Should Insurance Technology Always Be Trusted To Predict Accurate or Fair Results?

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Insurance companies have relied on data to set their rates for years, but with the advent of advanced technology, insurers can now gather and analyze more data than ever before.  While the use of technology to set rates has its benefits, there are also several problems associated with this practice.

We will show you how an experienced agent can help you understand this technology and why it is important.  Many people are trying to push insurance into a commodity driven by technology and quick, cheap pricing.  We will continue to advocate the importance of personal relationships and how through these relationships, clients get the best combination of coverage price and service.  It is important to understand that insurance is not a product but a service.

Lack of Transparency

One of the biggest problems with insurers using technology to set rates is the need for more transparency in the process.  Insurance companies use complex algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data, and these algorithms are often proprietary and not subject to public scrutiny.  This lack of transparency can make it difficult for consumers to understand why they are being charged a certain rate or to challenge the accuracy of the data being used to set their rates.  Agents find it difficult to get answers to questions involving how this complex system process the data to get the final rate, therefor are not capable of explaining or encouraging modifications to behavior that are negatively affecting their insurance outcomes (cost or coverage).

Benefits Of Having An Agent

Agents can help you design an insurance program that includes deductibles, limits, and coverage that represents the risks you have.  If you understand what you are buying, then you have a better basis for determining the best pricing options.  Factor in now how their data is being used to align with cost & coverage models, carrier appetite for their specific risk issues, finding the soft dollars that benefit the client amidst the complete underwriting and rating systems used by carriers, and still being able to speak to a live person at the end of all this to influence the final decision regarding a particular risk and you have a very important advantage on your side.

Lack of Personalization

While technology can help insurers gather more data, it can also result in a lack of personalization in the insurance process.  Insurers may rely too heavily on data to set rates and overlook important factors that can affect an individual’s risk profile.  For example, a person with a safe driving record may be charged the same rate as someone with a poor driving record simply because they fall into the same demographic group.

 

Benefits Of Having An Agent

Your agent can ask you questions about your circumstances and work with you to determine what company and coverage is best for you.  With an agent, you have a friendly face to connect with when you have a question or need help with a claim.

Data Privacy Concerns And Unintended Consequences

The use of technology to gather data for insurance purposes raises serious privacy concerns.  Insurers are able to collect a vast amount of data on individuals, including information about their driving habits, health status, and online activity.  This data can be used to set rates, but it can also be used for other purposes, such as marketing or even denying coverage.  Additionally, insurers can gather more data on individuals.  In that case, it may lead to a situation where people considered high-risk cannot obtain insurance at all.

Benefits Of Having An Agent

An experienced agent will know what information is needed to get the best results and what is not necessary.  This will protect your privacy and give you the confidence to obtain the best coverage for your circumstances.

While technology can help insurers gather more data and set rates more accurately, there are several concerns associated with this practice.  Remember, an agent is on your side, your partner.  He or she will educate you and how to design insurance and risk solutions that fit your needs and limit the influence of certain technologies in your insurance program.

The modern independent agent serves two masters – the carriers they represent via a formal agency agreement and their clients, whom they owe a considerable duty of care in handling the information they are given and the benefit of the services we render.  We can’t just say we work for the clients; however, having this dual role gives us a unique difference between an independent agent and the direct writers who have no capacity to insert themselves into the claim conversations on behalf of their customers or use alternative markets that better match their needs.

Six Essential Insurance Coverage’s For Your Business

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As a business owner, it’s important to have the right insurance coverage to protect your company from potential risks and liabilities. Here are six important insurance coverages that you may want to consider:

General Liability Insurance: This coverage provides protection for your business in case of accidents, injuries, or property damage that occurs on your premises or as a result of your operations. It covers legal costs and damages that your business may be liable for.

Property Insurance: This coverage protects your business property and assets in case of theft, fire, or other types of damage. It may cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed property, as well as lost income during the recovery period.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you have employees, this coverage is typically required by law in most states. It provides medical and wage benefits to employees who are injured or become ill while working.

Professional Liability Insurance: Also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, this coverage protects your business from claims of negligence, errors, or mistakes that result in financial losses for your clients.

Cyber Liability Insurance: This coverage protects your business from losses related to cyberattacks, such as data breaches or cyber theft. It may cover costs associated with investigating the incident, notifying affected individuals, and providing credit monitoring services.

Commercial Auto Insurance: If your business owns or operates vehicles, this coverage provides protection in case of accidents or damage to the vehicles. It may also cover liability for injuries or damage caused by your vehicles to others.

These are just a few of the many types of insurance coverage that businesses may need. The specific types of coverage that your business requires will depend on your industry, operations, and risks. It’s important to work with an experienced insurance agent or broker who can help you assess your needs and find the right coverage for your business.

Cyber Liability Insurance

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Cyber liability refers to the potential legal and financial consequences that a business or organization may face as a result of a cyber incident or data breach. This can include the costs of responding to the incident, such as hiring a cybersecurity firm to investigate and repair the damage, as well as legal fees and damages that may be awarded to individuals or businesses affected by the incident.

 

It’s important for businesses and organizations to have adequate cyber liability insurance to protect against the financial consequences of a cyber incident. This insurance can help cover the costs of responding to the incident and provide legal defense if the business is sued as a result of the incident.

 

In addition to having insurance, there are several steps businesses and organizations can take to reduce their risk of a cyber incident and mitigate the potential consequences:

  1. Implement strong cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and two-factor authentication.
  2. Regularly update software and systems to ensure that they are secure and patch any vulnerabilities.
  3. Train employees on how to identify and report potential cyber threats.
  4. Develop a plan for responding to a cyber incident, including procedures for reporting the incident and communicating with affected parties.
  5. Regularly review and update policies and procedures related to data security.

While the massive national agencies spend millions on television ads and offer barebones policies, they do not know you. When your needs change or your situation complicates, you don’t want an automated phone tree or cold cyber-agent. You want to talk to compassionate, honest insurance experts, close to home, right here in Beavercreek, OH – that’s our team. You shouldn’t have to spend hours researching and comparing policies. Let the specialists at Reichley guide you through the complex insurance industry.

Call today to alleviate the worry and get covered – (937) 429-0655.

 

Consider This When Hiring A Contractor

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Summer is the time when many homeowners start to think about and plan for, various home remodeling projects. If you are thinking about updating your kitchen, putting on that new roof, or even landscape projects, it pays to do some pre-planning. Whatever the project, you need to protect yourself from the financial risks and hazards associated with a home remodel project.

  • What’s your project? Are you looking to remodel one room or make minor updates to a small space? The type of project determines whether you’ll need a general contractor or someone more specialized.
  • Check-in with your local homebuilders’ association. You’ll be able to search contractors within your area and put together a list of potentials.
  • Get referrals. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers who they’ve worked within the past. They may have a great contractor you haven’t heard of — or know of a few you should stay away from.
  • Prepare ahead. Compile a list of reputable contractors before you need one. The stress of an emergency repair might impair your judgment.
  • Get multiple estimates. If the price is a big concern, checking with only one contractor won’t guarantee you the best price. But the cheapest estimate also doesn’t ensure the best work. If you have the time, try and get a second or third quote.

If you plan on hiring a contractor, you should consider these tips to help make sure your project is completed the way you want.

  • Plan on permit costs from your local government.
  • Ask contractors about their experience with your specific project.
  • Make sure the contractor is licensed. You can usually go to the State Contractors Board for this information.
  • Provide the contractor with guidelines for working in and around your home.
  • Check local directories for recommendations. Yelp can be a good resource.
  • Be specific in your project; this would include type of products used and even brands you desire.
  • It is ok to get more than one bid.
  • The lowest price may not be the best quality.
  • Always have a written agreement with your contractor. It should include a timeline and competition date.
  • Never pay 100% upfront. It is customary to pay one third down, one third as you go and one third upon completion.
  • Go visit other homes on which the contractor has worked.
  • Make sure the contractor has liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance will not cover the contractor or his work. If the contractor causes damage to your home, you will want their insurance to provide restoration. Ask for a certificate of insurance.

When you buy insurance, whether it’s for your home, your car or your business, you want an advocate who will properly assess the risks you face and give you an objective analysis of the marketplace, it’s up to you to make the final choice.

Our team of agents continually pursues additional professional education and certifications. It is our goal to ‘wow’ you with the best service every time you call.

While the massive national agencies spend millions on television ads and offer barebones policies, they do not know you. When your needs change or your situation complicates, you don’t want an automated phone tree or cold cyber-agent. You want to talk to compassionate, honest insurance experts, close to home, right here in Beavercreek, OH – that’s our team. You shouldn’t have to spend hours researching and comparing policies. Let the specialists at Reichley guide you through the complex insurance industry.

Call today to alleviate the worry and get covered – (937) 429-0655.

Some Good Insurance Related Questions

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We recommend asking your agent a series of questions to better understand what your insurance covers and does not cover.  We know how hard you’ve worked to turn your house into a home. Since your home is one of the most important financial investments of your lifetime, you’ll need proper coverage in order to keep your investment protected and provide your family with the guarantee that they’ll always be safe and sound.

Ask These To Your Agent

  • Do you hold any insurance designations?
  • What happens when we have a claim?
  • What is your agencies core values?
  • Will you offer more than one kind of solutions?

We offer coverage options that are both flexible and affordable and will work with you on an individual basis to find a policy that best suits your needs. Our team is dedicated to providing the assurance that your family and your possessions are secure.

  • Do I need a personal umbrella? What does it cover?  What limit should I have?
  • I drive for a ride-share company. How am I covered?
  • What is replacement cost coverage, and why is it important?
  • What happens if I rent a car and go both domestically and abroad? What coverage would my insurance have?
  • My homeowners’ deductible, what is it? How would it be waived? When did I most recently file a homeowners claim?
  • What would happen if my house was destroyed completely? Could I instead use the cash value of my policy?
  • My house is old. Would my insurance pay to rebuild my house to current building codes, or would I be responsible for that cost?
  • I have a wine collection; how is that covered?
  • I just constructed an outdoor kitchen, is this automatically covered? If not, what do I need to do?
  • Can I receive any credits for combining my home and auto insurance together?
  • What is flood insurance exactly? Or an earthquake occurrence? Does my insurance cover these incidents? If not, should I add coverage?
  • I employ a housekeeper.  What if they had a work-related injury?
  • Am I potentially liable for their lost wages and rehabilitation? What if I’m sued by my employee?
  • What if I misplace my jewelry?
  • I serve on boards for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Will a claim made against me be covered by my own insurance?
  • How much would my automobile be worth if it were a total loss? How, if at all, would the deductible apply?
  • I recently started a home business. Does my homeowner’s insurance provide any coverage?
  • When should I include my kids in my auto insurance policy? When should they be removed?

While the massive national agencies spend millions on television ads and offer barebones policies, they do not know you. When your needs change or your situation complicates, you don’t want an automated phone tree or cold cyber-agent. You want to talk to compassionate, honest insurance experts, close to home, right here in Beavercreek, OH – that’s our team. You shouldn’t have to spend hours researching and comparing policies. Let the specialists at Reichley guide you through the complex insurance industry.

Call today to alleviate the worry and get covered – (937) 429-0655.

Three Ways Agents Add Value To The Insurance Relationship

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Insurance agents came in al different sizes and shapes. We have learned over the years that insurance is not a product but a relationship. In order for your agent to help educate you and find the best solution these three communication techniques must be in place.

  1. Active listening: Active listening is an essential customer service skill. It involves listening to the customer’s concerns and needs attentively and demonstrating empathy towards their situation. This helps in building trust and rapport with the customer, and they are more likely to be satisfied with the interaction.
  2. Prompt response: Customers expect prompt responses to their queries and complaints. It is essential to respond to customer inquiries quickly and efficiently. This can be done by providing multiple channels of communication, such as phone, email, live chat, and social media, to ensure that customers can reach out to you in their preferred mode of communication.
  3. Personalization: Personalization involves understanding the customer’s preferences, needs, and history with the company. This helps in creating a customized experience for the customer, which makes them feel valued and appreciated. Personalization can be done by addressing the customer by their name, offering personalized recommendations, and tailoring the communication to suit the customer’s preferences.

By implementing these three top customer service methods, businesses can create a positive customer experience, leading to customer loyalty and repeat business.

While the massive national agencies spend millions on television ads and offer barebones policies, they do not know you. When your needs change or your situation complicates, you don’t want an automated phone tree or cold cyber-agent. You want to talk to compassionate, honest insurance experts, close to home, right here in Beavercreek, OH – that’s our team. You shouldn’t have to spend hours researching and comparing policies. Let the specialists at Reichley guide you through the complex insurance industry.

Call today to alleviate the worry and get covered – (937) 429-0655.

Why Insurance Advice Is Better Than A Policy

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The quality of your agent will determine the value of your insurance policy.

If you watch any TV, you have seen the typical insurance ads that tell you their coverage is better than their competitors. Many of these ads are very clever, but they mislead the viewers into buying insurance the wrong way.

We want to offer you a different way of looking at insurance. That is, your agent should be your trusted advisor guiding you through the insurance purchasing process. Insurance policies like insurance companies are all different, and you need someone you can trust to help you find the highest-valued insurance, not the lowest-priced insurance. What many people fail to understand is that policies or “promises” differ from company to company.

If We Ran An Insurance Ad, It Might Look Like This

  • We place people before policies.
  • Collaboration always leads to greater value.
  • Insurance is a promise, not a product.
  • We would educate you and then sell to you.
  • Insurance is not a one size fits.

Let Get Practical

What does this look like to the average insurance buyer? It starts with us asking questions and listening to you. We help you identify your needs and risks, talk about possible solutions then provide options. Sometimes we might recommend not buying insurance.

What Are the Benefits To You?

Our clients have security and peace of mind knowing that their agent is a partner with them. They have a trusted relationship with someone who understands their individual needs and is not trying to sell them a policy but protect their assets. Our relationship approach provides our clients with the knowledge that someone understands their needs and that they have more than just an insurance product they have a valued relationship that goes beyond a policy.

While the massive national agencies spend millions on television ads and offer barebones policies, they do not know you. When your needs change or your situation complicates, you don’t want an automated phone tree or cold cyber-agent. You want to talk to compassionate, honest insurance experts, close to home, right here in Beavercreek, OH – that’s our team. You shouldn’t have to spend hours researching and comparing policies. Let the specialists at Reichley guide you through the complex insurance industry.

Call today to alleviate the worry and get covered – (937) 429-0655.

Insurance Mistakes

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There are a number of common mistakes some businesses make when it comes to purchasing commercial insurance. Insurance is the product you buy in case the unexpected happens. Unfortunately, by the time you need it, it’s too late to make sure you have the right type and amount of insurance coverage. Make sure you don’t make the following mistakes while buying insurance.

Mistake One

Having two agents is better because they keep each other competitive.

Having two agents duplicates effort and can create coverage gaps. For example, there are certain coverage’s that can be included under a liability policy and auto policy. One agent is better able to manage your entire insurance program.

Mistake Two

The lower the premium, the better.

Premiums are determined by a combination of exposures and coverage. If you get a lower premium you may be missing needed coverage. For example, does the lower premium include replacement cost coverage on buildings and equipment?

Mistake

Buying from a national company is always better.

Don’t listen to the entertaining advertising on TV. Most national agents only represent one insurance company. They can’t shop your account to determine the best combination of price and coverage.

Mistake

The internet is a great place to get good insurance deals.

Low cost internet insurance usually allows you to select the coverage and limits you want. But in most cases you end up with a limited and inadequate program. You find this out after you have an uninsured claim.

Mistake

Umbrella insurance is only high net worth companies or individuals.

A small electrical contractor was at fault for the total loss of a historic property, a loss that exceeded his general liability policy. The contractor’s umbrella paid the loss in excess of $7,000,000. Umbrella or excess coverage is some of the least costly insurance you can buy. Don’t risk a loss for a little expense.

Mistake

I don’t need employement liability insurance; I only have five employees, and they are like family.

This is the fastest-growing area of litigation for small businesses. The average claim cost in 2022 was $95,000.

Mistake

Not knowing what is in your policy.

Consumers’ biggest mistake is not knowing what’s in the fine print of their policies. Take time to read the policy. Ask your agent to meet with you at least annually to review your coverage.

Mistake

Flood insurance is only for businesses in high-risk areas.

Big mistake; we recommend you ask for a flood quote to at least review the cost-benefit of the coverage.

Mistake

There isn’t anything I can do to manage my insurance costs except shop price.

There are many things you can do to reduce your premiums; here are a few:

  • Consider increasing your deductibles.
  • Consider the vehicle model when making a purchase; some are more expensive to insure.
  • Add smoke and security alarms.

While the massive national agencies spend millions on television ads and offer barebones policies, they do not know you. When your needs change or your situation complicates, you don’t want an automated phone tree or cold cyber-agent. You want to talk to compassionate, honest insurance experts, close to home, right here in Beavercreek, OH – that’s our team. You shouldn’t have to spend hours researching and comparing policies. Let the specialists at Reichley guide you through the complex insurance industry.

Call today to alleviate the worry and get covered – (937) 429-0655.

 

 

 

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Are You Looking In The Right Places For Your Insurance?

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A More Effective Way To Think About Insurance

Everyone is looking for a good deal on their personal insurance. Many people define a good deal as getting the lowest price, much like buying gas or other products of a similar kind.  However, there is a different way to define the best deal in insurance terms, and we think of it as the best value.  Let me describe what I mean.

You Are Hiring An Agent Not Buying A Policy

Rather than shopping for low-cost insurance, why not shop for an agent who can help you find the best value for you? Independent agents represent many different insurers. You want an agent who represents many insurers, especially an insurer who have experience with what you need. Allow the agent to market your risk with many different insurers; this is an excellent way to bring value to the process. You want a relationship, not a policy.

Insurance policies are not all created equal. Insurance is not like a commodity; insurance companies offer many different kinds of policies; these offer coverage you may need or may not need. Why pay for insurance you don’t need? Or worse, you paid for coverage you thought you had but didn’t.

This is not about selling you more insurance, but providing the right insurance. We may even tell our clients not to buy insurance.

Ask your agent about their experience and qualifications. Are they investing in extra training and or do they have accreditations?

A good agent will:

  • Ask questions
  • Educate you
  • Bring their knowledge and skills into the relationship
  • The will act an advisor not a sale person
  • Become a trusted partner

Agents Help Fill The Gap

Many insurance policies are filled with coverage gaps. These are areas where you need certain coverage, but the policy may not provide it. A coverage gap may also be having policy limits or deductibles not designed for your needs. An agent acting as your advisor can help you identify these gaps and offer solutions.

We often use the phrase “you often don’t know what you don’t know.” Our job as your trusted partner is to listen to you, educate you then partner with you in developing the right insurance solutions.

Here Is How You Benefit

  • The complex becomes clear. When you have a relationship with the agent who is serving you, they will make the complex world of insurance understandable and how best to manage it.
  • Is Insurance the only option? Clients may not always understand that there may be other ways to handle risk.  A trusted advisor is in the education business – not the selling business.
  • Value-added benefits. With a trusted advisor, you the buyer will have all the resources and knowledge of the agent and his/her team.
  • You have access to other experts. Wouldn’t it be great if your agent brought to your team attorneys, accountants, claims experts, loss control professionals and more?  Well, a trusted advisor will do just that.

Give me a call and let talk about how we are different and can help you understand your insurance purchase with clarity. I want to earn your trust.

 

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Why We Place Importance on Customer Service

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In a world that’s being changed rapidly by technology, it only makes sense that the same is happening with customer experiences. As we progress forward with new, innovative developments from telephones to computers to the internet to social media, the insurance industry has adapted, too. Today’s customer experience is giving customers more power. They get to control how, when, and where they interact with service representatives.

Why Good Customer Service Is Vital To Agency Stability

73% of business leaders report that there is a direct link between their customer service and overall business performance. In addition, 64% of business leaders say that customer service has a positive impact on their growth.

Customers want a personalized experience. When someone reaches out to your team, they want to be treated like a person, not a number. They want to feel like their issue is important and that your agent cares deeply about solving their issue. It shouldn’t feel like your team is applying a one-size-fits-all approach to every customer interaction. Since every support case is a little different, each one should be treated as such.

What Good Customer Service Can Do For Your Business

  • Boosts employee retention
  • Reinforces company brand and values
  • Creates satisfied customers
  • Proactively addresses customer issues

 How to Improve Customer Service

  • Respond to customer’s needs quickly
  • Know your products and services
  • Listen first
  • Keep your promises
  • Ask a question to clarify issues
  • Say thank you
  • Ask for feedback

In today’s highly competitive business environment, there’s a constant and never-ending struggle that every entrepreneur must face. Those who can adapt will survive and thrive, resulting in near-boundless financial success and market saturation.

While the massive national agencies spend millions on television ads and offer barebones policies, they do not know you. When your needs change or your situation complicates, you don’t want an automated phone tree or cold cyber-agent. You want to talk to compassionate, honest insurance experts, close to home, right here in Beavercreek, OH – that’s our team. You shouldn’t have to spend hours researching and comparing policies. Let the specialists at Reichley guide you through the complex insurance industry.

Call today to alleviate the worry and get covered – (937) 429-0655.