A Big “I” affiliated state association or an insurance company must first nominate the agency which then must qualify based on outstanding customer services, growth, stability and financial management. To be chosen as a “Best Practices Agency,” Akers & Arney was deemed to be among the top 25-35 performing agencies in one of six revenue categories.

Each year the Big “I” and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories.  The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation.  The selected “Best Practices” agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year.

The Best Practices Study was initiated by Big “I” in 1993 as the foundation for efforts to improve agency performance.  The annual survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.

The 2009 Best Practices Study sponsors include Applied Systems, Central Insurance Companies, Chubb, EMC Insurance Companies, ENCOMPASS Insurance, Great American, Harleysville, Imperial AI Credit Companies, InsurBanc, The Hanover Insurance Group, Liberty Mutual, and Zurich.

Akers & Arney
Akers & Arney has been providing insurance solutions to businesses and families in the Tri-Lakes area since 1952. Big “I” named Akers & Arney the number one agency in its size category in the country in 2005. Akers & Arney is a member of Sitkins International™, an elite membership organization comprised of the top insurance agencies in the country.

A few of the many services Akers & Arney offers businesses are property and liability protection, employee health and life benefits, bonds, and workers’ compensation insurance. They also offer a full range of risk reducing services and solutions, as well as benefits cost reduction strategies to help lower operating costs and increase profitability.

Akers & Arney also offers a full line of auto, home, boat, RV, and individual health and life plans. Their agents, who have over 250 years of combined experience, live in the Tri-Lakes area and are available to assist clients with claims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Akers & Arney is located at 201 Buccaneer Blvd. next to the Branson Junior High School in the Corporate Summit. Call (417) 334-5115 or visit www.akersandarney.com.

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”)
Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Big “I’s” members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies.  Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance – property, casualty, life and health – as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products.  Visit Big “I” online at www.independentagent.com.

Contact:  Jennifer McCullough, publicist
Phone:  417-294-7333
Email: jennifermccullough@centurytel.net

However, Arney cautions against bargain shopping for the lowest priced home, auto, health, life or business insurance without looking at the bigger picture. “Saving 15 percent today could cost you everything tomorrow,” Arney said.

“If a fire, car accident, major health issue or lawsuit arises when money is tight, the last thing anyone needs is to discover that they are improperly insured or underinsured,” Arney said. “Buying a policy simply because of its price may put your strained financial situation in greater peril.”

Instead, Arney says everyone should have a unique risk solution plan that includes the correct insurance coverage, the proper limits on coverage, and a plan for reducing your risk of claims.

Coming up with such a plan can seem overwhelming and while many in the insurance business are happy to offer up a free online quote or sell a budget policy over the phone, they may be missing critical information that could spell financial disaster when a claim arises. This is where a reputable insurance agent who is foremost a risk advisor comes in, according to Arney. “Everyone’s financial picture is different. Everyone’s tolerance for risk is different. A risk advisor’s role is to thoroughly assess each client’s unique situation before ever quoting a particular policy,” he said.

In response to recent losses in the insurance industry, many carriers are now scrutinizing claims they wouldn’t have questioned in the past. Risk advisors help clients avoid costly claims issues by making sure they have the correct policies and coverages in place and then advocating for their clients if claims arise. Clients working with risk advisors to reduce their risks can prevent claims issues from ever cropping up by lowering their incidence of claims. Plus, many clients who’ve reduced their risks are able to save money in the short term by attracting lower rate offers from carriers.

Risk advisors like the ones at Akers & Arney have built long-term relationships with dozens of leading insurance carriers to help give their clients multiple coverage and rate options. “We take the leg work out of this time consuming process,” Arney said.

Arney recommends the following 10 practical tips for consumers working with risk advisors to reduce their insurance expenses immediately and head-off potentially devastating financial
losses.

1. Call your insurance agent to schedule a policy review. Reputable risk advisors often offer this service annually at no charge. If your financial situation has changed since your last policy review, your insurance coverage may need to reflect these changes.
2. Consider consolidating your policies with the same insurance agent and carrier. Giving your agent a clearer picture of your total risk can help him or her advise you accordingly. Plus, your carrier will likely offer a multiple-policy discount.
3. Ask your insurance agent if you’re getting all the discounts you’re entitled to receive. Carriers offer discounts for things like security features, improved fire protection, improved credit score, and a clear driving record.
4. If you’ve recently moved or changed jobs, and are driving fewer miles each day, tell your agent. Your auto insurance premium may go down.
5. Tell your agent if your occupation has changed. You may qualify for a reduced auto, health or life insurance premium.
6. Ask your insurance agent if raising your deductibles to lower premium costs is right for you.
7. Tell your insurance agent if you’ve recently bought or sold any big-ticket items or made property improvements. Your coverage limits may need to adjust.
8. Tell your insurance agent about any recent changes in your personal situation. Divorced? Married? Widowed? Children left home? Added a new member to your household? Your homeowner’s contents limits and auto insurance may need updating.
9. Document the contents of your home or business with a written inventory, photos or video. Free inventory tracking software can be found at www.KnowYourStuff.org. Don’t forget storage units, property inside RVs, boats, and with children away at college. Keep receipts for large items in a safe place away from your home or business.
10. Notify your agent immediately if you think you may have a claim. Carriers will often scrutinize claims more carefully if not reported right away. David Arney is the President and CEO of Akers & Arney, one of only three Best Practices Award-Winning agencies in Missouri in 2008. info@akersandarney.com.

Contact:  Jennifer McCullough, publicist
Phone:  417-294-7333
Email: jennifermccullough@centurytel.net

Corporate Account Manager
Phone: (417) 334-5115 / Extension 110
Email: jpatterson@akersandarney.com

Jennifer is a native of Eastern North Carolina. She started her Insurance career in 1998. In February 2008, she made the move to Southwest Missouri. Jennifer holds a Missouri Producer’s License and is a Corporate Account Manager for Edd Akers, John Akers and Jonas Arjes. In her off time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Steve. Together they have three sons, Joshua, Jesse and Shawn. They absolutely love the beautiful Ozark country and are very happy to call Southwest Missouri home.

Linda enjoys helping people, especially senior clients. “Medicare is a complex program and my job is to help seniors make sense of it all,” Linda said. “My senior clients have a better understanding of Medicare, feel more confident in their plan choices, and make better decisions regarding their healthcare.”