COVID-19 Response
***** Our Colorado Springs office is now closed until May 1st*****
To all of our valued agents and partners:
As your inbox fills with Coronavirus announcements of closures and cancellations, we want to affirm our dedication to the health, safety, and well-being of our staff and communities.
How COVID-19 Will Affect Our Work Together
We know that you are likely experiencing an influx in calls about changes in coverage or questions about business interruption and we’re here to help. Please know that all requests must be made in writing via email or the Bigfoot Platform.
Enhanced Commissions
To further entice and reward our partner agents, we are offering enhanced commissions across all lines of business bound through our ever expanding portal. This applies to all new business submitted from Today, March 15th to Tuesday, March 31st at 5pm MST. Note that quotes are only good for 30 days and bind documents must be submitted before Thursday, April 30th at 5pm MST.
Improved Communication
Not only does the Bigfoot Insurance Portal allow us to get back to you as soon as possible, but it helps us provide essential lines of business, process claims requests, and other services without interruption or delay. If claims do arise, you can go to the documents section of each account to find policy documents with claim reporting instructions for each insurer.
Our Staff & Changes
Due to local, state, and national recommendations on restricted movement, we have deployed our staff to work remotely until April 6 at which time we will re-evaluate the conditions and concerns surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have also cancelled the Taste of Bigfoot fundraiser but look forward to resuming community outreach when it is safe.
Inspections in the digital age
While we have taken proactive steps in the prevention of exposure for our staff, insureds, and community partners recommended by the CDC, we recognize that there may be delays in traditional inspections. Wherever possible, we will be using the Lighthouse Inspection App and leveraging other digital alternatives.
We remain committed to providing exemplary customer service and building upon the trust we have earned in the past ten years as a broker.
We believe in small businesses like yours and look forward to your submissions.
Sincerely,
Martin Burlingame
Chief Executive Officer
P.S. We are closely monitoring earthquake activity in California, Texas, and Utah so check our RESTRICTIONS page for moratoriums. Feel free to leave a comment in the portal for any account you think may be affected.
Tips from our staff:
Homes/Condos/Rentals: “Please make sure to provide the year full updates were made to heating, plumbing, roofing, and electrical within the app. It helps immensely.” - Robert Rogacki, Personal Lines Team Lead
Cyber: “While millions of Americans are working remotely, don’t forget to share with your business clients how they can mitigate their cyber risk. Be vigilant, 2-factor authentication, VPNs, proper system hygiene and of course a strong cyber liability policy.” - Ben Shoemaker, VP of Michigan Branch
Garage Dealers: “Home garages are welcome! Please also consider coverage for your tools and equipment” - Karina Medina, Garage & Dealers Underwriter
Commercial Auto & Trucking: “We can do restaurant delivery vehicles for 6 month or annual Hired/Non-Owned policies and have an awesome market for 25+ vehicle fleets. ” - Jennifer Solis, Transportation Underwriter
Commissions: “Agents that are directly appointed can collect the payment and remit the net amount due, thus retaining their commission. These are considered net agents. For those appointed with a group, the entire amount due is paid and the agent will get paid after the policy is paid in full. These are our gross agents. Both net and gross agents will sometimes have to do direct billing where the carrier must be paid directly and we receive commission only from the carrier and will pass it on to the agent. Net agents get paid on the 15th of each month and gross agents get paid by their group on a monthly basis as well. You can find this information in the quote packet.” - Mack Hone, CFO
Note: Our CEO’s Birthday is on Monday, March 30th and all he wants is binds.
Before we were using Zoom, CEO Martin Burlingame was connecting with his insureds via video quotes. #trendsetter