Hoffman Insurance builds business by fostering relationships

By Gretchen Sauerman

Staff writer

MELBOURNE - The worst time to find out an insurance policy is inadequate is after a catastrophe.

That's what Bill Hoffman Jr., of Hoffman and Associates Insurance company, said.

"When someone says they're saving money somewhere else, we know they're not getting the same coverage," said Mr. Hoffman.

Mr. Hoffman and his fellow agents have built a strong reputation by evaluating each customer's needs individually, coming up with the optimal solution for the best price.

The worst words a customer can hear after filing a claim are "your policy doesn't cover you for that," said agent Audrey Sheekey, who specializes in commercial insurance coverage.

Agents at Hoffman and Associates take the time to discuss their coverage limitations.

"We want to make sure the person knows everything about that policy," said agent James "Reid" Jones.

As an independent agency, Hoffman agents are able to research thousands of different policies and carriers before coming up with recommendations.

"I'll shop around," said Mr. Jones. "(For someone who has trouble getting coverage) I'll find out if there are companies out there that will cover pre-existing conditions."

The personal touch, combined with the variety of carriers available, make Hoffman and Associates a one-stop-shop for all insurance needs.

Each of the seven agents specializes in niche areas, so the team can find the best solutions for home, auto, life, health and commercial coverage.

As a general agent for Delta Dental, Mr. Jones said he can find his clients policies similar to the ones offered to employees of many local governments and large businesses, even if the business has only five employees.

Automobile coverage is often lacking for most drivers, said agent Heidi Holbert.

Low-cost policies that offer only $10,000 per person or $20,000 per accident may meet the letter of the law, but will be inadequate for all but minor fender-benders, she said.

"An ambulance ride can be almost half of that (amount)," said agent Mike Hoats.

While health and auto insurance issues make a lot of national headlines, many Brevard County residents are more concerned with homeowners insurance, specifically flood and windstorm coverage, said agent Bob Hoffman.

Agents are willing to sit with homeowners to discuss myths and facts of FEMA coverage after a storm.

"There's no guarantee the federal government will step in and declare (your area) a disaster area," said Bill Hoffman.

There are many misconceptions about flood insurance, said Ms. Sheekey.

"People are under the assumption they're not in a flood zone," she said. "For peace of mind, they should get a quote."

Experienced agents with strong ties to the community distinguish Hoffman and Associates from the competition.

The Hoffmans' father, Bill Sr., started working in the business in 1964.

"We're all pretty much born and raised in Brevard County," said Mr. Jones. "If you want someone who can help you on rainy days and sunny days, few people have a reputation like the Hoffmans."

Hoffman and Associates is located across from the Home Depot at 5005 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne.

For information, or to get a quote, call (321) 751-2511 or visit www.hoffmaninsurancecompany.com.

Taken from http://www.myhometownnews.net/index.php?id=49414.

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