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Smart Choice® announces the appointment of Mark Brandt as Assistant Vice President of their Commercial Lines Division.

The winter storm that knocked out power for millions amid frigid temperatures and spawned a rash of water-related disasters is expected to be the costliest weather event in Texas history.

While exact percentages vary, experts warn that a growing number of homeowners are underinsured. Inflation, fluctuating building costs, depreciation, and often, a misunderstanding of valuation methods are likely contributors to this trend. Help your clients understand the importance of properly assessing the value of their home.

There are always a couple of quick sales ready for the picking. Do you want to pick the quick ones or reap the entire crop? Companies who pick the quick ones manage to scrape by month to month. Companies who reap the entire crop prosper beyond imagination.

The Express Markets platform has really transformed the overall agent offering. Smart Choice expanded our E&S, Specialty & Niche markets from 15 to 35 in just a few years. Adding expanded access for coastal markets, General Liability, Non-standard Auto, Commercial Auto, Specialty Dwelling Programs and additional distribution points with our core wholesale partners has elevated the program to best in class.

Several years ago, we started a program called “Express Markets™” – a providential venture given the recent dramatic rise in this corner of the insurance market. Today that program has grown to over $360 million in annual premium, over 35 partners, and has experienced 15 percent growth in the last year.

The insurance needs of manufacturers and wholesale distributors continue to evolve. With these challenges, proper assessment of your client’s assets (building, business personal property, and business income) and liability exposure are all key to achieving adequate insurance coverage and managing risk.

Planning for the future is always worth your time.

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Many people fail to understand accountability, its importance, and where it begins. Whether you are a new business owner or an experienced leader, it starts with YOU! Good leaders know how to foster a culture of accountability and execution. They make commitments and they keep them.

Which is better – getting an appointment or calling back in X months?

After a year full of uncertainty, making predictions about 2021 may seem futile. While the future is never certain, there are a few personal lines market trends for you to watch in 2021. Some are the direct result of the events of 2020, while others have been in the works for several years. All of them are things to keep your eye on at your agency as you plan for 2021.

Despite all the turmoil of 2020, Smart Start Personal Lines boasted a banner year, breaking production records and writing over $1 million in premium for 7 months straight.