How Agents Should Serve Their Customers

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In today’s fast-paced business world, providing excellent customer service is more important than ever. With so many options available to consumers, businesses must strive to provide exceptional service to keep their customers happy and loyal. Here are four keys to customer service that can help businesses stand out in a competitive marketplace:

Listen to your customers:

The first key to great customer service is listening to your customers. When customers feel like they are being heard and understood, they are more likely to become loyal customers. Make sure you are actively listening to your customers, whether they are complaining or praising your business. Respond to their concerns and provide solutions to their problems. This will show your customers that you value their feedback and are committed to providing excellent service.

Be responsive:

Customers expect businesses to be responsive to their needs. When customers reach out to your business, whether it’s through email, social media, or phone, respond as quickly as possible. Even if you don’t have an immediate solution to their problem, let them know that you are working on it and will get back to them as soon as possible. Being responsive shows that you care about your customers and are committed to providing excellent service.

Personalize your interactions:

Customers appreciate personalized interactions with businesses. When you personalize your interactions, you show your customers that you care about them as individuals, not just as customers. Use your customers’ names when you communicate with them, and remember their preferences and past interactions with your business. This will help you provide a more personalized experience that will make your customers feel valued and appreciated.

Go above and beyond:

To truly stand out in the marketplace, businesses must go above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. This means anticipating your customers’ needs and providing solutions before they even ask. It also means providing unexpected perks and rewards to show your customers that you value their business. Going above and beyond can help you build strong relationships with your customers and turn them into loyal advocates for your business.

In conclusion, providing excellent customer service is essential for businesses that want to stand out in a competitive marketplace. By listening to your customers, being responsive, personalizing your interactions, and going above and beyond, you can create a customer service experience that will make your customers feel valued and appreciated.

How To Get The Most Out of Your Home and Auto Insurance

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With the beginning of a new year, it is important to review your home and auto insurance policies to ensure you are getting the most out of them. To begin this process, here are some questions you should ask when reviewing your policies; “What is and is not covered with my policies?”  “Do I need to add any new family members or vehicles to my policies?”  “What are my deductible amounts?”  “Am I taking advantage of all available discounts?” “Is my coverage adequate enough to cover a loss should I have one?”

The following information will help guide you through some of these key questions for getting the most out of your home and auto insurance.

  • Review Your Policy- Make Sure You Are Aware of What Is and Is Not Covered

It is essential to review your home and auto insurance policies to make sure you are aware of exactly what is and is not covered. Different policies cover different things, so it is best to read the entire policy to understand what is included. Depending on where you live and the type of coverage that you have purchased, there may be certain geographical limitations or exclusions related to certain types of damage such as flooding or earthquakes. Additionally, many policies will also list out any items that are not covered under your policy such as high-value items like jewelry or expensive electronics. By understanding exactly what is and is not covered with a policy can help prevent any unpleasant surprises if something were to happen down the line.

When reviewing your current home and auto insurance policies, it is also important to consider additional optional coverage that could be beneficial for you in 2023. This will be based on your changing needs or circumstances – especially when it comes to new vehicles added over the past year. Optional add-on coverage options can provide extra protection from specific risks not otherwise provided by standard coverage, like roadside assistance packages or rental car reimbursement, should an accident occur away from home. It is always worth considering these additional coverage options since they often come with minimal cost, but they can offer tremendous peace of mind knowing that all bases are covered should anything unfortunate arise during 2023!

  • Add Any New Family Members or Vehicles to Your Policy

Adding any new family members or vehicles to your policy is a crucial step in getting the most out of your home and auto insurance.

If you have purchased a new car, it is important to include it on your policy as soon as possible so that you can enjoy the full benefits of coverage right away. Typically, this involves providing details such as make and model information, VIN numbers, and registration data. These details will ensure a smoother process when adding a vehicle to an existing policy!

For any newly added family members (spouse/children), you may need to update certain aspects of your policies, such as personal liability limits and increased medical payments should they be involved in an accident. It is also worth considering adding them onto the same auto insurance plan since doing so often results in discounted rates due to economies of scale associated with multi-car policies.

  • Check Your Deductibles To Make Sure They Are Still Appropriate

When reviewing your home and auto insurance policies, it is important to check and make sure that the deductibles are still appropriate for your needs. Having a deductible that is too low can put you at risk of losing out on potential savings if you need to file a claim. However, having a deductible that is too high could leave you facing hefty costs in the event of an accident or damage. It is best to review the amount of deductible currently listed with each policy and compare it against any changes in your financial situation over the past year. If either has changed significantly, then it may be worth considering adjusting deductibles accordingly, so they better reflect current circumstances while also allowing for maximum savings when filing claims down the line.

Ultimately taking advantage of all applicable deductions can help ensure adequate coverage while keeping costs manageable throughout 2023 and beyond.

  • Confirm That You Are Taking Advantage of All Available Discounts

It is advisable to investigate available discounts as well when checking deductibles since these could help lower overall premiums further. It is important to make sure you are taking full advantage of all the discounts available when it comes to your home and auto insurance policies. Some of these may include discounts for having multiple policies with one insurer, being a part of certain organizations like alumni associations or professional societies, or even having certain safety features installed in your vehicle. Taking advantage of any applicable deductions can offer significant savings on premiums while still providing adequate coverage should something unfortunate arise during 2023!

It is also worth confirming if there are additional discounts that could be applied towards specific coverages such as roadside assistance packages or rental car reimbursement should an accident occur away from home. Additionally, many insurers now offer preferred driver discount programs designed to reward safe driving habits with discounted rates, so even if you have been involved in a few accidents over the past year—this could still provide some relief when it comes time to renew your policy in 2023. Ultimately exploring all potential deductions and discounts before signing up for new policies each year can help ensure maximum savings while also protecting yourself and your loved ones against unforeseen risks throughout the year.

  • Review Your Coverage Limits To Ensure They Are Still Adequate

It is important to review your coverage limits and ensure they are still adequate for your needs. This means confirming that the amount of liability protection you have is high enough, as well as any other coverages such as medical payments or rental car reimbursement should an accident occur away from home. It is also worth considering increasing these limits if possible since doing so can often result in lower premiums due to economies of scale associated with higher-value policies. Also, having adequate coverage offers more peace of mind knowing that greater financial protection is available against unforeseen risks during 2023.

 

Stop Porch Pirates This Holiday Season

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The holiday season is filled with fun, parties, food, gifts, overeating and unfortunately some risk. One of the fasted growing risks for many people are stolen packages by porch pirates.  According to proopertycasualtiy360, over 26 million packages are stolen during the holiday season.  Need more bad news?

Your homeowners or renter’s insurance generally may not cover this loss as it tends to be under your deductible.  There could be coverage if you have personal property off premises insurance.  Also for theft coverage to apply generally, you need proof of loss by a broker indoor, etc.

Call our office for a review of your homeowner’s insurance, as each policy is unique to your circumstances.

Things To Do

  • Delivery confirmation is a good way to prove the package was delivered.
  • Thieves will follow delivery trucks, waiting for the perfect target.
  • These thieves commonly strike during working hours as many homes are empty at that time.
  • You can insure your packages.
  • Consider having a person there when the delivery is scheduled.
  • Install a security camera.

What To Do If A Package Is Stolen

  • Track your package. Check the delivery confirmation and tracking number.
  • Make sure a neighbor did not pick it up for you.
  • Contact the seller. Different retailers have different policies and processes for handling stolen items, but usually, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement item.
  • File a claim with the shipping company.
  • Check your Credit Cards for Purchase Protection.

The Holidays Bring Added Risk?

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Personal Insurance Update

Did you get an ugly tie or sweater last year for Christmas? If this Christmas is a repeat of last year, the good news is that you can exchange the gift for something you can use. However, many other ugly things can happen during the holidays that you may not be able to take back. While the holiday season is a great time to celebrate with family and friends, it can also lead to fire, theft, and losses that will dampen your holiday spirit.

Now would be a good time to have us review your personal insurance to make sure you understand your coverage and provide optional coverage for you to consider.

Typical Holiday Mishaps

House fires – Due to the increased use of electrical cords, home fires rose during November and December. Make sure you use only UL-approved appliances and electrical cords. Do not over-use outlets to string inside or outside lights. If you have a natural tree, keep it watered. Invest in a fire extinguisher, and keep it in the kitchen. The median cost of fire damage due to candles and fireplace claims can be around $9,000.

Theft –Criminals love the holiday season because they know you may have expensive items in your home. Keep your doors locked. Do not place gifts next to windows. It is not necessary to post all your holiday purchases on social media. Criminals love to “like” your posts and then steal your gifts.

Use of alcohol – Resist the pressure to drink or serve alcohol at every social event. Designate a driver before the party begins. Offer non-alcoholic beverages at your party.

We are committed to providing clients with the highest quality insurance plans available combined with some of the lowest possible rates. Whether you are shopping for auto insurance, home insurance, or life or business insurance, we can help you obtain the best coverage available at the lowest rate possible.

Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace, and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.

 

 

 

 

How To Shop Safely This Holiday Season

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Halloween is over and that means we are in the middle of the holiday season.  During the next 45 days, we will all be busy shopping, eating out, and traveling.  Thieves know that the police are overloaded during the holiday season, and they take full advantage it.  Burglars know that there are many expensive items in homes and cars during the holidays.

Your home or renter’s insurance will provide coverage for theft or loss if you have the coverage. Now would be a good time to call us for a free personal insurance review. Whether you are holiday shopping at the mall, online, or a little of both, keeping yourself and your personal information safe is important.  Here are a few holiday shopping safety tips:

Holiday Shopping Safety

  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Lock your shopping bags in your trunk.
  • Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
  • Never leave car doors unlocked or windows open.
  • Always park in lighted areas. DO NOT park in remote areas.
  • Shop with a friend.
  • Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
  • Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
  • Keep receipts in your wallet or purse.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • As you return to your car, make sure to keep your car key in your hand.

We work to ensure that your personal insurance provides the protection you deserve and need.  We understand you may need different coverage like a personal umbrella, RV insurance, valuable articles coverage, earthquake, or flood coverage.

Over the years, we have found that homeowners who adhere to the following strategies have a better chance of obtaining the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service.

Our trusted insurance professionals are here to help you with every step of the insurance process and can design a personal or commercial insurance policy to fit your needs. One of the insurance professionals will work closely with you to ensure that you receive the individualized attention you deserve.

 

The Lowest Priced Insurance Is Usually Not The Best

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You may not be aware of all the underlying aspects that influence the cost of your insurance coverage. You might question why insurance is so expensive when attempting to compare prices. Prices might vary greatly from one company to another. Why, after all, is insurance so pricey when the person who appears to possess exactly the identical attributes as you spend far less for the same kind of vehicle or residence? This is the kind of thinking we would like you to think about moving away from. We want to offer a different way of thinking about insurance.

  1. Insurance is not a commodity. It is a relationship between you, your agent, and the insurer. The agent can be your partner, helping you understand coverage, price, and services offered.
  2. Insurance coverage can be changed or modified. The job of the agent is to understand your risk and concerns and then offer solutions.

The main reason low-cost insurance may not be correct is that it will almost always offer less coverage, higher deductibles, and offer little or no service.

What Makes Up A High-Value Insurance Program?

  • An insurance policy that will respond to your risks when a loss occurs.
  • The extra services are offered by the insurer at no cost to you.
  • The knowledge and expertise of the agent. The agent is your key to a high-value advantage.
  • The agent is the one who helps you identify your risks and designs a policy specifically for you. The agent will be there to help you manage a claim and to educate you.
  • Your agent increases your insurance value by helping you understand why the premiums differ.

 Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have, and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.

What Kind Of Personal Insurance Do I Need?

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You put a lot of effort into building valuable assets and supporting your family’s lifestyle. When things go wrong, personal insurance can assist in safeguarding those assets and offer protection in the case of your dying. Allow our insurance specialists to examine your situation and establish the coverage and plans that are best for you and your family.

Home Insurance

Protect your investment in your home with the right kind of insurance. You may protect your house and your things with home insurance. You’ve worked hard for what you have. Therefore it’s crucial to be protected properly. There are numerous possibilities for what your property’s house insurance can cover. We can assist you in ensuring that everything is handled.

Flood Insurance

Most homeowners’ policies do not cover flood risk. Even if you are not in a flood zone, certain events can also cause damage to your home. Flood insurance is a useful addition to any homeowners, renters, and condo owners/renters policy.

Auto Insurance

Automobile insurance helps you deal with probable financial losses, damages, or injuries associated with cars. It aids in defending you, your passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, property, and your automobile. Additionally, auto insurance might shield you from lawsuits resulting from vehicle accidents. To assist you in finding the best value for money and coverage, we will give you rates from various insurance providers. We’ll thoroughly lay out your alternatives so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance’s primary purpose is to shield you from the financial responsibility of legal claims. There is typically a cap on the coverage per accident with liability insurance policies for vehicles, ranging from $300,000 to $500,000. However, the cost of a lawsuit can exceed millions of dollars. Your other financial assets can be protected by an umbrella policy’s coverage, and you can avoid being sued for losses that other insurance doesn’t cover.

Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace, and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.

Do You Need Renters Insurance?

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Why is Renters Insurance Important?

You should be aware of the fact that only 32% of renters in the modern day have rental insurance, regardless of your level of education or whether you are the parent of a recent college graduate. This implies that the financial damages that renter’s insurance was designed to guard against are just one fire, natural disaster, or burglary away for millions of people.

Why do they accept this unneeded risk? It could be that they have inaccurate information or lack general awareness about this important insurance product. Consider the following myths about rental insurance and the fundamentals that all tenants should be aware of.

Common Concerns

Because my landlord has insurance, I don’t need insurance.

This is a typical mistake for which many tenants have already paid the price. Your things are not covered by your landlord’s insurance policies, which only cover the structure and any detached property that is kept there. You will be responsible for paying for replacements if they are lost, stolen, or damaged by a tornado, hurricane, or fire. If the building is judged uninhabitable, you are also responsible for paying your own interim living expenditures.

Since I don’t own anything valuable, insurance isn’t necessary.

This is rarely the case, and all it takes is a quick glance around your house to disprove it. Consider the expense of replacing your computer, television, audio, electronics, books, movies, furniture, clothing, and other possessions. You’re talking about thousands of dollars, even if you buy used. Rental insurance also offers liability defense in the event that a visitor gets hurt while on your property.

It cost too much.

Policies for both renter’s insurance and homeowner’s insurance are surprisingly inexpensive. Premiums can be as little as a few hundred dollars a year, or less than $20 a month, depending on how much coverage you choose. Discuss the amount of rental insurance you require and the going rates in your state with your insurance agent

Renter’s insurance is overly complicated.

It does take some time to understand the majority of insurance products, but it is always simpler with an insurance agent’s assistance. Call us to find out more about the rental insurance options accessible to you, such as the actual cost against replacement value, deductibles, and policy add-ons (such as floaters to cover items above the coverage limitations of a regular policy). We can obtain you rates from different insurers, and we could even be able to negotiate a reduction for you.

In 1989, Oakwood’s founder, Bruce L. Sogn, set out to establish a business that would give him the opportunity to serve the community and to fulfill a need in the marketplace. Today as an independent insurance agency, Oakwood does just that.

After researching the insurance industry, he found that by becoming an independent insurance agent, he could offer a comprehensive range of insurance products and services to his clients. By maintaining focus on competitive products, Oakwood has kept its commitment to service, professionalism, and the highest integrity.

Crazy Things Home Insurance Usually Covers

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You may believe that home insurance is only useful in the event of a natural disaster. If your home is damaged by a fire, hurricane, or flood, your insurance should cover the costs. However, whether there is a natural disaster or not, there are many times when you can use your home insurance coverage. We wanted to share a few unusual claim scenarios that are covered by your homeowner’s insurance.

An item falling from the sky — Damage caused by “falling objects,” which include items falling from the sky, is usually covered.

Illness caused by food — If you host a dinner party and one of your guests becomes ill, your homeowner’s insurance may cover you.

Children in college — If you have children in college, their personal property is usually covered up to a certain amount.

Bites from dogs — Dog bites are generally covered, so if your family pet bites someone, your homeowner’s policy will most likely protect you. However, many insurance companies keep a list of “high-risk” breeds that are not covered by standard policies.

In 1989, Oakwood’s founder, Bruce L. Sogn, set out to establish a business that would give him the opportunity to serve the community and to fulfill a need in the marketplace. Today as an independent insurance agency, Oakwood does just that.

After researching the insurance industry, he found that by becoming an independent insurance agent, he could offer a comprehensive range of insurance products and services to his clients. By maintaining focus on competitive products, Oakwood has kept its commitment to service, professionalism, and the highest integrity.

Does Bundling My Home And Auto insurance Really Save Money?

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Buying your house and auto insurance from the same company is a simple and effective approach to saving money on insurance. This option is called “bundling,” and it allows you to save money by purchasing many policies from the same insurer.

The following are some of the reasons to bundle your house and auto insurance:

  • Savings have increased. Depending on the personal insurance company and where you live, a multi-policy discount might offer savings.
  • Insurance protection. Having other policies with the same insurance company can reduce the possibility of your personal insurer canceling you if you’ve made vehicle insurance claims or received fines.
  • Having only one agent to handle all your personal insurance needs can reduce un-insured claims.
  • Policy administration can be simplified. When many policies are issued by the same organization, managing them should be easier.

Bundling isn’t always the best option. While most companies give discounts for purchasing multiple items, there are numerous other aspects to consider. Switching your vehicle and house insurance or choosing a new carrier for cost reductions alone may not be the best rationale.

Before you make the switch, make sure you’ll actually save money. Any differences from your present coverage should also be noted. You may have us shop around for the best coverage and pricing once you know what your savings and options are.

Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace, and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.