Company awards

PIANH Vice President and Wednesday’s Master of Ceremonies Stanley Pollack

“These awards reflect the highest-rated companies in our Company Performance Survey, conducted for the second time online at PIA’s Web site,” said PIANH Vice President Stanley Pollack. “Participation is up this year by almost a third. Nearly 150 agents from around the state rated 26 companies with which they do business.”

Each of the companies was rated by an average of 30 agents, who answered questions about areas of most concern to agents, including technology; products and pricing; treatment of independent agents; marketing support; claims handling service and underwriting. This year, rather than recognizing only those companies who had the highest overall score, we have winners in four different categories.

In the area of technology, two carriers—one for its personal lines focus, the other for commercial lines, were recognized. Both Progressive (personal lines) and Peerless Insurance Company/Liberty Mutual (commercial lines) were ranked highest by their agents for their use of and support for agents in technology.

“This award recognizes the company that has helped agents most to make the customer experience seamless through support, training and the use of real-time transactions,” said Pollack.

Linda Herron, regional vice-president, Northern New England of Peerless (left photo), and Christine Harris, senior account sales representative, Progressive accepted the awards on behalf of their companies from PIANH President elect Stan Pollack.

PIANH also recognized a personal lines and commercial lines carrier for high achievements in product underwriting and pricing. Both MMG Insurance Company (personal lines) and Acadia Insurance Co./W.R. Berkeley (commercial lines) won awards for this category.

“MMG and Acadia received high rankings in competitive pricing; coverage; providing stable and consistent markets; and in granting flexibility when warranted,” said Pollack.

Larry Shaw, president and CEO of MMG Insurance and Bobbi Amero, regional vice president, New Hampshire Branch, Acadia/W.R. Berkley, accepted the awards on behalf of their companies from PIANH past President Todd O’Dowd.

Thirdly, in the area of claims handling, Andover Insurance Co. was recognized as the highest scorer. “PIA asked agents how their companies rate in paying claims promptly and adjusting claims fairly,” Pollack reported. “Andover received the highest score in this category.”

Dan Valeri, district manager for Andover Insurance Co.’s New England marketing (right), accepted the award from PIANH past President Todd O’Dowd.
Thomas A. Cranley, president of Mt. Washington, accepted the award from PIANH President-elect Stan Pollack (left) and PIANH past President Todd O’Dowd.

Last but not least, Mt. Washington Assurance Corp. was called to the stage to accept the award for treatment of agents.

“Agents were asked to rate their carriers based on their treatment of agents, their service and marketing support as company partners. In this category, Mt. Washington Assurance Corp. received the highest praise from its agents,” said Pollack.

“I’d like to congratulate each of the winning companies, and on behalf of your agents, I’d like to thank you,” Pollak said. “The awards you received today reflect your commitment to the independent agency system and the customers for whom we all strive to serve.”

The full results of the survey, with rankings of all 26 companies in the survey, will be published in the June edition of PIA magazine, and each company will receive an individual report on how it did. Make sure you get your copy!