Insurance is a necessity. In many cases, it’s the law. Whether we are insuring our home, life, or car, it’s an important piece of our lives, and many of us don’t give it a second thought. Sometimes we go online, fill out a survey, and some unknown entity sends us a quote. In the end, we usually pick the number that looks like the most bang for our buck. But when we shop by number, do we really get what we need?
James Minkler at American Family Insurance has created an agency that focuses on the education of insurance. “So many people are paying for insurance that doesn’t cover their needs,” explains Minkler. “My goal is to understand the customer and give them exactly what they need.”
In order to reach this goal, Minkler vows to take insurance quotes beyond the “yes” or “no” answers. “I try to focus on a personal touch. I like to have conversations with people so I can really understand what insurance coverage is most appropriate, both now and in the future. It’s important to me to take the time to describe the choices that are out there and assist the customer in their decision.”
Minkler is dedicated to educating others about insurance. “There are so many people out there who are paying for insurance they don’t actually need, or that doesn’t cover them properly for what matters most to them” describes Minkler. “By understanding the customer, we can make sure they protect their possessions, dreams, and ambitions, as well as knowing that they won’t end up paying for excess coverage. One of our goals is educating the community. We do this by bringing information to local events and openly having one-on-one conversations with people.”
Growing up in nearby Aberdeen, Minkler found that his target market focused on helping local families. “I’ve always had a passion for helping kids. I’ve worked previously at the State Superintendent’s Office and the Department of Early Learning as an IT guy. I enjoyed my career with the state, but I want to make a more direct impact on families. I want to help them prepare for the unknowns in life. Insurance does just that! I feel I’m making a difference in the lives of these families in a direct way.”
Minkler is not running this personalized agency alone. He has enrolled the help of agent Eric Belgau. “I’m committed to selling a great product by educating people and giving them the tools for proper coverage,” explains Belgau. “Community service is really important to me as well. It’s a great way to get involved with the people I hope to serve.”
“I’ve been spending a lot of time working with the local agricultural community and sustainability movement,” says Belgau. “I’m going so far as to take on a challenge of eating entirely from Thurston County’s bounty for one year beginning in August. It’s all about immersing myself in understanding various aspects of the community. The information I gather, I’m bringing back to the agency. I’ve realized you have to understand the community in order to provide the product and protection people and businesses will need.”
“Our agency is taking on insurance in a different way,” describes Minkler. “Beyond our goal of educating our customers, we want to educate ourselves. We understand that when problems present themselves the best thing to do is ask questions. You cannot find a proper solution without understanding the problem. We believe that by doing the hard work to understand the people and organizations we insure, and by doing the good work that helps those around us we will be able to build our agency and, more importantly, serve our community.”
“Insurance is much more than compliance,” explains Minkler. “It’s a way to prevent catastrophic events from further devastating a family or a community.” Consider taking some time to sit down and comprehend your options before signing up for your insurance.
By providing specialized service, a convenient Olympia location, and a personal touch, this American Family Insurance agency allows us in the community to take that much needed time to deliberate and make informed decisions about how to protect ourselves and our families.
American Family Insurance
2952 Limited Lane NW, Suite A
Olympia, WA 98502
Phone: 360-489-1894
http://insurance-agency.amfam.com/WA/james-minkler/
