Bassine Insurance in North Fort Myers prides itself on communication with policy holders
Insurance can be a complicated subject. Oftentimes, people may think are covered for something but really aren’t,?or they simply don’t understand the coverage purchased
Bassine Insurance Agency at 909 Pondella Road, says it can explain insurance in a language policy holders can understand and set you up with a policy that fits your needs.
Mike Bassine, the principal of the agency, has worked in the insurance business for 28 years, the first 23 with State Farm. He opened the company in 2010 as an independent broker for homeowners, auto, commercial, and life at the location of the former Society First Federal Bank.
With the help of his son, Ed, and P.J. Prechtel, Bassine said this year is shaping up to be a great one.
“It’s been a combination of a team effort and we work very hard to build this business,” Bassine said. “It takes a good agent to explain to you the realities of what happens.”
Bassine Insurance, as a member of State Insurance Group, works with more than 50 insurance companies, including larger ones such as Travelers, The Hartford and Safeco, to help people get the coverage that best suits them.
“One of our goals is to provide insurance that meets a specific need. Cost and price is a big factor for many people,” Bassine said. “We look at people as individuals and ask a lot of questions. Our job is to protect you. Unfortunately, most people don’t understand the contracts.”
This becomes an issue if something horrible happens. If they only considered costs, Bassine said, their client could be in a real problem in that they’re short on coverage. That could wipe them out.
Bassine said about 60 percent of their business is for homes, with most of the rest devoted to auto. With homeowners insurance so steep in price, it presents a challenge.
“People are shocked when they see the premiums for homes. They are high, and it’s a big bridge we have to cross with folks,” Bassine said. “People come in here and say ‘Are you nuts?’ and show up three days later and say how outrageous they are.”
As for auto, most policies are basically alike, so Bassine can look for the cheapest rates in the area when it’s time to renew.
He can also write a policy for someone with a not-so-clean driving record, which he couldn’t do with State Farm.
“We have ‘bad boy’ insurance. Those with DUIs are really good folks who have a few drinks and discover what a problem they have created for themselves,” Bassine said. “It will cost more than $10,000 and it’s on their record forever.”
Bassine does very little life insurance, although he sees a huge market for it in the future. The company does not issue health insurance.
Bassine Insurance Agency is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, evenings and weekends by appointment.
For more information, call them at 995-0333 or visit their website, bassineinsurance.com.