Join Our Team!

We’re hiring!

Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency, a family-owned property and casualty insurance agency serving the community for 85 years, is seeking a dedicated and personable Part-Time Customer Service Representative to join our team. As a key member of our agency, you will play a vital role in providing exceptional service to our clients and supporting the day-to-day operations of our office.

Job Title: Part-Time Customer Service Representative

Company: Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency

Location: Sutton, Massachusetts

Responsibilities:

Customer Service: Interact with clients in a friendly and professional manner, both in-person and over the phone, to address inquiries, resolve issues, and provide information on insurance products and services.

Policy Support: Assist clients with policy change requests, claims submissions, and billing inquiries.

Documentation: Maintain accurate client records and documentation in our agency management system. Ensure all client information is up-to-date and compliant with industry standards.

Administrative Support: Provide administrative assistance to agents and other team members, including processing incoming and outgoing mail, filing documents, and preparing correspondence.

Client Outreach: Conduct follow-up calls to clients for policy renewals, updates, and returning calls and email inquiries. Assist in scheduling appointments.

Qualifications:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a customer-focused approach.

Previous experience in customer service or administrative support preferred.

Proficient computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities.

Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Willingness to learn and adapt to industry-specific software and processes.

Insurance industry experience or knowledge is a plus but not required.

Schedule and Compensation:

This is a part-time position offering flexible scheduled hours (approximately 20-25 hours per week) during regular business hours (Monday to Friday). Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

Opportunity to work in a friendly, family-oriented environment.

Gain valuable experience in the insurance industry and customer service field.

Potential for growth and advancement within the agency.

Paid training and ongoing support from experienced professionals.

How to Apply:

If you are enthusiastic about providing exceptional customer service and contributing to the success of a reputable family-owned business, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to info@benjaminagency.com.

Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated team member who shares our commitment to serving the community with integrity and professionalism.

Navigating Foggy Conditions: Tips for Safe Driving

Here at SBIA, we understand the importance of safe driving practices, especially in challenging weather conditions like fog. Here are some valuable tips to help you stay safe on the roads when visibility is reduced:

• Reduce Your Speed: Decrease your speed to adjust for limited visibility. Fog can obscure obstacles and other vehicles, so slowing down gives you more time to react to any potential hazards.

• Use Low Beam Headlights: Switch on your low beam headlights, even during the daytime. High beams can reflect off the fog and impair visibility further. Additionally, using fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them can help improve visibility close to the ground.

• Stay Alert and Focused: Keep your attention on the road ahead. Avoid distractions such as using your phone or adjusting the radio. Listen for sounds of other vehicles to help gauge your surroundings.

• Increase Following Distance: Maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Fog can make it difficult to judge distances accurately, so leaving extra space reduces the risk of rear-end collisions.

• Use Road Markings as a Guide: Follow the lines on the road to stay in your lane. If necessary, use the edge of the road or roadside reflectors as reference points to help you navigate safely.

• Signal Early and Clearly: Use your turn signals well in advance of any turns or lane changes. This gives other drivers more time to react to your maneuvers, reducing the risk of collisions.

• Avoid Sudden Stops or Turns: Abrupt maneuvers can surprise other drivers and lead to accidents, especially in low-visibility conditions. Brake and accelerate gently, and make smooth, gradual turns.

• Stay Informed: Check weather reports and traffic updates before heading out. If foggy conditions are anticipated, consider delaying your trip or taking an alternate route if possible.

• Know When to Pull Over: If the fog becomes too dense or you feel unsafe driving, find a safe place to pull over and wait until visibility improves. Use hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and arrive at your destination safely, even when faced with foggy conditions. Remember, it's always better to prioritize safety over speed when driving in challenging weather. Safe travels!

Ready your Vehicle for Winter

With the arrival of winter, its time to remember the importance of winterizing your vehicle for the upcoming colder months.

As you know, winter weather presents numerous challenges on the road, like icy conditions and reduced visibility. Properly preparing your vehicle can help ensure your safety and minimize the risk of accidents or breakdowns.

Here are a few tips to help you to do just that:

• Fill up your tires. As the temperature drops outside, so does the tire inflation pressure. That’s why you should check your tire pressure more regularly in the winter months and ensure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation (which you can find in your owner’s manual).

• Have your battery tested. Cold weather can strain your vehicle’s battery. In fact, when temperatures go below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, car batteries lose 35% of their strength. With that in mind, it’s crucial to have your battery tested before winter weather or temps hit to ensure it’s in good condition.

• Replace windshield wipers and washer fluid. Windshield wipers are essential to your safety if you happen to be caught in icy conditions. You may want to consider temporarily installing winter wipers, which can better handle ice or snow. At the minimum, however, replace any worn windshield wipers, and make sure your windshield washer fluid is at appropriate levels.

• Make an emergency kit for your car. It’s always good to have all the essentials in your vehicle in case of a breakdown or emergency. Supplies you may want to stock your car with include:

o Ice scraper

o Jumper cables

o Flashlight

o Blanket

o Cell phone charger

You can visit the United States Department of Transportation website for more winter weather driving tips. And if you have questions or concerns about your auto coverage or other insurance needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office!

Tornado Warnings in the Northeast

While tornados are less likely to occur in the Northeast, Massachusetts sees on average one or two touch down annually, so tornado warnings should be taken very seriously! They are crucial indicators of potential danger and demand immediate action to ensure the safety of individuals in their path. At Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency, we understand the significance of tornado warnings and aim to provide our clients with the necessary information to protect themselves and their property.

Tornadoes, with their destructive power and unpredictable nature, can cause severe damage within a matter of minutes. To minimize the potential risks associated with these natural disasters, it is essential to be well-prepared and educated about tornado warnings. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Understanding Tornado Warnings
Tornado warnings are issued when a tornado is either observed visually or detected by weather radar. These warnings are prioritized by meteorological agencies to alert individuals in the affected areas. It is important to have access to reliable sources of weather information, such as local news channels, weather apps, or NOAA Weather Radio, to stay informed about any tornado warnings in your vicinity.

2. Taking Immediate Action
Upon receiving a tornado warning, it is vital to take immediate action to ensure personal safety. The first step is to seek shelter in a sturdy, interior room on the lowest level of your home, such as a basement or a windowless bathroom. If you are outside or in a mobile home, it is crucial to find a nearby sturdy building to take shelter in. Remember to stay away from windows, as flying debris are a significant hazard during tornadoes.

3. Preparing an Emergency Kit
Preparing an emergency kit in advance can make a significant difference in the face of a tornado warning. Your kit should include essential supplies like non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and a portable weather radio. It is also advisable to have a plan in place for your family, including a designated meeting point and a designated person to contact in case of separation.

4. Reviewing Insurance Coverage
Ensuring that you have appropriate insurance coverage is crucial to protect your property in the event of a tornado. Review your homeowner's insurance policy to understand the extent of your coverage and consider additional policies, such as flood insurance or windstorm coverage, if you reside in a tornado-prone region. At Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency, we are committed to helping our clients navigate their insurance options to provide the necessary coverage to meet our clients needs.

For more tornado information and safety tips click here.

Leave the RMV headaches to us... We offer in-house RMV services!

Who has time to stand in line at the RMV? And even if you do have the time… who wants to? No one! Let us do the standing in line for you. For our Massachusetts auto clients, we offer several MA Registry of Motor Vehicles services. Contact us today and we’ll take care of everything from assisting with the paperwork to the waiting!

Many of our clients take advantage of “one-stop shopping” for their auto-related errands. And while we cannot handle all transactions associated with the RMV - such as driver’s license transactions, we can process most of your vehicle or license plate needs.

• New Plates

• Plate Transfers

• Plate Renewals

• Plate Returns

Our registry runner service will save you plenty of time and headache. Plus, we’ll make sure you have all the necessary paperwork in order before it goes to minimize failed transactions.

For more information on our Mass registry services, please contact our office!