Please introduce yourself. What is your role at Answer Financial, and how long have you been with the company? How long have you been in insurance?
My name is Sam Minassian and I’m a Sales Manager at Answer Financial. I have my own team of agents – currently 15 members – and I manage, coach and train them on P&C (Property and Casualty) Insurance sales. I am going on 4 years with Answer Financial and have been in insurance for about 5 years.
What is the most essential auto insurance coverage that a driver/vehicle owner should carry? What is the most essential homeowner’s insurance coverage that a homeowner should carry?
All coverages with P&C insurance are designed to be beneficial and essential. However, when asked for a specific answer, I would say that an auto insurance policy with high bodily injury coverage is important. As for home insurance policies, making sure that you have enough liability and replacement coverage to suit your needs is always a good idea.
What optional coverages do you suggest that people consider?
Here at Answer Financial, we have the perfect extension to auto insurance. Instead of deciding optional coverages one by one, we have a package that if qualified, bundles great coverages together. It’s an exclusive package with Answer Financial called the Auto Security Plan, and consists of benefits such as deductible reimbursement, auto repair reimbursement, roadside assistance and much more!
What impact does credit history have on insurance?
In most states, credit has an impact on the cost of insurance. Insurance actuaries have complex formulas and methods that are computed to offer competitive pricing. Although everyone is different and it is hard to give a detailed answer on the full impact, credit does fall under one of those methods.
What advice would you offer to someone shopping for auto insurance for the first time? What advice would you offer to someone shopping for home insurance for the first time?
Ask as many questions as you can. This is a great opportunity to learn about insurance and to clarify anything you may be uncertain of, such as coverages. Inquire about the company’s customer and claims services.
What do you think is the most common misconception that people have about auto and home insurance?
The most common misconception about auto and home insurance would be that you pay all this money for the insurance but you don’t get anything in return. Keep in mind that insurance is the type of product that you definitely want to have, but that you don’t necessarily want to experience the use of it. If you experience it, that means you’ve suffered a loss and most likely are experiencing stress. However, insurance is set in place to help you through this stressful time and to bring you back to the state you were in before the loss.
Can you offer any special advice when it comes to insurance shopping?
Insurance is for peace of mind. Please make sure you are comfortably protected so that you don’t have any additional stress in the event that you suffer a loss.
Can you offer any tips or tricks for saving money on auto and home insurance? What are some common discounts?
Inquire about multi-policy discounts. Also, keep in mind that if you’re shopping for Auto and Home insurance, you may find a better value by having Auto Insurance with one company and Home Insurance with another. Inquire about educational or occupational discounts as well. It never hurts to ask.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention that we haven’t covered already?
Shop for insurance only from reputable and top rated companies. You want to make sure the company has the financial stability to back your loss, should you ever need it. Answer Financial shops over two dozen top rated insurance companies throughout the U.S.
