Insurance brokers have launched a new “keeping you covered”
brand and advertising campaign in response to clutter created by
telemarketers and internet sales of home and auto insurance.
Insurance Brokers Association of New Brunswick Chairman, Danny
Harrigan said, “Some consumers are unknowingly giving up advice
and support in response to smooth out-of-province marketing. As
a result, we are seeing the start of insurance nightmares when there
is a loss.”
Harrigan said, “Call centres and telemarketers are turning
into the Legal Will Kit version of insurance. You can’t replace
a broker with a call centre any more than you can replace a lawyer
with a will kit. The advice and products are not on par with what
they now receive from a broker.”
There are 800 brokers in New Brunswick in nearly every community.
70% of insurance purchased in the province is handled by one of
those brokers. A survey of members conducted this summer shows most
(80%) of brokers and more than half (60%) of their staff have more
than 15 years experience. Harrigan said, “Consumers do not
realize the cost until it’s too late. Consumers are being
sold coverage that often doesn’t fit but it’s like buying
a lead painted toy from China… you don’t know until
it’s too late. Support is important. For example, one family
we know of bought house insurance from a telemarketing company because
it was 150-dollars less expensive. The home burned down with the
policy stored inside. The family couldn’t remember who they
bought coverage from and went to their former broker who helped
them track down the insurer. But that’s when the nightmare
began with huge questions about coverage and a battle with the company
to replace their loss. They were sold a one size fits all insurance
package that can’t fit without advice or support.”
While highlighting the strength of the broker advantage and the
value of the advice brokers offer, the campaign makes the point
that “Life is Easier When Things Fit Right”.
The new logo features a covered bridge and the slogan New Brunswick
Insurance Brokers - Keeping You Covered. Advertising on print and
electronic media will feature situations where the right fit is
important. Harrigan said, “Covered bridges are representative
of New Brunswick and protection from the elements. The Covered Bridge
logo shows that we are local and brokers have you covered. When
you have a loss, you want to be dealing with someone in your community
not in Toronto or India. When you call an insurance broker, the
person giving advice over the telephone must be licensed. The same
is not true in the internet world where one person on a team may
be licensed. As well, they are selling whatever their client has
to sell. Advice is an afterthought. ”
Insurance brokers are called brokers because they offer choice.
Harrigan said, “Brokers buy insurance for you. That’s
why we are called brokers and not agents or sales representatives.
Brokers help you buy the right product or products from a number
of insurance brands according to the right fit and price.”
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For further information Contact:
Danny Harrigan, Chairman of the Board
Location – Grand Bay - Westfield
Tel: 506-738-8441
danny@harriganinsurance.ca
Georges Leger, BSc, CIP, Vice President
Location – Dieppe
Tel: 506-858-5944
Georges.leger@solutionsinsurance.nb.ca
Steven White, President Elect
Location - Bathurst
Tel: 506-548-9913
steven@henrywhiteinsurance.ca
Linda Dawe, Chief Executive Officer
Insurance Brokers Association of New Brunswick
Phone 506-450-2898
ibanb@nbinsurancebrokers.ca
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