Building relationships one policy at a time: LaRoche McDonald welcomes new insurance broker

LaRoche McDonald has been serving the Prince Albert area for two years, but the company itself has a much longer history, dating all the way back to 1933. The business was purchased by Kitsaki Management Group of Companies three years ago and is now continuing to grow its presence in the community.

The Prince Albert office provides motor licensing services, including driver’s licences and vehicle registrations, as well as personal insurance for homes, tenants, automobiles, recreational vehicles and boats.

Audriana said the part of the job she takes the most joy in is getting to know the people she serves.

“My biggest pride is the relationships I build with my customers,” she said. “I want to make sure that you have a thorough understanding. I want to make sure you know the benefits and just the ins and outs of what you have just purchased from me.”

That approach can be particularly important when clients are making decisions about coverage that may not seem necessary at first glance. One example is auto insurance. Audriana said some drivers focus on the age or value of their vehicle and decide they do not need additional coverage. However, liability protection can be just as important as protecting the vehicle itself.

During the motor licensing process, she takes the opportunity to explain the difference between basic plate insurance and additional liability coverage.

“If you’re somebody that chooses to just have plate insurance, you only have $200,000 liability to protect you, and that’s really not a lot,” she said.

The same education applies to tenants’ insurance. Audriana said renters sometimes assume their landlord’s insurance protects their belongings, when landlord insurance generally covers the building itself.

“If you want your belongings to be covered, you need a tenant policy,” she said, noting that tenant policies can be relatively affordable.

Personalizing coverage is another part of her role. For a home policy, for example, clients provide details about their property, which Audriana uses to develop a quote. She then reviews the coverage with the client and adjusts based on their needs.

“I do not rush the process,” she said. “If it takes us 20 minutes, it takes us 20 minutes. It takes us an hour; it takes us an hour. I am not here to rush you through this.”

Her insurance education has continued throughout her career. She began as an auto policy issuer before working through the Canadian Accredited Insurance Brokers program. She currently holds her Level 1 designation and is completing the final exam required for Level 2.

Clients can meet with her in person, communicate by phone or email, and complete documents through Docusign. The office also works with clients who may have difficulty accessing insurance services in northern communities, including taking payments over the phone.

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The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the team continuing to consider ways to make services more accessible as demand grows.

The business is also looking to expand its expertise, with plans to bring a commercial lines broker into the office. Commercial insurance would serve businesses such as contractors and other companies with business-related insurance needs.

For LaRoche McDonald, growth is being balanced with a focus on local relationships.

“We like to make things easy,” Audriana said. “The best we can.”

Those interested in learning more about personal insurance or motor licensing services can visit LaRoche McDonald Agency Limited during regular office hours or contact the Prince Albert office directly.

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*This sponsored content was produced in partnership with LaRoche McDonald Agency Limited and the content creation division of paNOW.

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Building relationships one policy at a time: LaRoche McDonald welcomes new insurance broker

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