Barr Insurance Blog

Slow Down To Evaluate Your Progress

Chris — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:32:19 +0000

Do you ever catch yourself only looking at the bigger picture of something that you forget to notice the little steps and milestones that you are making along the way? This happens to me on occasion.

We’re always focused on finding ways to connect with our customers, enhance our customer experiences, and trying and implementing new technologies. In the midst of these large tasks and visions, it is important to check-up and notice the little “wins” that happen along the way. We have to slow down to evaluate our progress.

We follow these milestones by slowing down to enjoy and discuss the stories that are happening around us of how people are thinking differently about insurance.

We’ve been stopped a couple of times by stories that are beginning and happening around our recent thank you video. I sincerely hope that you watch and enjoy the video. I said it before, and I’ll say it again, that these stories are the why behind what we do and how we do it. So, thanks for partnering with us.

- Chris

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Do you want to know more about Barr Insurance or how we can help you find the best price on your insurance? Get your quotes online or speak with your agent today at 877-623-0323. To understand who we and what makes us tick, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or join to receive our monthly email updates. We hope to connect with you soon.

Thanks For Sharing Your Barr Stories

Chris — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:21:04 +0000

Thanks to everyone who has shared their Barr Story with us, we’re honored to partner with you. This video is one way that we want to say “thank you.”

Transcript:

“We like stories. I think it’s because of our crazy vision to change the way that people think about insurance. I think that stories are the best way, at least the best way that I know how, to gauge and capture that.

The best part of what I get to do on a daily basis is to see and hear as these stories unfold. I get to hear people like Stacie talk about how she never really expected Barr to serve her the way that they did. I get to read as Ilene writes of how grateful that she is that Mike helped her when no other agency could or maybe even would. It’s people like Chau, who is so comfortable with and so confident in Mike and Tara that he’s willing to send over 20 of his friends and family to us. It’s guys like Printice and many many others who on a regular basis engage with us on Facebook and Twitter.

It’s humbling for me to hear these stories from such great people. It’s their stories that remind me on a daily basis the why behind what we do and the why behind how we do it. So, I really just come from a heart of thanks. Thanks to everyone who’s partnered with us and trusts Barr with their insurance. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories.

It’s my hope that through these stories and through these folks that more and more people would be able to experience a new type of insurance, and would be able to maybe even begin a new insurance story–because of these folks and because of their willingness to share their stories.

- Chris

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Building Culture Happens. It Is Not Forced.

Chris — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:33:13 +0000

Over the years at Barr Insurance, we’ve grown more and more passionate about changing the way people think about insurance. This goal is not just some mark that we shoot for. It is not just something that our marketing team came up with and said, “this is it.” It is however, something that over the years was evolving naturally–behind the scenes, through stories, through experience, and through direction.

In order to aspire to change the way people think about insurance, Barr Insurance has to be different. But, here again, why this is intentional, it is organic. The truth is simply that most people do not enjoy talking about insurance. Why would you? But, it is possible that people enjoy talking to another person. This is the part that we really enjoy. It is this that has allowed us to build a culture around talking to people–not selling insurance.

For us, the culture starts with Mike Barr, the founder of Barr Insurance. His passion for talking and relating to people is what drives him in his life and work. This same passion remains to the core for our company and all of those working and partnering with us, and it trickles down into every facet of communication, process, ethics, and design within Barr Insurance.

Building culture just happened. It was not forced. It remains vitally important for us to keep our culture central to our vision and goals, but to remember that an effective culture is one that is given time to take shape naturally and nutured organically.

Stay connected with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. You can also subscribe to receive our email updates or to our RSS feed and never miss a beat.

Ways To Save On Your Car Insurance: Part 4

Chris — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:56:38 +0000

Over the past month, we’ve been highlighting ways to save on your car insurance. We’ve been focusing on tips and “ways of thinking” that our agents use and look for when shopping car insurance for you.

As we bring this series to a close, let’s look at 4 more tips that may help you find big savings for your car insurance.

Remove Rental, Tow, or Road Side Assistance

Rental car, towing, and road side coverage can be minor costs added to your premium. However, they are often not necessary costs. If you are really trying to save every dollar that you can, these coverages may be a good place to start.

Unknowingly, many people have these coverages even though they also have OnStar or other auto security servies already. An independent agent can help you determine what coverages you already have and help you determine what you do or do not need.

Multi-car discount

In previous editions, we’ve addressed the value of bundling your home or renters insurance with your auto insurance for big savings (read the previous edition here). However, let’s be sure to not overlook the value of the multi-car discount.

If you have 2 or more vehicles in your household, you can include them in one auto policy to receive big savings. Many couples may not be aware of this and therefore end up getting insurance on each of their vehicles separately. Not only does it make your life easier to have only 1 policy, but auto insurance companies love when you do this–so they reward you with savings!

Remove Comp/Collision Coverage on Older Cars

Comprehensive and collision coverages are meant to protect and repair your own vehicle in certain cases. Comprehensive coverage covers your vehicle in the case of damage outside of an accident, such as hail, fire, theft, etc. Collision coverage covers your car in the case of an “at fault” accident in which you are liable for the damages.

Some may choose to remove these coverages because they are not required by law to carry them. In this scenario, you are willing to pay out of pocket to repair your vehicle. If you have a car that is older and has little value, it may not be worth carrying this type of coverage because any damage incurred may not be worth repairing.

This is a question that is best served speaking with an agent about as each scenario and vehicle are different. This is an individual preference largely based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. Be sure to speak with a Barr Insurance agent before making any decisions so that you are clear on all of the “what if” scenarios.

Use an Independent Agent

All of these tips that we’ve talked about over the past month have hopefully been helpful to you. These tips are things that our Barr Insurance agents look for when shopping for your best insurance.

Independent agents represent multiple insurance companies and can therefore help you find the best coverages and price among many options as opposed to just one company. Your agent knows what to look for, so be sure to find an independent agent that you can trust and enjoy working with.

When you work with Barr Insurance, you have an agent that you can reach out to anytime your life situations change to shop the best new insurance for you.

Be sure to review previous editions of Ways To Save On Your Car Insurance for all of our tips. Our agents can help you save more and find your best price on insurance using these tips and more. Call Barr Insurance at (877) 623-0323 or quote online to choose from multiple companies at one time.

Stay connected with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ for more tips on ways to save on your car insurance. You can also subscribe to receive our email updates or to our RSS feed and never miss a beat.

Are these tips helpful to you? Leave us a comment and let us know.

The Future Of Email Marketing

Chris — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:50:01 +0000

Tonight, we’re excited to be in Atlanta for the Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association panel discussion as marketers from all over Atlanta discuss the future of email marketing.

We’ve seen the insurance industry change so rapidly over the past years. But, change hasn’t been limited only to insurance. We’ve all seen our own industries change along with how we communicate. It’s important to stay ahead and look forward so to keep an eye on what to expect in the future.

At AiMA tonight, we will be discussing the trend that upwards of 30% of email audiences are mobile today. Did you know that in 5 years it’s projected that at least 70% of all email will be viewed on a mobile device?

How are you using your mobile phone or devices? Do you find that you accept email on your phones and iPads more regularly than your computer? Tell us in the comments section below.

Follow @barrinsurance on Twitter to stay up on the Atlanta IMA event tonight and track with us. For more information on the AiMA event and who will be there, check it out here.

Ways To Save On Your Car Insurance: Part 3

Chris — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:16:43 +0000

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been highlighting some tips on ways to save on your car insurance. These tips are things that our agents look for when we are talking with you and shopping for your best price on insurance with you.

For our previous editions, be sure to check out:

Ways To Save: Part 1

Ways To Save: Part 2

This week I want us to focus on simple tips that pertain to how you manage your insurance. Did you know that you can get discounts and save on your insurance simply by managing it differently? Let’s take a look at the first way to save for this week.

Full Pay Discount

We all tend to think of insurance in dollar amounts and monthly premiums. However, most companies offer discounts if you pay in full up front.

Most auto coverage is based on 6 months of coverage at a time. Instead of paying month to month, if you are able to pay up front for the next 6 months you can see a potential savings of 10% or more on your overall premium.

Paperless Discount

It may sound a little crazy to think that you can receive discounts on your insurance by choosing to go paperless with your company. Now, not all companies offer this type of discount, but many do. And it’s worth checking into to see if your company does.

If you choose to go paperless in the ways that you receive correspondance, you are saving the insurance companies money. This savings they often turn over to you.

Advance Quote Discounts

Insurance companies want to know (and feel more at rest when) their clients are responsible on and off the road. There is correlation for both on and off–when drivers take responsibility for decisions off the road they tend to make wiser choices on the road.

When you are looking to purchase new insurance, if you work more than 5 days prior to the renewal of your current coverage, you receive great discounts.

So, if you are thinking about shopping for new insurance, be sure to quote in advance and receive all the rewards that are available to you for being extra responsible.

Our agents can help you save more and find your best price on insurance using these tips and more. Call Barr Insurance at (877) 623-0323 or quote online to choose from multiple companies at one time.

Are these tips helpful to you? Leave us a comment and let us know.

Enjoying Athens, Georgia For The Day

Chris — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:58:05 +0000

Barr Insurance and it’s team is spread out from coast to coast. With team members in Duluth, Georgia, Athens, Georgia, and Santa Barbara, California, we service clients in all of Georgia and Florida.

We love this wide spread reach as well as the flexibility to live anywhere. It allows us to fully enjoy and embrace what we do and how we sell insurance. We tend to think that our extra enjoyment and passion gives us an edge in an industry that is not known for its joy.

So yesterday, I spent the day just enjoying where I live and work by touring around all of Athens with one goal (if even one)–to simply capture some hidden nuances of Athens. On an overcast and drizzly day, I was able to see some wonderful parts of Athens–a few of which I want to share with you.

A sign of relief at a car wash in Athens.

The other side of the car wash sign.

Athens bleeds red and black for the Georgia Bulldogs. We even stamp it on random back streets!

Where do you live and work? Do you ever take the time to get out and just enjoy where you are? Tell us about it in the comment section below.

Be Safe On The Road Ahead

Chris — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:09:00 +0000

Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy, or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and memories with every mile. Whether you’re hitting a road trip or not, here are some driving tips to be sure that you stay safe.

1. Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.

2. Look over a general map of the area to acquaint yourself with where you’re going and use your iPhone or mobile GPS and maps to help navigate your way. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.

3. Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful and safe road trip.

4. Take precaution with a cell phone. Know your state’s law when it comes to cell phone talking and texting use. For example, in Georgia you can talk on your phone while driving if you are over 18 years of age. But, you cannot text while driving (no matter your age). In Florida, there are currently no bans on cell phone use or texting while driving, but this may change with upcoming legislation. So, stay current on the laws in your state and the states that you’ll be traveling to or through at the Insurance Institute Of Highway Safety website.

5. Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.

6. If you’re in an accident, taking immediate steps can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call for help and your insurance company immediately.

7. Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home.

By following these safety tips you will be more likely to enjoy a safe road trip no matter where you travel this year spring.

What are others tips that you suggest to be safe on the road?

Ways To Save On Your Car Insurance: Part 2

Chris — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:22:36 +0000

Did you know that your home can help you save on your car insurance? And, no, you don’t even have to be a homeowner!

Last week, we began breaking down ways to save on your car insurance by highlighting tips and tricks that our agents look for when helping people save. To catch up on the previous tips, check check out these first ways to save:

This week, as we move on to the next 2 ways to save, let’s focus on your home.

Tell Your Company About Your Home

Even if your auto insurance company doesn’t insure your home, many companies will give you a discount on your auto insurance just for owning a home. Period.

A lot of people don’t think to tell their auto company about their home, and unfortunately not all indepenedent agents go the extra mile to help their clients save money, therefore there is often a large savings being missed.

Call up your agent or your company and make sure they know that you own a home. You just might be able to save more money on your car insurance.

Bundle Your Car Insurance With Your Home or Renters Insurance

If you own a home, you are required by your mortgage company to carry homeowners insurance. But, did you know that bundling your auto and home insurance with the same insurance company can bring you large savings?

What about if you don’t own a home? Many renters know the importance of carrying renters insurance on their possessions to protect from theft or disaster, and for such a small policy (often only $100-200 a year!) it’s an important way to stay protected. But, don’t think that renters insurance isn’t also valuable when it comes to your auto premiums.

Many companies offer big discounts when you bundle your renters and auto insurance together. Often times, you can end up with auto and renters policies together and still spend less on both than you would on just your auto insurance alone!

If you have not purhcased renters insurance because of the cost or because you think you don’t need it, then keep in mind that it may actually be better for your pocket book to go ahead and get it.

To find the best price on renters insurance, call Barr Insurance today. For more information on bundling, check out our article “What is all the hype on bundling your insurance?”

One of our independent agents can help you determine what is best and if you are reaching your ultimate savings, so call us today and be sure to stay connect with Barr Insurance on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ for more tips on ways to save on your car insurance. You can also subscribe to our RSS feed.

Follow @barrinsurance

Read Ways To Save On Your Car Insurance: Part 1

Are these tips helpful to you? Leave us a comment and let us know.

Referrals Are Great Despite One Major Flaw

Chris — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:57:26 +0000

We all love referrals, don’t we? If you are unsure, then think about walking into a business or calling a new service without having the peace of mind that comes from knowing, “my friend says they’re great.” It’s a bit nerve-racking, isn’t it? (Almost like this this scenario (1:59 min in)?

As a consumer with a referral, we get a sense of calm over us which empowers us to walk boldly into that business or call that service, because we know that “these are the right guys.”

The only way that you or I are going to trust our car, physical health, financial planning, or, yes, even a big date night to any mechanic, doctor, financial advisor, or restaurant is if someone close to us can vouche for them.

This makes sense when you think about it, because we really know very little about how to fix major car problems, perform bodily surgery, or plan for our financial futures (I won’t say anything about dating). When it comes to life’s big moments, the moments that are largely out of our control, we desire a little help.

This leads us to one grand conclusion. Referrals are great.

Yet…….there is a flaw, isn’t there? If referrals are so great, then why when our car has issues or we get sick do we rack our brains wondering where to go or who to call? We start asking everyone we know for referrals!

The one major flaw with referrals is that they simply do not happen enough.

So, don’t let this happen to you or those close to you. Help them out. We don’t need to wait for a crisis before we extend a hand, because we all want a good referral before “game time.”

You can do your part to help rid something so great as a good referral of it’s one major flaw. Help a friend. Refer an insurance agent. : )

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How about sharing this story, or better yet, referring a friend?