Rintin35

Play it safe (read all 7 entries…)
Insurance 23 months ago

I’ve had my car since 2001, and my house since 2003, and never once has the person who is identified on the paper work as my “broker” ever called me. In fact, twice she hasn’t even returned my calls. Also fact: I’ve never seen her face.

Two years ago I called her well in advance of my renewal date to ask if she would kindly investigate for competitive prices, thinking that it wouldn’t hurt to at least look. She flatly refused. She sounded really annoyed and put out by my request, and simply stated that I was already receiving the best rate going and that I’d only hurt myself by shopping around.

I’ve never made a claim, I pay on time in one annual lump sum, and beside the aforementioned telephone inquiry, I’ve never called her with any complaint or request.

For years I have forked over thousands of dollars to an insurance company I have no relationship with, by way of a broker-woman I have no relationship with. Well, I’m done with that. From now on, if I have to write a cheque, it’s gonna cost the payee at least a moment now and then.

I made a couple of calls yesterday (I work in the periphery of the auto insurance claims industry, so I had some great contacts) and I think I’ve found my guy. I was really straight with him – told him that yes, I’m looking for insurance, but more than that, I’m looking for an agent who bothers to know my name.

Without schmoozing at all, he was respectful and responsive. He suggested that he’ll draw up a quote for the car, but for the house, he’d better come on over and have a walk through. Wow!!! A real live insurance agent – in my house!!! I can hardly wait. I’m going to make him tea and serve him cookies. We’ll look each other in the eye. We’ll chat about safety and protection.

At this point, I don’t even care (much) if my insurance rates go up a little, as long as I get some personal attention. I want to know – to trust – that if (touch wood) my house ever falls down or my car goes boom, I’m well covered financially and known by my agent as more than just a policy number.

Jan 23, 2008, 12:51PM PST | 8 cheers


Comments:

Justme2575 still trying to get the new house organized!

Good luck with the new agent.

We recently change car insurance companies for the same reason.

Jan 23, 2008, 12:57PM PST | Respond to this 1 cheer

37nfalling is thinking about a special classmate

it is what's missing these days

the personal touch! When people cared enough to know your name. I have a bank that I deal with in another stte for this same reason. I have many banks in my area, even worked for one of them and found even as I walked in the branch, grumpy faces and whate felt like annoyance. I am glad that I kept my bank in New Hampshire, in a little town called Claremont, they only have five branches and are privaely owned. But whe I call them they are so nice to me, willing to go out of thier way and have the personal touch that will keep me as a customer for a long, long time.

I hope the same is true for your insurance agent.

Jan 23, 2008, 11:47PM PST | Thread | Respond to this 1 cheer

Rintin35

That's exactly it!

Maybe I’m needy, but I’d like a little personal attention and maybe even the odd “thanks for your business” sentiment.

He’s coming over on Monday morning. I’m strangely excited.

Jan 25, 2008, 09:56AM PST | Respond to this 1 cheer

Nikita

Good for you Rin

for doing this. I hope it works out with the new agent. I work in the insurance industry and at one time handled personal insurance. I now handle malpractice insurance for attorneys. It sounds like the broker you had wasn’t doing her job. If she wanted to hold onto your business all she needed to do was run a few quotes to assure you that you were still receiving the best rates they had to offer. Not sure how you would hurt yourself by shopping around unless she was referring to credit scoring (don’t get me started – such a load of crap!). Good luck – I hope it all works out!

Jan 24, 2008, 01:55PM PST | Thread | Respond to this 1 cheer

Rintin35

We'll see!

So far, so good.

I heard back from the new agent – at first glance over my current policies (home & auto), he believes he can match them for almost $500 LESS PER YEAR!!! However, he did recommend increasing my coverage, so I may not realize any actual savings, but that’s fine – more comprehensive coverage is what I wanted anyway.

When I called the old broker to let her know, I was told she is no longer with the company! The secretary re-directed my call to my “new representative”. She was very nice, but when she asked why I was canceling my policies, I gladly told her that not only was I switching carriers to save money, but also because I want to at least know the name of my rep, and this was the first I’d heard of her! She regretfully understood, and as of next Friday, I’m outta there! :o)

Jan 25, 2008, 09:52AM PST | Thread | Respond to this 2 cheers

Nikita

It sounds like he is

doing his job then. It’s your agent’s job to review your policies and make recommendations where you might have gaps or limitations in your coverage. That’s great.

It doesn’t surprise me that your other representative was gone. My guess is she hadn’t been doing her job right for a while and either wasn’t happy and moved on or they let her go – either way sounds like you are on to greener pastures which is great for you.

Jan 25, 2008, 07:07PM PST | Respond to this 1 cheer


Rintin35 has gotten 8 cheers on this entry.

 

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