Robert Cox brings a unique blend of care, attentiveness, and dedication to his role as an insurance agent at HD Mutual Insurance.
With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Robert understands the importance of taking care of his clients. Robert says, “I believe it’s important to value and care for my clients, who are individuals with unique needs and concerns. It’s about building trust and relationships.”
A wake-up call
This summer’s wild weather in Southern Ontario has underscored the need to have adequate flood insurance. Torrential rains flooded basements and left a trail of destruction for many property owners.
Robert says, “The recent floods revealed that many people did not have coverage for flooding and now they’re left with huge repair bills.” Being covered with adequate insurance can save not just money, but the emotional toll of unexpected water and sewage damage.
Protection against mother nature
In Canada, insurance coverage is available for acts of nature. Robert says, “Unlike the U.S, we don’t get a lot of tornados, hurricanes, and damaging winds, but when we do see it, we need to be covered.”
Flooding coverage is not part of comprehensive home insurance in Ontario, it’s an additional cost. Robert points out, “Flooding coverage can be complex because there are many different options available. It’s best to have conversation with your insurance agent. It’s important to review your coverage each year to ensure there is no change.”
Protecting people with information
Many people whose properties were damaged by flooding did not have coverage or they had the wrong coverage. There’s a big difference between a flood and a backup or overland water and surface water.
Robert Cox ensures his clients are informed, supported, and secure in knowing they have the right coverage. He says, “My goal is to ensure my clients are not only covered, but also well-informed about their risks and options.” For example, if you don’t have a finished basement, you shouldn’t be paying for the repairs of a finished basement. Insurance is meant to bring you back to the same position you were in before the loss. We would clean up any sewage mess or any damage or if your furnace or hot water tank are under water.” These issues are part of the discussions that Robert would have with potential clients.
Asking the right questions
Asking clients the right questions is vitally important. Robert says, “Maybe they have a wine cellar downstairs that is not properly insured. With just one question we can learn more information. We spend a lot of time with prospective clients learning about their needs. Because we are a local mutual insurance company, we take extra time and care, to ensure our clients understand that insurance coverage isn’t all the same.”
Renters also are asked if they have content insurance to protect their assets in case of a fire or a flood. Robert points out, “If they have auto insurance, we offer discounts for bundling auto and tenant insurance.”
Filling in the gaps
Flood damage can turn lives upside down, with repairs often costing a small fortune. People need to understand the risk of not having the added coverage. Robert stresses, “Adding the right amount of coverage could protect you from that expensive basement cleanup. When you’re calling a cleanup company at 2am on a Saturday, it can get expensive. Those companies charge per hour, and they charge premiums to be called right away. When you’re in a panic, you need them there. To find out that you’re not covered is a big shock to people.” When offering quotes, HD Mutual Insurance includes coverage that people should have.
Robert understands the need for sufficient commercial insurance as well. He says, “I understand what protection people need, whether they’re a start-up or a century-old business run by 4th generation family members.”
Many businesses are underinsured in terms of contents. A retailer often carries more stpck during the Christmas period. Robert says, “It comes back to understanding our clientele and spending time with them. We review each clients needs, case by case, which takes longer, but at the end of the day we know that people are covered, which is important.
Offering exceptional service
HD Mutual Insurance is a merger between Hallwell Mutual in Guelph and Dumfries Mutual in Sheffield. It has been a trusted name in the mutual insurance business for 160 years. Robert Cox says, “We treat every client like family. As people need insurance, they’re not calling a 1-800 number. If they have a claim they do not have to wait on hold. If they need answers or something comes up, they call us directly.”
HD Mutual Insurance handles every claim in-house. Once a client is assigned a claims representative, that person will stay with them from the beginning to the end. Their claims specialists are local, they understand the issues, and they’re passionate about their job. Robert says, “There are two things on which people rate their insurance providers, price and quality of their claim experience. We often gain clients after they’ve had a poor experience with a claim with another company.”
Mutual insurance companies and their agents are involved in their communities. They support the people who support them. HD Mutual donates directly back to the local community.
Robert belongs to the Rotary Club of Cambridge. He has 2 young children and when not serving clients, he’s involved in youth sports and coaching. He also plays baseball in Flamborough.
By taking a proactive approach, Robert Cox allows clients to rest easy because peace of mind is just a phone call away. He goes above and beyond to help people. Robert says, “I believe the service aspect is extremely important. I will ensure that the right coverage is in place at the right time to protect them against life’s uncertainties.”
Contact HD Mutual Insurance Agent Robert Cox at (519) 591-7471, via email at [email protected] or online here.
