Hailstorms, with their sudden and destructive nature, can cause significant damage to vehicles and pose risks to personal safety. To address this hazard, Nationwide has partnered with a third party to alert Nationwide members¹ when inclement weather is forecast. Those who sign up to receive hail and weather text alerts will be notified up to 30 minutes before a storm producing hail greater than one inch is expected in their area, giving them time to move their cars to a covered location to reduce risk of hail damage. More information for agents is available here.   

“Nationwide’s text alert program enables our members to take a proactive ‘predict and prevent’ approach to protecting themselves and their property,” said Jeff Rommel, Senior Vice President, Personal Lines Operations for Nationwide. “Having time to take a few basic precautions ahead of a hailstorm can go a long way in staying safe and preventing damage.” 

With hailstones ranging in size from small pellets to baseball-sized chunks, the potential for costly damage is significant. According to Nationwide claims data, the cost of repairing hail-damaged cars ranges from $3,000 to $13,000, excluding total losses. Additionally, 20% of Nationwide-insured cars that are damaged by hail are declared a total loss and taken off the road after a hail event.  

According to insights provided by Tomorrow.io, the following regions are hail hotspots in the U.S.  

• Hail Alley: This region, stretching across parts of eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, and eastern Wyoming, is notorious for its frequent and severe hailstorms. Cities like Cheyenne, Denver, and Colorado Springs often experience multiple hailstorms each year. 
• The Great Plains: States like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska experience a high number of hailstorms annually. A favorable overlap of specific atmospheric conditions in this region often creates an ideal scenario for hail. Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita, Kansas City, and Omaha are particularly vulnerable. 
• The Midwest: Areas such as Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois also see significant hail activity. The varied weather patterns and frequent thunderstorms in cities like St. Louis, Des Moines, and Chicago contribute to the prevalence of hailstorms. 

How to prepare for hail at home: 

• Tidy up the garage to park vehicles inside when a hailstorm is approaching.  
• Before a hailstorm, move vehicles into the garage or a covered spot. Make sure to close the garage door completely.  
• Ensure that pets and family are safely indoors before the storm. 

How to be protected from hail when on the road: 

• Stay inside your vehicle during a hailstorm. 
• Drive to a covered spot such as a parking garage to shelter. Do not stop under an overpass or bridge and block traffic. 
• Once the vehicle has stopped, ensure safety by shielding your eyes with something like a piece of clothing. If possible, get onto the floor face down or lie on the seat with your back to the windows. 

Eligible Nationwide members may click here for more information on how to enroll in the alert program. Nationwide’s hail and weather alert service is available to members in all states except Hawaii, Alaska, Florida and California. Hail is the first type of targeted weather alert offered to eligible Nationwide members, with plans to expand the program to alerts for other perils.  

¹Nationwide customers who have Auto and Multi-line Auto and Homeowner coverage

For more information about the wide variety of career opportunities at Nationwide, visit the careers page today.

Kirt Walker, Chief Executive Officer
After a devastating tornado on June 28, 1979 ripped through my hometown in Iowa, I learned why insurance was so critical to help families get back on their feet. When the Allied claims people were the first at the scene, it stuck in my mind that I wanted to help people. If you love helping people, I can’t think of a better way to do that every single day of your life than to work in insurance.

Mark Berven, President and COO, Nationwide Property & Casualty 
I’ve worked in the insurance industry for almost my entire career, so I may be a little biased about this. But working in insurance has appeals beyond the typical job-related perks, like a competitive salary and good benefits. In the insurance industry, we’re given the opportunity to help people every day. Whether it’s responding with humanitarian relief in the aftermath of a hurricane, providing the resources to restore people’s lives to the way they were before something happened, or simply making sure someone has reliable transportation while their vehicle is being repaired after an accident, it’s our job to be there. And that feels pretty good.

Gary Douglas, President, Nationwide National Partners 
My younger self wasn’t considering a career in insurance, but I’m glad I had educators and mentors who recognized how my skills could fit into an industry with such a great diversity of opportunities and career paths. I’m thankful to those who helped me build my future and I’m committed to paying my debt forward by helping to build the future of others. No matter your career goals, you can find success and enrichment here. 

Tony Fenton, Vice President, Nationwide Commercial Lines Underwriting & Product Development & Delivery 
I feel incredibly honored to work in an industry and for a company that is here to protect others when it matters most. Commercial Lines insurance is a dynamic industry filled with innovation and technology that’s rooted in relationships – all the best aspects of a fulfilling career. 

Brad Liggett, President, Nationwide Agribusiness 
Growing up on our family farm, insurance was a foreign word to me, and I certainly never thought I would find myself in the insurance industry for 35 years. But I’ve truly been blessed with two of the most noble professions out there as agriculture helps clothe, feed, and fuel the world and insurance helps protect all those things. To current ag students I would say don’t be surprised when you hear the passion of ag professionals whose path led them unexpectedly — and sometimes on purpose — to the insurance industry. 

Beth Riczko, President, Nationwide Personal Lines 
Math nerd finds a way to make a difference! I stumbled into my insurance career after graduation, a degree in physics and math was a natural fit for actuarial science. What I didn’t know was how fantastic it is to be part of an industry that truly cares about people. I get to be part of something bigger than me, something to be proud of — an industry that helps people recover and rebuild after a loss. The stories we hear from our customers, the stories that make you cry when you realize how we make a difference, that’s what makes this industry special and a career in it so rewarding.

Jeff Rommel, Senior Vice President, Personal Lines Sales & Distribution 
I am so fortunate to have found my insurance career right after graduating from Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!). Over the decades, I’ve had an opportunity to work in multiple areas including Sales, Service, Claims and more. Each has taught me something new while reinforcing a very important lesson… people are at the heart of everything we do! Whether those people are our members, our distribution partners, our communities, or our employees, we exist to serve and protect their futures. 

The carrier announced that Nationwide Express is now compatible with comparative raters EZLynx and PL Rating, allowing an agent who chooses Nationwide from their rater to now easily bridge to Nationwide Express to close the sale faster.

“Nationwide Express will save agents a ton of time and make the quoting and binding process much simpler,” said Sam Nudelman, Firefly Agency. “I appreciate the way you are asking for our feedback on Nationwide Express. I don’t think there are many other carriers that are going as in-depth in asking for agent feedback on these types of things as Nationwide is right now, and that speaks volumes.”

“This capability is a big deal for our agents to close more sales,” said Jeff Rommel, Nationwide’s SVP Sales & Distribution. “The comparative rater integration with Nationwide Express makes it incredibly easy for agents and provides a fast experience for their customer.”

Nationwide Express now delivers:

• Faster check out – data entered in your comparative rater and what Nationwide can gather from third parties is automatically pre-filled in Nationwide Express
• Simpler multi-lining – it’s always been fast to quote home and auto insurance, now you can add umbrella with just one click
• Easier bind process - close the sale with one payment for multiple products, then any needed trailing documents are sent automatically

“The speed at which we’re enabling an independent agent to sell is unique among carriers, and a big advantage for our agency partners,” Rommel added. “At the end of the day, independent agents are the experts on their customers' needs and Nationwide Express is a great solution to meet those needs.”

Today, Nationwide introduced a new Nationwide Express mobile app, which allows agents to scan a driver’s license to complete an auto quote in as little as 60 seconds. Agents can also add a renters policy with just one click. The launch of the new mobile app now puts the power to generate quotes on the go into the palm of an agent’s hand.

“As a leading independent agent carrier, Nationwide Express is one way we’re facilitating the success of our independent agent partners,” said Jeff Rommel, senior vice president of property and casualty sales for Nationwide. “Nationwide Express was built with the independent agent in mind. This tool is leading-edge in helping agencies to efficiently grow their business.”

Findings from Nationwide’s Agent Authority research show that nearly a third of consumers (32%) cited that the length of time it takes to receive an insurance quote is a challenge. The Nationwide Express mobile app was designed to help agents work faster, from wherever it is convenient for them. It’s as easy as scanning a driver’s license with a mobile device or tablet. Once the quote is stored, agents can choose to bind the policy in Nationwide Express, complete it later when they’re back in an office, or send it directly to customers and let them complete the bind process when it’s most convenient, giving the agent the power to do business the way that makes sense for them.

About Nationwide Express

Nationwide Express was created to help agents quote multiple products in a fraction of the time it used to take—reducing the process by 15 minutes or more. Nationwide Express is designed to be simple and intuitive, making it easy for agents to start selling on day one.

Previously completing a quote required manually entering redundant information, but now Nationwide Express will automatically populate the majority of the client’s information, as well as find and apply most discounts. This allows an agency to spend less time on administrative duties, and more time on generating revenue.

Agents can access Nationwide Express today in all states Nationwide offers personal lines insurance, with additional features to be added this year. The Nationwide Express mobile app is available in 31 states on iOS devices. More states and an Android version coming soon.

Download the app in the app store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nationwide-express/id1475676677

Learn more at: www.nationwide.com/NationwideExpress

Nationwide uncovered four themes in this study:

• A perception gap: There are gaps between agents and customers when it comes to perception of service levels.
• Customers want more than just property and casualty support from agents.
• Understanding policy coverage and price are shared challenges across all audiences.
• The economy is a concern, and customers are looking to agents for guidance.

“Our latest research shows some emerging opportunities in the agent-customer relationship particularly when navigating this current environment and economy,” said Jeff Rommel, Senior Vice President of Property and Casualty Sales at Nationwide. “But while the data pinpointed gaps, agile agents will see ways to address their clients’ concerns, enhance retention and grow their business.”

These and other important insights came out of the summer survey of the Agent Authority research series conducted by Nationwide, which includes samples of independent insurance agents, consumers and business owners. The research was developed to uncover unique challenges property and casualty agents encounter and create subsequent guidance.

A Perception Gap

The Agent Authority research identified a perception gap in the value agents believe they are bringing to their customers. Agents are confident they are meeting the needs of their customers, yet some business owners and consumers have a different perspective on the services agents should provide. In areas where agents gave themselves higher marks than consumers and business owners, agents can lean in and proactively close gaps, effectively strengthening their relationships and improving their brand.

• 95% of insurance agents believe they are always there when their clients need them but only 79% of customers felt the same.
• While 91% of agents said they can offer the best prices, only 74% of customers agreed.
• 94% of agents reported they are regularly checking in with their customers to make sure their policy fits their needs. However, only 69% of customers reported sufficient check-ins from their agent.

Quick tip for agents:

• Set up regular calendar reminders to check in with your top commercial lines clients every six months to understand the challenges their business is facing and evaluate evolving insurance needs. Reach out to all personal lines customers at least once a year to do the same.

What Customers Want:

To support agents in closing this perception gap, the research identified areas where agents can go above and beyond traditional insurance guidance. While most customers seek counsel on conventional insurance, some business owners are looking for help on succession planning, disaster recovery and employee benefits. Additionally, general property and casualty customers are asking agents about retirement and banking advice.

• 57% of mid-market business owners are asking about employee benefits.
• 45% of mid-market business owners and 35% of small business owners are asking about safety and loss control.
• 26% of consumer customers want guidance on retirement planning.
• Physical location is something customers value. While there is a desire for digital platforms –Small business owners (68%), and consumers (51%) still prefer to have an insurance agent where they are physically located.

Quick tips for agents:

• Ask your carrier partners for tools to talk to your clients about employee benefits, loss control, retirement planning.
• Nationwide’s My Loss Control Services provides a variety of loss control resources.
• The Nationwide Retirement Institute offers a wide range or retirement planning resources.
• Adjust your social media marketing efforts to reflect more than what you sell. It should reflect you and the hometown community you support. Nationwide’s Hearsay program helps independent agents reach clients via social media in new and innovative ways.

A Shared Challenge:

The research identified two consistent challenges across all audiences surveyed – understanding policy coverage and finding the best price.

• 46% of small business owners, 71% of mid-market business owners and 47% of consumers said it is a challenge to understand what is and what is not covered in their policy.
• 44% of small business owners, 69% of mid-market business owners and 45% of consumers said it is a challenge to find the best price for protection needs.
• Similarly, 55% of agents say they struggle educating clients on the coverage they need and 46% of agents say providing the level of service customers demand is a challenge.

Many customers also wrestle with understanding different types of coverage, the time it takes to settle a claim, insurance terminology and understanding how much coverage they need.

Agents reported it particularly challenging to:

• Adopt new technology to keep up with the industry (55%)
• Understand the nuances between different industries (53%)
• Help clients with disaster prep or mitigation practices (51%)

Quick tips for agents:

• When you touch base with clients, brainstorm insurance scenarios together to identify potential gaps and where business continuity and disaster planning may help.
• Help your clients understand that price is only one of several important considerations when evaluating insurance. While sometimes there is a better price out there, it is important to weigh the financial commitment against the best protection option.
• Look to your carrier partners to share technical expertise and resources to help you advocate for your clients and provide safety resources that mitigate their risks.
• Nationwide’s Commercial Insight Center offers quick, specialized and actionable information to help elevate agents’ expertise and success with mid-market businesses.

An Economic Outlook:

Over half of agents think their clients feel uncomfortable talking about economic uncertainty. However, more than half of business owners and consumers feel like their agent was prepared to have these discussions.

• 47% of agents are optimistic the economy will recover in the next year but 66% are concerned about making it through this economic climate.
• 81% of agents say their customers are unsure how the current economy will impact their business and their insurance needs.

Quick tips for agents:

• Nationwide offers regular economic updates from the office of our chief economist to help agents have informed conversations about the future of the economy.
• Some personal lines clients may be able to reduce auto insurance cost with a telematics policy. Discuss whether a safety-based or pay-by-mile telematics solution is the best option.
• Agents can also deliver bottom line impacts and operational insights to commercial clients with telematics and fleet management solutions. Discuss whether your clients’ businesses would benefit from leveraging its vehicle data.

Methodology:

Nationwide commissioned Edelman Intelligence to conduct a 20-minute quantitative online survey among a sample of 2,600 U.S. independent insurance agents, small business owners, mid-market business owners, mid-market business owners with fleet vehicles, African American business owners, Hispanic business owners and general consumers between June 9 – June 25 to understand what business owners and consumers value when buying or renewing insurance policies, explore the different challenges each audience faces around insurance, gauge perceptions of the economy and how each audience is managing uncertainty, and find out the actions business owners and consumer have taken as a result of COVID-19 and the conversations they’re having with agents. As a member of CASRO in good standing, Edelman Intelligence conducts all research in accordance with Market Research Standards and Guidelines.