The MiniCo Insurance live webinar on April 22 was viewed by over 100 independent insurance agents. Following the presentation entitled Stimulus Plan for Writing Self-Storage Risks, many viewers participated in a lively conference call with presenters Keith McConnell, Customer Care Manager, and Chris Nelson, Underwriting Team Supervisor, as well as Senior Vice President Jim Clemmensen, Claims Manager Michael Rice, Underwriting Manager Kirk Beatty, and Major Accounts Team Supervisor Lorraine Boschee.
If you missed the live webinar, you still have the opportunity to watch it online at www.minicoinsurance.com/webcast.
The full presentation takes about 40 minutes and covers a range of important topics for agents who want to learn how to build a book of self-storage business including:
How to leverage MiniCo's national presence and name recognition to your advantage How MiniCo can help you write self-storage accounts Identifying a good self-storage risk Characteristics of a quality submission How you can stimulate your self-storage book of business MiniCo's claims resources
MiniCo Insurance has recently launched our Select Agent program rewarding high-performing agencies with added benefits. Members of the MiniCo Select Agent program are eligible to receive expanded benefits at the Gold and Platinum levels.
At least four in-force policies with MiniCo Insurance Benefits include: Prospect lists for up to 15 ZIP codes Customized co-branded marketing flyer (PDF format) Membership in MiniCo's Preferred Referral Program Subscription to Key Agent bimonthly e-newsletter for independent insurance agents Subscription to e-Risk Management quarterly magazine for self-storage professionals Free subscription to Self-Storage Now! quarterly magazine for self-storage managers
At least ten in-force policies or $50,000 in total premium with MiniCo Insurance Benefits include: Prospect lists with prepared prospect letters Customized co-branded marketing flyer (printed format) Membership in MiniCo's Preferred Referral Program Teleconference services for presentations to large accounts including MiniCo executive support Subscription to Key Agent bimonthly e-newsletter for independent insurance agents Subscription to e-Risk Management quarterly magazine for self-storage professionals Free subscription to Self-Storage Now! quarterly magazine for self-storage managers Free subscription to Mini-Storage Messenger digital edition 50% discount on advertising in Mini-Storage Messenger
For more information contact Krys Morrison at kmorrison@minico.com or 800-447-8383.
MiniCo’s Customer Care Department is focused on providing the highest quality service to each independent agent, broker and policyholder. This department’s knowledgeable team members are available to assist with submissions, prospect lists and other issues. Keith McConnell – Manager, Customer Care Department Keith joined MiniCo in 2007 with over 15 years of customer service experience including a previous management position with Shurgard Storage, Inc. His focus at MiniCo is on maintaining the company’s high level of customer service for independent insurance agents and policyholders. To contact Keith, e-mail kmcconnell@minico.com or call 800-528-1056, ext. 3585.
Krys Morrison – Customer Care Coordinator When Krys joined MiniCo in 2007, she brought with her over 20 years of experience as an insurance producer and manager with expertise in commercial and personal lines as well as group benefits. This background helps her provide specialized service to agents working with MiniCo. To contact Krys, e-mail kmorrison@minico.com or call 800-528-1056, ext. 3557.
Donovan Hodge – Customer Care Associate The newest member of MiniCo’s Customer Care Department, Donovan joined the company in 2008 with over 10 years of customer service experience and three years of insurance industry experience. He enjoys working with both agents and policyholders and excels at providing quality service. To contact Donovan, e-mail dhodge@minico.com or call 800-528-1056, ext. 3008.
The Liberty Agency Underwriters initiative to replace Safeco branding is underway. In March, Liberty sent letters to policyholders advising them of the rebranding process. Future policies will have Liberty branding but will continue to be written on Safeco Insurance Company of America paper. MiniCo’s Customer Care Department is available to answer questions from insureds and independent agents regarding the rebranding efforts. Contact customercare@minico.com or 800-447-8383 for more information
When you submit a completed application for up to five self-storage locations, MiniCo Insurance will provide a quote within three business days or by your need-by date. Contact customercare@minico.com or 800-447-8383 for more information.
For the past several years, the self-storage industry has advertised its ability to withstand economic downturns including recessions. The current economic climate, however, is making self-storage businesses work harder than ever to live up to that claim.
The challenges facing self-storage are generally similar to those facing other consumer sectors: credit is tight, business is slow, and properties have lost some of their value. The good news is that the impact of these challenges on self-storage appears to be less severe than on industries such as multifamily homes, retail, commercial office properties, the hotel industry and others.
The fallout from risky lending practices that has affected many industries has had little impact on self-storage since those types of loans were uncommon in the industry. Also, while occupancy rates are generally down from last year, the trend indicates a smaller decrease than initially anticipated, and some areas are reporting increases.
Overall, the self-storage industry has been affected by the current economy, but the outlook remains positive. At the national Self Storage Association’s recent International Self-Storage Convention and Exposition in Dallas, representatives from the four self-storage real estate investment trusts (REITs) echoed this cautious but hopeful forecast.
As an independent insurance agent or broker, you have an opportunity to partner with self‑storage businesses to help ensure they have adequate insurance coverage as they navigate through today’s uncertain economic landscape.
MiniCo Insurance offers tools for agents to help you build your book of self-storage business including prospect lists and co-branded marketing materials. Contact our Customer Care Department at customercare@minico.com or 800-447-8383 for more information.
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