Anyone who has built a relationship with Dirk Zeigler knows his heart is in the right place when it comes to improving the community and working with youths, however, few people know that he carries that same enthusiastic behavior into the business world and has made it a way of life.
Coming up on their 10-year anniversary since opening in 2004, Zeigler Insurance has been helping people in Contra Costa County protect their assets and guiding them through the insurance process. In 2004, his first office was in Walnut Creek and by 2009, he had moved the office to Brentwood.
He went into the insurance industry because he wanted to help people.
“I’ve always been a people person and helping others,” explained Zeigler. “I like educating people and educating them on plans. People sometimes just buy online and think it’s what they need until they get in an accident and realize they need someone else.”
He also noted that it’s a career that allowed him not to be behind a desk and could be out in the community meeting people and finding ways to help.
He understands that sometimes there is an intimidation factor when it comes to insurance but that is what he is there for.
“We pride ourselves on trying to in a sense dumb it down when you buy a policy. It’s my job to help you understand what you are paying for and put you in a plan that you need,” said Zeigler. “Sometimes people buy the insurance because they know they have to and hope it’s the right coverage. We try and take a step back and recommend the right coverage’s by trying to get to know you and your needs.”
Zeigler explained that it’s not a one-size fits all industry. People have different needs based on different times in their life.
“It’s different when you are in college with no assets versus being older with homes, kids, and cars. You need to be aware of what is in a policy and what is left out,” said Zeigler.
Some of his favorite clients are new home-buyers or new couples because you can educate them from the start so that they can be protected as they increase their assets.
“I love working with new home buyers and new couples because you can really educate and help them understand coverage’s and why they are what they are,” explained Zeigler. “A few years later, it’s a whole new ballgame with kids and it becomes time to change the coverage’s and increase them as assets grow.”
The best thing in the world to him from a business perspective is ensuring you did right by a customer in their time of need.
He explained that he was working up a policy with a client who had multiple homes and he was not going to insure an older home because the value was relatively low compared to the rest of his portfolio. Zeigler showed the value of a policy that is just a $1,000 a year and how it can protect a asset worth a couple hundred thousand.
Needless to say, the home burnt down four-months after the policy was put in place by a tenant and the home was covered. The person is still a client today. He also shared how business can be protected in case of an accident and how having a good policy can ensure ones livelihood is preserved while a business is being rebuilt after a disaster.
“You get great joy in getting something right for a client. You put the policy in place that takes care of them and allow them to continue with their business by putting food on the table,” said Zeigler.
He explained how trust is very important to him.
“I think trust is extremely important and I think it does trump price to an extent. Obviously if you are looking at thousands of dollars difference between agents than that is going to be tough, but I’ve had customers that said your higher than the competition, but said I trust you and I feel like I can call you when I need you,” explained Zeigler.
He further explained that his clients simply want honest answers instead of answers that they want to hear while at the same time not being oversold on items they do not need. There is a balance needed in the industry.
Zeigler advised people that you should interview multiple agents or brokers to find one that you feel comfortable with. He did offer some advice to sort through the 100 agents-brokers in East Contra Costa County.
“You want to make sure if that person is going to be open. We are open 9-5 Monday through Friday and have my cell phone on me. If you have an accident you want to be able to get a hold of them,” said Zeigler. “Ask if they have you been open for a while. Do you get along with this person or their team? Are they knowledgeable and quick to call back?”
He recommends interviewing them and make sure you are comfortable with them.
“Are they looking out for my interest is what it comes down to,” says Zeigler. “It’s one thing to say here, take this because it’s good for you. Be sure to ask why. Get to know them and understand your true needs versus trying to sell.”
What has worked for Zeigler is that he says he is not trying to sell just to sell, but rather trying to educate and show you that you have a risk and how he can help you protect it by choosing the best plan to fit your needs.
“Price is important, don’t get me wrong, but you have to be careful because it’s not a cookie cutter solution for everybody,” said Zeigler. “You have to be sure what is best in your own situation. Price is important, but it’s not everything.”
When Zeigler is not working to protect his clients, he is heavily involved in the local community from Brentwood Rotary, Liberty Interact Club at the local high school and is involved with several other non-profits. He loves living in Brentwood and East Contra Costa County—in fact, he was just appointed to the Brentwood Planning Commission last week.
“I think it’s a great place to raise a family. We have our business here, try and keep business local by buying local and giving back to the community,” said Zeigler. “My family enjoys the people around us so we want to give back as much as we can.”
Zeigler Insurance is located at 1300 Central Blvd. Site B in Brentwood. They will be launching a new website this week, however, you can always call them at (866) 975-8640.
2 comments
Dirk is a class act and is always doing the right thing. I would highly recommend him to anyone. He works so hard for the community.
Dirk is a great community leader, a trustworthy businessman and a dedicated family man- and one heck of a nice guy! I am proud to be a customer.
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