News from the Travelers Webinar held March 20, 2018

If you missed the last Travelers Webinar, here are some points that were discussed. Personal Lines How to Handle Customer’s concerns regarding increasing premiums. Even though automobile premiums may be increasing, Travelers remains committed to mitigating the impact of industry trends with enhanced pricing, lower expenses and improved processes. Tips for discussing these trends with your customers: Let your clients know the current trends with auto premiums and why. People are buying more cars Distracted driving is increasing; drivers are texting and surfing the web Injury costs are rising Repair costs are rising Review your client's coverage to make sure all available discounts are taken. Remind them of Travelers' auto loyalty benefits such as incident leniency, youthful driver leniency and longevity credits which could be lost if they leave Travelers. MyTravelers Website for Insureds Travelers allows your insured’s access to their account through MyTravelers.  https://www.travelers.com/Login/#/ Report an auto, home or boat claim Pay your bill View your billing activity, payment details and policy information Locate a repair shop Enroll in one of our automatic payment plans Check the status of an existing claim View and [...]

2018-10-30T14:16:43-05:00Marketing & Sales Ideas, Patty's Perspective, Property & Casualty|
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Boating Season is About to Start

With winter slowly moving to spring, people start looking forward to warm weather and boating.   MIBS agents can assist their clients in finding the right coverage for that new boat with Safeco Insurance and Travelers. Watercraft Rating Categories spacer Safeco’s Watercraft Program Safeco’s Watercraft Program is open to most types of watercraft used for recreational purposes.  They offer a selection of coverages designed to provide protection to the insured operator and the watercraft. Program Advantages / Selling Tips:  Competitive Advantages Coverage for pets, personal property, and equipment such as water skis and marine electronics Standalone watercraft are accepted Agreed-value policy Eligible watercraft up to $300,000 and 40 feet Total price protection available for boats 2 years old and newer Roadside Assistance is available Emergency Assistance (on-water towing) Liability coverage only is available Towing and labor expenses Fuel spill and wreckage removal Optional fishing equipment coverage up to $20,000 Additional Interest/Marina Additional Insured is available spacer Safeco also offers the Captain’s Package Option for boats of all ages The Captain’s Package provides a valuable optional coverage. It can be added to new or existing policies for [...]

2018-10-30T14:15:38-05:00Marketing & Sales Ideas, Patty's Perspective, Property & Casualty|
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Don’t Forget About Humana for Group Benefits

Although BCBS IL still has the market share of business in Illinois, don’t forget to consider Humana as well.  This blog will discuss where Humana might fit your group’s specific needs. Recently, Humana came to MIBS to present Humana for 2018.   Key points that were covered include: Humana Dental and Vision still strong in today’s market (Check out the Humana Bundling Bonus at the end of the Dental Vision section) Humana’s Level Funded Product is strong and competitive (Check out the Humana Level Funded Premium Bonus at the end the Level Funded section) Humana’s CCN HMO network provides a workable solution to contain premium costs space space Humana Dental Next to medical costs, dental expenses can create a serious strain on an employee’s budget.   Groups offering dental not only assist the employee financially, but also increase the health of that employee as regular dental exams screen for many medical conditions increasing chances of early detection. Eligibility for Humana Dental Groups with 2-100 enrolled are eligible for dental coverage. Humana does not enforce contribution requirements for dental plans Participation requirements for employer sponsored is 50% participation after [...]

2018-10-30T14:14:04-05:00Ancillary, Marketing & Sales Ideas, Medical, Patty's Perspective|
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New for Encompass Homeowners Insurance

For new homeowner's policies, Encompass is using a new Enhanced Homeowners Rating system which may provide more competitive rates without changing or limiting coverage. Encompass leverages a customer's auto variables and property characteristics, including the number of stories in the home, the age of the roof, the roof style and the roof composition.  Roof coverage, especially, is a critical part of Encompass Homeowners Insurance. What to ask about the roof: How old is your roof What is your roof material What is your roof sytle (see below) Encompass offers 3 levels of coverage tailored to meet your customer's needs. Different levels of features can be found starting with the Special Level, Deluxe Level and the richest, the Elite Level of coverage. Features include:  Property location limit Additional living expenses reimbursed if home is uninhabitable Water backup damage coverage Homeowners Association extension Jewelry and fur coverage Brochure below. Click here for Encompass Product Levels Brochure Additional coverages available with Encompass  Scheduled Personal Property - provides increased limits for a specific item that typically has high value and has been appraised, such as an engagement ring [...]

2018-12-28T16:49:18-06:00Marketing & Sales Ideas, Patty's Perspective, Property & Casualty|
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The Path of Most Resistance – Keep Going

There is an amazing group of people who make the decision to start their own business or accept a job that is paid exclusively by commissions.  There is no guaranteed income, only the possibility that if they work smart and hard, they have an unlimited potential to earn income.  Who in their right mind would take this path?   Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015, 10.1 % of all U.S. workers were self-employed and in that group belongs that crazy person with a job title of insurance producer.  Whether they work as an independent agent or work for a company or agency, they accept a job that compensates them only when they place business.  And to add to the craziness, the insurance producer works in an industry heavily regulated by the government resulting in unpredictable changes. Wow!  How does an agent continue down a career path that has so many stops?   Increasing premiums Decreasing commissions Open enrollment Constantly changing products and rules Cyber security Economic downturns Government regulations I would first like to say how much I respect that person who accepts a career where they [...]

2018-10-30T14:07:42-05:00Marketing & Sales Ideas, Patty's Perspective|
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Ax&7*df4x@1> What are you asking?

What are you asking?   Most people are normally very good communicators when face to face with another, however, in today’s business world, communication now goes through multiple electronic devices including email, text, instant message, and more.  These methods normally involve the written word and are more permanent as they are a written record.  This can be very useful to both the sender and receiver as they are a resource to search for conversations from the past, removing the need to try to remember everything.  On the other hand, be aware that this written record is also a reflection of you as a professional.  Improving your written communication skills will enhance your image and also make you more credible in your client’s eyes.   Open enrollment is fast approaching when everyone’s time is stretched thin trying to handle the increased volume of work.  This is when those excellent communication skills can come in really handy.   Asking your question and providing all the necessary information with the question can result in faster turn-around time for your answer. During this very busy time, please be aware that your MIBS customer service [...]

2017-10-19T15:32:39-05:00Marketing & Sales Ideas|
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Get to Know Encompass

Interview with Amanda Brinkman from Encompass I recently had the good fortune of meeting our Encompass representative, Amanda Brinkman, who agreed to allow me to interview her about her carrier. Encompass is a property and casualty carrier specializing in personal lines coverages, especially high end homes.  Your MIBS customer service representatives are already very familiar with the differentiating qualities between our carriers.  However, as producers in the field meeting prospective clients, it is important for you to be able to understand some of these differences so that you can see opportunities and successfully convert them into new business. Let's start with some good news! Is it true that your personal lines renewals are going out currently with little to no increases? Yes, Condo, Renters and Auto will receive no overall rate change and the home rate will increase by 2.1%.    What sets Encompass apart from other carriers? Encompass was ranked 4th on the 2017 JD Power Ranking Survey for Property Claims Satisfaction. Encompass' claims of financial strength are backed by A.M. Best with an A+ (superior rating) A.M. [...]

2018-10-30T14:02:48-05:00Marketing & Sales Ideas, Patty's Perspective, Property & Casualty|
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Problems are a Beautiful Thing

As an insurance agent, not a day goes by that I don’t think, “Insurance is nothing but a giant pain in the ….”  And there are so many problems, starting with plans that have increasingly high deductibles, limited networks, enrollment problems, premium payment issues, and claims issues. Guess what?  These problems are why agents are vital to the insurance industry.  If it was easy, our services would not be required. Also, finding a client’s problem, issue or pain, can result in sales.  Let’s become the resource that your client wants to use to fix their insurance pain. How do you find the pain?    Who is the decision maker? When prospecting for a new group, one of the first things you want to do is find out who the decision maker is and then establish something you may share in common.  Communicate in a way that the decision maker will want to talk with you. Ask about the children’s pictures on the desk. Commiserate on the Chicago Bears quarterback situation when you see the Bears Schedule posted on the board. Reminisce on your favorite muscle car story with [...]

2018-10-29T21:09:57-05:00Marketing & Sales Ideas, Patty's Perspective|
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