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Everyone is always happy and smiling. It's like being part of a big family.
--Russ A.
Bellingham, MA

Sweeping out the entrance to the Franklin office at the start of a work day is only part of Dick Ostrander's job description.

Old Man Winter pays our Bellingham office a visit in February, 2008.

Community Information

Massachusetts Insurance News...

Q: What is the most logical approach to buying auto insurance in the new "managed competition" environment beginning in April 2008?

A: At Ostrander Insurance Agency we expect the logical approach for most people to include a combination of something old with something new. The something old is the customer's continued desire to work with an agency that offers prompt, honest, dependable service. The agency should have a convenient location, a personal touch, and a working knowledge of you and your insurance needs. The new twist will be that every company will feature their own set of rates.

Fact #1: Fify-five percent (55%) of the insurance agencies in Massachusetts represent only one insurance company. Unless they add companies to their "stable" of companies, they will only have one auto insurance premium and product to offer their clients.

Fact #2: Ostrander Insurance Agency represents four (4) different auto insurance carriers, including MetLife Auto & Home, Plymouth Rock, The Norfolk & Dedham Group, and (as of 2006) The Commerce Insurance Company. The combined market share of these four carriers approaches 50% of the total Massachusetts auto insurance marketplace.

Fact #3: The more auto insurance carriers represented by an insurance agency the more options that agency will have for its client base, and that means YOU!

Fact #4: Most people do not shop on price alone. Most people are not motivated to "shop around" if they have real trust in the people with whom they do business, so long as the cost difference is minimal. This is true for all purchases, not just auto insurance.

Fact #5: A dependable insurance agent should be willing and able to provide you with an estimate of your renewal premium within a reasonable period of time. If the agent represents multiple companies you can ask for quotes with all of them.

Fact #6: Your existing agent will more than likely be your best option and source of information in the new "managed competition" environment.

Opinion: If your existing insurance agent or carrier doesn't feel like a good fit then now might be the time for you to make a few calls. But remember, don't just buy an auto insurance policy, try to buy a good agent, too. In time you'll find out that one is just as important as the other.