If not, I got news for you, ya gotta get out more! They’re everywhere! And now that football season is upon us (a.k.a. prime TV viewing season), we’re going to see even more of them.
I shake my head (SMH) at most of these ads. If you take their word for it, you’d be crazy to consider any other insurance options than the one they’re spending millions on to tell you how great they are.
Here’s my take: You have 3 options when you buy a personal lines (Auto, Home, Boat, Umbrella, etc.) policy. You can buy from a captive agent: Allstate, State Farm, Farmers, American Family, etc. You can get a policy from a Direct Writer: Geico, Liberty Mutual, Progressive Direct, The General, Esurance, etc. Third option is what you have: an Independent Agent. We have access to (of course) independent companies. As a general guideline, they spend less on advertising because they rely on the agent to sell their policies. Independent companies include: Safeco, MetLife, Pemco, Progressive, Hartford, Travelers, Grange, Oregon Mutual, National General, etc.
Direct agents work for the company. They’re going to do what’s best for the company. I believe Captive agents have your best interest in mind, they’re just limited in their options because they only represent one company. And yes, I do believe Independent is the way to go. I did spend one year of my insurance career as a captive agent. I had worked as an independent for 3 years prior and went back to being an independent after my brief stint as a captive. I couldn’t stand only having one company to choose from. It felt like I was in a communist grocery store. Food, yes. Choices, no.
So, where am I going with all this? First of all, I want to say, we appreciate your business. Secondly, I know you’ve made a smart choice by choosing First Rate Insurance for your insurance needs. I’ve often said that if I won the Powerball Lottery and retired, I’d still get my insurance from an Independent agent. Primarily because I believe they have better coverage. But secondly, because it just makes sense. Now, if I could just remember to buy that lottery ticket…
Ken Martin
September Represents National Preparedness Month
Are you prepared for a disaster? Recent articles online, in the newspaper and commercials on televisions remind us that disasters are just a moment away. It is easy to think that’s a good reminder, yet fail to act on our preparedness. The fact is: disasters happen. It’s best to learn the skills & be prepared.
Ready.gov does a great job at summarizing how to prepare for disasters and teaches simple skills you should have that could help you or your loved ones if a disaster strikes.
What’s Your Plan?
Discuss the following questions with your friends, family or household to determine your emergency plan.
What Life Saving Skills Do You Have?
There are a wide variety of skills you should have that can save a life. Here are a few to target.
Learn first aid & CPR.
Own a fire extinguisher, know where it’s located & most importantly, understand how to use it.
Know how to shut off your water, electricity & natural gas.
Do You Understand Your Insurance Coverage?
Yes, having insurance is your first step to protection, but do you know exactly what you are covered for? Did you know flood damage to a home is the most common disaster a household can face? If your home floods, are you covered? If you do not understand the details of your insurance coverage, talk to your local insurance agent.
Are You Saving For an Emergency?
We all know the concept of saving for a rainy day, but the question is, are you doing it?
Have a savings account and contribute to it monthly if possible.
Consider owning a safe in your home & keeping cash in it. During a disaster, ATM’s or credit cards may not work.
Store all important personal, household & medical information in your safe (or a place you’ll remember).
Examples:
passport or photo ID
birth certificate
social security cards,
marriage or divorce license
military ID & military discharge record
pet ID tags
pet microchip info & proof of pet ownership
insurance policies
lease or rental agreement
mortgage or real estate deeds of trust
immunization records
medication list or other medical information a physician may need
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Learn the skills & know what to do before a disaster strikes.
Our Referral Program
Thank you for continuing to refer your friends and family to our agency! For every referral we receive, we will send you a FREE Starbucks’s coffee card for $5.00 and donate $10 to the American Lung Cancer organization. Also, we have a monthly drawing where the referral winner receives $25.00 and we donate $25.00 to the charity of the winner's choice.
Congratulations to the referral winners this past quarter! June: Carol Colley
July: Taylor Washburn
August: Don Rutledge
The person you refer doesn’t have to purchase a policy. There are many worthy charitable organizations in our community. Help us, help them! Our referral program is open to anyone, whether they’re a client or not.
Congratulations, Amy!
Our own Amy Timmerman was recognized as the top selling Safeco agent in the state of Washington!! Amy has sold over 390 Safeco policies so far this year!
Meet Terri
Terri is a licensed agent in Washington. Though originally from Arizona, she’s lived in five countries and has been in the Seattle area for the past few years. When she’s not working, she’s out playing with her two huskies and enjoying the change of seasons that Seattle has to offer, writing her next novel, or deciding which country she’ll visit next.
From Our Blog
A Rodent Made a Nest In My Car & Caused Damage - Am I Covered?
As cooler weather approaches at night or you park your car outside during the winter months, chances are that sooner or later a rodent will find its way inside of your warm vehicle. Rodents like rats, mice and even squirrels can make their way up inside of your engine compartment to stay warm. After all, it is toasty and warm inside there and you left the vehicle in the driveway overnight. Continue Reading...
Do I Need to Purchase Rental Car Insurance?
When you are on vacation renting a car, you will most likely be asked if you want to purchase insurance for the car. Sometimes purchasing that insurance policy is needed, but other times you may already be covered with your own auto insurance policy. Some individuals even have insurance benefits through their credit cards. Continue Reading...
Thank you for continuing to refer your friends and family to our agency! For every referral we receive, we will send you a FREE Starbucks’s coffee card for $5.00 and donate $10 to the American Lung Cancer organization. Also, we have a monthly drawing where the referral winner receives $25.00 and we donate $25.00 to the charity of the winner's choice.
