It’s pretty unique for someone to become a partner in their company at the age of 23. Well, that is the story for Blake Brauer, Business Solutions Advisor. Blake was born, raised, and lives in Polk City, Iowa. We had a chance to sit down with him and chat about insurance, his passions, life, and more.
So, tell me about yourself.
My name is Blake Brauer, and I sell Commercial P&C Insurance with The Accel Group. I became a partner at 23 years old, which was an honor. I am thankful that my colleagues put that trust in me at such a young age. Becoming a partner only solidified my dedication to The Accel Group and my current and future clients. I am happy to be a part of something truly special that we have built at The Accel Group and the impact we are making on the insurance industry. I enjoy working with contractors especially. My wife’s name is Brooke, and we have two boys and a dog. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, visiting breweries, and working out. A fun fact about me is that my brother also works for The Accel Group!
Why do you like selling insurance at The Accel Group?
I like that The Accel Group is an independently owned insurance agency. It helps us keep that local feel. After all, my favorite job is being a dad to my two boys, so I am happy to work for an organization that is family-focused and allows us to be flexible. My passion is also helping businesses across Iowa, so this job allows me to explore the state while helping businesses grow and scale.
What’s something you’d like to help people better understand about insurance?
I like to communicate with my clients about where their premium dollars are going, what they are spending money on, and why. I do an in-depth review of everything a business has and help them justify their risk. People don’t always understand why their rates might be going up, the current market trends, and the impact of their past losses. I enjoy helping businesses genuinely understand that, for example, their property premium costs x amount of dollars because of this, their workers’ compensation is x amount of dollars based on losses and history or businesses similar to them, etc. Having an insurance agent who is transparent throughout the process is crucial for businesses.
What are some of the most frequently asked questions you get as a Business Solutions Advisor, and how would you answer them?
- Why are you different from any other insurance agency?
In my role, I am a true insurance broker, not just an insurance agent. I don’t just quote your insurance based on your current insurance coverage and try to beat the price; I customize my approach to your business, truly doing my due diligence on your business overall, insurance coverage, coverage limits, risk management, claims, pricing, and also other areas we may be able to help/offer solutions. I aim to provide exceptional customer service, have extensive industry knowledge, proactively manage risk, and focus strongly on technology to aid business owners.
- Why did my premium go up when I had no losses?
Every situation is different, but this can stem from various reasons. Right now, in 2023, there are growing social inflation issues, lasting complications from COVID-19, an increased frequency and severity of claims, more severe natural disasters, and different global market trends. Insurance carriers are tightening up on what they’ll offer regarding coverage and competitive pricing. This is why putting a plan together is so important to do as a business with your insurance broker.
- What are you doing to proactively help my business outside of selling me an insurance policy?
I work with the carrier/underwriter to keep premiums down by selling your risk and why you deserve better than your peers. I also develop and manage proactive risk management programs for your business. Additionally, I manage claims proactively, closing claims as early as possible and keeping claims costs down. My customizable approach aids your business anywhere we can, even if it doesn’t involve insurance directly.
- What can we do as a business to improve our risk and keep our insurance premiums down?
Being on top of your risk management/safety training programs is essential. Reviewing and improving security precautions, such as sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, training, and multi-factor authentication, is always a good idea. When you do your due diligence on reviewing your policies annually, you can know enough to be dangerous. Keeping detailed records and categorizing employees properly can also save you a headache in the long run.
I suggest paying premiums in full when able and avoiding late insurance payments to show insurance carriers strong financial stability. You can work with your insurance broker to find customized solutions to lower your risk and keep premiums as competitive as possible. Every business is different and needs its own customized solutions.
Thanks for chatting with us, Blake!