Monday, November 28, 2011

Why Do We Inspect Your Home?



You probably have a newly placed roof, while your neighbor has not replaced theirs in 20+ years and it is looking bad! Your neighbor called in a claim to his current insurance company and they denied it saying, "This is not hail damage... your roof is just old." So your neighbor switches to a new company (your company) then it rains and he files a claim with the new company. They subsequently replace the roof and this in turn increases your rate!

In addition to inspecting for potential maintenance issues, we are looking for potential hazards to others, like missing handrails and cracks in your sidewalks. This helps us reduce the number of liability claims. By inspecting every property before insuring it, American Family prevents many frivolous claims, saving you $ in the long run!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

The Schlosser Agency's 1,000 Mile Challenge!


Me and a few friends are going to track our progress to 1,000 miles of running. Our goal is to finish it within 1 year... wanna join us?

Monday, November 21, 2011

More On Jeff

Post 2 of 4

In our previous post, 'Are Property Taxes to Blame' we spoke about Jeff, a young professional in his 30's and we would like to share 4 quick reasons why Jeff wants to do business with us...

1. Ease & Convenience: In addition to being easy to contact (aka: I'm always on my Droid) we do things right the first time so Jeff doesn't have to call us back multiple times to get it right.
2. AmEx: He can be excited about our new payment option of being able to accept American Express!
3. We Understand: I'm a young professional like he is, not some guy in a call-center or some old guy who has been doing this for 30+ years.
4. We Promise to Call: Whether your premium is going up or down at renewal we make the commitment to call so nothing catches you by surprise.

If you know Jeff, let him know we are looking for him!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Are Property Taxes to Blame?



Allow me to introduce Jeff. He is a patriotic, white collar professional in his 30s. His favorite past time is watching his alma mater throw the pig skin and has most recently complained about what appears to be an increase in property taxes. However Jeff might be mistaken. Knowing that many individuals pay both their insurance and taxes out of escrow, insurance companies can seemingly hide increases in premium knowing that if there were also tax increases most people will not take the time to see how much their insurance has gone up. Jeff wants to speak with me because the money he'll save can buy him a ticket to the football game instead of watching it on TV. Jeff will also get a call at each renewal if his premium changes up or down!

Monday, October 17, 2011

When 2 Becomes 5



No we're not talking about if you have triplets! We're announcing that effective 12/01/11 the Auto/Life Discount on American Family Auto policies is going from 2% to 5%! Another great reason to have life insurance with your auto insurance provider. Call for questions (770) 250-1990!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Facts on Flood Insurance - Part One



Less than 1/5 of U.S. homeowners have a flood insurance policy. Yet, according to the Insurance Information Institute the sad reality is that four out of every five natural disasters nationwide involve flooding. From 2008 to present day, at least one flood disaster has been declared in each of American Family's 19 operating states. Have you talked to you agent about flood insurance?

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Don't Worry Too Soon!



We periodically get calls from worried parents of 15 year olds saying, "So now that our son has his learner's permit, how much is my rate going to go up?" I luckily get to respond, "NONE!" Individuals that have their learner's permit would be covered, heaven forbid they were in an accident, by the insurance of the person supervising them in the car. Now you will experience a rate increase once they get their license, but no need to worry too soon! What should be the emphasis is for them to get good grades, because then they will qualify for a good student discount.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Some Like It Hot by Beki Winchel




The article below appearred in the AmFam Newsletter... I thought it was AWESOME!

Beki Winchel former American Family intern I was returning textbooks in the Brigham Young University Bookstore when I met a new freshman, who talked to me the entire way through the line about her choices for majors and minors. Like many other freshmen, she was interested in many things – and completely confused about which to pursue. She named about six majors, stopping only because it was her turn in line.

You might think you’re safe from this confusion. (After all, you have a career and the title to prove it.) But I’ve talked to several employees during my American Family internship this summer who aren’t too different from that freshman. Some would like to try something new but don’t know what or how, and others have made it to their current position only after trying several alternatives.

I’ve realized it all comes down to finding your “white hot.” This is the hottest part of the fire, and finding yours means you’ll accomplish significantly more high-quality work. Think about it: How much more would you get done each day if you loved your work so much you couldn’t wait to get started?

While each person may have a different path to finding their “white hot,” I learned a few things this summer college students and professionals can do to come a little closer to the heat:

1.Find out about yourself – and then play to your strengths. In college, they have career advisement counselors. At American Family, they have a Career Engagement and Agility Course. You don’t need to be a confused freshman to find out what makes you tick. Taking classes like this — or even the Myers-Briggs test — is the first step in finding who you really are and where you can make the biggest difference.

2.Always seek out new opportunities. Don’t dismiss opportunities that at first glance, don’t fit your ideal. Before attending BYU, I thought business was nothing but accounting, and I almost didn’t take the internship at American Family. Growing horizontally enriches everything, and can open up doors you never even knew existed.

3.Think outside the box. Students are always inventing ways to get work done with minimal efforts. (Study groups, anyone?) But you don’t need to wake up at noon to work smarter, not harder. Want some ideas? Read Seth Godin’s blog!

4.Never stop learning! Learning doesn’t just happen in a classroom, and it doesn’t end when you graduate or receive that big promotion. By taking every chance you have to learn, you’ll be that much more valuable and have more to contribute.

5.Be willing to give it 200 percent. Even though this doesn’t make sense mathematically, when you give it your all and then some, amazing things can happen – including inspiring other people.

6.Pay attention to things (and people) around you. We’ve all heard it before: networking is so important. I was once told: Get to know what people love and then love what they love – then they will love you. Listen to others, and then do the small things to build and keep relationships. Think of each thing as one stone in a wall. It doesn’t look like much close up, but if you step back, you’ll see something magnificent.

I say, find your “white hot.” Whether your desk is a cubicle with dual monitors and spreadsheets or a kitchen table next to some instant ramen, you stand to gain so much by searching for the heat.

Beki Winchel is a public relations and business management student at Brigham Young University. She also works part-time in Sales Business Technology. She spent this past summer as an intern at American Family. You can find out more and connect with Beki at http://about.me/bekiwinchel.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Surprise! Your Insurance Rate is Going Up!



Some people are cynical and says, "Of course insurance rates are going up, they ALWAYS do!" Others respond, "What?! Again?! But they did that last year!" While it is possible for any company to raise their rates, there are 3 things American Family does to keep your rates low; Insuring for Replacement Cost and not Market Value on Homeowner's Insurance, Property Inspections on All Homes, and Annual Insurance Reviews!

Market Value vs. Replacement Cost
We see many of our competitors underinsuring homes. We understand that the market value (for selling or refinancing purposes) is lower than it was several years ago, but the fact of the matter is that rebuild cost are presently up. By not properly valueing you home you are saving dollars or even just cents to have increased cost to yourself when it does come time to file a claim!

Property Inspections
You probably have a newly placed roof, while your neighboor has not replaced theirs in 20+ years and it is looking bad. Your neighbor called in a claim to his current insurance company and they denied it saying, "This is not hail damage... your roof is just old." So your neighbor switches to a new company (your company) then it rains and he files a claim with the new comapny. They subsequently replace the roof and this in turn increases your rate! American Family tries to prevent this by having me inspect every property before we insure it, saving you $ in the long run!

Annual Insurance Reviews
Remember that basement you finished, remember that jet ski you bought, oh and the new ring you got for your anniversary. All these things add up and people often forget to insure them until it is too late. Our goal is to collect the correct the right premium year after year not little by little and then ALL at once.

Don't believe your rate are going up? See what the AJC published... http://bit.ly/o2nYzg

Monday, August 29, 2011

Have You Hosted a Kitchen Wares Party


Managing Residential Rentals is NOT for the faint of heart, but it just might be worth the investment. Many people just starting out in this process think they can keep their regular homeowner’s insurance, which is not true. The correct policy is often called a Landlord or Non-Owner Occupied Residence. One advantage I have in this market is that I do not need to insure an individual’s personal home or auto which is a common requirement of my competitors.* You may not know Mark (a landlord) but you certainly know Jennifer who rent’s from him. She is blonde and has asked you to host a Pampered Chef party. She’ll be stoked to have Renter’s Insurance with me and she'll open the door for me to meet Mark. Connect me to Jennifer through a three way e-mail (tschloss@amfam.com). No guarantee I’ll but that pizza stone from you though!

* - Let’s be honest, I'd like to insure everything and there is a multi-line discount, but it is not required.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Not Something to Crack-up About!


With our ever increasing dependency on cell phones... smartphones to be precise... people are looking to replace them when broken at the cheapest cost, and quick! Some people have even made claims on their homeowner's insurance as they believe there to be coverage under the 'Computers and Electronics' Endorsement.

American Family does not recognize this type of loss as covered. However, while some of our competitors will pay the claim and buy you a new phone, it may not be the smartest idea. Claims will stay on your Property Claims Loss Report for up to 5 years which means that you will most likely have a surcharge once your policy renews. What would be a better option is to purchase the insurance offered by your cell phone provider or just save up for that unfortunate day when, instead of butt dialing your Nana you crack the face of your iPhone sitting down on that not so soft chair at IKEA!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Are You Prepared?


Baden Powell the founder of Boy Scouts said, “A Scout is never taken by surprise; he knows exactly what to do when anything unexpected happens.” My adage, “the unexpected always happens, expect it.” Someone will get in a car wreck at the MOST inconvenient time and it will most likely not be their fault. That is why Rental Reimbursement at the cost of approximately $1 a week can be a true time & money saver. A wreck that would otherwise leave an individual stranded 7 hours away from home now places him at Enterprise Rent-a-car 7 miles away. The rule of thumb is, if the car is sound enough to go on a long trip it makes financial sense to add rental reimbursement. I’m a great referral for a Know-it-All Friend who has more than one car. He’ll tell me, No Tommy, I don’t need that coverage until he hears the story that triggered this info-minute. Connect us through a three way e-mail and he’ll reply with a Thank You.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Rental Cars & Insurance - Part 2



Unlike some other States, if you drive a vehicle with no comprehensive or collision coverage in GA the Insured's Insurance company (the guy that hit you's company) is NOT obligated to pay for the additional insurance on the rental car. Now some companies out of courtesy or because of practices in their other states may offer it, but they are not required to do so. Now because your car has already been in an altercation it would be unethical to add coverage to your vehicle till it is out of the shop... so what are you left to do in this situation? Buy the Insurance! The coverage in this case that you should be most concerned with is called Collision Damage Waiver or simply Damage Waiver. This covers the physical damage to the rental car.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Backpacks for Kids 2011



In the economy, many will struggle to buy school supplies for their kids. Let's make sure every kid in Atlanta has what they need this August.

Please Donate:
One backpack filled with five things: Notebook paper, 3 ring binder (1/2"), pencils, pencil carrier, & pencil sharpener.

If you are not able to donate all of those things, bring what you can and we will make it up. All backpacks will go to Cobb and Fulton county schools.

For Directions

Monday, July 18, 2011

Who's Paying for This?! - Rental Cars & Insurance



Post 1 of 3

Most everyone has been sitting in that line at the airport waiting to pick up a rental car and wondered... "Should I get the Insurance?" A similar situation that happens less frequently... you've been in an not-at-fault accident (meaning someone hit you and they are to blame) and you are at the rental car counter after leaving the body shop.

As you suspected, the rental car rep asks for your credit card informing you that while the insurance company is picking up the bill you need to leave a deposit. The rep then asks you if you want their insurance (or protection or whatever it is that company calls it). The decision then may not be as easy. You may be thinking, "Shouldn't the other person's insurance company pay for that too?" What about if you do not carry comprehensive or collision coverage on the vehicle that was wrecked?

Previously employed by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, now an Agent for American Family,and having been in a wreck myself; I'll explain so of the ins and outs of getting their insurance. Some of the answers might surprise you. Bottom line, it is a good opportunity to contact your agent or follow-up with two more posts that I will make on this topic within a week.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Frequent The 400?



Do you frequent the Toll Booth on GA 400? If you plan to do so tomorrow, Saturday (07/16/11) between the hours of 10AM and Noon your toll will be paid, THANKS to American Family Insurance! One way we are helping share the dream... http://bit.ly/mHb6bo

Thursday, July 14, 2011

How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Cost?



A buddy of mine called for a quote on auto insurance. He recently had a moving violation. As I was going through different coverage options with him when he said, "Does that price include my ticket?" It actually did not. In all the changes I had momentarily erased it, so at some point the figures I was quoting him did not reflect that. Adding the ticket back, the price went up $5 a month. To some people that may not seem like a lot, but a ticket is chargeable for three years, so calculated over time that is $180 or enough to buy a Suede Crocodile-Embossed Case for your iPad from Neiman Marcus. What iPad you say? The one you bought with the savings from having homeowner's insurance with us!

The numbers I quoted my friend were based of several factors which might be different for you. He was just covering liability on his policy so $5 would be low if you were considering comprehensive and/or collision. It would also change if you had a newer or bigger car. Bottom line: tickets increase the cost of your insurance, sometimes more than you realize.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The Value of An Agent

Our Agency had a recent claims experience where the customer's vehicle went to a manufacturer's shop due to a flood claim with subsequent electrical issues. In a survey after the claim was resolved here is what the client had to say when asked the question 'Suggestions on how we can improve?'

"Took three and a half weeks to get my car back and the repairs were completed in a week and a half or two weeks. So a week and a half of the adjuster and the car company playing phone tag seems a little excessive to me. My agent is wonderful. As soon as I got him involved it was resolved immediately. All in all I'm happy with AMFAM. Like I said it was excessive, the amount of time that it took to get my car repaired and it was not because it wasn't repaired. It was because it wasn't paid."

This is one of the things you get when you hire me as your agent!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Princess Peach & Grandma's Earrings



In the own going saga of Mario the Mortgage Man, let me introduce, Princess Peach! She lives in Cobb County and although she calls it her castle, to you and me it’s just a two story colonial. She’s 34 years old and stays at home mom with three kids all under the age of eight. Her grandmother passed away recently and left her, as you can see, some of the family jewelry. She’ll wants to meet me because when she got the jewelry she didn’t tell her current insurance agent which means it’s probably not insured and she would be petrified if she could replace her now favorite earrings. If you see or know her... make sure she connects with us on facebook by sending her this link, http://on.fb.me/i9tVCT

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Mario the Mortgage Man!


I’d like to introduce you to Mario the Mortgage Man! [Picture] He runs around in a two dimensional world. His first dimension is find prospects and second dimension is close loans. As you can see he is very frustrated! He runs around banging his head on things for small amounts of change only to turn around and do it again the next day! The insurance agents he works with still fax him dec pages and they don’t include the phrases his underwrites wants to see which results in an additional calls to fix it. Just like the video game, Mario the Mortgage Man needs a dynamic partner! There are two reasons Mario wants me on his team… The first is that I can email him the documents he needs while on the phone and I send the policies his underwriter’s want to see. Tommy Schlosser, I'm Mario's Luigi and save him time!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Georgia Consolidated Dog Laws

Not always a piece of cake!


Some common questions:
Does my dog have to be leashed in my backyard?
Do I need to purchase added liability to cover my dog?

The answer to these questions depend more on your specific dog than to dogs in general. It would be wise to consult your agent to address your paticular scenario. For the most part it seems that if you have a well-trained, non-aggressive dog there should be little extra to do. For more specific info and to read the laws, visit the link below:
Georgia Consolidated Dog Laws

Monday, April 18, 2011

Water, Water, Everywhere


We had our own water claim this weekend, but not because of Friday's rain, our neighbor sprung a leak! Have you ever had a claims experience?

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Sales Rep Opportunity Available

Agency Sales Representative / Licensed Producer

Sales opportunity with an American Family Insurance Agency in Marietta, GA

Responsibilities:
• Place outbound phone calls to potential clients.
• Manage quote volume through Agency sponsored programs.
• Manage incoming leads from online sources.
• Manage Agency follow-up process for potential clients.
• Follow-up on client referrals.
• Attend local events to promote Agency and collect leads.

Requirements:
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Windows XP, and Social Media.
• Insurance Licensed (or willing to receive licensing before employment).

Appointment Standards:
• Good Credit & Favorable Driving Record.

Wages & Benefits:
• Hourly Wage Negotiable based on Experience + Commissions.
• Additional Bonuses Based on Team Performance.
• Opportunity for performance based raises and commission increases.

For Those Interested Contact:
Tommy Schlosser, Agent
770-250-1990 – Office
tschloss@amfam.com

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Upcoming PowerCore Team



These are people who have committed by joining the team:
Personal Lines Insurance - Tommy Schlosser (American Family Insurance)
Real Estate - Karen Steimle (Keller-Williams)
Life & Diability Insurance - Jac Padron (Thrivent)
Chiropractor - Dr. George Tomes (Chiropractic Wellness)
IT - Wynn Jones (In-Touch Computer Services)
Banker - Eric Royston (RBC)
Investments - Steve Tuck (Edward Jones)


We have decided to be a Friday Group and will start meeting March 11th at 7AM. Check back periodically for updates.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Snowpocalypse 2011!



Reminder, as many of you head back to work today, the snow is clearing up but there is still ice out there! Be safe, and drive slow!

Monday, January 3, 2011

A New Year's Message from AmFam President



Here are some highlights of Jack Salzwedel's message to AmFam employees at the start of this New Year, I thought that I would share it with you:

What went well last year? Many things, including our customer-satisfaction numbers, our financial strength and our “people” scores. Consider the results:

We have customers who like us. Our customer-satisfaction and retention numbers are strong and rising. For the first time, we’re in the “high-satisfaction” tier in the annual J.D. Power and Associates homeowners insurance survey. And that’s great because it shows we’re taking our mission seriously: To be the most trusted and valued service-driven insurance company.

We have money in the bank and are very strong financially. When you look at our non-CAT loss improvements, our expense management and our solid investment performance, it’s clear we are impacting our financial strength through initiatives and hard work. We’ve made up all our equity loss due to the Great Recession and this past year added nearly a half billion dollars to equity—continuing proof we can meet our promises to our policyholders in times of need.

Agent and employee engagement are up, too. In spite of fewer employees and agents, and more work for all of us, we have a dynamic and energized “family” meeting the needs of our customers.

FYI... Jack is President & COO of AmFam.