Author: Nancy Germond

While agents often refer their clients to trusted vendors such as glass and restoration companies, this linked article can highlight the dangers vendors may pose. In this case, a cable repairman, troubled by financial and other personal woes, murdered an 83-year-old Texas customer in her home after a cable repair visit. A jury awarded $375 million to the family and may award additional punitive damages. Ridiculous? Read the section on the history of this employee and the cable company's lack of intervention in this and other instances, and you may understand this nuclear verdict.

​The lesson – While those marketing people who visit your office present an attractive alternative for your customers, you have no way to vet their due diligence in hiring and employee retention. One referral gone wrong, even a theft of property, can leave your agency exposed to a negligence allegation. It's best to work with vendors your carriers vet and depend upon rather than relying on vendors who solicit you. 

First published: July 15, 2022