Did you see Brendan Higgins, a Trusted Choice® agent from Thousand Islands Agency in Clayton, N.Y., help a New York-area family find the right coverage for a better price during a financial makeover on “Good Morning America”? Or did you notice a recent Wall Street Journal “Tip of the Week” column on re-examining auto coverage and notice that the quoted expert was from the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America?
This type of positive media coverage of Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the work of Big “I” national staff and agents who volunteer to be the face of the industry for media opportunities. The national association’s communications staff works to develop relationships with reporters at all levels and in all outlets—print, broadcast, radio and the expanding world of social media and blogs—so we are top of mind when journalists need information on insurance-related issues. Over time, the association has carved out a position as a trusted resource that reporters know they can count on for timely, relevant information, whether the topic is the insurance implications of the latest natural disaster, ways to save money on home insurance or how to best protect a small business.
In the past year alone, Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents have received coverage in the Wall Street Journal, Fox, ABC, CNN, NBC, The New York Times and many other outlets. Whether it’s in the mainstream educating consumers on important insurance issues or in the Capitol Hill press educating legislators on how their decisions affect small business owners on Main Street, we are front and center. Here are just a few of our media highlights in 2011:
- In a Wall Street Journal “Tip of the Week” article called “Rexamine Auto Coverage,” Big “I” Vice President of Agent Development, Education & Research Madelyn Flannagan said consumers should re-examine their auto policy annually to ensure they still need the coverage they have and see if they qualify for any discounts.
- On the Today Show’s “Money 911” segment, NBC’s personal finance guru Sharon Epperson recommended TrustedChoice.com and independent agents as great resources for finding specialized insurance coverage for vacant homes. The program was seen by more than three million viewers.
- With flooding from the Mississippi River overtaking many areas across the South this spring, Big “I” President & CEO Bob Rusbuldt appeared live on Fox News’ online news program. He explained the ins and outs of flood coverage and possible upcoming changes to the National Flood Insurance Program. He also provided tips for consumers and business owners in the flooded region. Big “I” Immediate Past Chairman David Daniel was a guest on Fox Business Network’s personal finance show “The Willis Report” also sharing flood insurance insight from his hometown of Baton Rouge, La.
- Big “I” Government Affairs Chairman Spencer Houldin of Ericson Insurance Services in Washington Depot, Conn., was live in-studio at Fox on “The Willis Report” to discuss what’s covered under standard homeowners insurance and why an annual review of that coverage is important. In addition, Trusted Choice® agent Billy Simons of Rust Insurance in Washington, D.C., was a guest on the same show the following week, discussing storm claims and how to make sure homeowners have adequate coverage. Houldin also joined New York City agent Sharon Emek of CBS Coverage Group in a discussion that aired in early May on “The Tom Sullivan Show.” The two explained the differences between term and life insurance policies and discussed why the same coverage isn’t right for all consumers.
- USA Today, the nation’s largest newspaper, also featured Flannagan in two pieces (“Protect Your Family from Lawsuits Even if You Aren’t Rich” and “Ignorance is Not Bliss on Homeowners Coverage”), offering tips and expertise on homeowners insurance.
- Brendan Higgins, a Trusted Choice® agent from the Thousand Islands Agency in Clayton, N.Y., as mentioned earlier, had his national television debut when ABC’s “Good Morning America” came to upstate New York. The popular program’s consumer reporter Elisabeth Leamy conducted a financial makeover for a family in nearby Oswego. For insurance help, she turned to Higgins, who was able to enhance the family’s auto coverage and save them more than $2,000 in annual premiums at the same time. In the story, Leamy touted the value of working with a Trusted Choice® independent agent. The companion website article included links to Trusted Choice®. The report was seen by more than 3.8 million viewers. Big “I” members have participated in a number of these financial makeovers for “Good Morning America,” as part of the show’s ongoing series.
The next time you see Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents in the news, take note of your association dues at work. Positioning our association as a go-to resource for the media is just one way the Big “I” advocates for you every day!
—Mike Miley, Big “I” chairman |
