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business insurance

Why Insurance Is Not A Product

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We use phrases like “people before policies,” “listen to your needs,” and “Your dedicated team of experts.” These words have meaning to our entire team and are carried out in every conversation with our clients.
Here are some of the valued added services every agent should be providing:

Claims – When you have a claim, we will help you through the process, connect with adjusters, and work to settle the claim. We help you to set expectations and communicate regularly with you.

Options – We do not sell you a policy. We provide options and help you buy the right coverage for you. We show you the different kinds of coverage you might need; if we do recommend insurance, then we take the complexity and uncertainty out of the process and make sure you have the right policy to fit your budget.

Education – Our goal is to educate you so you can make informed decisions. The more you know, the better decisions you will make. It gives you better value out of your insurance.
Stay Connected – We stay in touch with you during the year. We make sure your program changes as your needs do. This assures you that you have the coverage you need.

Service – When you call your agent, you want a PERSON who knows and understands your needs. Our team lives and works in the community. We will even come to you to meet with you. You get a better insurance program and more value for every dollar spent.

Qualified – Your agent should have more than five years’ experience. You deserve an experienced professional who is committed to their craft. As a result, you get a better-designed program.

At Reichley Insurance, our employees are committed to developing ongoing communication with our clients and striving to exceed your expectations. You are not buying a product; you are managing your risk. Remember, insurance is not a product; it’s a promise and a trusted relationship.

Cyber Liability

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hackerAccording to the FBI, cybercrime is now ranked as the number one law enforcement concern. The recent oil line attack is a good example.

Welcome To The Next Generation Of Business Loss

Cyber Liability continues to be a major issue for many businesses. In today’s data-driven social media world, businesses of all sizes have had a cyber-attack or data breach. Statistics show that 40% of all cyber incidents affect businesses with fewer than 100 employees. According to Business Insurance, a small business now has a greater chance of a cyber-breach than it does of having a fire.

Cyber Myths and Facts

“If I have a data breach I can just call my customers.”  Myth – New laws now require you to provide written notification and even provide identity theft coverage for a period of time. A data breach could cost you up to $250 per individual breach. The government can also fine you if they feel you have not taken appropriate actions.

“Only large companies need the coverage.”  Myth – Businesses with fewer than 50 employees are the latest targets of cyber thieves. Often small businesses fail to have adequate protection making them an easy target. Companies with less than 75 employees endured 70% of the total attacks.

“Traditional business liability insurance will cover cyber liability.”  Myth – Traditional liability insurance does not cover your business for internet exposure or data breach.

“We don’t use the internet for business and therefore don’t have any exposure.”  Myth –According to the 2013 Data Breach Investigations Report by Verizon, 13% of all data breaches that occurred were caused by an employee or other internal source.

“My company does not store credit card information; therefore I don’t have any risk.”  Myth – Confidential information is defined as any kind of personal information including addresses, email, social security numbers, Federal ID numbers, family member information, bank information and more.

Cyber liability coverage has evolved from insurance for information technology companies, to coverage that nearly every kind of business should have.  All types of businesses including retailers, banks, contractors, distributors, restaurants and medical offices, are often unaware of the severe data breach exposure they face. In short, any business not making an effort to protect personal private information is seriously out of step with the emerging landscape of privacy law.

We will be offering a number of articles on this subject over the next few months including; cyber risk prevention and personal identity theft issues.

 

Insurance Customers Needs Are Changing

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partners in riskWith all the changes going on in our world, customers’ needs seem to change as well. In a recent customer satisfaction survey regarding customer service, we found many interesting changes in what people what.
Customer service has quickly risen to the top of the priority list for consumers, and 2021 will be no exception. But why are so many businesses putting a premium on the consumer experience, and what happens if they don’t?
A customers’ loyalty is no longer based on price or product. Instead, they remain loyal to businesses because of the experiences they have had with them.

Customers want to have a place to get all their insurance fulfilled at one time.

Top Consumer Priority
1. Customer experience 46%
2. Pricing 21%
3. Product 33%

The survey found that 86% of consumers are willing to pay more for a better customer experience. How we define customer service:

• We educate rather than sell.
• Seeking alternatives to insurance is always an option.
• Giving our clients many ways to communicate with us is a priority.
• We develop relationships.
• Insurance should be one of many solutions to your risk concerns, not just a product
• Trust is one of the few remaining differentiators available to the modern insurer. Not only that, but it’s still the biggest indicator of a long-term sustainable business.

The client, regardless of the insurance firm, looks to you, the agent, for guidance, support, and responsiveness. Remember to put your client relationships first, despite the evolving tactics and focuses in today’s insurance markets, and you’ll find yourself building a book of business that sticks around for the long haul.

What Are Clients Looking For In An Agent?

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meetingA recent study by a leading insurance research firm showed something we have been saying for years. That is, when it comes to insurance buying most people are not just looking at price. There are many factors that will lead a person or business to select their agent.

Here are some of the factors clients consider when shopping for insurance:

  1. Clients want to be educated about risks they face.
  2. Clients want their agent to ask questions about their family and business.
  3. Clients want to connect with, and be cared for by, their agent.
  4. Clients want a partnership, not a salesperson.
  5. Clients want assurance their coverage needs are met, not just “sold” a product.
  6. Clients want to understand how their insurance works.
  7. Clients want good communication with their agents.

Price is part of the process, but less than 20%, according to Yana Glezina the director of brand and communications at Rocket Referrals, a leading insurance communications platform based in Des Moines, Iowa.

Here are ways to improve communication with your clients:

  • Return calls the same day.
  • Educate—do not sell.
  • Text clients who are not into email or phone calls.
  • Send your clients thank you notes and birthday cards.
  • Be available when clients reach out randomly with a question.
  • Reach out to your clients with meaningful and timely content.
  • Respond to good and bad reviews.

If you are doing these things, then you are on your way to developing a true partnership with your clients.

Here Is Our Secret to Getting Our Clients The Best Possible Combination of Coverage, Price and Service.

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light bulbThere is nothing wrong with wanting competitively priced insurance for your home or business. The issues seem to arise when an insurance consumer takes the low-cost insurance without regard to coverage, their risk, or services offered. We have found a way to help our clients get the best of both worlds; we call it CPS (coverage, price, and service).

Coverage– your policy needs to be designed to give you the insurance you need.

Price– We will work with our insurers to get you a policy you can afford with the coverage you need. We believe in value, not just low prices. We make sure you get all the credits you deserve. We will re-run your credit score as needed.

Service– Insurance is evaluated in the service you receive during the year and after a claim has been reported.

Here are the keys to getting the best possible combination of coverage price and service.

Relationships matter. Relationships still matter and always will. For all its regulations, calculations, and machinations, insurance still requires a personal touch. An agent must have a good relationship with the insurers it represents to get the best level of service, which is passed on to the customer. The agent’s relationship with the customer is important in order for the customer to receive the service they desire.

Communication. We listen to our clients, allowing us to better understand their needs and design an insurance program that meets their needs. We take the time to educate our clients on the different types of insurance, eliminating insurance that is not needed, and saving money.

Be an Invaluable Resource.  We help you understand risks you may not have known about and create insurance solutions that will cover a potentially un-insured claim.

Authenticity. By maintaining an open and honest relationship with our clients allows us to show our value and the importance of building trust. We are able to speak freely about the coverage you need and the coverage you may not need.

You are buying a process of how we work with you to provide the coverage you need.

What Keeps You Up AT Night?

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Every one of us has certain things that keep you up once in a while. It might be your job, the kids, illness, or other life’s problems. Our goal to make sure that protecting your family with the right insurance does not keep you up.

Here is how we help you sleep at night

  1. We never sell you a policy. We ask questions and educate you so that the coverage you but the right fit for you.
  2. Insurance is a complex transaction, so we work hard to make sure you understand how insurance works before you make a decision.
  3. Our team is licensed and have years of experience that help us better educate you.
  4. We are here to answer any questions you may have regarding your insurance decisions.

According to an Insurance Journal article, here are the top issues that keep people up.

  • Flood and other natural disasters
  • Identity theft
  • End of life issues
  • Eldercare

We can provide valuable information regarding each of these so that you can make the right decision for you and your family. We hope you noticed that we don’t just offer a quick insurance product. That is because we will only offer you an insurance solution after we fully understand your needs.

Connect with us and let us show you how we do it

Over the last sixty years, we have established a reputation for honesty, high morals, integrity and friendly, professional customer service – pillars of a successful insurance agency. Based upon this foundation, the staff of Reichley Insurance Agency commits to the following mission.

We Can Help You Build A Bridge

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An Insurance Update

Most people have some gaps in their personal insurance coverage. We do our best to help our clients understand where these are and provide solutions so that these gaps don’t exist. Having an independent agent help, you find the right kind of personal insurance for you can go a long way in providing you with peace of mind.

Personal insurance is complex, and we are here to help you understand the complex, so you have made an informed and educated decision.

What are Insurance gaps?

Insurance gaps can be areas where you thought there was coverage, but in reality, there is not. It may be that the coverage is not available or is too expensive or you just did not know about it. Gaps can occur if you have more than one agent handling your personal insurance. Between your home, auto, RV or personal umbrella there might be times when one agent thought the other was taking care of the issue. Insurance gaps can include:

  • Flood insurance
  • Identity theft
  • Earthquake
  • Sewer back-up
  • Auto insurance limit issues
  • Your home is undervalued
  • Lack of a personal umbrella
  • Limited coverage for other drivers on your auto policy.

These are just a few of the personal insurance issues that can create real problems for you. Call our office for a free review.

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 – 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.

The New Normal for Insurance Buyers

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Beyond Insurance… Risk Strategies

Businessman surrounded by sharks in stormy sea. Competitive business concept. Paper waves clouds boat and

Someone once said, “The only thing you can count on is change.”  When it comes to insurance buying, that is unmistakably true.  Today, people have more ways than ever to secure insurance coverage.  However, are they getting the coverage they need?  Another true statement is, “The more you have, the more significant risks you have.”

The combination of change and risk leads us to the understanding that people should be seeking an insurance partner who understands their changing needs in a risky world, rather than being able to secure a low-cost insurance program.  People who have a higher net worth should be primarily focused on protecting assets.

If a lawsuit threatens the lifestyle you have created, you want a partner to stand beside you.  You need personal liability insurance options to safeguard your family and assets in the event of personal claims against you at limits that exceed the liability protections provided by standard policies.

Many individuals have unique risks which can include:

  • A second home
  • Farm or rental income
  • In-home business
  • High valued homes
  • Watercraft
  • Foreign travel
  • Domestic employees
  • Identity theft

You need an insurance partner who can help develop a risk and insurance plan that will manage your risk at a competitive cost.   It’s not business as usual any longer.

When Searching for an Insurance Partner, Ask These Questions:

  • Does your agent educate you about your risk before trying to sell you a product?
  • Is their staff experienced and qualified to manage your needs?
  • Is your agent more interested in a relationship as a trusted partner rather than as another insurance client?
  • Is your agent committed to work for you rather than for the insurance company?
  • Does your agent design a program based on your individual needs and then give you options?
  • Does your agent advocate for you through customized analysis of your risk and needs?
  • Is your agent committed to leading the claims process to a satisfactory outcome?
  • Does your agent have access to sophisticated personal insurance carriers that offer specialty products and personal risk solutions?

Protecting your lifestyle goes way beyond insuring your car or home.  Proper insurance has to do with understanding the risks associated with your life and creating a plan to safeguard you and your family’s future. Our society’s way of managing COVID-19 has forever changed the way we work, play, travel, gather information and gather supplies for our daily lives.  Many of these changes are just new ways of doing things, however many can create new risks that your current policies do not address completely.  Do any of these sound like your new normal?

  1. More time buying products and services online from home.
  2. Increase use of home networks for business use.
  3. Using business owned office equipment at home for your work.
  4. Work meetings at personal residences or on-line.
  5. Connecting to open networks for work purposes at restaurants or other places.
  6. Use of personal vehicles to and from client’s offices.
  7. Use of personal vehicles for delivery jobs.
  8. The storage and use of paper documents for work at your home residence.

All these issues and others create a need for a conversation with your agent.  Policies are changing to accommodate some needs on a temporary basis while other do not.  The best risk management program is a combination of a strong relationship with a well-educated agency that can place and maintain your coverage with excellent insurers at a competitive price.  It’s not just getting a few of the above items, it’s about achieving the right balance to get all parts working for you and your family.

“Insurance is not a product, it’s a promise and a trusted relationship”, Perk Reichley.

COVID-19 and the New Cyber Challenges

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The CIOVID-19 pandemic has affected the way we do business in a very significant way. Many businesses are requiring people to work remotely.  Employers are finding that having employees work remotely may be the new normal.

COVID-19 has forced us to become more dependent on the internet, as desperate measures, like social distancing, disrupt economic activity and everyday life.

This new way of doing business could mean that employees are collecting client information from home or other places that may not have the same cyber security as an office network.  In some instances, employees who are working remotely are forced to use their home computers because they do not have a company laptop.

Top Work-from-Home Cyber Concerns

  • Unsecured video conferencing
  • Using unsecured networks
  • Spam and phishing campaigns exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Maintaining security-critical operations, such as patch management
  • Supporting employees to ensure they have what they need to work from home without sacrificing security
  • Theft of client information from lap tops
  • Changes to regular security-critical processes
  • Using social media platforms from unsecured networks

What Can Employers Do to Reduce the Threat?

  • Do not open email from people you do not know.
  • Do not reveal personal or financial information in emails, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.
  • Do not provide personal information to unknown websites or uninvestigated third-party messengers.
  • Do not share the virtual meeting URL’s on social media or other public channels.
  • Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, and be wary of email attachments.
  • Lock your screen if you work in a shared space.
  • Provide corporate computers/devices to staff while teleworking, where possible.
  • Use secure, password-protected emails when sending documents.
  • Ensure that adequate information technology resources are in place to support staff.
  • Provide secure video conferencing for corporate clients (both audio/video capabilities).

Over the last sixty years, we have established a reputation for honesty, high morals, integrity and friendly, professional customer service – pillars of a successful insurance agency. Based upon this foundation, the staff of Reichley Insurance Agency commits to the following mission:

  • To provide the clients with quality products and services through financially sound insurance companies committed to the American agency system.
  • To provide prompt and courteous service by handling each account as if it were our own and by treating each client the way we would want to be treated.

Tips for Working at Home

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Does COVID-19 Have You Working From Home?

Due to the stay at home mandate, there are many people who are working remotely these days.  It appears this mandate will last at least another month.  Many people have thought that working remotely would be great, but working remotely is a double-edge sword.  Sure, you get to stay home, but studies show that it can be harder to focus on work.

Remote Workers Need to Be Aware of These Challenges:

  • Lack of a work routine
  • Tendency to over-work
  • Lack of human interaction
  • Prioritizing a work project
  • Interruptions from family, pets, phone calls, and the doorbell

How to Make Working Remotely Work for You

  • Confine your workspace to a specific area in your home.
  • Set up your workspace like your office.
  • Set a schedule and create a routine.
  • When in doubt, go with over-communication; update your boss frequently on everything you are doing, and whether your schedule and deliverables are changing in any way.
  • After work, stay off electronic devices for some time to transition to “home time.”
  • Take regular breaks.
  • Get dressed every day. Taking the time to get dressed and perform your usual self-care routine can prove a big psychological booster.

We are here to help you with any insurance related need you may have. Please be safe and stay healthy.