When a claim happens, your insurance company matters. 

When you really need them, will they answer the phone? Stand behind their promises? Reimburse you fairly?

Let’s make sure your policy is backed by the strength of excellent service, with a LOCAL name you trust.

Choosing the right insurance isn’t just about what’s on your policy… it’s about who’s behind it. Because when a claim happens, the paperwork fades, and all that’s left is the company’s ability, reputation, and willingness to follow through.

At The Ryan Agencies, we believe Insurance Protection You Can Rely On means having confidence not just in the coverage, but in the people and company who stand behind it.

The Real Test of Value: Claims

Most people don’t think much about their insurance company until something goes wrong. But that’s when everything hinges on one thing: claims service.

The best coverage in the world doesn’t matter if the carrier is slow to respond, difficult to reach, or unhelpful when you're stressed and vulnerable. That’s when the true difference between “cheap” and “reliable” becomes crystal clear.

We’ve seen it firsthand:

Multiple homeowners suffered storm damage from the same unfortunate event. Some insurance carriers responded with expediency and compassion. Others did not. Some of the insurance carriers provided coverage when the claim fell in a “gray area” of coverage. Others did not.

We’re sure the policies looked good on paper to those not in the know. But only some of the companies delivered.

Financial Strength: Can They Pay?

Insurance is a promise—a company saying, “If something bad happens, we’ve got your back.”

However, that promise only holds up if the company is financially strong enough to fulfill its obligations.

That’s why we pay close attention to financial ratings from trusted agencies like:

• AM Best
• Moody’s
• Standard & Poor’s

Companies with strong reserves and a long track record of claim-paying ability are built to last. Financial strength matters even more after major disasters, when weaker insurers may delay payments or, worse, fold under pressure.

A lower premium from a financially shaky carrier may seem tempting, but it’s not much of a deal if the check never comes.

What Reputation Really Tells You

An insurance company’s reputation is built over thousands of individual claims, and how they treat people in those moments tells you everything.

Watch out for:

• Patterns of poor service or hard-to-reach adjusters
• Surprise denials or “technicality” exclusions
• Low ratings on claims satisfaction
• A lack of flexibility or empathy when things go wrong

Your agent may also have insight that isn’t available online. At The Ryan Agencies, we only work with carriers we know and trust—companies that consistently follow through, not just look good in a brochure.

Company Structure Matters, Too

Who you buy from shapes how you’re treated:

• Captive carriers sell one company’s products and often push cookie-cutter solutions.
• Direct-to-consumer brands often rely on call centers and apps, providing limited personal support.
• Independent agency carriers (our model) give clients flexibility, choice, and access to personalized advice.

With an independent agent, you’re not locked into one carrier—you have options. And if your current carrier isn’t meeting expectations, you don’t have to start over.

We can help you make a smart switch.

SaveSmart = Value, Not Hype

It’s easy to be swayed by catchy jingles, talking cartoon characters, or wanna be comedians, but marketing doesn’t settle claims. Claims reps do.

Savesmart means digging deeper than the advertising to ask:

• Who’s going to be on the other end of the phone at 11 p.m. after an accident?
• Will this company stand behind me, or try to find a way out?
• Do they have the track record, financial stability, and local presence to deliver on their promises?

The difference between a claim going smoothly and going sideways often comes down to the company you chose weeks, months, or even years earlier.

Questions to Ask About Your Insurance Company



Not all carriers are created equal. Ask yourself:

• Is my insurance company known for providing fast and fair claims service?
• What’s their financial strength rating?
• Are they easy to reach and work with?
• Do I have an agent who knows how they operate, and who can advocate for me if something goes wrong?

If you’re unsure how your current carrier stacks up, we can help review the details.

Final Thought: The Right Coverage Needs the Right Company

You buy a policy. But what you really need is a partner. One who answers the phone, pays the claim, and helps you get back to normal without added stress.

At The Ryan Agencies, we carefully select and recommend companies that share our values and our commitment to the kind of Insurance Protection You Can Rely On.

Because the worst time to find out your insurance company can’t deliver... is when you already need them to.

Coming Up Next:

Part 6 – Advice, Advocacy, and Answers

We'll shift the focus to the relationship you have with your agent and why having someone in your corner makes all the difference in building, maintaining, and using your insurance coverage.

Together, let’s build value…

Call, visit, or see RyanAgency.com for Insurance Protection You Can Rely On.