Insurance company provides a century of security

At an insurance agency that has been in business for over a century, it’s safe to say that a lot has changed.

But one practice that hasn’t changed, according to Jonathan Borden, is dedication to customer service.

Borden is president of Borden Insurance Agency, which began in 1909 and which his grandfather, Milton Borden, joined as a partner in 1917. It was Milton who helped to establish a foundation for the business.

“My grandfather was a captain in the local naval reserves, and so he was well known and people had a lot of respect for him,” Jonathan Borden said. “His father was a city councilman in New Bedford, and a couple of streets in Dartmouth were named for members of the family — Milton and Carlton Streets.”

Jonathan’s father, Bruce, began working at the agency in the early 1950s.

“My father set a good example of how customer service should be done and how important it is to put time into the agency,” Borden said. “It’s important to customers to be accessible and it is a benefit of a small agency that large companies just don’t have.”

This article first appeared (HERE) in the Standard Times on March 31st, 2013
By JONATHAN CARVALHO
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
March 31, 2013 12:00 AM

“The fundamental aspect of any business is the golden rule, to treat others as you would have them treat you,” Borden said. “For us, that means advising our customers, explaining anything they might not be sure about. Not everyone is expected to be an expert in insurance.”

Jonathan Borden started working at the office in 1982 as sort of a trial run. Nearing 31 years of experience, he is still with the agency his family has built over three generations.

“I enjoy it,” said Borden. “Contrary to what people would think about insurance, it isn’t boring. It’s dealing with people and their lives and interruptions in their lives.”

Borden is supported by a team of experienced professionals who not only know their field but know the agency’s clientele, he said.

“Being well staffed means providing good customer service,” Borden said. “All of our full-time customer service representatives are licensed and subject to continuing education.

“A few have been with us for over 20 years and they know the customers well,” he said. “That stability and familiarity is intangible and it’s a testimony to the success of the independent insurance agent.”

“People want to deal with someone who they see in the community and who is looking out for their best interests,” he said, adding that an insurance agent’s job is not only a sales position but also an advisory role, making sure the customers are covered when it comes to issues like their limits on an automobile policy.

Having a knowledgeable agent helps when looking at policies affected by newer state guidelines like those for coastal-area properties. Borden said people should be aware of the deductible — the portion they must pay after damage — is on such a policy. Sometimes, deductibles can be as high as 5 percent, which on expensive damage may be more than someone can afford, which he said almost defeats the purpose of having insurance.

The importance of having a trustworthy agent is to make sure an insured client is getting everything he or she needs, Borden said.

“You can buy a bicycle without tires and it’s still a bicycle, but it doesn’t serve you,” he said, comparing it to an ineffective policy. “If you spend an extra 10 or 15 percent, it serves you well. It’s the same as having adequate insurance coverage.”

Borden Insurance Agency writes auto, homeowner, business, watercraft, and life insurance policies with various companies.

The office is located at 960 Kempton Street in New Bedford, in the same building as Bosworth Insurance Agency.

Visit the agency online at www.borden-insurance.com or contact the office at 508-999-3636. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.

This article first appeared (HERE) in the Standard Times on March 31st, 2013
By JONATHAN CARVALHO
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
March 31, 2013 12:00 AM

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