Insurance is a tricky thing that most people know they should have, but aren’t quite sure of the details. There’s the type of coverage, the length of the policy, the cost and even which company will underwrite the policy to decide on.
For two decades, the Grimsley Agency located nearby on W. Taft Road, has been the kind of place that will answer those questions. The agency serves as an intermediary between clients and over 40 of the largest insurance companies in the country, like Erie, NY Central Mutual and Travelers.
The agents and brokers at Grimsley work with their clients (or as they are all quick to correct “for their clients”) to find the best coverage at the best price based on each specific situation and individual. Their commitment to customer service and attention to every last detail has helped to make the Grimsley Agency one of the top agencies in the area with most of the insurance companies they work with.
“Insurance is not something you can afford to guess on,” said Don Grimsley, owner and broker. He also stressed that it is important for people to identify what questions they have before meeting with their agent. Over 25 percent of policyholders file a claim each year; that statistic makes it even more important to know what your coverage actually includes and covers.
The agency boasts over 12,000 clients and specializes in auto, home, commercial and property/casualty policies. Commercial clients can include landlord policies and strip malls, for which they are authorized to perform insurance inspections. While Grimsley does offer discounts to people with perfect driving records, they also work with clients in worst case scenairo situations. For example if the driver had two DUI’s and was unable to get coverage from any of the major carriers, the agents and brokers at Grimsley can underwrite a policy for them.
Grimsley, who was born and raised in Liverpool, describes his decision to start the business as sort of an accident. “My mom had been an adjuster and I sort of fell into it myself. That coupled with the desire to start my own business led to this agency.”
Grimsley described his role as being more personal then you’d assume of an insurance broker. Though he runs the business, Grimsley still meets with many clients. And family attention is not limited to him - his brother and fellow agent David also meets with most clients. They also work closely with the Solvay school district, providing grants for the “Looking Out” program, which is used to demonstrate the perils of drunk driving.
Most new business comes from word of mouth, though Grimsley has developed some valuable relationships with real estate agents who can refer new clients and with apartment complex owners, many of which are in Clay. There is also an additional branch in Watertown that deals primarily with policies on and for the residents of Fort Drum.
The Grimsley Agency follows normal Monday through Friday business hours, but true to the promise of working for their clients, agents and brokers are available nights and weekends by appointment. Furthermore, Grimsley promises, someone is always reachable.
“With us, there is someone here in case of a problem. Our clients are not left to handle things themselves,” he said. Sounds likes a good policy.
May
27
Grimsley Agency Keeps Insurance Friendly
Melissa Renahan 05/27/09
CATEGORY: General Business