Auto Insurance Specialists' Breadth, Size Set the Agency Apart

By Nicole Zaro Stahl, Hacienda Network Staff Writer

With Nearly 400,000 Clients and 30-plus Carriers, AIS can Cover Almost Anyone

As an insurance agency, Auto Insurance Specialists (AIS) is in a class by itself. The southern California-based firm is no stranger to northern California, with five of its 23 retail offices located throughout the Bay Area-in San Francisco, Oakland, Walnut Creek, San Jose, and, its most recent addition, Hacienda. The breadth of options the company proffers is a just one of its distinctions. Along with auto insurance, AIS specializes in several other lines, including Homeowners, Renters, Earthquake, Motorcycle, Boat Owners, Mexico Auto Insurance, and Mechanical Breakdown Coverage, to name a few.

"We represent over 30 carriers on our panel," says Mark Ribisi, the company's President and CEO. With close to 500 employees and nearly 400,000 clients, AIS is presumed to be the largest insurance agency in the U.S., Ribisi continues. "The size of our panel and customer base gives us unrivaled clout in the California insurance market."

Its business model further sets the company apart. Despite its size, AIS is sharply focused on the human factor. "While it's possible to get a quote online, we place a huge premium on human interaction before customers make a buying decision," Ribisi comments.

The personal touch shows up not only with the initial policy purchase, designed to represent "the best combination of price and quality coverage," according to Ribisi, but also for the many years beyond. "Our exceptional renewal department periodically re-shops all of our carriers during renewal cycles to ensure that our customers are still receiving the best combination of price and protection for their changing lives. If we find a better situation, we notify them of the opportunity immediately," he says.

Improving the bottom line for clients is currently a major hot button in the insurance market, Ribisi points out. "Everyone is trying to save money these days. A lot of people are sharpening their pencils to make sure they are not leaving any household money on the table. There can be a big disparity in cost among carriers. It takes legwork to compare what they offer, and we provide that shopping service, whether it's for one car or for several cars, a house, and a boat. We shop the entire profile and come back with the best option we can find, with no extra charge to the customer."

AIS's convenient new location, at 4877 Hopyard Road, is another expression of its customer service orientation. "The local presence allows us to better understand the needs of the community, while also creating local jobs," Ribisi notes. For more information, stop by the new office or visit www.aisinsurance.com.

Photo: The staff of the new AIS offices in Hacienda, at 4877 Hopyard Road.

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