VU Resources

Commodity vs. Relationship

One of the reasons that the direct writers and internet-based companies do so much business is that the buying public feel that insurance is a commodity—we’re all the same and…

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Autos, Crimes, and Racing…Really, Auto Insurance is NOT a Commodity

Neither the ISO personal or business auto policies have a “crime” exclusion per se. Both have a racing exclusion, though how it applies is significantly different between these policies. But…

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More on Walmart and Overstock.com

Recently, we have been contacted by a number of industry reporters with questions about our specific response to companies like Walmart and Overstock.com entering the insurance marketplace and our general…

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Keeping Auto Premiums Low by Failing to Disclose Teenage Drivers

As the commodity-pricing frenzy of auto insurance intensifies, you become aware of agents who are cutting premiums by deliberately failing to disclose teenage drivers and advising prospects or insureds that…

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McKinsey, Commodities, and the Death of the Independent Agent

A recent McKinsey report concludes that personal lines insurance, by and large, has become a commodity. It also questions the viability and value of the agent. This article excerpts one…

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Is Insurance Knowledge Important?

What does an agency sell? One might say an agency sells price. Fair enough. But what are they selling for price? An insurance policy? Any policy? Is whether or not…

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13 Steps to Keeping both Internal and External Customers Happy through Effective Communication

Most problems and complaints both outside and inside your company arise from poor communication. Poor communication most often results from either miscommunication or a lack of communication. This article identifies…

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The Birth of YourAgency.com

Yes, they’re failing… the DotComs are going under by the droves, and if you’ve been reading the news, you’re even LESS inspired than ever to build a web site, or…

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