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Are you really in "good hands"?
When working with a direct writer, the question is, are you really in "good hands"?
As an independent agency we only work for our client. That's something that you
are unable to get from a direct writer. Read on and you will see how the Independent
Agency Advantage works for you.
At Auto and Home, we recently acquired a new client who had been with a prominent
national carrier (a direct writer) for the past 25 years. While still a client of
this prominent carrier, the client purchased a new car and replaced the identical
car he had on his policy with a current model. He called his agent, left a message
on voicemail about his new car and forgot about it.
About 3 months later, he was in an accident with the new vehicle. The accident caused
thousands of dollars in damage. When he called the 800# to file a claim, he found
out that his new car wasn't on his policy and his claim was denied. He called his
agent and explained the situation. The agent said that he had no record of the call
from 3 months earlier. The agent told him that he was unable to do anything to help.
A claim supervisor got involved and still the coverage was denied. He asked his
agent to help him but the agent only sent him a copy of his current policy. The
agent had highlighted on the policy that "a new car had to be added within 30 days".
Not much of a help. His agent, as a captive agent, was only able to follow company
policy and unable to help him further.
Eventually, after some creative thinking on the part of the client, the company
agreed to pay the claim based on evidence of a cell call from the client to the
direct writer the day after the new car was purchased. After this, not-so-good situation,
the client had no choice but to change carriers. Fortunately, Auto and Home became
this client's new agency. Why would he switch after 25 years with a prominent direct
writer agency to us? This client saw first-hand the disadvantage he was at by working
with a direct writer. No one was advocating for him. Auto and Home gives our client
options and advocacy. We are able to provide our clients with options on
companies and coverage plus advocacy based on the relationships we have with companies.
We call it the Independent Agency Advantage.
What's the Advantage? At Auto and Home, we are able to fight for our customers.
We can leverage our relationships with our many carriers to put the client first.
We have lots of options when it comes to the companies we do business with and because
we are not a captive agency or a direct writer, we are an advocate for our client.
A direct writer or is an agency that is owned by the company that they serve. They
are bound by company policy and procedure, focused on serving their company, not
necessarily, their clients. So, how can you possibly be in the best hands with a
direct writer?
Did you know that at Auto and Home our clients all have their own Personal Account
Manager? That's someone that works for you. Looking after your coverage and making
sure you are guided in the right direction for all issues relating to your insurance.
Another huge advantage to our agency is that we have a full-time Claims Manager
on staff. Our Claims Manager has extensive claims experience, excellent contacts
in the industry and many sources to make situations better for our client. Our full-time
Claims Manager acts as an advocate for our client! Now that's an advantage over
any direct writer. We pass the advantage of our relationships with our companies
on to you.
What happens at Auto and Home if a client has an issue with their company? Fortunately,
we can evoke the Independent Agency Advantage again! The advantage works here because
our clients are able to maintain consistency by continuing as a client with our
agency and we will find our client a company that might better suit their needs.
As a client with a direct writer, if you are unhappy with the outcome of a claim,
there are no other options except to move your business to another agency.
At Auto and Home Insurance Agency, we are our clients advocate and we work side-by-side
with our clients to ensure that they are always properly protected. Remember, we've
got you covered with the Independent Agency Advantage. The Auto and Home Insurance
Agency Advantage not only puts you in our good hands, but has us always working
hard for you.
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