Five Questions with Allstate Insurance Agent Ray Eady

Interview and Photo by Jason Setnyk

Cornwall, Ontario – Ray Eady has worked in the insurance industry both as a broker and an agent since March 1996. He brings a wealth of experience and is licensed to help customers find the right coverage for their needs, with home and auto insurance, small commercial insurance, life insurance, as well as protection in case of accident or sickness.

A passionate learner and dedicated to his craft, Eady will shortly obtain his Certified Insurance Professional designation from the Insurance Institute of Canada, concluding a multi-year commitment to elevating the service he provides to his customers.

Ray Eady has worked with the Allstate Insurance Company of Canada since September 2002 (21 years) and has lived and worked in Cornwall since 2004. “Allstate Canada has been helping Canadians protect what’s important since 1953.”

Five Questions with The Seeker

1 – Can you give us an overview of your role as an insurance agent and the types of insurance products you specialize in?

“I am an Allstate Sales agent and specialize in home, auto, and travel medical and cancellation insurance. I can also provide coverage with life insurance, contents in storage, and small commercial insurance through our partnerships. Some examples of the small businesses I support include vendors at farmers markets, professional services (such as hairstylists), and contractors.”

2 – How did you get started in the insurance industry, and what motivated you to become an insurance agent?

“I originally became an insurance broker in 1996 and worked in the Renfrew and Eganville area learning the insurance business. I became an agent with Allstate in 2002 when I was living in Kingston with my now wife of 22 years.

What motivated me to become an insurance agent was recognizing that I could help someone during some of the hardest times in their lives. Insurance can be a safety net that helps people put their lives back together.”

3 – What are the most common insurance policies your clients seek, and what factors typically influence their decisions?

“The most common type of insurance people look for is home and auto insurance. Customers are typically looking for the best rate and the best coverage. People are often motivated to shop for insurance coverage when they are buying something new, or when their yearly renewal is approaching. The third most common product I help customers with is travel insurance. Because we live in a border community, we do have a lot of people that travel to the USA on a regular basis. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the travelers I work with are much more aware of the importance of travel coverage for medical expenses or trip cancellation, but still need some guidance to find the coverage that fits their needs.”

4 – How do you assess the individual needs of your clients to recommend the most suitable insurance coverage for them?

“When I quote a policy, it’s difficult to provide the “same” coverage or compare “apples to apples” because every individual is unique in their needs. I ask many open-ended questions to understand the unique situation of each customer. For example, some may not understand that starting a home-based business, working from home, driving for a ride-sharing app, or earning money by running deliveries with their vehicle poses an increased risk. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen several people start a side hustle but have yet to inform their insurance company about it. I just want to make sure they are protected, or at least have the knowledge they need to make important decisions.”

5 – Insurance can be a complex topic for many people. How do you effectively communicate insurance terms and coverage options to your clients to ensure they have a clear understanding?

“I often use scenarios that are top-of-mind to demonstrate what coverage customers can purchase to help protect them. For example, we had a massive ice storm in early April 2023, and at that point, many people lost power, and their home was damaged by falling trees and chunks of ice. Insurance can provide coverage for homes and vehicles to help with repairs after major weather events. I also let my customers know if there are certain coverage limits on their policy. For example, if they have a power outage, the contents in their freezer may be covered (up to a specified amount) for damage related to food spoilage depending on what caused the power outage.”

Disclaimer: This article is not to be construed as insurance or legal advice; for personalized advice on your insurance needs, contact Ray Eady at 613-209-2784.