What You Should Ask Your Broker

Few of us like surprises unless, of course, they are pleasant. At Warren G. Bender Co., we are dedicated to eliminating, or at least reducing, the element of surprise from your insurance coverage.

Here are some questions, in a number of areas, we think are appropriate to ask your insurance broker:

Commercial Lines

• Will you keep me regularly informed of changing conditions in the insurance
  marketplace so I’m not surprised at the last minute?
• Will you let me know solid estimates on where insurance will impact my bottom line?
• Tell me about your renewal process:
  - What options will be provided to me?
  - Will you research other insurers on my behalf and may I   expect marketing results from you?
  - Will we meet for a pre-renewal visitation — and will your   quotations be
  delivered in person?
• Will you take time to learn about my operation and tell me what coverages I need to consider so my interests are protected?
• Will you show me ways to keep my losses and risks to a minimum?
• Will you provide me with innovative and varied risk management solutions?
   

Personal Lines

• How can I be sure you will review my renewal for accuracy and competitive pricing?
• Must I rely on one insurance company or do you have choices for me?
  
• Will you help me determine what is in MY best interest, such as:
  - How do I determine whether I should have one of the   broadest policies in the industry?
  - What liability limit fits my needs?
  - What deductibles should I consider?
  
• Are you able to consistently provide extended hours, courteous and professional service, and prompt response to my insurance needs?

• Are your insurance carriers “A” rated by AM Best for strength and stability?
  
  
   

Surety

• Can you help me bid the size jobs I want to bid?
• Are you able to maximize my bonding capacity?
• Are you a specialist in the construction industry?
• Can I depend on you as part of my management team?
• Are you active in industry associations?
• Have you formalized a backup bond market for me?
   

Claims

• Will we have face-to-face, one-on-one claims reviews on a regular basis?
• Are you able to forecast Workers Compensation experience modifications?
• Will you review my experience modification worksheet for accuracy?
• Do you conduct an employers school?
• Can you assist in closing claims with former insurers?
• Can I rely on you to monitor my claims activity closely and report results promptly and regularly?
   

General Services

• Do you have experienced personnel to handle all risk management and insurance needs?
• What is your usual time to return phone calls?
• Will my account be handled by a team who will be able answer my questions promptly?
• How do you take care to place my business with financially sound insurers?
• Will you keep me informed if they are no longer financially stable?
• After I purchase my coverages with you, how will you service my account?