I often take the attitude that the homeowner needs to have a home that shows "Pride of Ownership". I tell them so, politely, tactfully. If they can spend a weekend or two cleaning up the place so it's not a Foremost prospect, they will have a better rate, coverage and personal self-esteem ...

Hey Producer0317, here are a few things to consider... I'll assume that you've been HERE for the past seven years, and have a great relationship with both the seller and the clients. Anything short of that and it won't work as well. Any contract to purchase / Sell the agency should accomidate both o...

Yeah, Foremost. They have some excellent products that allow all sorts of unacceptable (to others) scenarios.

However, if it's just paint or an ugly yard, the Homeowner may be $$$ ahead to hire a crew to make the home presentable. Anyway, contact Foremost.

Swymmer

Depends on where you are, Buckeyes (Ohio?). When American Family first entered Washington State a few years ago they really looked "good", with low rates. But it didn't take too long for the loss ratios to jump, and now they are not as competitive as many indie carriers like Safeco, Travel...

Try Safeco if they are one of your carriers.

I've owned an agency for almost 30 years, and have always used PTO for this. It is simple to administer. Here is how my agency employment agreement explains it... "Paid Time Off In lieu of “vacation” days, this agency provides employees with paid time off. After an employee works at least 1000 ...

This is a very interesting topic, and timely, too. My office manager and I have been contemplating dumping all but the smallest presence in the local yellow pages, and using the money not spent there as incentives for current staff or hiring a part-time telemarketer to actually produce leads for our...

I'd bet the condo association has a carrier to refer you to. Plus, you might be able to pick up the whole condo account if you're interested. Speak to the assoc. president or secretary.

Swymmer

I received an e-mail the other day from Progressive. They have stepped up the market for commercial trucking, including some cargo coverage. I don't know the particulars, but it might be worth looking into. I think they also expanded their allowable radius, too. I think they're getting pretty compet...

While I can (sort of) understand the need to cover extra bases for a property related policy, the question had to do with GL. I can not think of a scenerio where the GL would ever come into play... unless your business employed a terrorist? And, said terrorist did something icky while under your emp...

OK, Insurance guy101. My point about the deck was done tactfully. I didn't come right out and threaten to buy elsewhere, I simply reminded him that I'm just about ready to start a project he has been discussing with me for months. I even asked him to recommend a contractor. I've been a very good cus...

I agree with mhutch69. My staff and I go out of our way to retain business, and our persistancy is excellent. However, there are times when I want a customer to leave, and instead of phoning and reminding them to pay I send them a nice letter stating that "I'm sorry you choose to move your cove...

Thanks for all the feedback! As a follow-up, I really enjoy being an indy. I have secured an excellent offer from Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual, a carrier that specializes in these risks. I think their offer is priced competitively, but most important, it's designed correctly. For example, the FIG ...

Hi ya'all. I thought I'd bring this to the forum as there are many FIG agents, and prior FIG's in the group... My question is about Farmer's appitite and underwriting. I have a FIG agent competing for an account that is a Lumber Yard / Builder's Supply. 70% of their income is from the sale of lumber...

And me, too. I've always practiced contacting overdue insureds. Our retention is extremely high and loss ratios are low. We don't look for non-standard business, but as a general rule we have some on the books. If I ever have an account that I really don't want to keep I will send them a postcard in...