WHERE ARE WE IN THE INSURANCE CYCLE?
As I sit down to write this article we are already through the first quarter of 2004. Time just keeps flying by. Tri County Insurance has been around in one form or another for over 22 years now. Hopefully that gives you, our loyal customer, confidence in our stability and continued ability to provide excellent service. In the insurance industry there has been a lot of consolidation over the years but we are still thriving. This validates our philosophy of integrity, professionalism, and providing value in our relationship with the customers who do business with us. Thank you for your confidence and trust. It is truly appreciated.
The insurance marketplace has stabilized. After the incredible price increases in the latter part of 2002 and 2003 we see prices leveling off. Insurance companies are now reporting profits, which translates into fewer pricing increases. Preferred Insurance companies are also increasing their appetite for new customers which should lead to competition in the future which usually translates into stable or lower pricing. We will see how this plays out in the next few months.
Now that things have stabilized now is the time to review your insurance protection to ensure that you are properly protected at the most competitive price. Our friendly and professional staff is available to review your current insurance program and offer suggestions to improve your protection. Please call to discuss this with your insurance advisor. We are expanding our financial services department. In the near future you will be receiving much more information from us on financial services such as long term care, life insurance, disability, annuities and individual or group health insurance. We will strive to be a one shop stop for all your insurance needs.
In the past I have received many phone calls or emails about the excellent service we provide. Thank you for these. As important are the calls we have received about areas where we need to make improvements in the service we provide. While I wish these situations never occurred these comments have allowed us to improve the service we provide. I encourage anyone who has a positive experience or negative experience to call or email me at ebossuk@tcinsurance.com so we can say thank you to the person providing the excellent service or work with then to provide the level of service you and I expect. Your comments are invaluable. Eric Bossuk
Tri County Insurance Expands Financial Services Department
We are expanding our financial services department to provide our customers with a one shop option for all their insurance needs. We realize the importance and peace of mind these products provide and we want to give you the option to utilize our expertise and enhance our relationship. Sandi Sanders CLU, ChFC and Glen Futterman, CLU, ChFC are still available to provide their valuable knowledge and service. In addition we have recently formalized a relationship with Eric S. Kerner, LUTCF to provide his expertise as well. Eric is a graduate of California State University at Northridge, earning a B.A. in Economics. He began his career in the Life Insurance industry in 1990. His industry awards include numerous Leader's Club qualifications with Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company. He is a qualifying and life member of the MDRT as well as Court of the Table. Eric is also a certified Long Term Care Specialist. Our financial services department handles the following types of products for businesses and individuals:
Life Insurance (Estate, Individual and Business)
We are excited about our continuing ability to provide an increasing level of service and products. Please call us to see how we can design a financial program to fit your needs.
YOUTHFUL DRIVERS AND THEIR IMPACT ON YOUR INSURANCE PREMIUM
Many things can affect your insurance premium: driving record, annual miles driven and driving experience, but nothing more than a youthful driver. Give us a call when you are considering adding your young son or daughter to your auto insurance. When there are more vehicles in the household than drivers, insurance companies may rate the youthful driver on a higher rated vehicle even if they are not the primary driver. Remember to keep the insurance company informed of your child's good student status. And remind your young driver to drive safely. Statistics show that younger drivers have a higher chance of an accident than more experienced drivers. For more details, see the Insurance for Highway Safety Information link at our website www.tcinsurance.com. One accident involving the youthful driver will increase their premium, but more than one accident could jeopardize retaining their license. Careful parental guidance on road rules and following the Department of Motor vehicle requirements help our young drivers grow up to be good and responsible drivers of the future, and eventually lower insurance premiums.
WHAT CHANGES HAVE OCCURRED WITH YOU RECENTLY?
Have you made improvements to your home? Have you recently acquired a new/used vehicle? Has someone in the household begun driver training and obtaining their driver's learners permit? Have you added equipment to your car? All of these changes make a difference in our lives, but they also make a difference to our insurance policy. When you alter your home with an increase in square footage, an added bathroom or improved features, let us know. Your dwelling coverage will need to be increased to include the new changes and the appropriate premium charged. Without notifying your insurance company, your Extended Replacement Cost coverage could be in jeopardy. Give us a call to re-evaluate your estimated replacement cost. With ever increasing construction costs, you do not want to be underinsured. Let us know when you purchase a new or used vehicle. Yes you sign an agreement at the Car Dealer verifying you have current insurance coverage, but the dealer does not contact your insurance agent or insurance company regarding your new car. Insurance policy provisions require the insured to advise of newly acquired vehicle. Anytime you become a registered owner of a vehicle, new or used, let us know. Do not rely on "automatic coverage". Please call us when your youthful driver begins to drive with their learner's permit. Exclusions could be in place voiding coverage in the event of an accident. Certain restrictions may apply and new forms require updating and signatures. Also, when you add equipment to your vehicle, it needs to be scheduled on your auto policy. In the event of a total loss of your vehicle after an accident or theft, the equipment value will be considered in the settlement. If the after market equipment is not listed, there could be missing coverage. Equipment could be an upgraded stereo system, navigation system, VCR and television, truck bed liner, bike racks, etc. So be sure to call us and add this new equipment to your auto insurance policy.
NEW ADDITIONS TO THE TRI COUNTY INSURANCE TEAM
Christy Fields Christy has been working in the insurance industry for 12 years. She started as a Customer Service Representative for State Farm Insurance Company. In that position, she found that she enjoyed working closely with the agents and their customers. Eventually, she accepted a position as an office manager for a small insurance agency. She assisted clients on a daily basis forming close relationships with many of them. Now at Tri County Insurance, she looks forward to a prosperous future where she can bring her past experience and knowledge into doing what she enjoys most! Gary Guenther Gary is one of four brothers. All named "G's". As a recent graduate of California State University of Northridge, his goal is to learn more about the insurance field and in becoming a producer. He has been in the insurance field for four years. He thinks he is the Los Angeles Lakers # 1 fan and he likes to keep himself busy by participating in his all- time favorite sport, Soccer. He also takes advantage of the California sun by taking out his Jet skis as often as he can with his family, "The Guenthers". Nancy Nicholson Nancy has been in the insurance industry for over 15 years. She began her insurance career at State Farm Insurance. She enjoys working with clients to help them meet all of their insurance needs. She resides in Moorpark with her two teenagers. Her favorite hobby is attending their high school sport functions. She also enjoys shopping and weekend "get-away" adventures. Veronica Vela Veronica is also known as "Tia" to her two year old nephew, Luciano. She was born in San Salvador, El Salvador, and then moved to the United States when she was eight years old and quickly learned the English language. She grew up in Simi Valley where she was very much involved in Community Theatre. Prior to her position with the Tri County Team, she was in the travel industry for years where she traveled the world. She dealt with Group travel sales and travel insurance. She made the change and that is how it led to her current position at Tri County. She has been in the insurance field for 4 years now. She enjoys learning more each day and her goal is to move into a Customer Service position soon. She says, "I am a very ambitious Capricorn who likes to have a go at everything".
DID YOU KNOW WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING INSURANCE PRODUCTS?
Automobile Homeowners Apartment Condo Unit Owners Renters Print Shops Boats Life Insurance Restaurants Disability Personal Article Floaters Business Owners Policies Health Insurance Flood Group Health & Accident Dwelling Fire Umbrella Liability Workers' Compensation
If you need any type of insurance that is not on this list, call us. We are a full service, independent insurance agency, committed to serve you.
