Think about it like this—insurance is there to catch you when all else fails. But real risk management? That’s about preventing the fall in the first place.

Harry: Right! Like, instead of just buying more business interruption insurance, maybe we should focus on securing our supply chain better so we don’t have to use it.

Tom: Now you’re talking like a risk manager. Insurance is reactive—it kicks in after something bad happens. Risk management is proactive—it helps you avoid the bad stuff to begin with.

Harry: Makes sense. So, what’s a good example of managing risk instead of just insuring against it?

Tom: Alright, take a construction company. They could get more workers’ comp coverage, sure. But if they implement better safety training, enforce proper gear use, and conduct regular equipment inspections, they reduce the risk of accidents in the first place. That means fewer claims, lower premiums, and a safer workplace.

Harry: So, instead of relying on the payout, they’re making sure they don’t need it.

Tom: Exactly. Or take cyber insurance—good to have, but if a company isn’t keeping their systems updated or training employees on phishing scams, they’re practically inviting a cyberattack.

Harry: And when they get hacked, they just expect insurance to clean up the mess.

Tom: [Nods] Meanwhile, they could’ve avoided the whole thing with some good policies and training.

Harry: So, if insurance isn’t the answer to everything, when should a business actually rely on it?

Tom: When a loss would be too big to handle on their own. Insurance is best for those high-severity, low-frequency events—things like major lawsuits, natural disasters, or a catastrophic fire. Stuff that could bankrupt a business.

Harry: And for everything else?

Tom: Risk management. Identify potential problems, find ways to reduce them, and only use insurance for the things you can’t control.

Harry: [Grins] You know, for a guy who sells insurance, you spend a lot of time telling people how to avoid using it.

Tom: [Chuckles] The best insurance policy is the one you never have to use. But when you do? You’ll be glad you have it.

Harry: Alright, I like it. So, next time someone tells me to “just get more insurance,” I’ll tell them to start thinking like a risk manager first.

Tom: Now you’re getting it. Just don’t tell my boss—I don’t want to lose my commissions.

(They both laugh, finishing their coffee before heading back to work, with Harry already planning how to impress the boss with his newfound knowledge.)

 

Top 3 Trending Insurance Issues Facing People in 2024

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As we move through 2024, insurance trends are shifting in response to evolving risks, market conditions, and consumer needs. Whether you’re managing personal finances or securing your family’s future, these top three trending issues can have a big impact on how people interact with insurance this year.

  1. Rising Costs of Health Insurance

Health insurance premiums continue to rise, with inflation and increasing healthcare costs being major contributors. For many individuals and families, finding affordable coverage has become increasingly challenging. Factors such as advances in medical technology, higher prescription drug costs, and more frequent claims are driving up premiums.

What Can You Do?

  • Consider high-deductible health plans combined with health savings accounts (HSAs) to manage costs.
  • Stay informed during open enrollment periods to ensure you are getting the best deal available.
  • Take advantage of wellness programs or incentives offered by insurers to reduce premiums.
  1. Underinsurance and the Increase in Liability Judgments

Personal and business liability judgments are climbing to record highs, leaving many people dangerously underinsured. As litigation becomes more frequent and settlement amounts increase, many are finding that standard insurance policies may not provide adequate coverage, especially when facing large claims or lawsuits.

What Can You Do?

  • Review your current liability coverage to ensure it meets your needs.
  • Consider adding personal umbrella insurance or increasing the liability limits on existing policies to protect yourself from costly legal judgments.
  • Small business owners should reevaluate their business liability policies, ensuring that they have sufficient protection against lawsuits.
  1. Cybersecurity Threats and the Need for Cyber Insurance

With more personal data stored online and an increase in cybercrime, individuals and businesses alike are recognizing the importance of cyber insurance. Whether it’s protecting personal identities or safeguarding sensitive business information, cyber insurance has become a growing need as cyberattacks are expected to rise throughout 2024.

What Can You Do?

  • Look into personal identity theft protection or cyber liability policies to cover potential losses from hacking, fraud, or data breaches.
  • For business owners, it is crucial to ensure that your cyber insurance policy covers ransomware attacks, data restoration costs, and legal liabilities.
  • Implement stronger cybersecurity practices, such as multi-factor authentication and regular software updates, to mitigate risks.

Staying ahead of these trending insurance issues can help you make better decisions and ensure you have the right protection in place. Whether it’s navigating rising health costs, securing adequate liability coverage, or safeguarding against cyber threats, 2024 is the year to review your insurance policies and ensure you’re prepared for the future.

The Role of an Insurance Agent in Today’s Insurance Buying World

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In today’s fast-paced and increasingly digital world, the way people purchase insurance has evolved. While many consumers rely on online platforms to compare and buy policies, the role of an insurance agent remains crucial. Insurance is more than just a commodity—it’s about finding the right coverage to protect assets, mitigate risks, and provide peace of mind. Here’s how insurance agents continue to play an indispensable role in the insurance buying process today.

  1. Personalized Guidance and Expertise

One of the key benefits of working with an insurance agent is the personal touch they bring to the buying experience. Navigating the complexities of insurance policies, coverage options, and fine print can be overwhelming. Insurance agents provide professional expertise and personalized advice that is tailored to each client’s unique needs.

How Agents Help:

  • They take the time to assess your specific risks and lifestyle to recommend coverage that best suits you.
  • Agents can answer complex questions and help you understand the nuances of different insurance products.
  • Their guidance ensures that you’re neither over-insured nor under-insured, offering the perfect balance of coverage and affordability.
  1. Assistance with Claims and Policy Management

Beyond helping with the initial purchase, insurance agents play a critical role in managing claims and policy updates. Filing claims, understanding deductibles, and handling policy changes can be challenging, but agents are there to navigate these processes smoothly.

How Agents Help:

  • They act as advocates on your behalf when filing claims, ensuring that you get the support and compensation you deserve.
  • Agents provide ongoing service, helping you adjust your policy as life circumstances change—whether it’s buying a new home, adding a family member, or updating your business coverage.
  • They ensure that your coverage evolves as your needs change, providing peace of mind that your assets are protected year after year.
  1. Access to a Broader Range of Insurance Options

Unlike purchasing insurance directly from a single provider, insurance agents often work with multiple carriers, which allows them to offer a broader range of products and options. This advantage is especially important in today’s market, where competition among insurers can lead to better rates and more tailored policies.

How Agents Help:

  • They have the ability to compare different policies and providers to ensure you get the best deal.
  • Agents are skilled at negotiating premiums and can often find discounts or bundled packages to save you money.
  • By presenting multiple options, they empower you to make informed decisions about your coverage.
  1. Building Long-Term Relationships

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to feel like just another number when buying insurance online. However, agents invest in long-term relationships with their clients, often becoming trusted advisors. These relationships are especially important as life changes—whether you’re purchasing a new vehicle, starting a business, or planning for retirement.

How Agents Help:

  • They offer continuous, proactive support to ensure that your insurance evolves with your life.
  • Agents build trust through personalized service, providing peace of mind in knowing you have a reliable professional in your corner.
  • A strong relationship with your agent can simplify insurance management, reducing stress and saving you time.

Despite the rise of digital insurance platforms, the role of the insurance agent remains invaluable in today’s world. Agents provide personalized expertise, guidance during claims, access to multiple insurance options, and long-term relationship management that can’t be matched by a website or algorithm. Whether you’re buying your first policy or reassessing your coverage needs, working with an insurance agent ensures you have a trusted partner dedicated to protecting your financial well-being and future.

 

Understanding the Insurance and Safety Concerns Surrounding Electric Bikes

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Electric bikes (e-bikes) have surged in popularity due to their convenience, eco-friendliness, and ease of use. However, as their presence on roads and trails increases, so do the associated insurance and safety concerns. We recommend you review these issues with your insurance agent to make sure you are covered correctly.

  1. Safety Issues

E-bikes can travel at higher speeds than traditional bicycles, which increases the risk of accidents. Riders may also be less familiar with handling an e-bike’s weight and power, leading to potential crashes, especially in congested urban areas. Wearing helmets, adhering to local traffic laws, and ensuring the bike is well-maintained are crucial for rider safety. Moreover, some cities have started implementing specific regulations for e-bike usage to address safety concerns.

  1. Insurance Considerations

Insurance for e-bikes is not as straightforward as it is for cars or motorcycles. Homeowners or renters insurance policies may cover e-bikes, but often with limitations or exclusions, particularly for higher-end models. Riders should consider separate e-bike insurance policies that cover theft, damage, and liability in case of accidents involving other people or property. These specialized policies are becoming more common as e-bike usage increases.

  1. Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is particularly important for e-bike owners, as accidents involving pedestrians or other vehicles can result in significant legal and financial repercussions. Without proper coverage, e-bike owners may find themselves personally responsible for damages or medical costs, which can be financially devastating.

  1. Theft and Damage Protection

E-bikes are attractive targets for thieves due to their high value. Standard home insurance policies may offer some protection against theft, but often with limitations on the coverage amount. Riders should invest in high-quality locks and consider policies that offer full replacement value in the event of theft or damage.

  1. Emerging Regulations

As e-bike popularity grows, so do the regulatory frameworks governing their use. Riders must stay informed about local laws, including where e-bikes are permitted, speed limits, and helmet requirements. Understanding these regulations not only enhances safety but also ensures compliance with legal standards, which could impact insurance claims.

While e-bikes offer an exciting and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, they come with unique safety and insurance challenges. Riders should invest in appropriate insurance coverage, prioritize safety, and stay informed about evolving regulations to protect themselves and others. Properly addressing these concerns will help ensure that the e-bike experience remains positive and secure for all involved.

 

Why Low Price and High Value Can Be a Contraction in Terms

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Shoppers are always looking for that next big sale or deal. When it comes to purchasing a 46” HDTV, it is easy to identify all the features you want, and then shop for the best price.  In fact, many retailers might even negotiate with you to get your business. When selecting your insurance, you cannot think the same way.  Why?

  • Insurance can never go on sale, it is highly regulated.
  • Consumers rarely have complete information about various insurance products.
  • Consumers may believe that “popular” or advertised products are high in quality.

Let me clarify that high-priced insurance does not always equate to a better value.  However, if you purchase the low-priced insurance policy are you satisfied that all the coverage terms are consistent with a higher-priced one?  A better way to look at this is to consider the value of what you are buying.  Here are some of the value-added advantages you will find in insurance if you do a little searching.

What makes up a high-value insurance program?

  • An insurance policy that will respond to your risks when a loss occurs.
  • The extra services offered by the insurer at no cost to you.
  • The knowledge and expertise of the agent. The agent is your key to a high value advantage. The agent is the one who helps you identify your risks and designs a policy specifically for you.  The agent will be there to help you manage a claim and to educate you.
  • Your agent increases your insurance value by helping you understand why the premiums are different.

Value is more than price.

There are also non-price variables that every insurance purchaser should consider.

  • The agent’s experience in your industry. Do you want an agent who primarily only insures homes to insure your restaurant?  These risks are different and should be treated as such.
  • Insurance companies have customer satisfaction ratings for claims, premium processing, and other services. Do you want to use an insurer with a below-average claims handling rating?

In conclusion, only an experienced agent can help you understand and define the true value of your insurance purchase.

Water Wisdom: Harry’s Sail on Independent Agents

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On a bright and breezy day, Tom and Harry were enjoying a serene sail on Harry’s boat, the gentle waves matching the rhythm of their leisurely conversation. As the sail flapped lightly in the wind, the topic naturally drifted to a familiar theme—insurance—but with a nautical twist this time.

Harry: (gesturing with a rope in hand) You know, Tom, choosing an independent insurance agent is like picking the right boat for sailing. You want something that gives you freedom, not something that ties you to a single dock.

Tom: (raising an eyebrow as he steadies the wheel) Sounds like you’ve thought this through, but aren’t all agents the same at the end of the day? They all sell insurance, right?

Harry: That’s where you’re mistaken, my friend. Captive agents are tied to one insurance company. They can only offer you the policies their company sells, nothing more.

Tom: I see your point, but doesn’t that make things simpler? Less confusion, less fuss?

Harry: (laughing as he adjusts the sail) Maybe simpler, but certainly not better. Independent agents, like this boat, can navigate through a variety of options. They can shop around, compare policies, and find you the best deals and coverage out there.

Tom: Hmm, that does sound like a better route. But is it really that different?

Harry: Absolutely! Think of it this way: If a storm were coming, would you rather have just one route to safety, or multiple escape routes to pick from?

Tom: Multiple, obviously. You need the flexibility when things get rough.

Harry: Exactly! That’s what an independent agent offers—flexibility. They aren’t bound by one company’s policies. If your life changes, or if better options arise, they can quickly adjust your coverage.

Tom: (nodding thoughtfully) I guess that makes a lot of sense, especially considering how much everything else changes.

Harry: Right, and it’s not just about variety. It’s about having an expert who understands the broader market and can truly act in your best interest, much like how I steer this boat with an understanding of the winds and the tides.

Tom: So, an independent agent is like having a seasoned captain who knows all the potential routes.

Harry: Precisely! And just like a good captain who makes the journey safe and enjoyable, a good agent makes your insurance experience less about stress and more about peace of mind.

Tom: (smiling as the shore approaches) Well, when you put it that way, Harry, I think you’ve won this debate. Maybe it’s time I consider switching to an independent agent.

Harry: Glad to hear it, Tom! And remember, it’s all about sailing through life with as little worry as possible.

As they tied up the boat, Tom felt not only the relaxation that a day on the water brings but also enlightened by Harry’s insights. It was clear that, much like navigating a boat, managing insurance needs the right kind of guidance, and Harry had convincingly charted the course toward choosing an independent agent.

 

What Do You Want From Your Insurance Relationship?

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The best relationships are built to last.  Long-term financial relationships are much more than a quick transaction or low price.  Recent surveys by JD Power & Associates found that consumers actually valued long-term relationships.  There are many ways agents can build value and create lasting positive relationships with their clients.

Why Lasting Relationships Matter

If you listen to most insurance advertisements, they tell you to shop your insurance every year and over time, you may save money.  The problem with this concept is insurance is not a specific “one size fits all” product that you might buy and expect to be what you need.  For example, when you buy a faucet, you would not buy all the individual components of a faucet, put it together yourself, and hope it worked.  Rather, you purchase a completed faucet, install it, and it works for years as promised when you bought it.

With insurance, you go into a contractual agreement with the insurer that your claim will be paid based on the terms of the policy.  Insurance is unique and it takes knowledge and skill to put together the right combination of coverage for each individual.  Why would anyone build an insurance product themselves when a professional, experienced, and licensed agent can do it better?

Your Agent Will Care About What You Care About

  1. An agent will get to know your family and your individual needs. Over time, agents develop close relationships with their clients and care about their well-being. Wouldn’t it be good to be on a first-name basis with an agent who knows you and your family, and lives and works in the same local community that you do?
  2. Your agent will know what risks you have. As in any relationship your agent will better understand your risks and be able to educate you on how to manage these risks.
  3. You care about convenience, choices, and control. Your agent will provide you with options of Insurance policies, the ability to control how you access your account, and the convenience of a simple insurance purchasing process.

How Agents Help Build Lasting Relationships

  1. By educating their clients rather than selling a product.
  2. Agents are always keeping up on the latest issues and trends to share with their clients.
  3. You can call their office and get a professional team member who knows who you are.
  4. Agents will meet you where you are.
  5. Life-changing events may require a meeting with your agent; we are here for you.
  6. Instead of calling a voicemail or making an appointment, interested consumers can speak directly with an agent immediately and ask any question they choose.
  7. Agents know what your insurance policies cover and do not cover, which helps you when you have a claim.
  8. An agent will take the lead and work through a claim to make sure you are satisfied.

In conclusion, our marketing plan is not based on internet ads, or catchy slogans, our marketing plan is to have completely happy and satisfied customers and build long-lasting relationships.