Agency News
February 2025
This Month’s Featured Content
Westfield Promotes Tonya Ray Bailey to Head of Sales in Small Business
Our Small Business team is growing strong! We are excited to announce that Tonya Ray Bailey has been promoted to a leadership role as Head of Sales in our Small Business segment. Join us in congratulating Tonya Ray on her new role and learn how she will help support the segment’s strategic growth.
WATCH: Your Westfield Middle Market 2026 Outlook
Westfield Middle Market wants to drive your profitability and clarify our appetite in all segments – from manufacturing and real estate to construction and hospitality. Please watch this short video to meet your five new region leaders – and get the inside story on Middle Market initiatives to support your growth in 2026!
Updated Distribution Relationship Manager Contacts
We’ve updated the Distribution Relationship Manager (DRM) contact sheet to ensure you have the most current information at your fingertips. DRMs are the main point of contact for agency support, growth planning, training, marketing resources, compensation questions, and more - making them a key resource for both agencies and internal teams.
Download the Premium Audit Guidebook
Share this Premium Audit Overview with your customers to help them be better prepared for this process. We believe that customers should only pay what you owe — nothing more, nothing less. That’s why we take time to understand their business’s unique risks and operations.
Employee Spotlight: Ben Peetz
This month, we are highlighting Risk Control Consultant Ben Peetz! Click here to learn more about Ben's backstory and biggest motivations from his work in the risk control department.
Legacy Electronic Document Search Function Retired as of February 8th
The legacy Electronic Document Search function has been retired as of February 8th as we've completed the transition to the new application. If you’re unable to find something in the new version that was available in legacy, please reach out for support or share feedback so we can address it quickly.
Use the teal “E-DOCS FEEDBACK” button on the right side of the eDocs screen to submit feedback.
Questions? Email agencyhelp@westfieldgrp.com or call 800.243.0210, option 5.
You can learn more about this update in our recent article.
Trends and Challenges
Industry Insights
2026 Agency Marketing Checklist
"It’s true—insurance agencies that follow the strategies outlined on this checklist have seen those results, and your agency can, too. Now that it’s 2026, there is no better time than now to mark these items off your checklist so you can take your agency’s marketing to the next level. From increasing the inbound leads you get to maximizing your client communications, here are the 10 things your agency needs this year to be as successful as possible."
Staying Safe On The Farm This Winter
"As temperatures drop and the icy mornings settle across Ohio, the farm becomes a different workplace. Tasks take longer, conditions are ever-changing, and a simple chore can become much riskier when cold, wind, or moisture are factored in. For farmers, knowing what to expect and how to prevent common winter hazards can make all the difference."
How to Help Clients Understand the Value of an Independent Agent
"As an independent agent, your role extends far beyond selling policies. You simplify complexity, offer tailored solutions and stand by clients when they need it most. This article highlights five ways to communicate that value, helping you position yourself as a trusted advisor."
Email Marketing Best Practices for Insurance Agencies
"Email marketing has evolved over the years to the point where a lot of what was manual can now be covered with smart automation. Let’s go over the basics of email marketing best practices, along with actionable tips and tricks you can start using to kickstart or improve your current strategy."
Tell Your Agency’s Story: How to Stand Out in the Insurance Market
"Imagine your insurance agency being featured on the front page of a magazine cover 10 years from now—what would the headline say?" In this article, learn how to use storytelling to help your agency stand out in the insurance market.
How to Overcome the Most Common Challenges Facing Insurance Agencies
"If there’s one thing that unifies independent insurance agencies, it’s the common challenges they face day in and day out. We’ll give you the insights into how you can make your agency look amazing and get found, so you can sell more and service better."
The Future of AI in Insurance: 2025 Predictions
According to a 2024 Deloitte survey, 76% of U.S. insurance firms have already implemented generative AI capabilities in at least one business function. Yet AI implementation challenges persist. Learn more about what 2025 holds for AI in the insurance industry.
Why the Future for Brokers is Data-Driven
The latest Insurance Age Pulse survey explores how brokers are using data insight to guide business strategy, and reveals why more now see data as an essential factor for growth. Rachel Gordon reports
Top 4 Marketing Strategies Ranked by Insurance Agencies
Of the four marketing strategy categories, Content, Search Engine, Traditional, and Word-of-Mouth marketing, here is how insurance agencies ranked each of these in terms of success.
5 Ways to Prepare for the End of the Hard Market
For a long time, the hard market has made it difficult for agents to offer their clients the coverage they want at affordable prices — assuming coverage was available at all. Now, there are signs that this is changing. Before the hard market ends, agencies can position themselves for a successful soft market by taking these five steps.
Observations and Opportunities
Claims Corner
Grain Bin Auger Accidents Peak in Winter
"Purdue research reveals grain bin auger incidents surge from January through June. Unguarded floor openings cause nearly 40% of documented cases." Learn more about this trend and how to instill better habits to help prevent future accidents from occurring.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Being prepared for a hurricane can help minimize the storm’s impact and speed up the recovery process. While meteorologists typically warn when a hurricane is developing, these storms are unpredictable, and there may not be enough time to get ready. That’s why it’s essential to proactively share clear steps to help customers prepare their homes and families before a storm becomes imminent.
Hurricane Preparedness Social Media Posts
By sharing these posts with your network, you play a vital role in increasing awareness and encouraging hurricane preparedness across your community. A single post can remind someone to make a plan, restock emergency supplies, or stay informed—actions that could ultimately save lives.Property Insurance Claims Checklist
Our property insurance claims checklist helps homeowners and business owners be ready for when a loss strikes. Whether your home or business was impacted by water, lightning, fire, or storm damage, having a property insurance claims checklist can help you take the right steps to get back to normalcy as quickly as possible.
The Commercial Auto Claims Process: What You Need to Know
Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, accidents involving your company’s vehicles can be stressful. Having a clear plan in place can help ensure a smooth claims experience and get your team back on the road with minimal business interruption.
How to Prevent Ice Dams: A Homeowner's Guide
Winter weather brings snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures that can wreak havoc on your home — especially your roof. One major hazard to watch for is ice dams. Left unchecked, ice dams can lead to costly roof repairs, water damage, and even structural issues.
Common Causes of House Fires & How to Prevent Them
House fires are statistically more likely to occur during the winter months. Discover the top causes of house fires and essential prevention tips to help keep you and your clients safe. This informative guide covers key areas, from cooking and heating to electrical faults, smoking, and candles.
Customers Can Report Claims Through MyWestfield
Customers who log into their MyWesfield account can report certain home and auto claims digitally. This user-friendly platform helps ensure that customers receive rapid assistance from our dedicated Customer Care Team, enabling a personalized and efficient claims process.
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