Demystifying Insurance: What We Wish Clients Knew

Posted: 1 day, 23 hours ago

Samantha, one of our amazing Client Service Specialists, wrote this valuable blog.

One of my key responsibilities is answering incoming calls—but my role goes far beyond that. I’m here to assist with any questions or concerns you have about your insurance, whether it’s filing a claim, exploring hypothetical scenarios, or making adjustments to your policy.

1. “I want to speak to [specific person or office]”
Everyone who works at Top O' Michigan Insurance Solutions - TOMIA247 is licensed to handle your insurance needs—it's a legal requirement in our industry. That means any one of us is equipped to answer questions, make policy changes, or help with claims. If something falls outside our scope, we’ll connect you with the right expert. Our goal is to get things done for you, no matter what.
2. “Insurance is a scam!”
We hear this a lot, and I get it—it’s frustrating when rates go up. But here's the reality: insurance works by pooling money from many to pay for the losses of a few. When claims rise—due to weather events, theft, or accidents—that pool gets depleted, and everyone contributes a little more to rebuild it. You're not just paying for yourself; you're part of a shared safety net.
3. “Towing or glass claims don’t count, right?”
Actually, a claim is a claim—even if it’s just for a few dollars. Any payout can affect your rates and potentially impact discounts (like claims-free or safe driver incentives). That’s why we often recommend paying out of pocket for minor issues when possible—it can save you more in the long run.
4. “You made my prices go up.”
We totally understand the frustration. But as your agency, we don’t set the rates—your carrier does. Think of us as your advocate: we’re the local connection between you and your insurance provider, helping you navigate policy changes, claims, and coverage adjustments.
5. “Can you quote me with someone else?”
Absolutely—we’re here to find the most cost-effective option for your needs. Before switching carriers, we’ll first explore ways to reduce your premium with your current company: updating roof age, applying new discounts, adjusting deductibles, and more. Only if those efforts don’t help will we recommend shopping around—because let’s face it, paperwork isn’t anyone’s favorite part of the process.
6. “You just want commission.”
We do receive bonuses from some carriers if we meet certain benchmarks, but our priority is always you. Our process starts with getting to know your situation so we can offer the right coverage at a price that makes sense. Our reputation is built on trust, and our biggest compliment is when a client refers someone new. That tells us we’re doing our job right.