ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 5
—Kemper Insurance Companies, a nationally recognized insurance brand, has joined Trusted Choice
SM—a new consumer marketing brand that highlights the benefits independent agents and brokers offer: choice, customization and advocacy,
announces Ronald A. Smith, CPCU, chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents
& Brokers of America’s (IIABA) Communications/Branding Task Force.
Kemper is the 17th Trusted ChoiceSM company partner supporting the branding initiative. Trusted ChoiceSM was created by IIABA and independent agency companies to help consumers understand and value independent insurance agents.
“Kemper Insurance Companies is a terrific addition to our growing portfolio of company partners,” says Smith. “Kemper’s market presence and commercial lines strength helps extend the message of Trusted ChoiceSM.”
Kemper’s support includes a financial commitment based on a percentage of the company’s property-casualty premium written through independent agencies.
“Securing company partners and extending our agent base remains a key priority,” adds Smith. “A solid base of agents and breadth of companies will better position Trusted ChoiceSM to reach consumers with our messages through integrated public relations, marketing and advertising.”
William D. Smith, president and COO of Kemper added: “Independent agents and brokers play a vital role within Kemper. The Trusted ChoiceSM program allows Kemper to convey the importance of the service and benefits independent agents provide insurance consumers.”
Kemper is the sixth national company to become a Trusted ChoiceSM partner, joining Encompass Insurance, The Hartford, MetLife Auto & Home, Progressive and SAFECO. Ten regional insurers also have joined Trusted ChoiceSM as company partners: California Insurance Group, Cascade National Insurance, Central Insurance Companies, Kentucky National Insurance, MSA Group, Merchants Insurance Group, Ohio Casualty Insurance, Rutgers Casualty Insurance, Selective Insurance Group and Summit Insurance (R.I.). Also, InsurBanc, a federal thrift bank created by IIABA, is a Trusted ChoiceSM strategic partner.
National promotion of the Trusted ChoiceSM brand, which will begin in early 2003, will be accomplished through advertising, public relations, local-agency marketing and an innovative consumer Web site. All forms of media will direct consumers to www.TrustedChoice.com, where they will find a cutting-edge agency locator not available anywhere else on the Internet, and up-to-date consumer information on numerous insurance topics.
The Kemper Insurance Companies is a leading provider of property/casualty insurance and risk management services with 2001 revenues totaling $5.9 billion and assets of $8.9 billion. Headquartered in Long Grove, Ill., Kemper operates nationwide and in many foreign markets. For more information about Kemper, visit www.kemperinsurance.com.
Trusted ChoiceSM is the consumer marketing identity for participating independent insurance agencies and brokers nationwide. These agencies offer a choice of insurance companies and policies, superior customer service and advocacy. Trusted ChoiceSM was created by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA), the nation’s oldest and most respected agent and broker association, and our company partners. It is supported by 17 national and regional insurance companies. www.TrustedChoice.com
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