Agent News
First Quarter 2014
For any team to continue performing well, it’s beneficial to look back at previous performance, identify what went well and then build on that momentum. In 2013, Third Coast Underwriters (3CU) had several notable successes:
- Our combined ratio for 2013 was four points better than plan and an eight-point improvement over 2012.
- Written premium increased by more than 50% over 2012 and has more than quadrupled compared to 2011.
- 3CU’s recent agent and policyholder surveys show that our customer-focused strategies are resonating strongly as 98% of our agents would recommend 3CU to their customers. A policyholder commented: “Without question, 3CU is the most proactive company I have worked with during the past 17 years. It is a pleasure to work with the entire staff.”
For 2014, we will build on these achievements by:
- Expanding our presence in the Gulf and Southeast regions even further by transitioning to a regional structure that allows us to better cater to customers’ needs throughout our core states. Gulf Specialty Director Bob Hamilton, Southeast Underwriting Manager Jerry Self and new Midwest Specialty Director Kevin Rakow are committed to ensuring their teams can respond efficiently and effectively to this new focus. As our new vice president of Production and Agency Management, Mike Valiante will help to oversee this regionalization effort and ensure that the transition remains seamless.
- Forecast growing written premium by more than 30% over 2012. This will be accomplished through continued focus on profitable growth that is in line with historic production.
- Keeping the promise to continually meet customers’ needs with the expert service and products that they’ve come to expect from 3CU. More than ever, our underwriters, claims adjusters and loss control consultants are committed to delivering outcomes that make a difference for our customers.
So far, 3CU is making great progress on our goals due to the support of our agent partnerships. In January, 54% of the new premium was generated in our expansion regions, the Southeast and Gulf. We look forward to carrying this momentum through the rest of the year as we work together for our customers and for our mutual success.
At 3CU, our team is committed to keeping the promises we make with our customers and help deliver the best possible outcomes for their business needs. Senior Loss Control Consultant Tom Frey is one of the individuals making a difference for his customers. Here’s how:
- After a co-worker was unable to review an incident within a required 72-hour window, Tom stepped in and traveled to the location the next day. Despite some travel challenges, Tom never complained and displayed excellent customer service and leadership skills with the customer during a difficult experience for them.
- Tom adjusted his schedule to accommodate training for clients on Saturday mornings and also held regular training sessions at 5 a.m. for other customers.
- He takes the necessary time to educate customers about GAP analysis and works with their leadership to implement this valuable and important tool. By using the report’s results, Tom helps to reshape management’s approach to loss control to achieve positive outcomes.
Midwest Regional Loss Control Manager Dave Brandolino concurs: “Tom plays a very strong role in the education of his accounts so they fully understand the complete risk management as it relates to medical management and claims. He steps beyond the traditional expectations of service to find ways that make a lasting impact with his customers.”
Tom was recently honored as 3CU’s employee of the year with the brand’s first-ever Toast of the Coast Award. His approach to loss control and dedication to quality customer service represent what the 3CU team is committed to delivering to our customers every day.
If you haven’t visited 3CU.com in the last two months, make sure to check out the revamped website today. We’ve freshened the look and feel of the site to make it clean, easy to navigate and customer-focused. We encourage you to reference the site when you discuss 3CU with prospective clients. You can find information about:
- How 3CU can achieve outcomes that meet your customer’s business challenges.
- Our business segment specializations.
- How 3CU stands out from our competitors in areas of loss control, claims, underwriting and fraud prevention.
- Our commitment to keeping the promises we make with customers–and details on the leadership team that delivers on those promises.
Learn more about what 3CU can offer your customers today at 3CU.com.
As you know, the strength of our agency partnerships is important to Third Coast Underwriters. We appreciate your feedback and constructive criticism to ensure we are meeting your needs.
To measure this, Accident Fund Holdings will be sending an agency survey to all agents Enterprise-wide in April and we encourage you to participate. As an added incentive, those who complete the survey will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for great prizes, such as an Apple MacBook, Apple iPads* and $50 Visa gift cards.
*MacBook and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Apple is not a participant or sponsor of this promotion.
2013 was a year of successes for Third Coast Underwriters and the Accident Fund Holdings Enterprise. In fact, it was one of the most successful years in Accident Fund Holdings’ history. To see how the Enterprise and each of its brands performed, we encourage you to review the 2013 Accident Fund Holdings Annual Report now available online.
The report includes 2013 financial performance information for each brand, notable highlights from the past year and details on the many ways the Enterprise gave back to the communities where our many employees work and live. For more information about the holding company, visit AccidentFundHoldings.com.
