ACUITY OFFERS A VIEW TO THE 97TH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
Transcription
ACUITY OFFERS A VIEW TO THE 97TH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
AGENCY FOCUS page 4 • EMPLOYEE FOCUS page 10 • CYBER COVERAGE page 12 TIMELY NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM ACUIT Y JUNE 2015 WORLD CLASS! ACUITY OFFERS A VIEW TO THE 97TH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP page 2 w w w.acuity.com ACUIT Y AGENTS, EMPLOYEES RETURN TO THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP AT WHISTLING STRAITS This Is is Major! The 97th PGA Championship is just two months away, and agents and employees will have the chance to be part of this historic event as they enjoy red-carpet treatment as guests of ACUITY. “Great partners deserve great rewards,” says Ben Salzmann, President and CEO. “The 2015 PGA Championship is the ultimate event of the professional golf season—and it’s right in our backyard. We’re proud to bring 1,600 agents and employees to the event.” ACUITY ’S Hospitality The fourth major championship of the year, aptly nicknamed “The Season’s Final Major,” has been held at Whistling Straits two times before. The 86th PGA Championship came to the course in 2004, and the 92nd in 2010. This year, as in the past, ACUITY will host a hospitality chalet as well as an on-course viewing skybox. Guests’ view of the course will get a major upgrade in 2015, thanks to expanded amenities, one of the largest chalets in “Hole 17 Village,” and a premier skybox location overlooking the 9th hole. “ACUITY agents and employees will be enjoying the best hospitality package on the course,” says Wally Waldhart, Vice President - Sales and Communications. A Unique Venue Whistling Straits, which offers two world-class courses, is one of golf’s most spectacular settings. The Straits course features rugged and windswept terrain, sculpted along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. A masterpiece in the world of golf created by Pete Dye, the course is ranked #4 in GolfWeek’s 2015 Best Resort Courses and #22 in Golf Digest’s 2015/2016 America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. Many of our agents have already faced the challenges presented by The Straits at one of ACUITY’s golf outings over the years. In August, they can now experience the thrill of watching the top golfers in the world face those same challenges as they compete for the Wanamaker Trophy. Red-Carpet Treatment The PGA Championship is considered one of the toughest in all of golf to win because it features the strongest field in major championship play. But for qualifying agents, it won’t be tough at all to attend. Every ACUITY guest receives a parking pass, and shuttles will take agents directly from parking to our chalet. “ACUITY is pleased to offer our guests a front-row seat to the best event in golf, because they are the best agents and employees in the industry,” says Shane Paltzer, Vice President - Personal Lines and Marketing. • nfocus ABOUT THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP The PGA Championship has become known as the major championship in golf with the strongest field, made up of all past winners of the PGA Championship, winners of the last five Masters, U.S. Opens and British Opens, and top players from other major professional golf strokes under par on a hole—is even rarer than hitting a hole-in-one. Agent Brad Tyer from Billups, Snyder & Associates achieved this rarest of golfing feats in May on hole 14 at Adams Pointe Golf Club in Blue Springs, Missouri. After hitting a solid drive on the par-5, 465-yard hole, he pulled out a 6-iron for his second shot. He knew the shot was good, but was until he reached the green. The PGA Championship has become “I couldn’t believe that it a truly international event, featuring players from more than 20 nationalities and televised in nearly 200 countries. When the event was last held at Whistling Straits in 2010, Martin Kaymer captured his first Major win in a wild finish that featured a three-hole playoff with Bubba Watson. In golf, scoring a double eagle—a score of three wasn’t aware of just how good it championships and PGA tour events. ONE IN A MILLION! • really happened,” says Brad, noting that he was playing with an ACUITY ball as well. “That particular ball has been retired and is going in the trophy case!” • Brad found his ball in the cup, resting against the pin! J U N E 2 0 1 5 PAG E 3 COMPETITIVE SPIRIT, SERVICE FOCUS DRIVE PENNSYLVANIA AGENCY With a history in Pennsylvania that dates back over 100 years, Reed, Wertz, and Roadman has seen many changes over the years, including a technological revolution that has transformed the insurance industry. However, one thing that has never changed at the agency is its approach to customer service. “We know that customers want and deserve personal service,” says Candy Thomas, Sales Manager at the Bedford-based agency. “We’re high-tech when it comes to processing, but high-touch when it comes to service. Our customers will always get a live person answering the phone when they call.” The agency is also a remarkably high-energy workplace, a quality that stems directly from owner Todd Roadman. In his personal life, Roadman is an accomplished adventurist: a heliskier, world-class canoe racer, and experienced climber who has summited Kilimanjaro and Everest. “Todd’s competitive spirit fuels him and fuels the agency,” says Tim Weaverling, Commercial Account Manager. “All our staff are driven to succeed.” Rich History Reed, Wertz, and Roadman’s history dates back to 1889, when Jacob Reed started a small agency in Pennsylvania. Over the years, organic growth and a number of acquisitions drove the agency’s expansion. In 1993, Todd purchased the company from his father, Donald Roadman. Todd’s connections in the canoeing world helped the agency land key customers, including its largest account. In 1995, Reed, Wertz, and Roadman joined the Keystone Insurers Group to expand the breadth of markets and services it could provide to clients. Since then, the agency has grown four-fold and writes business in dozens of states. The bulk of the agency’s business is in commercial lines, with transportation nfocus its largest segment. The agency also writes a strong book of personal lines OF THE and farm business, as well as life and health insurance. Reed, Wertz, and Roadman also focuses on finding opportunity in businesses that need help improving their workers’ compensation experience mod, offering customers Certified WorkComp Advisor services through Keystone. “We’re able to work with customers and get their mod under control,” Weaverling says. “Often times, we’re able to save customers 20, even 30 percent by helping them put processes in place to improve their operations and reduce claims.” AGENCY MONTH Trust in Staff The agency is known not just for providing great customer service, but also for being a great place to work. As one example, each employee receives a one-hour massage every month. The agency also built a wellness facility in its headquarters for staff. Like all agencies, Reed, Wertz, and Roadman is focused on continued growth. Unlike many others, however, the firm trusts its producers to set and achieve their own growth goals—a philosophy that stems directly from the competitive spirit and winning tradition of its owner. “Over the years, we’ve found that people will exceed your expectations if you trust them,” Thomas says. “We don’t limit our staff in determining what they are able to achieve.” • The agency’s fitness center Todd Roadman Todd at the summit of Aconcagua Todd at Everest Base Camp nfocus QUANTUM OF SOLACE Insurance is a promise. How well companies keep that promise in the claims process makes all the difference between providing customers solace or causing them frustration. ACUITY has a proven track record in keeping our promises. Year after year, our customers give our claims service a 96 percent satisfaction rating, and our agents rate us even more highly at 99 percent. Our world-class claims service is a team effort made by our people and our staff, supported by technology. Our People ACUITY is made up of people who are committed to making a difference. Our claims staff understand that they are in the business of helping people put their lives and businesses back together after disaster strikes. We’ve featured many stories in these pages of claims staff who have gone above and beyond to not only bring comfort to people in times of distress, but who continue to reach out after the claim is closed to ensure that things are still going OK. One of our key promises is meaningful, same-day contact when losses are reported. We make calls, get adjusters to damaged areas, and help start the rebuilding process as fast as possible. Our staff commitment to that goal hasn’t changed regardless of the number of policies we write, how many states we do business in, or the amount of claim volume that we handle, and it never will. Our Agents When tragedy strikes, websites and 800 numbers are not comforting to customers. People choose an independent agent over an internet-based company because they want someone local to talk to who can provide trusted advice. They want someone who knows them and understands the areas in which they live and do business. Our agents help our field adjusters as well. Because agents know the local area, they can provide advice and guidance that helps ACUITY triage claims and identify resources and contractors who can assist in the restoration process. And because agents know their customers personally, they often have additional contact information to help us reach people who have been displaced after a catastrophe. Our Technology When natural disasters strike, most carriers wait for claims to come to them—but not ACUITY. We identify affected areas, survey insureds and agencies to see if there is any damage, and send claims adjusters out proactively. We provide adjusters the best tools to do their jobs efficiently and effectively, and our Next Generation claims system reflects our ongoing commitment to capitalize on the latest in technological efficiency. Fast and fair claims service isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good business. Renewal retention levels are actually higher among insureds who have had a claim and experienced ACUITY’s service difference! Time after time, agents report increases in business after storms when people see the service their neighbors received with ACUITY and decide to become ACUITY customers as well. In summary, claims handling is a true team effort at ACUITY. Our agents and our staff—call center, home office, field adjusters, managers, and specialists—all work together to provide the best and fastest service, enabled by the latest technology. Our service not only helps us provide solace to customers, but generates the best results for everyone involved—we promise. • BY BRIAN BENISHEK – G E N E R A L M A N AG E R - S A L E S J U N E 2 0 1 5 PAG E 5 ACUITY ’S ED FELCHNER RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Ed Felchner, who retired from ACUITY Insurance Exchange, Vice President and Chief Underwriting in January 2015 as Vice President - Personal Lines and Officer of the Millers National Insurance Group, and Marketing, received the E.J. Tapping Lifetime Achievement Vice President - Corporate Development, Vice President - Award from the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin Personal Lines, and Vice President - Marketing at Omaha (IIAW). The award is named after the association’s founder, Property and Casualty (OPAC). E.J. Tapping, who was known as an unrelenting advocate of insurance agents and who believed the Association and its members should work in the public’s best interest by holding themselves to the highest ethical standards while working to insure the American dream. “Considering Ed is a visionary in our industry and shares many of the same great characteristics, principles, and ideals as Mr. Tapping, we felt it was fitting to present him with this distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award,” says Matt Banaszynski, Executive Vice President, Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin. “Thanks to his involvement in government affairs with the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance, our state has one of the most successful insurance industry climates in the country.” The IIAW presented the award at its 2015 annual convention, held May 13-14 in Wisconsin Dells. Ed worked for ACUITY for 19 years and had a career in insurance that spanned nearly 50 years. At the age of 16, he began working in his uncle’s insurance agency, and he has held numerous positions in the industry over the years. His executive leadership roles prior to ACUITY included Vice President - Insurance Operations for Armed Forces • nfocus MARKET FOCUS Trucking With a proposed rule to mandate the use of speed limiters on heavy trucks looming in the coming months, two of the trucking industry’s biggest lobbying groups reiterated their stances on the rulemaking. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) stand on opposite sides of speed limiters. ATA favors a rule to require speed limiters on all trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds, citing safety as its primary reason. It hopes to see trucks governed to 65 mph or less. OOIDA, however, says speed limiters will hurt highway safety, rather than help. A proposed rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register on July 27. Mercantile Each month, ACUITY acknowledges one of our agents as the Mercantile Writer of the Month. Criteria for the award include being an advocate for both ACUITY and merchants. The recipient receives lunch with his or her territory director and a gift card. The Mercantile Writers of the Month for the first four months of 2015 are: Construction The way construction companies market their business has changed. In today’s world, having an online presence is something every construction business needs as a way to reach new customers and potential employees. A company’s website should list accomplishments as well as positive client reviews and even include some pictures of completed jobs. You can help your insureds create an effective online presence by advising them to only list examples of jobs they have completed within their area of expertise. Potential employees will also look at a company’s webpage to learn about the company and to see if it is a business where they want to work, so a site should highlight positive aspects of the workplace. You can also remind customers that ACUITY provides social media links that they can add to their website for information on construction. Manufacturing Members of ACUITY’s manufacturing market segment team recently toured Valley Cabinet in De Pere, Wisconsin. Valley Cabinet has four locations throughout Wisconsin, where they assist clients in creating rooms of their dreams. Deborah Dobler, American Insurance Center, Dickinson, ND Gail Gardner, The Brooks and Stafford Company, Cleveland, OH Ann Heide, Home Loan Insurance, Grand Junction, CO Jeff Bartholomew, Anton Insurance Agency, Chesterson, IN ACUITY’s Angie Prinsen, Thomas Walchesky, Deidre Raulin, Andrew Siegel, Gwen Arps, and Al Meyer, and Valley Cabinet’s James Killingbeck, Safety Director. Creating quality products and ensuring employees’ safety are two values ingrained at Valley Cabinet. The ACUITY team was able to get a firsthand look at processes and equipment the manufacturer has in place to achieve these goals, including a new flat-line spray finisher. The finisher heats both the product and the coating to assure proper adhesion and greater finish quality, and the automated system reduces the amount of manual spraying performed by employees and lessens shoulder fatigue. • J U N E 2 0 1 5 PAG E 7 CONSTRUCTION VETERAN JOINS ACUITY AS CONTRACTING SPECIALIST Mat Fahrenkrug fills the newly created role “I look forward to working with ACUITY’s contracting of Contracting Business Segment Specialist at ACUITY. Mat clients,” Mat says. “Having worked in construction and brings with him over 23 years of extensive knowledge related project management, I have a background that helps me to project management, construction expertise, and quality understand the needs and concerns of contractors, including assurance. experience with regulations, safety programs, and “Mat will be a strong asset to ACUITY and a tremendous effective loss control driven by a focus on quality.” resource for our contracting customers because of the ACUITY’s commitment to the construction industry experience and knowledge he brings to the table,” says also includes insurance products, services, and resources Ben Salzmann, President and CEO. “Hiring a dedicated customized to the needs of contractors, including numerous Contracting Business Segment Specialist also reflects resources for loss control, safety, and instruction. ACUITY is ACUITY’s commitment to the construction industry and also active in local and national contracting associations, and strengthens our position as a leader in the sector.” encourages a dialogue among the construction community Throughout his career, Mat held several large-scale via its If You Build It Facebook page, facebook.com/ construction project management positions, with his most acuityconstruction. recent position as Director of Pre-Construction with a company in Michigan. Mat graduated cum laude from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in construction management. • nfocus WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ACUITY? The Dillmans visit Colorado! Laurie, Nate (Business Analyst), Adam (Commercial Lines Underwriter), and Laura (Workers’ Compensation Claims Representative) made a trip to Coors Field while wearing their ACUITY Health Challenge T-shirts. Agent Ryan Loftin of The Buckner Company in Salt Lake City took in a rainy Utah Utes football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium last fall. ACUITY mittens kept his fingers warm—and matched the home team’s colors! Lisa Marten, Systems Architect, took a recent trip to Washington, D.C., with her family. They watched a Nationals game on a cool day at Nationals Park, where Lisa is pictured with her children Marissa and Zach. Would you like to win $100? Email a picture of you or your family with ACUITY logo gear visiting an interesting location to [email protected] and include a brief description of Where in the World ACUITY has been. If we use your picture, we’ll send you $100! This offer is open to all employees of ACUITY and our independent agencies. • J U N E 2 0 1 5 PAG E 9 KERI HERLONG “PINUP GIRL” KERI HERLONG ENJOYS OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE After Keri Herlong, Commercial Field Underwriter, moved to Las Vegas in 2008, she became friends with a group of people who enjoyed “rock crawling,” a popular desert activity where drivers take highly modified 4x4 vehicles through, over, and across boulder-strewn terrain. They invited her to the annual “Hump N Bump” event at Logandale Trails, and she was immediately hooked on off-road adventuring. “There’s an adrenaline rush of taking a piece of machinery and testing the limits of what it can do. We go up rocks, drywashes, and other obstacles that from a logical perspective shouldn’t be possible,” Keri says. “And we are literally moving at a crawl—it’s like the world’s slowest rollercoaster ride.” It was at one of those events that Keri met her husband, Jason. The Herlongs’ current rock-crawler is a 1982 full-size Ford Bronco, outfitted with a roll cage and fivepoint harnesses, heavy-duty axles equipped with locking differentials to increase traction, oversized tires, and a custom carburetor that can handle desert dust—and keep the fuel flowing safely no matter how the vehicle is oriented. “Regular carburetors aren’t happy with being off-camber,” Keri says. “You can have some exciting things happen if fuel starts spilling where it shouldn’t!” Pinup Girl Jason bought the Bronco in 2010, but the project was put on hold while he volunteered for a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2011 with the Nevada Army National Guard. When he returned home in 2012, Jason proposed to Keri, and the two were married in 2014. Keri Herlong Keri has always supported the military, but Jason’s service gave her a deeper insight into the sacrifices that our servicemen and women make. She learned about Pinups for Patriots, an organization founded by Army veteran Kalen Arreola, dedicated to bringing back the patriotism of the WWII era while supporting our military veterans, first responders, and their communities. The organization, now in seven states, publishes calendars and generates revenue through sales, sponsorships, events, and membership support. Equally important is the group’s outreach, with “pinup girls” like Keri participating in parades and events and visiting veterans. “The pinup style of the ‘40s is unique and instantly recognizable, and it brings a smile to older veterans who remember the classic attire that ladies wore then,” says Keri, who participates in events with the Nevada chapter. “It’s a way to support our veterans and to generate awareness in the community for them.” Works in Progress Jason’s 2011 tour of duty will be his last for the National Guard, but the quest to create awareness around veterans issues never stops. “We’re losing more and more of our older veterans each day. At the same time, younger veterans are returning from service with physical and emotional scars that need to heal,” Keri says. Likewise, the Herlongs’ quest to create the perfect rockcrawler continues as well. “There are always tweaks to be made, repairs that need to be done after a ride, and more junkyards to scour for parts,” Keri says. “You’re never really ‘done,’ but that’s part of the fun.” • Keri and Jason in their Bronco rock-crawler nfocus GET MORE PERSONAL LINES LEADS! Many agents are already using ACUITY’s Lead Generation link on their websites to drive more business to their agency! Lead Generation is currently available for personal auto—home and package quoting will be available later this summer. If you haven’t taken advantage of this lead generating tool, it’s not too late! Simply contact your territory director for more details. • AREA inSIGHT ACUITY SET TO LAUNCH CYBER COVERAGE Beginning July 13, ACUITY will offer a suite of cyber liability coverages in commercial lines. Available to a wide range of businesses, our cyber products are designed to protect companies from the growing risk they face from cyber crime. In advance of the product launch, agents should become familiar with cyber exposures, if they aren’t already, in order to capitalize on sales opportunities. Marketing cyber coverage to business customers starts with educating them on the exposures they face. Headline-grabbing data breaches may make it seem that only the largest businesses are exposed; however, the fact is that every business, of every size, faces cyber risk. In fact, smaller businesses are often a more attractive target for cyber-criminals: a survey by Endurance International Group found that 31 percent of small businesses have faced an attempted or actual cyber attack. Across every industry, data breaches are occurring more and more frequently. The Ponemon Institute found that breaches in 2014 were up 10 points from the prior year. When breaches happen, companies can be held liable for damages resulting from loss of confidential customer or business data. They face costs associated with responding to breaches and recovering after a loss, and they need to protect their operations from the consequences of identity theft suffered by their own key employees. Cyber coverage protects commercial customers against events such as: •An unauthorized person gaining access to their computer systems; •Malware attacks; •Loss of devices, such as laptops, cell phones, or USB flash drives; •Misplacement or theft of paper documents and files; •Identity theft suffered by key employees; •And much more. ACUITY’s forms will provide third-party liability for damages caused by a breach and first-party coverage for notification and mitigation costs. Coverage will also be available for identity theft suffered by employees. Additionally, agents will be receiving a helpful cyber information kit from ACUITY, and a full array of resources are available at acuity.com to help agents understand, assess, and mitigate cyber risk. These resources will also be available for customers beginning July 13. Cyber insurance presents growth and account-rounding opportunity for independent agents. According to Endurance, only 5 percent of small businesses have coverage in place. Additionally, according to A.M. Best, only 14 percent of carriers in the market offer cyber coverage, creating a market advantage for agencies that represent ACUITY. Be ready to capitalize on ACUITY’s cyber coverages when they launch by being prepared to educate customers and to provide business customers the peace of mind that they are protected. Watch for more details in the weeks ahead! BY MIKE MOEGENBURG – DIRECTOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL LINES • nfocus COMMERCIAL UNDERWRITING TRAINING APART Most insurance carriers provide training for One-on-one mentoring with experienced new commercial underwriters, as does ACUITY. underwriters also begins during the classroom What sets ACUITY’s commercial underwriting phase and continues after underwriters are on the training apart from the rest is not just what we job. Mentors and managers provide guidance on teach—it’s how we teach it. exposures unique to an underwriter’s geographic Our underwriters receive extensive classroom territory and work to ensure delivery training from experienced staff on coverages, of the best service to agents and systems, and procedures. Training is tailored to policyholders. meet the needs of every class, which means it ACUITY’s training experience changes from session to session. ACUITY invests is more than just instruction: we in new underwriters by purchasing AU textbooks, have fun! Underwriters take using videos and online learning tools, enhancing part in unique networking their understanding with qualified guest speakers, events, such as a chili and tapping into several levels of management for cook-off contest between instruction. The staff underwriting team manages the the current and prior class, a entire process and understands real learning is more cookie social (pictured) with than a classroom experience. They make certain mentors and managers, and several our new commercial underwriters gain real-world potluck meals that help them know exposure to the types of business we insure through each other better and meet other tours, surveys, mentoring, and special events. underwriters and management. A staff loss control representative surveys our Trainees also participate in all own building with new hires, illustrating proper the events that take place at our cooking protection, sprinkler systems, various headquarters to become part of storage and warehouse layouts and protection, and ACUITY’s unique corporate culture, our ongoing construction project. Underwriters also which has made us the #3 large company to work tour the local Kohler Manufacturing and Design for in America! Center for a one-of-a-kind learning experience. ACUITY does commercial lines underwriting Walking through the Kohler plant, underwriters training better because we never lose sight of the see machining operations that involve automated fact that underwriters are people. Our unofficial and manual processes, forge and smelting work, motto of “Work Hard, Play Hard” and current focus electroplating, ceramics creation (including a of “Agile Innovation” continues to push the training 142-foot-long kiln!), and more. Underwriters team to ensure our agents are served by the best are accompanied by an ACUITY loss control underwriting force in the industry. representative to help them recognize hazards and controls commonly noted in surveys with similar operations, which helps them visualize exposures and better ourdecoration: customers.it was No, connect it wasn’twith a table Our loss control also invite new ACUITY’s flagpole,representatives enjoying the underwriting underwriters on surveys of everything from trucking training “cookie social” on page 12 of the May businesses to heavy construction operations, !nfocus.onThe three winnerswith of $100 chosen safety from coaching how to interact customers, among those found thetime iconinvestment are: consultants, andwho agents. This pays dividends by helping underwriters learn to build relationships and focus on finding ways to help Victoria Taggart Braman Insurance Services Merrillville, IN protect the customer. Underwriting trainees enjoy a cookie social with mentors and managers. BY PATTI GARDNER – COMMERCIAL LINES STAFF UNDERWRITER FIND THE FLAGPOLE Barbara Naber Kay Kopcho Lighthouse Insurance Group Holland, MI Tegeler & Associates – Jackson Jackson, WY To enter this month’s contest, find the hidden elsewhere in this issue, then send an email with its location to [email protected] by July 7, 2015. This contest is open to agency staff only. • • nfocus WORD OF 302 % ACUITY’s Facebook pages 298 % MOUTH have gained over 200,000 “likes”! What’s even more impressive is the two-year growth in fan count on our pages. If you’re not already a fan, search for us on Facebook and join the conversation! ACUITY Health Challenge If You Build It • 248 % 450 % 178 % 439 % 10 % Flying Off the Shelf Made in America InGear for Truckers WOW - ACUITY ACUITY Agents Rock IMPOSSIBLE inSURABLES A RISKY ROOFTOP Spring break, a dozen college students on a rooftop with no railing, and some adult beverages— what could possibly go wrong? There’s a reason why ACUITY doesn’t write student housing . . . and this is it! • J U N E 2 0 1 5 PAG E 1 5 DEPENDABLE SERVICE DEFINES ANGELA BEHLING’S COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMERS In her nine years with American Advantage - P&L Insurance, Angela Behling has built a reputation for outstanding customer service. “Angela is a tremendous asset to the agency,” says President Mike Plumley. “She is hardworking, dependable, friendly, and dedicated to providing outstanding service. I don’t have to worry about any aspect of the job she does, as I know it will get done effectively and properly.” Angela is a Customer Service Agent in personal and commercial lines for the Muskego, Wisconsin-based agency and enjoys the variety of her job. “Each day is unique, with new opportunities and challenges,” she says. “Helping customers solve problems by identifying areas of coverage they need and getting them the best price is very rewarding.” She adds that all the staff at American Advantage share a passion for service excellence. “We work together very well,” Angela says. “We’re a closeknit team.” Congratulations to Angela Behling, Outstanding Service Professional! • Q. How are auto claims paid when a customer buys Replacement Value Coverage on a car or motorcycle? A. If the vehicle is “totaled” in an accident, we replace it with a new vehicle of the same make and model. If that model is no longer produced, we replace it with a similar one of the current model year. Q&ACUITY Q. On which vehicles does ACUITY offer this unique coverage? A. This endorsement is available to owners of any car or motorcycle of the current model year and the preceding two years. When purchased, the endorsement continues until the renewal after the date the vehicle becomes five years old (comparing model year to renewal calendar year). Q. How does ACUITY price for this expanded coverage? A. Endorsement pricing starts at just 5 percent of the physical damage premium for the year when the model year is equal to the policy effective year. The percentage rises as the vehicle ages. •