View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2004/08/03/44678.htm
Kemper Auto and Home, Unitrin Multi Lines Insurance and Unitrin Specialty Lines Insurance have joined the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America’s (IIABA) Trusted Choice campaign—the national brand created by IIABA to educate consumers about the benefits of using independent insurance agents and brokers.
The new companies are part of Unitrin Inc., a Chicago-based provider of property/casualty, life and health insurance as well as consumer financial services.
Just two years after its inception, Trusted Choice reports that thousands of independent insurance agencies and brokerages are participating in the branding program and 27 insurance companies.
“Unitrin is steadfastly committed to independent agents as a critical means for nurturing strong and lasting relationships with our customers,” said Don Southwell, president and chief operating officer of Unitrin. “Trusted Choice clearly articulates and differentiates the value-added benefits independent agents provide: personalized service, customized product choices and expert advice.”
“We are very pleased that these three Unitrin companies have joined the Trusted Choice brand movement,” said Ronald A. Smith, CPCU, Trusted Choice board chairman and president of Smith, Sawyer & Smith Inc., a Rochester, Indiana-based independent insurance agency. “Unitrin is one of a growing number of companies that is making a powerful statement about its commitment to promoting independent insurance agents and brokers through the Trusted Choice brand.”
“Unitrin understands that the independent agency distribution force offers consumers the best choices and value-added professionalism. Unitrin, like the other Trusted Choice companies, believes the brand confirms what we already know: independent agents and brokers ‘serve the consumer first,'” said Big “I” CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt.
Ten national insurers are Trusted Choice company partners: Encompass Insurance, Markel Insurance Company, MetLife Auto & Home, Ohio Casualty Insurance, Progressive, Rain and Hail Insurance Service, Safeco Insurance and the three Unitrin, Inc. divisions: Kemper Auto and Home, Unitrin Multi Lines Insurance and Unitrin Specialty Lines Insurance
A total of 16 regional companies are Trusted Choice company partners: America First Insurance, Capital Insurance Group, Central Insurance Companies, Colorado Casualty, Consumers Insurance, GoAmerica Auto Insurance, Golden Eagle Insurance, Hawkeye-Security Insurance, Indiana Insurance, Main Street America Group, Maine Mutual Group, Montgomery Insurance, National Security Fire & Casualty, Peerless Insurance, Selective Insurance Group and Summit Insurance (R.I.). InsurBanc, a federal thrift bank created by the Big “I,” is a Trusted Choice strategic partner.