Members Tout ARM as an Essential Independent Agency Affiliate

As Associate Risk Managers (ARM) heads into 2007 -- and in a changing insurance climate -- it celebrates many member successes.

Itasca, IL (PRWeb) February 5, 2007 -- As Associate Risk Managers (ARM) heads into 2007 -- and in a changing insurance climate -- it celebrates many member successes.

On the one hand, top-producing independent insurance agencies have contributed to ARM's steady growth over the years. On the other hand, many members agree that if not for ARM, independent agencies could not survive.

According to Michael Brauning, ARM member since 1976 and serving a rural Ohio community, "We have, through the ARM network, an ability to channel our efforts more efficiently to insurance programs and markets that are relevant to the community." ARM access to and availability of markets has reduced the pressure of volume commitments, which for a small agency can mean a "death sentence," says Brauning. "To be successful, you have to have confidence. You have to know your products," he adds. "As our involvement with ARM grows, our knowledge and confidence grows."

Other members see ARM as a valuable extension of business, presenting

opportunities that would not happen otherwise. Dabney Smith, Jr., of ARM Oklahoma has benefited from leads in meat packing, storage and automobile dealerships. John Williams of ARM Ohio says ARM has influenced at least 50% of his company's commercial book. "Many of my ARM of Ohio partners and I go back 30 years, and we have helped each other on accounts and problems many times," Williams says.

ARM's high-profile insurance partners, such as A.J. Gallagher, and RPS (Risk Placement Services), have enabled its members timely, competitive solutions. In one instance, Jerry Stockwell of ARM Illinois was desperate to find coverage for a Maine lobster company. With just days to replace expired coverage, Stockwell found help through RPS in Itasca, Illinois. "I was impressed with what RPS did in such a short time," he says. They presented a proposal with higher limits and better coverage. On a separate occasion, Stockwell solicited help from A.J. Gallagher. "I had a prospect with a product liability exposure I knew would be impossible for the insurance companies in our agency to insure," he says. Gallagher approached nineteen markets, sixteen of which declined or were too expensive. Yet one insurance market came through, and Stockwell converted a difficult prospect into a satisfied customer.

Larry Johnson was similarly successful at serving two large, underinsured clients. With the help of the Gallagher Appraisal Service (and the clients' okay to proceed), Johnson identified coverage shortfalls and was able to increase property limits. The results were twofold: additional commissions from increased coverage, as well as an improved relationship with the customer.

ARM continues to feed the force of our nations' most enterprising independent insurance agents. Through continued pursuit of new markets and partnerships, ARM takes a proactive role in their success. Jerry Stockwell captures ARM's key benefit: "Our agency would never have to say NO to any prospective customer or client." Other ARM benefits include proprietary quoting technology, cost-savings systems, and ongoing training and education. The ARM network represents more than 300 agency members in 26 states, with an annual premium volume currently in excess of $4+ billion. To join this growing professional organization, contact Scott Spangler at ARM Partners (630) 285-4324.

Strong as MANY. Powerful as ONE.

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