Central does well on agent survey

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ASHFIELD, Mass — More than 7,000 agents assessed the performance of over 200 property and casualty carriers in Deep Customer Connections Inc.’s 10th year of surveying agents.  In the survey, agents rated how easy it is to place business with carriers, based on 11 factors.

The factors were developed and validated with agents. Deep Customer Connections’ Opportunity Index gauges a carrier’s performance against what independent agents rate as most important when choosing the carrier with whom they will write business.

Deep Customer Connections is proud to recognize Central Insurance for its outstanding performance. In addition to achieving overall Top Ten status, Central earned Top Ten ranking in 10 of 11 unique factors, including:

• Understands and acts on agency needs
• Is responsive in underwriting
• Enables me to quote and issue a policy without rework
• Provides accurate, timely policy services
• Provides effective, user-friendly technology
• Handles claims promptly
• Handles claims fairly
• Provides marketing support
• Provides insurance expertise and support
• Makes it easy for my customers (policyholders) to do business with me (the agent)

“At Central, service matters a great deal,” said Cindy Hurless, vice president of customer service. “We realize providing great service is not a goal, an award to hang on a wall, or a satisfaction rating. It’s about meeting the challenges of an ever-changing business climate and truly embracing the concept of evolving to meet the needs of our trusted business partners.

“We also realize service is a differentiator in our industry and we’ve established a culture of excellence that transcends all job descriptions; where people embrace their responsibility to satisfy the customer and love doing it,” Hurless added.

About Deep Customer Connections, Inc.

Deep Customer Connections specializes in research and consulting to give property and casualty carriers metrics on how easy it is for agents to write business with them.  The Opportunity Index is an industry benchmark of carriers’ performance.  For more information please visit http://www.deepcc.com

About Central

Central Insurance was founded in 1876, and provides insurance for more than 334,700 automobiles, homes, and businesses in 18 states. Central is based in Van Wert, Ohio and operates regional offices in Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and Van Wert. The Central group of companies has combined assets of over $1 billion. Central’s A.M. Best rating is A (excellent).