Networking Dealerships

[nyc2phi]

Anyone have advice on networking with dealerships?

I know Liberty Mutual has a program that has locked down a few specific ones but I think the sales people get to choose who they want to work with.

Any advice would help!

 

[EugeneM]

I have seen trusts created for dealerships with success.

The most comptv carrier I have seen is sadly a direct writer - Federated.

 

[insurance1822]

I'm pretty sure the "knight in shining Erie armor" was referring to getting referrals from car dealers for auto prospects (opposed to actually insuring the dealers themselves) which surely Erie should be the best for anyway.

We have gotten business from dealers, but of course it's business you'd expect. With only 1 non standard it's not worth chasing. However with Bristol West, Progressive, GMAC, Infinity, Access & Titan (which you shouldn't need because you have Erie...) you will make money on it. More important is attempting to transition those non standard clients into rounded out package business. You better be prepared to answer the phone & turn quotes around instantly for this type of business. Many agents will trash talk dealer referrals but we have gotten a respectable & profitable amount of business from it.

 

[JimmyUt]

I'm pretty sure the "knight in shining Erie armor" was referring to getting referrals from car dealers for auto prospects (opposed to actually insuring the dealers themselves) which surely Erie should be the best for anyway.

We have gotten business from dealers, but of course it's business you'd expect. With only 1 non standard it's not worth chasing. However with Bristol West, Progressive, GMAC, Infinity, Access & Titan (which you shouldn't need because you have Erie...) you will make money on it. More important is attempting to transition those non standard clients into rounded out package business. You better be prepared to answer the phone & turn quotes around instantly for this type of business. Many agents will trash talk dealer referrals but we have gotten a respectable & profitable amount of business from it.

I would suggest charging policy fees on these type of customers if allowed in your state. When I was in the car business, we only ever called to bind insurance for the folks that either had no prior vehicle, or just needed enough to get their lumpy off the lot. If you can't charge a policy fee, see if the dealership can build it into the car deal and cut you a check for 3 or 6 months worth of premiums. No insurance no deal. The dealer is motivated.

 

[EugeneM]

ya misunderstood my mistake

 

[shawnmwalker]

"see if the dealership can build it into the car deal and cut you a check"


I like that! Anyone have success doing that in states where fees cannot be charged?

 

[GeauxTigahs20]

As a former Federated guy who is now independent, I wouldn't waste my time if I were you. Very hard to compete. Unless you pair with an underwriter who's on a mission, you're gonna have a hard time.

 

[cgreene]

I have 300 dealerships I market in 5 states. You have to separate yourself from the crowd by going after their preferred clients, enhancing the car buying experience, and helping the dealership get better surveys.

 

[Matt37]

Dealership market is owned by direct writer (Federated and Universal/Zurich)

However ... Erie is getting into the new car dealership market in the next 90 days (Insider Info)

 

[cgreene]

My mistake I was talking about their clients