Why Independent Brokers Matter

There is a wonderful post on the Allen Tate blog today (click here for the full post). A snippet of it is as follows: When it comes to insurance, there are captive agents who represent just one company; direct writers who work the phones and e-commerce with only one product to sell; and independent agents like Allen Tate Insurance, who represent an average of eight companies and product lines. This allows us to review loss records, terms, prices and products, and offer you the very best coverage at the best possible price. NAR statistics show that the majority of home buyers prefer one stop shopping, i.e. they want their real estate company to offer mortgage, title, and insurance services simply because of the convenience. Our President and COO explains, though, that it isn't just about convenience. Independent brokers CAN get you a better deal. Just ask my stepdad -- he's opposed to change of any kind, but after speaking with our local Allen Tate insurance rep (linda.hahn@allentate.com), he is switching some of his policies. You may not know him, but trust me, that is QUITE an endorsement!

Why Choose an Independent Insurance Agent for your HOI?

Your Independent Insurance Agent:
• Is a licensed professional with strong customer and community ties.
• Gives you excellent service and competitive prices because he can access the insurance coverage from more than one company.
• Unlike other agents, he is not beholden to any one company. Thus, you do not need to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
• Assists you when you have a claim.
• Is your consultant, working with you as you determine your needs.
• Offers you a choice of insurance plans and programs.
• Is a value hunter who looks after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage and service.
• Offers one-stop shopping for a full range of insurance products - home, renters, auto, business, life, and health.
• Can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
• Customer satisfaction is the key to an independent agent's livelihood. Therefore, serving you is your independent agent's most-important concern.

Thank you Blake Honeycutt with Allen Tate Insurance fo rthe info! If you'd like to speak with Blake, contact him at blake.honeycutt@allentate.com.

Insurance Tidbit from Mike Oelz

A Charlotte, North Carolina man, having purchased a case of rare, very expensive cigars, insured them against fire. Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of fabulous cigars, and having yet to make a single premium payment on the policy, the man filed a claim against the insurance company.
In his claim, the man stated that he had lost the cigars "in a series of small fires." The insurance company refused to pay, citing the obvious reason that the man had consumed the cigars in a normal fashion. The man sued -- and won! In delivering his ruling, the judge stated that since the man held a policy from the company in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and also guaranteed that the cigars would be insured against fire, without defining what it considered to be unacceptable fire, it was obligated to compensate the insured for his loss.
Rather than endure a lengthy and costly appeal process, the insurance company grudgingly accepted the judge's ruling and paid the man $15,000 for the rare cigars he lost in the fires. After the man cashed his check, however, the insurance company had him arrested on 24 counts of arson, with his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case being used as evidence.

This story is from Mike Oelz with Allen Tate Insurance. To share your own strange story (or just to get a quote!), call him at 336-544-4545.