Growing up in a family where insurance was a topic of conversation at the dinner table, Andrews' future in insurance was written in the stars.
Haley Andrews
Vice President
Gaines Insurance Agency Inc.
El Dorado Hills, California
Growing up in a family where insurance was a topic of conversation at the dinner table, Andrews' future in insurance was written in the stars. After earning a degree in business with a concentration in insurance and risk management from Sacramento State University, Andrews accepted an internship from Nationwide. However, a few years later, she answered the call from her father, Ted Gaines, to join the family agency.
Since then, Andrews has become involved in local associations, serving as president of Independent Insurance Agents of Sacramento (IIAB Sacramento) in 2023. This year she is serving as the Northern California director on the board of the Independent Insurance Agents of California (IIABCal).
Operating in California?
It’s not so sunny and beautiful here in California when it comes to insurance. Nevertheless, our agency works well as a team by constantly communicating how we can be dynamic to meet our client’s needs. The key for us is to always work together and just focus on what we can control: our attitude and how we work with our clients.
Being proactive?
We produce a newsletter that highlights the market challenges and provides advice to clients, such as being careful about your bill and making sure to pay it on time. Some companies are pausing reinstatements. Being proactive is always helpful.
Importance of Big "I" membership?
IIABCal has been huge in our agency. The caliber of relationships is really wonderful. Developing those strategic relationships is a great platform to connect. I also think the leadership is dynamic and diligent in providing a voice for the independent agent.
Biggest challenges facing insurance agents?
The biggest challenge is the California property crisis. That is a huge problem. I think that the role of an agent is very important in such an unprecedented time when we have clients coming to us with, “What is going on? I've never had to deal with my insurance like this in 30 years," “I can't believe I'm getting dropped," or “I can't believe that the rate has tripled."
The role of the independent agent has become vital in helping our clients understand what is going on and why it is happening, instead of going for the one-liners of “you know, rates just have to go up," or “this is the way it is." Being that trusted advisor for our clients is where we see independent agents fitting in with this whole crisis.
Favorite part of your job?
There are two parts, the first one being what I love about the industry. Everyone will tell you that the people are wonderful to work with, and I would echo that. I think this industry houses an area for innovators and hustlers to come in and make a difference and do their own thing with their business model. I love the relationship part of it. You bump into and you make friends with some of the most dynamic and diverse people. Getting to know the people who work in the industry, from agency owners to customer service representatives, to carrier underwriters, claims and salespeople—it's a great business to be in.
When it comes to the business side of things with family, I think there are always going to be some challenges, but I feel blessed working with my family. We have a great working relationship. It's almost like a bonus in that we have the normal parent-child relationship with my parents, Ted and Beth, and then we also have this bonus relationship. It's a working relationship that we share a similar passion for.
Olivia Overman is IA content editor.
