Nicole Coppock
Private Client Services
Frank H. Furman Inc.,
Pompano Beach, Fla.
Years at company: 9
From high school to the pros
I had on-the-job training during high school, which meant that I could leave at noon or 1 p.m. each day and work. I served as a file clerk for my then-boyfriend's mother, who was a bookkeeper at this agency. I helped with quotes and underwriting documents. I knew I wanted to stay in this industry, and when I graduated from high school in June 2007, I obtained my insurance license right away. I didn't know that risk management & insurance was offered as a college major; all I knew was that I could get my license.
Class is in session
I'm involved with InVEST, with one of their committees for the insurance agents of Broward County, Fla. With InVEST, I teach a class at Deerfield Beach High School, which is where I graduated from. I speak to 11th and 12th graders for one class period on two different days. We discuss Personal Auto insurance. I go over the coverages and how they respond to different situations. I talk about why they may need higher limits than what the state requires and talk to them about what I do. I also give them the opportunity to bring in their parents' Auto policies and show them a comparative rating system for a quote. The kids like playing this risk probability game that InVEST created. It allows you to see how your deductible works and how coverage comes into play, like if you had an accident or if you damaged property. You start with a lump sum of cash and have to pay out premiums and deductibles.
When the payoff is worth the struggle
One of my clients has a home on the inlet in Pompano, right on the water, and the home has a negative elevation. The carrier I was working with typically doesn't accept that risk. However, I was able to place the primary flood and an excess flood policy, so this carrier picked up the home collection and personal umbrella, which the insured didn't have before. Soon after I bound that personal collection policy, one of the homeowners—the wife—was in Las Vegas and had three items stolen. Because I had gotten them into that market, they were covered and received $30,000 instead of nothing.
Challenges I face as a young agent
I handle high-net-worth clients, those affiliated with businesses, and clients who have been with our agency for a long time. I'm young and don't own any of the luxurious things that my clients have, but I do understand the underwriting behind the insurance products that protect them. I include my picture in my e-mail signature so that new clients aren't surprised when they meet me, and so they can see that I'm a professional. But it's an honor to be here at this agency and also to teach kids about insurance. I really enjoy servicing and writing policies and helping people understand their insurance coverages.
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