IN THIS ISSUE:

Agent Specialization Benefits Your Business

The importance of the role that an experienced independent insurance agent with specialization in the self-storage industry can play in the success of your business would be difficult to overstate. MiniCo recognizes the value that agents bring to the insurance process and strives to support our agent partners so they can better support you, the business owners and policyholders.

You may be an expert at operating a self-storage facility, but it's your insurance agent who understands the fine points of coverages, limits, deductibles, valuation, and identifying exposures. Insurance agents are licensed professionals committed to increasing their knowledge and staying current on insurance laws and coverage options through continuing education. Agencies also tend to have a well-established infrastructure in place to provide effective and informed customer service.

Agents function as a representative of your business and have a fiduciary responsibility to you. They are able to negotiate with insurance carriers on your behalf to obtain the best coverage, terms, and premium. In the event of a claim, your agent will represent your interests to help ensure a timely resolution with the best possible outcome for your self-storage operation.

An independent insurance agent is not tied to a particular carrier, so they have access to a wide range of markets to place coverage for various exposures. Each self-storage operation is unique and requires a customized portfolio of insurance coverages. In addition to a specialty business owner policy, a self-storage business may benefit from additional coverages such as umbrella coverage, cyber insurance, equipment breakdown, wind and hail options, workers compensation, and others.

In addition to insurance, agents are a knowledgeable resource for risk management information. Incorporating effective risk management strategies into your operation can save you money by reducing the risk of property and liability claims, but it can also help reduce your insurance bill. Underwriters evaluate a range of risk characteristics when calculating insurance premium. Your insurance agent understands the risks that a business owner can influence, such as staff training, operational procedures, security, maintenance, and management practices, and can provide guidance to help make an operation a "better risk" in the eyes of an underwriter.

Independent insurance agents are valuable partners to both business owners and insurance providers, and their specialized experience can provide benefits that can help protect your business and improve your bottom line.

MiniCo's flagship publication, Mini-Storage Messenger, introduced a new monthly series in the January 2020 issue entitled "Agent of the Month." The goal of this new series is to educate business owners about the value of working with an experienced agent with specialization in the self-storage industry.

Click on the links below to preview the January and February issues of Mini-Storage Messenger.