Venice, FL – November 10, 2008 – 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, recently unveiled an updated version of their instant quote, which is available on-line at www.FAST234.com.
The updated instant quote features a multiple vehicle quote option that calculates the monthly premiums for all vehicles quoted. Prior to this feature, an owner operator could only get one quote at a time. “Owner operators often have more than one vehicle that needs truck insurance; that’s where the multiple quote capability comes into play. It makes it more efficient for the owner operator,” remarked Daniel Ribar, Chief Information Officer for 1st Guard®. A savings calculator appears once a quote is complete. The savings calculator allows the owner operator to enter his current physical damage premium for the week, month or year and then compare it to the quoted 1st Guard® premium. Typically, 1st Guard® can usually save owner operators a truckload.
Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation and First Guard Insurance Company, stated “Being a direct-writer enables us to provide instant quotes with very minimal truck information. We make purchasing truck insurance fast and hassle-free by eliminating the middleman and passing along the cost-savings to the owner operator.”
1st Guard® is the only truck insurer that offers a truly instant and anonymous truck insurance quote on-line as well as over the phone.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Towing Included in a First Guard Physical Damage Policy
Venice, FL – October 15, 2008 – Truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company offers a comprehensive physical damage policy for lease owner operators that includes all towing expenses incurred from a covered accident to the nearest repair facility. Additionally, First Guard has no limit or “cap” associated with towing expenses. “Increasingly, our competitors are placing limits on towing costs or charging extra premium for a towing endorsement,” stated Donna Fortuna, President of First Guard Insurance Company. “Unfortunately, by the time owner operators get around to reading the small print, they’re already looking at towing bills that can run thousands of dollars,” added Fortuna.
With a First Guard physical damage policy, lease owner operators do not have to worry about towing co-insurance costs once they meet their deductible. Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company believes every consumer should review their insurance policies to find out exactly what is covered. “In today’s environment, it is extremely important to know what you are getting for your money At First Guard we offer excellent coverage at a cost-savings price for lease owner operators,” said Campbell.
With a First Guard physical damage policy, lease owner operators do not have to worry about towing co-insurance costs once they meet their deductible. Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company believes every consumer should review their insurance policies to find out exactly what is covered. “In today’s environment, it is extremely important to know what you are getting for your money At First Guard we offer excellent coverage at a cost-savings price for lease owner operators,” said Campbell.
Monday, October 6, 2008
First Guard Insurance Company Reports Record 3rd Quarter Earnings
Venice, FL – October 6, 2008 – First Guard Insurance Company, a specialty truck physical damage insurer for long haul truckers, announced record results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2008. Earnings exceeded last year’s record 3rd quarter by over 10%.
Ed Campbell, III, First Guard’s chairman said, “We continue to refine our underwriting and data mining techniques to good effect. We’re now achieving these outstanding underwriting results while concurrently leading the way in offering competitive insurance rates to truckers. Our direct writing formula has given us a tremendous cost and logistical advantage.”
“The trucking industry of course continues to face very challenging times as does the entire economy,” Campbell added. ‘While we have always emphasized underwriting profitability over growth, our investments in marketing and brand development have positioned us for expansion as well, particularly when the freight environment for truckers improves.”
On a related note, Campbell mentioned that First Guard Insurance Company has never owned any mortgaged backed securities and that its investment portfolio consists entirely of AAA and AA rated bonds.
Ed Campbell, III, First Guard’s chairman said, “We continue to refine our underwriting and data mining techniques to good effect. We’re now achieving these outstanding underwriting results while concurrently leading the way in offering competitive insurance rates to truckers. Our direct writing formula has given us a tremendous cost and logistical advantage.”
“The trucking industry of course continues to face very challenging times as does the entire economy,” Campbell added. ‘While we have always emphasized underwriting profitability over growth, our investments in marketing and brand development have positioned us for expansion as well, particularly when the freight environment for truckers improves.”
On a related note, Campbell mentioned that First Guard Insurance Company has never owned any mortgaged backed securities and that its investment portfolio consists entirely of AAA and AA rated bonds.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
First Guard Insurance Company Insures High Value Equipment
Venice, FL – October 1, 2008 – First Guard Insurance Company, one of the nation’s premiere physical damage truck insurance companies for commercial (Class 8) vehicles, now has the capability of underwriting and insuring high value tractors. A high value tractor is considered a tractor with a custom size sleeper over 100 inches. “We've modified out rating methodologies and reinsurance structure to accommodate high value tractor trailer combinations up to $300,000,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Unlike our competitors, we are a direct-writer for physical damage insurance. This enables us to cater to the growing need of insuring super size rigs and offering rates owner operators can feasibly afford,” added Campbell. “There are not many truck insurance companies out there that will insure tractors of such monetary value, and if they do, they’ll charge the owner operator an outrageous premium. At First Guard, we’re all about helping owner operators save money,” remarked Campbell.
First Guard offers fast, simple and hassle-free quotes over the phone or on the Internet. Call 866-FAST234 to speak with a customer service representative. Or, go online to http://www.fast234.com/. First Guard Insurance Company is currently the only truck specialty insurer in the country that does not market through independent insurance agents.
First Guard offers fast, simple and hassle-free quotes over the phone or on the Internet. Call 866-FAST234 to speak with a customer service representative. Or, go online to http://www.fast234.com/. First Guard Insurance Company is currently the only truck specialty insurer in the country that does not market through independent insurance agents.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
First Guard Insurance Company “A” Rating Reaffirmed by A.M. Best
September 16, 2008 - Venice, FL – First Guard Insurance Company, one of the nation’s premiere truck physical damage insurance companies for commercial (Class 8) vehicles, announced today that A.M. Best Company has affirmed its financial strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable rating outlook. In 2004, First Guard received an upgrade in rating to “A” and since then has been able to maintain this solid rating. A.M. Best expects First Guard’s excellent capitalization and operating performance to continue in the medium term.
For the latest ratings, access www.ambest.com.
“Our excellent underwriting and tight-run operations have helped secure our position in the truck physical damage market and as an insurance company on the whole,” remarked Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Because of our niche market (lease owner-operators) we need to execute well on all levels to deliver superior service to our customers,” added Campbell.
First Guard sets itself apart from its competitors by leveraging technology to provide quick and efficient policy-issuance, billing and claim handling service. Additionally, First Guard relocated the company’s claims operations to the home office location in 2007.
First Guard Insurance Company began operations as a reinsurer in 1997. It started writing truck physical damage insurance directly in 2003. Presently the company holds licenses in twenty-five states. First Guard Insurance Company is the only truck specialty insurer in the country that does not market through independent insurance agents.
For the latest ratings, access www.ambest.com.
“Our excellent underwriting and tight-run operations have helped secure our position in the truck physical damage market and as an insurance company on the whole,” remarked Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Because of our niche market (lease owner-operators) we need to execute well on all levels to deliver superior service to our customers,” added Campbell.
First Guard sets itself apart from its competitors by leveraging technology to provide quick and efficient policy-issuance, billing and claim handling service. Additionally, First Guard relocated the company’s claims operations to the home office location in 2007.
First Guard Insurance Company began operations as a reinsurer in 1997. It started writing truck physical damage insurance directly in 2003. Presently the company holds licenses in twenty-five states. First Guard Insurance Company is the only truck specialty insurer in the country that does not market through independent insurance agents.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
1st Guard® Aims for Quality at the Great American Trucking Show
Venice, FL – August 27, 2008 – 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, recently exhibited at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas at the Dallas Convention Center from August 21st – August 23rd, 2008. Several 1st Guard® staff members worked the booth consecutively over the three-day event.
“In past years, our goal was to get as many physical damage quotes as possible; however, we re-directed our thought-process this year and focused on quality over quantity,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation and also a participant at the 1st Guard® booth. “The change in direction allowed for more meaningful conversations with potential customers, which is exactly what we were aiming for. At the end of the day, our story resonated very well with the lease operators and our approach deemed successful for 1st Guard®,” added Campbell.
Beyond the implementation of a new sales approach at this truck show, 1st Guard® also hosted a sell-out breakfast with Bill Mack, a popular radio personality on XM satellite radio trucking channel The Open Road (Channel 171), the morning of Friday, August 22nd. Bill Mack “This past March, we hosted the first breakfast with Bill Mack at the truck show in Louisville. We had a great turnout and rave reviews, so without hesitation, we decided to bring the breakfast to Dallas,” remarked Courtney Wilson, Marketing Director for 1st Guard Corporation and also event coordinator for the breakfast. “There is no doubt that the breakfast with Bill Mack has become an event to attend amongst the owner operator community,” commented Wilson.
Unlike their competitors, 1st Guard® is a direct-writer for physical damage insurance which is placed through their affiliate, First Guard Insurance Company, rated “A” by AM Best. Being a direct-writer enables 1st Guard® to provide fast, efficient and anonymous “on the spot” quotes.
“In past years, our goal was to get as many physical damage quotes as possible; however, we re-directed our thought-process this year and focused on quality over quantity,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation and also a participant at the 1st Guard® booth. “The change in direction allowed for more meaningful conversations with potential customers, which is exactly what we were aiming for. At the end of the day, our story resonated very well with the lease operators and our approach deemed successful for 1st Guard®,” added Campbell.
Beyond the implementation of a new sales approach at this truck show, 1st Guard® also hosted a sell-out breakfast with Bill Mack, a popular radio personality on XM satellite radio trucking channel The Open Road (Channel 171), the morning of Friday, August 22nd. Bill Mack “This past March, we hosted the first breakfast with Bill Mack at the truck show in Louisville. We had a great turnout and rave reviews, so without hesitation, we decided to bring the breakfast to Dallas,” remarked Courtney Wilson, Marketing Director for 1st Guard Corporation and also event coordinator for the breakfast. “There is no doubt that the breakfast with Bill Mack has become an event to attend amongst the owner operator community,” commented Wilson.
Unlike their competitors, 1st Guard® is a direct-writer for physical damage insurance which is placed through their affiliate, First Guard Insurance Company, rated “A” by AM Best. Being a direct-writer enables 1st Guard® to provide fast, efficient and anonymous “on the spot” quotes.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Have Breakfast with Bill Mack at the Great American Trucking Show
August 7, 2008 – Venice, Florida - 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in truck insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier, announced today they are hosting a breakfast with Bill Mack at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas. This is 1st Guard’s® second breakfast with Bill Mack this year.
“We held the first breakfast with Bill Mack at the truck show in Louisville in March,” stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard Corporation. “The event was fun, the food was great and everyone had a good time. Because we had such an overwhelming response at that breakfast, by popular demand we decided to bring the breakfast to Dallas,” added Wilson.
The breakfast is complimentary and will be held at the Dallas Convention Center on Friday, August 22nnd from 8:00 am to 10:00 am in room D174, located on the ground level of the convention center (just below the registration lobby). The breakfast is open to lease operators and their immediate family members. Those planning on attending the breakfast do not have to be a customer of 1st Guard®.
The breakfast is based on a first come first serve basis; however, reservations are encouraged due to limited space. For advanced reservations call 1st Guard® directly at 866-FAST234. 1st Guard Corporation will be exhibiting at booth #13039 all three days of the show, August 21st – 23rd. Make sure to stop by their booth for an instant, customized truck insurance quote.
“We held the first breakfast with Bill Mack at the truck show in Louisville in March,” stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard Corporation. “The event was fun, the food was great and everyone had a good time. Because we had such an overwhelming response at that breakfast, by popular demand we decided to bring the breakfast to Dallas,” added Wilson.
The breakfast is complimentary and will be held at the Dallas Convention Center on Friday, August 22nnd from 8:00 am to 10:00 am in room D174, located on the ground level of the convention center (just below the registration lobby). The breakfast is open to lease operators and their immediate family members. Those planning on attending the breakfast do not have to be a customer of 1st Guard®.
The breakfast is based on a first come first serve basis; however, reservations are encouraged due to limited space. For advanced reservations call 1st Guard® directly at 866-FAST234. 1st Guard Corporation will be exhibiting at booth #13039 all three days of the show, August 21st – 23rd. Make sure to stop by their booth for an instant, customized truck insurance quote.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
New Software for 1st Guard® Improves In-Bound Call Capacity by 25%
Venice, Florida - July 22, 2008 - 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, announced today that their inbound call handling capacity has increased 25% due to the implementation of ATHIA, a software program developed internally by 1st Guard® personnel.
ATHIA’s comprehensive navigation tools has shortened the time it takes to deliver a quote, thus improving the productivity of customer service and increasing inbound call capacity. “We’ve compiled and compressed the required information into only a few screens, eliminating the hunt for information that would typically consume a lot of time when an insured calls,” stated Dan Ribar, Chief Information Officer for 1st Guard Corporation. “In one instance we reduced the customer service agent screens from 17 to 3 – now that’s how you increase efficiency and help more people,” added Ribar.
More importantly, the efficiency and effectiveness of ATHIA has allowed 1st Guard® to handle more inbound calls without adding to staff, a significant accomplishment in today’s economy. “This important breakthrough gives 1st Guard® an added cost advantage that ultimately sets the stage for future growth, and helps assure that our trucker customers will continue to enjoy competitive premiums,” remarked Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation.
ATHIA, which stands for Applied Technology for Higher Intelligence and Automation, was launched June 1st, 2008.
About 1st Guard Corporation
1st Guard Corporation is a leading truck insurance firm providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators and small fleet owners. First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, is a direct-writer for truck physical damage insurance and an affiliate of 1st Guard Corporation based out of Venice, Florida.
ATHIA’s comprehensive navigation tools has shortened the time it takes to deliver a quote, thus improving the productivity of customer service and increasing inbound call capacity. “We’ve compiled and compressed the required information into only a few screens, eliminating the hunt for information that would typically consume a lot of time when an insured calls,” stated Dan Ribar, Chief Information Officer for 1st Guard Corporation. “In one instance we reduced the customer service agent screens from 17 to 3 – now that’s how you increase efficiency and help more people,” added Ribar.
More importantly, the efficiency and effectiveness of ATHIA has allowed 1st Guard® to handle more inbound calls without adding to staff, a significant accomplishment in today’s economy. “This important breakthrough gives 1st Guard® an added cost advantage that ultimately sets the stage for future growth, and helps assure that our trucker customers will continue to enjoy competitive premiums,” remarked Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation.
ATHIA, which stands for Applied Technology for Higher Intelligence and Automation, was launched June 1st, 2008.
About 1st Guard Corporation
1st Guard Corporation is a leading truck insurance firm providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators and small fleet owners. First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, is a direct-writer for truck physical damage insurance and an affiliate of 1st Guard Corporation based out of Venice, Florida.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Another Perfect Year of 100% Customer Satisfaction for 1st Guard®
June 17, 2008 - Venice, Florida – 1st Guard Corporation, the leader in truck physical damage insurance for lease operators, announced today they are celebrating another perfect year of customer satisfaction. They have received nothing less than 100% from their new and existing customers.
These surveys are sent at random to 1st Guard® customers. Whether a new customer is activating coverage or an existing customer is making changes to a policy, they are automatically qualified to potentially receive a customer satisfaction survey. The format of the survey is short and concise, which helps increase the overall response rate. The questions asked on the survey cover five distinct areas of customer service:
1. Knowledgeable
2. Friendly
3. Fast & Efficient
4. Pleasant Experience
5. Highly Recommendable
“1st Guard® takes great pride in ensuring every experience is a positive one for our customers, both new and existing", stated Clinton Thornton, Director of Client Services for 1st Guard Corporation. “Our surveys are essential to the ongoing development of our customer service call center. The feedback helps us focus on any areas of improvement that may need to be addressed and continue to reinforce areas of strength. We take the response received from our surveys very seriously”, added Thornton.
The inception of the customer satisfaction surveys began in January 2007.
These surveys are sent at random to 1st Guard® customers. Whether a new customer is activating coverage or an existing customer is making changes to a policy, they are automatically qualified to potentially receive a customer satisfaction survey. The format of the survey is short and concise, which helps increase the overall response rate. The questions asked on the survey cover five distinct areas of customer service:
1. Knowledgeable
2. Friendly
3. Fast & Efficient
4. Pleasant Experience
5. Highly Recommendable
“1st Guard® takes great pride in ensuring every experience is a positive one for our customers, both new and existing", stated Clinton Thornton, Director of Client Services for 1st Guard Corporation. “Our surveys are essential to the ongoing development of our customer service call center. The feedback helps us focus on any areas of improvement that may need to be addressed and continue to reinforce areas of strength. We take the response received from our surveys very seriously”, added Thornton.
The inception of the customer satisfaction surveys began in January 2007.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
1st Guard Corporation Launches New Software Program to Enhance Efficiency
Venice, Florida – June 2, 2008 – 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in truck insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier, announced today that they have launched and successfully converted to a new software program. The software program, notably referred to as ATHIA, stands for Applied Technology for Higher Intelligence and Automation. This project has taken over two years to complete by 1st Guard® personnel. ATHIA is unique to 1st Guard® and tailored to the truck insurance industry.
“The reason why we [1st Guard®] undertook such a huge project was because we wanted to enhance our efficiency and productivity in the office which translates into better customer service for current and potential customers,” stated Daniel Ribar, Chief Information Officer at 1st Guard® and project manager of ATHIA. “Technology can either slow you down or speed you up depending on how well you apply it,” added Ribar, “and at 1st Guard® we are all about automation through applied technology.”
ATHIA is a next generation web application that encompasses all aspects of the [truck insurance] business. Available from any Internet connection, ATHIA transcends typical business systems by applying complex automation. 1st Guard® is well known in the truck insurance industry as the fastest truck insurance on the road and now, with ATHIA in place, 1st Guard® will be even faster than before.
Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation and First Guard Insurance Company, summed it up by saying “We’ve had a leg up on our competitors for quite some time but with the launch of ATHIA, we will blow them out of the water. Everyone will benefit from the ingenious behind this software.”
“The reason why we [1st Guard®] undertook such a huge project was because we wanted to enhance our efficiency and productivity in the office which translates into better customer service for current and potential customers,” stated Daniel Ribar, Chief Information Officer at 1st Guard® and project manager of ATHIA. “Technology can either slow you down or speed you up depending on how well you apply it,” added Ribar, “and at 1st Guard® we are all about automation through applied technology.”
ATHIA is a next generation web application that encompasses all aspects of the [truck insurance] business. Available from any Internet connection, ATHIA transcends typical business systems by applying complex automation. 1st Guard® is well known in the truck insurance industry as the fastest truck insurance on the road and now, with ATHIA in place, 1st Guard® will be even faster than before.
Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation and First Guard Insurance Company, summed it up by saying “We’ve had a leg up on our competitors for quite some time but with the launch of ATHIA, we will blow them out of the water. Everyone will benefit from the ingenious behind this software.”
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
First Guard Insurance Company Reduces Driver Error Claims By 25%
Venice, FL - May 27th, 2008 - Truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company announced today that it has reduced driver error claims by 25% as a result of better underwriting.
After observing an upward spike in claims during the forth quarter of 2007, First Guard decided to focus attention on specifically reducing the number of claims attributable to driver error. These types of claims average over $10,000 per incident. Among other measures, the company performed an extensive review of its claim and underwriting databases. This data mining effort revealed a variety of discernible findings seemingly common to most claims involving driver error. For First Guard it then became a matter of re-working its underwriting formula to better address these themes. "We always prefer underwriting solutions to rate increases. It's better for our customers," stated Donna Fortuna, the President of First Guard Insurance Company, "obviously a reduction of this size has a very positive impact on the bottom line that will help assure our competitive position in the market."
The truck insurance business is characterized by extreme pricing cycles. Presently premiums remain near historic lows. First Guard enjoys unique standing as one of the most competitive and profitable companies in this segment. Despite the soft market the company recorded its highest underwriting profit ever in April 2008.
About First Guard Insurance Company
First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, provides truck physical damage insurance for owner operators and small fleet owners. The company is located in Venice, Florida.
After observing an upward spike in claims during the forth quarter of 2007, First Guard decided to focus attention on specifically reducing the number of claims attributable to driver error. These types of claims average over $10,000 per incident. Among other measures, the company performed an extensive review of its claim and underwriting databases. This data mining effort revealed a variety of discernible findings seemingly common to most claims involving driver error. For First Guard it then became a matter of re-working its underwriting formula to better address these themes. "We always prefer underwriting solutions to rate increases. It's better for our customers," stated Donna Fortuna, the President of First Guard Insurance Company, "obviously a reduction of this size has a very positive impact on the bottom line that will help assure our competitive position in the market."
The truck insurance business is characterized by extreme pricing cycles. Presently premiums remain near historic lows. First Guard enjoys unique standing as one of the most competitive and profitable companies in this segment. Despite the soft market the company recorded its highest underwriting profit ever in April 2008.
About First Guard Insurance Company
First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, provides truck physical damage insurance for owner operators and small fleet owners. The company is located in Venice, Florida.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
1st Guard Corporation Shines among the Lease Operators at the Mid America Trucking Show
Venice, Florida - April 2nd, 2008 - 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, announced today they had another successful truck show. This year marked the 37th annual Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, the largest truck show in the United States.
Courtney Wilson, 1st Guard’s® Director of Marketing and also a participant at the booth stated “The show was a hit for us. Despite high fuel costs and freight shortage, attendees were plentiful and our booth had a constant flow of traffic. The condition of the economy did not seem to be a significant talking point with our customer base,” added Wilson. “Rather, it was just something we all would have to overcome.”
1st Guard's® booth design enabled leased owner operators to receive physical damage quotes on the spot. The only information required for a quote was the state of residence, the year and make of the tractor/trailer, and the type of tractor/trailer. There were no other insurance vendors at the truck show who could provide such accurate information. Unlike their competitors, 1st Guard® is a direct-writer for physical damage insurance, placing coverage with their affiliate, First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best.
Besides the daily truck show regimen, 1st Guard® hosted a breakfast with Bill Mack for leased owner operators and their immediate family members. Bill Mack is a well-known radio personality in the trucking industry and has his own show on the Open Road channel (171) on XM satellite radio. “The breakfast allowed current 1st Guard® customers and potential customers to mingle amongst themselves and enjoy a wholesome breakfast at the same time,” noted Wilson. “There is no doubt 1st Guard® will be hosting more breakfasts with Bill Mack in the future. It was a tremendous success for us,” added Wilson. Bill Mack has a huge fan base in the trucking industry and his popularity has helped solidify 1st Guard’s® presence in the leased owner operator community. For the past several years, Bill Mack has produced commercials for 1st Guard Corporation.
Courtney Wilson was joined by Dan Ribar, Chief Information Officer, Dale Pikula, Network Administrator and Ed Campbell, III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. It was noteworthy that of all the insurance vendors exhibiting at the show only 1st Guard® sent a team of top executives.
Courtney Wilson, 1st Guard’s® Director of Marketing and also a participant at the booth stated “The show was a hit for us. Despite high fuel costs and freight shortage, attendees were plentiful and our booth had a constant flow of traffic. The condition of the economy did not seem to be a significant talking point with our customer base,” added Wilson. “Rather, it was just something we all would have to overcome.”
1st Guard's® booth design enabled leased owner operators to receive physical damage quotes on the spot. The only information required for a quote was the state of residence, the year and make of the tractor/trailer, and the type of tractor/trailer. There were no other insurance vendors at the truck show who could provide such accurate information. Unlike their competitors, 1st Guard® is a direct-writer for physical damage insurance, placing coverage with their affiliate, First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best.
Besides the daily truck show regimen, 1st Guard® hosted a breakfast with Bill Mack for leased owner operators and their immediate family members. Bill Mack is a well-known radio personality in the trucking industry and has his own show on the Open Road channel (171) on XM satellite radio. “The breakfast allowed current 1st Guard® customers and potential customers to mingle amongst themselves and enjoy a wholesome breakfast at the same time,” noted Wilson. “There is no doubt 1st Guard® will be hosting more breakfasts with Bill Mack in the future. It was a tremendous success for us,” added Wilson. Bill Mack has a huge fan base in the trucking industry and his popularity has helped solidify 1st Guard’s® presence in the leased owner operator community. For the past several years, Bill Mack has produced commercials for 1st Guard Corporation.
Courtney Wilson was joined by Dan Ribar, Chief Information Officer, Dale Pikula, Network Administrator and Ed Campbell, III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. It was noteworthy that of all the insurance vendors exhibiting at the show only 1st Guard® sent a team of top executives.
Monday, March 10, 2008
1st Guard® Hosts Breakfast with Bill Mack at the Mid America Trucking Show
March 10, 2008 – Venice, Florida - 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in truck insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier, announced today that they hosting a breakfast with Bill Mack at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky at the end of this month. The breakfast is complimentary and will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center on Friday, March 28th at 8:00 am in room C104, located in the South Wing hall. The breakfast is open to lease operators and their immediate family members. Those planning on attending the breakfast do not have to be a customer of 1st Guard®. The only qualification is you must be leased on to a trucking company.
“This event is the first of its kind and we expect a good turnout,” stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard Corporation. “Over the years, we have developed a strong friendship with Bill Mack and what better way to bring the XM Satellite Cowboy to our target audience than to host an event at the largest truck show in the world,” added Wilson.
The complimentary breakfast is based on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited so it is important to arrive at the Kentucky Exposition Center is a timely manner. To reserve a spot in advance for the Breakfast with Bill Mack, call 1st Guard® directly at 866-FAST234.
1st Guard Corporation will be exhibiting at the truck show all three days, March 27th – 29th. Make sure to stop by their booth, #62144 in the West Wing, for a customized truck insurance quote.
“This event is the first of its kind and we expect a good turnout,” stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard Corporation. “Over the years, we have developed a strong friendship with Bill Mack and what better way to bring the XM Satellite Cowboy to our target audience than to host an event at the largest truck show in the world,” added Wilson.
The complimentary breakfast is based on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited so it is important to arrive at the Kentucky Exposition Center is a timely manner. To reserve a spot in advance for the Breakfast with Bill Mack, call 1st Guard® directly at 866-FAST234.
1st Guard Corporation will be exhibiting at the truck show all three days, March 27th – 29th. Make sure to stop by their booth, #62144 in the West Wing, for a customized truck insurance quote.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
First Guard Insurance Company Awards Baggett Transportation Company Fleet of the Year
Venice, Florida – January 9, 2008 – First Guard Insurance Company announced today that Baggett Transportation Company, a general freight transportation company located in Birmingham, Alabama, has won the “Fleet of the Year Award” for 2007. This is the first time Baggett Transportation has won this prestigious award.
The “Fleet of the Year” award is presented once a year to the trucking company with the lowest physical damage loss ratio. The purpose of the award is to promote safety and efficiency amongst trucking companies and their owner operators.
“Winning Fleet of the Year is a noteworthy award for any trucking company,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “This award goes beyond achieving the lowest physical damage loss ratio. It really boils down to the structure and implementation the trucking company takes in regards to safety and compliance. Baggett Transportation deserves this award because of their strong safety measures and quality drivers,” added Campbell.
Baggett Transportation Company got its start in 1928, specializing in hauling dynamite to local coal mines in Birmingham, Alabama. Not too long after, a world war broke out and Baggett Transportation was summoned by the Department of War (Defense) to haul munitions due to its experience hauling dynamite. Baggett Transportation still remains a major hauler for the Department of Defense today.
About Baggett Transportation Company
Baggett Transportation is located in Birmingham, Alabama and hauls explosives for the Department of Defense. They also have a less-than-truckload division that hauls a variety of general commodities within the state of Alabama and other Southeastern states.
The “Fleet of the Year” award is presented once a year to the trucking company with the lowest physical damage loss ratio. The purpose of the award is to promote safety and efficiency amongst trucking companies and their owner operators.
“Winning Fleet of the Year is a noteworthy award for any trucking company,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “This award goes beyond achieving the lowest physical damage loss ratio. It really boils down to the structure and implementation the trucking company takes in regards to safety and compliance. Baggett Transportation deserves this award because of their strong safety measures and quality drivers,” added Campbell.
Baggett Transportation Company got its start in 1928, specializing in hauling dynamite to local coal mines in Birmingham, Alabama. Not too long after, a world war broke out and Baggett Transportation was summoned by the Department of War (Defense) to haul munitions due to its experience hauling dynamite. Baggett Transportation still remains a major hauler for the Department of Defense today.
About Baggett Transportation Company
Baggett Transportation is located in Birmingham, Alabama and hauls explosives for the Department of Defense. They also have a less-than-truckload division that hauls a variety of general commodities within the state of Alabama and other Southeastern states.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Claims Division of First Guard Insurance Company Now Under One Roof
Venice, Florida (January 3, 2008) – First Guard Insurance Company (FGIC), one of the nation’s premiere physical damage truck insurance companies for commercial (Class 8) vehicles,
recently relocated their claims office to their Venice, Florida home office. Both the insurance company and the claims division now reside in the same building. “For many years we used 1st Guard Adjustment Company out of Sterling Heights, Michigan to handle all 1st Guard® claims,” remarked Donna Fortuna, President of First Guard Insurance Company. “But First Guard Insurance Company has grown to the point where it strategically made sense to have underwriting and claims in one location,” added Fortuna.
“We are a progressive company and this is the right move at the right time,” added Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Having the two power-houses of our company under one roof is advantageous for our customers because they are dealing directly with the insurance company and not the typical insurance agent. When our customers have questions, we have the answers.”
First Guard Insurance Company does not broker through agents but rather deals directly with the owner operator. By cutting out the middle-man they are able to pass on cost-savings to their customers. FGIC specializes in truck physical damage insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier.
recently relocated their claims office to their Venice, Florida home office. Both the insurance company and the claims division now reside in the same building. “For many years we used 1st Guard Adjustment Company out of Sterling Heights, Michigan to handle all 1st Guard® claims,” remarked Donna Fortuna, President of First Guard Insurance Company. “But First Guard Insurance Company has grown to the point where it strategically made sense to have underwriting and claims in one location,” added Fortuna.
“We are a progressive company and this is the right move at the right time,” added Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Having the two power-houses of our company under one roof is advantageous for our customers because they are dealing directly with the insurance company and not the typical insurance agent. When our customers have questions, we have the answers.”
First Guard Insurance Company does not broker through agents but rather deals directly with the owner operator. By cutting out the middle-man they are able to pass on cost-savings to their customers. FGIC specializes in truck physical damage insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
1st Guard® Announces Concierge Style Loyalty Program For Truckers
January 2, 2008 – Venice, Florida - 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in truck insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier, announced today that they are launching a customer loyalty program for their most prestigious group of customers. The program is called the Class 8 Elite. Class 8 signifies the type of vehicle (tractor trailer) 1st Guard® insures.
“We are launching the first elite customer program in the insurance industry similar to the elite status that hotels and airlines confer on their best customers,” stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Corporate Communications for 1st Guard Corporation. “The goal is to recognize our best customers and support them with a concierge style experience.” added Wilson.
Class 8 Elite members will enjoy an array of perks that will enhance their experience as a 1st Guard® customer. Some of the more notable benefits include a special customer service number that guarantees their call will be answered first, VIP tickets to select truck shows, invitations to all 1st Guard® special events and access to 1st Guard’s® top executives via telephone or e-mail. “As the program grows in the number of members we anticipate the expansion of benefits as well,” commented Wilson.
“We are excited about the launch of the Class 8 Elite loyalty program,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. “We have always been on the cutting edge in the truck insurance industry,” added Campbell.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)