Crye-Leike Insights

College is expensive enough without finding out too late that an accident or theft isnt covered under your current policies. So, as you get your children ready to head off to school in the fall, theres one vital to-do to add to your list (other than writing that tuition check): a review of your insurance coverage. Its important to keep in mind that policy language varies from state to state, and there are never one-size-fits-all situations, but below is a general guide. If you have questions, or want to go over your insurance needs, dont hesitate to contact us!   HOMEOWNERS COVERAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY: Most homeowners policies provide 10 percent of Coverage C (Personal Property) for property owned by an insured that is at a residence other than the insureds. For example, if the contents of a policyholders home are insured for $100,000, a students property up to $10,000 would be covered if living in a dormitory provided the damage is caused by a covered peril and the student meets the definition of an insured. For apartments or houses off-campus, the same coverage generally applies. Certain items, such as jewelry or expensive electronics, may require special coverage, or a rider. Renters insurance is strongly recommended if a particular policy does not cover a students personal property.   LIABILITY COVERAGE: There usually is an exclusion for damage to property rented to an insured, so generally damage to a dorm room or apartment would not be covered.   ENSURING ADEQUATE COVERAGE: Contact us to get specific answers and information about your coverages. Also, its a great idea to create an inventory of the items your student is taking to school, as is keeping photos of and receipts for the items.   RENTERS INSURANCE: If your students needs cant be met under your current policy, dont forget renters insurance. Landlords policies generally only cover the structure,NOTthe possessions of renters.   AUTO (may vary by state) COVERAGE WITHOUT A CAR AT SCHOOL: If your student will continue to drive while at home on school breaks, they should continue to be listed on your auto policy. If they are attending school more than 100 miles from home, and are not taking a vehicle with them, the policy may qualify for a distant-student discount.   COVERAGE WITH A CAR AT SCHOOL: In most instances, a car registered to parents and listed on their policy will be covered if used by a listed student away at school. But you should make sure that your insurance carrier writes coverage in the colleges state and location. And note that a change to the principal location of the vehicle could result in a change in premium.   DRIVING A FRIENDS CAR AT SCHOOL: Students generally would be covered while driving a friends car if the students are listed on their parents policy and do not have regular use of the vehicle. The coverage would likely be secondary in this case, as the carrier for the friends vehicle likely would be the primary coverage.   COVERAGE DISCOUNTS: In addition to the possible distant-student discount mentioned above, students may qualify for a good-student discount. To qualify, most insurance carriers require that a student must be enrolled in at least four courses per term as a full-time student at an accredited college or university and meet certain academic qualifications. Also, drivers under the age of 21 who complete a driver education course may be eligible for a policy discount.   Going away to school is an exciting time for both students and their parents. Making sure youve got the right insurance coverage can help you protect your assets as you invest in your childs future. Were happy to discuss your coverage and options just give us a call or stop by! Crye-Leike Insurance  

Memphis, TN: Crye-Leike Insurance has received the 2018 Platinum Partners Circle of Excellence award from Travelers Insurance, a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. Crye-Leike Insurance is only 1 of 14 recipients of the award throughout Tennessee, Alabama and Arkansas. Crye-Leike Insurance serves the needs of thousands of families and businesses throughout the Mid-South. The Travelers Insurance Platinum Circle of Excellence award is given to companies with outstanding sales performance. Crye-Leike Insurance's new business sales rose 167 percent during 2017-2018. The company works with multiple providers throughout the U.S., including Travelers Insurance, to guarantee clients the best service possible. For more information regarding Crye-Leike Insurance, please visit the Crye-Leike website at www.crye-leike.com/insurance. To speak to an insurance representative, please call (877)-797-7210, or email insurance@crye-leike.com. ABOUT CRYE-LEIKE INSURANCE: Crye-Leike Insurance (www.crye-leike.com/insurance) was founded in 1982 and operates in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Crye-Leike Insurance is affiliated with Crye-Leike Real Estate's family of services.

Safeco Insurance has recognized Crye-Leike Insurance, as a Safeco Elite Agent based upon outstanding performance and our commitment to serve customers as a trusted advisor.   Fewer than 10% of independent insurance agencies that sell Safeco personal lines products receive this distinguished honor.   At Crye-Leike Insurance, we are pleased to be among the top agencies in the country!   As a Safeco Elite Agent, Crye-Leike will receive access to special resources and programs that will support us in serving our customers even better with expert advice.   We strive to provide our customers with trusted guidance, so this Safeco honor makes us proud!

Tips from Crye-Leike Insurance Please do what is necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones. We care about you! Please remember that safety must come first. We can repair or replace property but no one can turn back the clock after an injury. Please do whatever you reasonably can to protect your property from damage or to mitigate any damage that occurs. For example, if your roof is damaged, have a tarp placed over the damaged roof to limit water intrusion into your home. Nearly all insurance policies require that the policyholder take all reasonable steps to minimize their loss. Call Us 877-797-7210 -Dont become a victim of assignment of benefits fraud and abuse. Call your agent or insurance company as soon as you become aware of a possible loss. Some repair companies may try to convince you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) and begin repairs before calling us. An AOB is a contract between you and a third party typically a contractor, roofer, or water mitigation company giving them the right to deal directly with your insurance company and to receive payment for your claim. In some instances, this could result in a loss of coverage, leaving you holding the bill. Never sign anything related to a possible loss without first calling your agent or the insurance company. Calling as soon as you become aware of or suspect any damage puts you in control of your claim and ensures repairs are completed to your satisfaction and high-quality standards. Save all receipts and take picturesif you are safely able to do so. You can provide these to your adjuster. If you are unable to live in your home due to damage caused by a hurricane, you can make temporary arrangements in your area or you can contact one of the following vendors for assistance: Temporary Housing Solutions: 866-687-1732 or http://thsonline.net/ Temporary Housing Directory: 800-817-3220 orhttp://www.temporaryhousingdirectory.com/ CRS Temporary Housing: 800-968-0848 or http://crsth.com/ Temporary Accommodations: 800-548-5196 or https://tacares.com/ Assured Relocation: 888-670-9700 or https://www.assuredrelocation.com/ When to expect contact Please keep in mind that due to the high volume of calls and number of customers needing assistance, you may not receive an immediate response from an adjuster. Insurance companies are ready for storms and truly believe that serving our customers in such times of need is how to demonstrate their and our commitment to you. At the same time, we appreciate that customers with the most significant damage need the most urgent handling. Therefore, as claims are received, companies are working diligently to review each one and contact customers with the greatest impact first. These claims will be addressed immediately. Typically, a company representative will contact customers within the first 24 hours after a claim is reported and, in all cases, companies strive to ensure customers are contacted within 72 hours.

Leslie McDonald, Personal Lines Sales Agent, recently received the Presidents Award for achieving $500,000 in new sales from Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc. McDonald is only the second person to ever win this award. She was able to reach this milestone in under 7 months in her 1st year of eligibility. Congratulations, Leslie! Award Presented by Jay Green, Agency General Manager.

Progressive recognizes Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc. as PLATINUM BLUE Agency Tennessee Independent Agency recognized as top 1% of over 30,000 agencies in the country Memphis, TN April 9, 2018Crye-Leike Insurance Agency of Memphis, TN has been recognized as a PLATINUM BLUE agency by Progressive Insurance. This is the highest recognition that only a handful of agencies receive. Progressive has over 30,000 independent agencies in the United States. About 12% of those agencies are Progressive Home Advantage agencies (Crye-Leike Insurance Agency is one of those). Progressive Home Advantage agencies are able to offer special bundling discounts for clients who buy auto and home insurance through Progressives subsidiary ASI. An even more elite group is the Platinum Blue agency. Platinum Blue agencies are able to offer additional discounts and allowed to offer Progressives new 12 month auto policy. This exclusive recognition is based on the excellent quality and quantity of business that the agency sends to Progressive as well as the agencys commitment to continue and grow this business. Aside from Progressive, Crye-Leike Insurance Agency represents dozens of A rated carriers. Brian Robinson, President of Crye-Leike Insurance and CFO of Crye-Leike, Inc. states Progressive is definitely one of our preferred carriers, we place a lot of business with them and they are great to work with. Progressive is also a leader in the industry when it comes to technology. Robinson also states our office has experienced tremendous growth the past few years, customers are discovering the value that comes with us representing dozens of companies as opposed to a captive agent who only represents one company. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency writes insurance in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri and Oklahoma. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency is also a huge supporter of the local community. They volunteer and support the United Way, Make A Wish, local schools and community sports teams. Contact Crye-Leike Insurance Agency by calling 901-758-5622 or toll free 877-797-7210, or online www.crye-leike.com/insurance. The main insurance office is located at 6525 Quail Hollow Rd, Memphis, TN 38120.

Memphis, TN. - Crye-Leike Insurance Agency was recently awarded the 2015 Safeco Insurance Premier Partner award for their performance during 2014.   Premier Partner is Safeco's elite agency recognition program, which honors the achievement and partnership of the best agencies. Fewer than 10% of the 11,000 independent insurance agencies that sell Safeco personal lines products receive this distinguished honor.   "We are honored to be recognized by Safeco as a Premier Partner," said Brian Roberson, Crye-Leike, REALTORS CFO and President of Crye-Leike Insurance. "We make it a priority at Crye-Leike Insurance to provide the utmost customer service through honesty, integrity, and professionalism."   For 2014, Crye-Leike Insurance reported over $10 million in annual renewing insurance premiums with over 7,000 personal, commercial and health active polices managed.   "Only the best agencies are selected for the Safeco Premier Partner Program," said Matthew Nickerson, president of Safeco Insurance. "A commitment to service and high achievement has earned these top performers access to special resources that provide additional support to their important role as trusted advisors for our customers."   Crye-Leike Insurance ranks among the top 10%. In the Southeastern region, it ranked in the top 5% and in West TN., Crye-Leike was in the top 3 agencies.   Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company that was founded in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike. Today, Crye-Leike is ranked as the 5th largest real estate firm in the nation and the #1 real estate company in the Mid-South. Crye-Leike has a network of more than 3,000 licensed Realtors and 112 offices located throughout a nine-state region in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. More information about Crye-Leike can be found at www.crye-leike.com.  

BRENTWOOD, TN.- Crye-Leike, Realtors is proud to announce that Damein Moss has joined Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc., in Clarksville Tennessee as a new Insurance Agent.   "As an Insurance Agent, I will specialize in offering home, auto, life and health products to people in the Clarksville community," said Moss. "I plan to devote the time to not only offer these products but to serve as an insurance consultant to the clients of our great Crye-Leike, Realtors associates."   Moss has worked as a licensed insurance agent for the past five years with providers in Tennessee and Florida. He is licensed in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.   Moss graduated from Clarksville's Northwest High School and later attended Austin Peay State University where he majored in Business Administration.   "I'm very excited to work with such a great team at Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc.," said Moss. "I'm fortunate to be part of a company that really wants to make a difference. I am here to provide a "piece of mind" to my clients whether they're buying a home, car or just looking for someone to assist them in coverage for their family."   Moss and his wife Brittney live in Clarksville with their three children, Donovan (5), Sean (3) and Breanna (9 months). Moss enjoys playing sports with his children and enjoys watching movies with his wife.   Contact Damein Moss for all your insurance needs at his office located at 2240 Madison Street in Clarksville, phone 931-648-2112 or email him at damein.moss@crye-leike.com   Crye-Leike, Realtors was established in Memphis in 1977 by Harold Crye and Dick Leike, and within three years, the company grew to be the largest in the city. Today, Crye-Leike?, the nations 4th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,900 sales associates and 125 corporate and franchise offices located in 65 counties through-out the eight-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and North Carolina.   Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in the following areas of specialty: residential sales, mortgage lending, title, insurance, commercial business and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services referrals. In 2006, the Crye-Leike organization attained sales of $6.1 billion with 35,498 closed transaction sides.

Nashville, Tenn. - Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc. has expanded its insurance sales force in the Middle Tennessee region. Richard Cobb of Springfield and Tricia Nosko and Gary T. Thompson, both of Franklin, have become insurance producers of Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc., responsible for selling personal and commercial lines in the areas of home, auto, life, health and business insurance within Middle Tennessee. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc. is an independent and full service insurance center that serves the insurance needs of more than 5,000 families and over 300 business concerns in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. It offers a wide range of insurance services and products, representing a variety of insurance companies that specialize in property and casualty insurance as well as life and health. Cobb is affiliated with Crye-Leike Insurance's Springfield office, located at 504 22nd Avenue, East. He brings 16 years of insurance experience to Crye-Leike. Prior to joining Crye-Leike, Cobb was affiliated with Horace Mann Insurance Company's Nashville branch office. As an account executive, he specialized in personal lines of insurance as well as annuities for educators in the state of Tennessee. Nosko and Thompson are affiliated with Crye-Leike Insurance's Brentwood West office, located at 5111 Maryland Way in Brentwood. Prior to joining Crye-Leike, Nosko was a territory manager in pharmaceutical sales for eight years. Thompson brings 10 years of business-to-business sales experience in the Middle Tennessee Region to his new position. Prior to joining Crye-Leike, he was an independent contractor representing multiple insurance carriers. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., has additional offices in Brentwood, Chattanooga and Springfield, Tenn., as well as Little Rock, Ark. To schedule a comprehensive insurance review, contact Crye-Leike Insurance Agency at 615-221-6412, or toll-free at 1-866-771-6449.  

Nashville, Tenn. - Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc. has expanded its insurance sales force in the Middle Tennessee region. Richard Cobb of Springfield and Tricia Nosko and Gary T. Thompson, both of Franklin, have become insurance producers of Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc., responsible for selling personal and commercial lines in the areas of home, auto, life, health and business insurance within Middle Tennessee. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc. is an independent and full service insurance center that serves the insurance needs of more than 5,000 families and over 300 business concerns in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. It offers a wide range of insurance services and products, representing a variety of insurance companies that specialize in property and casualty insurance as well as life and health. Cobb is affiliated with Crye-Leike Insurance's Springfield office, located at 504 22nd Avenue, East. He brings 16 years of insurance experience to Crye-Leike. Prior to joining Crye-Leike, Cobb was affiliated with Horace Mann Insurance Company's Nashville branch office. As an account executive, he specialized in personal lines of insurance as well as annuities for educators in the state of Tennessee. Nosko and Thompson are affiliated with Crye-Leike Insurance's Brentwood West office, located at 5111 Maryland Way in Brentwood. Prior to joining Crye-Leike, Nosko was a territory manager in pharmaceutical sales for eight years. Thompson brings 10 years of business-to-business sales experience in the Middle Tennessee Region to his new position. Prior to joining Crye-Leike, he was an independent contractor representing multiple insurance carriers. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., has additional offices in Brentwood, Chattanooga and Springfield, Tenn., as well as Little Rock, Ark. To schedule a comprehensive insurance review, contact Crye-Leike Insurance Agency at 615-221-6412, or toll-free at 1-866-771-6449.

Memphis, Tenn. - Lynn Alford, vice president of Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc., qualified to attend the 2004 Safeco Life & Investments Summit, a national conference held annually for top insurance agents and financial professionals who met stringent sales performance incentive criteria over a one-year period. Less than one percent of Safeco Life & Investments agents and advisors qualify to attend this elite conference, which recognizes top producers in the insurance profession. Alford, a resident of Cordova, is an independent insurance agent of Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc. who has served the insurance needs of residential and business owners in Shelby, Fayette and Tipton counties for the past 25 years. As a certified professional insurance agent, he specializes in life, health and financial services as well as property & casualty insurance. Alford also holds the Life Underwriters Training Council designation (LUTCF). He is a member of Insurors of Tennessee and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors where he was the recipient of its National Quality Award in 2000. His sales achievements also qualified him as a member of the President's Club of Golden Rule Insurance Co. Within his community, Alford is an agency representative for Youth Villages and has served as past president of both the Kiwanis Club of Cordova and the M Club, the University of Memphis' Lettermen Club. He was inducted into the Memphis Park Commission's Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc. is an independent and full service insurance center with an experienced staff of insurance professionals who serve the insurance needs of more than 5,000 families and over 300 business concerns in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. It offers a wide range of insurance services and products, representing a variety of insurance companies that specialize in property and casualty insurance as well as life and health. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc. is a division of Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 27 years. Crye-Leike is the nation's 10th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. Safeco Life & Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Safeco www.safeco.com ), represents a group of insurance and financial services companies, including Safeco Life Insurance Co. (Redmond, Wash.), Safeco Securities, Inc., Safeco Asset Management, Safeco Investment Services, Inc., and other wholly owned subsidiaries of Safeco Corp. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency is headquartered at 6525 Quail Hollow in Memphis, Tenn. To schedule a comprehensive insurance review, contact its Memphis office toll free at (877) 797-7210.  

Memphis, Tenn. - Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc. was presented the Silver Award for its outstanding sales performance in 2003 by Safeco Life & Investments, a Redmond,Wash.-based seller of insurance and investment products through independent agents, brokers and financial advisors nationwide. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc. is an independent and full service insurance center with an experienced staff of insurance professionals who serve the insurance needs of more than 6,000 families and over 300 business concerns in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. It offers a wide range of insurance services and products, representing a variety of insurance companies that specialize in property and casualty insurance as well as life and health. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency is headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., with additional offices in Brentwood, Chattanooga and Springfield, Tenn. and Little Rock, Ark. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc. is a division of Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 27 years. Crye-Leike is the nation's 10th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. Safeco Life & Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Safeco ( www.safeco.com ), represents a group of insurance and financial services companies, including Safeco Life Insurance Co. (Redmond, Wash.), Safeco Securities, Inc., Safeco Asset Management, Safeco Investment Services, Inc., and other wholly owned subsidiaries of Safeco Corp. To schedule a comprehensive insurance review, call toll free at (877) 797-7210.  

Memphis, Tenn. - Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc., an independent and full service insurance center, has been appointed an independent agent of MetLife Auto & Home. With an experienced staff of insurance professionals, Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc. serves the insurance needs of more than 5,000 families and over 300 business concerns in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. "Crye-Leike Insurance has clearly demonstrated its professionalism and business expertise and MetLife Auto & Home is proud to be its partner," said Mike Davidson, vice president of MetLife Auto & Home's independent agent organization. In business since 1982, Crye-Leike Insurance Agency offers a wide range of insurance services and products, representing a variety of A and A+ rated insurance companies that specialize in property and casualty insurance as well as life and health. MetLife Auto & Home (www.metlife.com), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) is one of the nation's leading personal line property and casualty insurance companies, with more than 2.7 million policies in force. "Crye-Leike Insurance Agency represents a carefully selected group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies, and we place our customer's insurance coverage with the company that offers the broadest coverage at a competitive price," says Turner Echols, vice president and general manger of Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc. "Customer service is our number one concern: we take pride in our reputation of providing our clients with excellent service, which includes assuring that our customers receive prompt claim service." Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc. is a division of Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 27 years. Crye-Leike is the nation's 10th largest real estate company and the largest in the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,800 sales associates and 69 branch and franchise offices located in 36 counties throughout a six-state southern region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky and Florida. Crye-Leike attained sales of $3.66 billion and 24,953 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2003. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency is located at 6525 Quail Hollow in Memphis, Tenn. and 5111 Maryland Way in Brentwood, Tenn. To schedule a comprehensive insurance review, contact the agency in Memphis at (877) 797-7210.  

by Memphis Business Journal reporter David Royer   Memphis, Tenn. - Crye-Leike Insurance turns 21 this year, and general manager Turner Echols says the agency is finally coming of age. More aggressive marketing strategies are helping to put it on track for its biggest growth spurt ever. "In the past 14 days we've picked up the largest accounts we've ever had," says Echols, who came on board in May 2002. "Business is up 300-plus percent, and on the commercial side it's up so much more than that, it's phenomenal." It's a phenomenal achievement, Echols says, because until recently, few people knew the real estate giant even sold insurance. That may be changing as the agency embarks on its first marketing campaign ever and attempts to position itself as a major player in the local insurance market. Crye-Leike's insurance division has always been something of a stepchild to its parent company since it was founded in 1982. It's never been marketed beyond referrals within the company. "The general market does not understand that we have an insurance agency here," Echols says. "We're a 21-year-old agency and it's not been marketed at all." Six agents in Memphis and one in Nashville represent 22 insurance companies from AAA to Zurich-Kemper. Property and casualty makes up about 90% of their business; predictably, homeowner's insurance is the most popular offering, with commercial property insurance next. Life and health plans make up the remaining 10 percent of the mix. The agency serves the insurance needs of over 5,000 families and 300 businesses. Still, with little brand identity, it was lost in the shadows of the more visible real estate division, making it a relatively minor player in the local insurance market. Crye-Leike's Realtors frequently refer home buyers to local insurance agencies, especially if the clients are new to the area. But they aren't bound to recommending Crye-Leike Insurance over any other agency, and they don't receive a referral fee or other incentives for doing so. Since referrals from realty agents remain the prime marketing tool for the product, the insurance division remained as little more than an ancillary service. "I'm sure there are agents out there that don't know Crye-Leike offers insurance," says Bill Malone, an agent and manager of Crye-Leike's Midtown branch. Members of the insurance division frequently show up at sales meetings to make their presence known among agents, but not all real estate agents attend the meetings. Having the name Crye-Leike attached to the office may have also been more of a hindrance than a help, Malone says. "I think because we're so brand-identified with real estate, the name Crye-Leike conjures up real estate and not much else," he says. However, in other areas of the country, insurance and real estate sales commonly go hand-in-hand in the same company. That arrangement was common practice here decades ago, says Larry Brown, a partner with Berclair Insurance Center. Today, though, Crye-Leike's combination of services is a rarity in the region. "I think because of the very size of their company, they do things a little differently," Brown says. When Echols came to Crye-Leike last year, he found an agency that had been mostly dormant for four or five years. So he's spent the last few months formulating a plan to inject more momentum for the agency within its market. Crye-Leike Insurance recently had its first print advertising campaign and agents have been spending more time out of their offices and in the offices of real estate agents, "passing out cards and buying doughnuts," as Echols puts it. A better relationship with real estate agents is already leading to increased referrals to the insurance division. Echols says he's heavily targeting commercial developers for growth. "Crye-Leike, because we're in real estate, has a great name in the contractor-builder-developer market, and I'm looking for the right appointment in the commercial side to just literally mop up that market," Echols says. More than just better marketing and networking, Echols says he has further plans that will change the scope of the agency. One of his tentative plans is to create a private-label Crye-Leike brand insurance in addition to the 22 lines the agency currently offers. That will allow the agency to tailor-make the product it sells, instead of relying on what its represented insurors offer. Echols says he's laying out plans to position Crye-Leike Insurance as a major brand over the next 10 years. The combination of real estate and insurance in the same company offers added convenience for consumers, he says. "People like one-stop shopping," he says.

Memphis, Tenn. -Wilson H. Langston of Germantown, Tenn. has joined Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc., the 21-year-old independent and full service insurance subsidiary of Crye-Leike, Realtors, as a commercial insurance agent within the agency's established Commercial Division. Langston brings to Crye-Leike Insurance over 13 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in loss prevention. Licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi, Langston offers a diverse array of products and coverages to meet the insurance needs of businesses. He previously worked for Kemmons Wilson Insurance. He is a member of Insurors of Tennessee and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Delta State University, majoring in insurance and real estate. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc. serves the insurance needs and business concerns across Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. It is a division of Crye-Leike, www.crye-leike.com, the nation's 10th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Southern Region of the United States. With a staff of 17 insurance professionals, Crye-Leike Insurance Agency represents a variety of A and A+ rated insurance companies that specialize in commercial business insurance and property and casualty insurance products, including life, health, auto and homeowners.  

Memphis, Tenn. - In 1982 when the National Association of Realtors (NAR) warned real estate brokers that those who did not diversify their business would probably not survive, Crye-Leike Realtors' co-founders and owners, Harold Crye and Dick Leike, took heed and formed Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc., along with many other divisions to become a full service real estate company. Since then, many independent insurance agencies have sold, merged or just could not make it. But today, Crye-Leike Insurance celebrates its 20th year in business while Crye-Leike celebrates its 25th anniversary. "Back then, Crye-Leike was a real estate company with only 200 sales associates and four offices," said Lynn Alford, Crye-Leike's first insurance broker who has been with the agency since its establishment 20 years ago. "Some people said it couldn't be done [a real estate company starting an insurance agency]. But when you put a challenge like that in front of Harold and Dick, they'll go for it." "In Memphis, where Crye-Leike started, there were several 'old line' real estate insurance brokers that preceded Crye-Leike Insurance, like Boyle Investments and E.H. Crump," recalls Steve Brown, vice president and general manager of Crye-Leike, Inc. who, 20 years ago, began as a Crye-Leike sales associate. "But, Crye-Leike was one of the earliest real estate firms to 'round out' the full service concept, establishing such additional services as property management, mortgage, insurance and commercial services. Harold and Dick were trailblazers and survivors as a result of NAR's prophecy." "We realize how important the real estate transaction and the real estate agent is to our business success," said Alford. "Being a corporate entity of Crye-Leike, our insurance agency's lead source of referrals is through Crye-Leike's sales associates. Inevitably, business our insurance agency secures results from someone who bought a property from a Crye-Leike sales associate. Our insurance agency doesn't have a prospecting problem which is a nice problem to have." Since the 9/11 terrorist attack, Alford has found that insurance is a topic that people have opened up to when before it was harder to sell. "9/11 has caused our insurance agency to reevaluate the way we do business," said Alford. "We are taking a reactive approach by paying much more attention to solidifying relationships and providing more service with our existing customers." Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc., an independent and full service insurance center, serves the insurance needs of more than 5,000 families and over 300 business concerns in West and Middle Tennessee as well as northwest Mississippi and West Memphis, Arkansas. With an experienced staff of 12 insurance professionals, Crye-Leike Insurance Agency represents a variety of A and A+ rated insurance companies that specialize in property and casualty insurance as well as life and health. "Crye-Leike Insurance Agency represents a carefully selected group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies, and we place our customer's insurance coverage with the company that offers the broadest coverage at a competitive price," said Buddy Hill, vice president and general manger of Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc. "Customer service is our No. 1 concern: we take pride in our reputation of providing our clients with excellent service, which includes assuring that our customers receive prompt claim service." The insurance carriers Crye-Leike Insurance Agency represents includes: Allied Insurance, Safeco, Fireman's Fund, Kemper and Royal & SunAlliance, all for home and auto insurance in Tennessee as well as AAA Insurance for home and auto insurance within Mississippi and Arkansas; Golden Rule for individual health and term life as well as annuities; Zurich-Kemper for commercial and life insurance; Progressive for auto and recreational vehicle insurance; Chubb, an insurance provider for more high value homes; UNUM/Provident for disability income insurance; American General for variable, life and annuity products; Blue Cross/Blue Shield for individual and group health insurance; and Exchange Mutual for homeowners and vacant dwellings insurance. The agency has experienced continued growth since its establishment in 1982. "In looking over the past 20 years in business, technology has played a key role in allowing our agency to grow because it has afforded us to be much more competitive in our pricing," said Hill. For the past five years, the agency has grown to about $ 4.5 million in annual premium volume with 65 percent in property and casualty insurance products, including life, health, auto and homeowners and the remaining 35 percent in commercial business insurance. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc. is a division of Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years. Officers are: Harold E. Crye, president; Dick Leike and Buddy Hill, vice presidents; and Brian Robinson, secretary-treasurer. Crye-Leike is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 57 branch and franchise offices located in 26 counties throughout a five-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.95 billion and 20,768 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2001.  

Memphis, Tenn. - In 1982 when the National Association of Realtors (NAR) warned real estate brokers that those who did not diversify their business would probably not survive, Crye-Leike Realtors' co-founders and owners, Harold Crye and Dick Leike, took heed and formed Crye-Leike Insurance Agency, Inc., along with many other divisions to become a full service real estate company. Since then, many independent insurance agencies have sold, merged or just could not make it. But today, Crye-Leike Insurance celebrates its 20th year in business while Crye-Leike celebrates its 25th anniversary. "Back then, Crye-Leike was a real estate company with only 200 sales associates and four offices," said Lynn Alford, Crye-Leike's first insurance broker who has been with the agency since its establishment 20 years ago. "Some people said it couldn't be done [a real estate company starting an insurance agency]. But when you put a challenge like that in front of Harold and Dick, they'll go for it." "In Memphis, where Crye-Leike started, there were several 'old line' real estate insurance brokers that preceded Crye-Leike Insurance, like Boyle Investments and E.H. Crump," recalls Steve Brown, vice president and general manager of Crye-Leike, Inc. who, 20 years ago, began as a Crye-Leike sales associate. "But, Crye-Leike was one of the earliest real estate firms to 'round out' the full service concept, establishing such additional services as property management, mortgage, insurance and commercial services. Harold and Dick were trailblazers and survivors as a result of NAR's prophecy." "We realize how important the real estate transaction and the real estate agent is to our business success," said Alford. "Being a corporate entity of Crye-Leike, our insurance agency's lead source of referrals is through Crye-Leike's sales associates. Inevitably, business our insurance agency secures results from someone who bought a property from a Crye-Leike sales associate. Our insurance agency doesn't have a prospecting problem which is a nice problem to have." Since the 9/11 terrorist attack, Alford has found that insurance is a topic that people have opened up to when before it was harder to sell. "9/11 has caused our insurance agency to reevaluate the way we do business," said Alford. "We are taking a reactive approach by paying much more attention to solidifying relationships and providing more service with our existing customers." Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc., an independent and full service insurance center, serves the insurance needs of more than 5,000 families and over 300 business concerns in West and Middle Tennessee as well as northwest Mississippi and West Memphis, Arkansas. With an experienced staff of 12 insurance professionals, Crye-Leike Insurance Agency represents a variety of A and A+ rated insurance companies that specialize in property and casualty insurance as well as life and health. "Crye-Leike Insurance Agency represents a carefully selected group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies, and we place our customer's insurance coverage with the company that offers the broadest coverage at a competitive price," said Buddy Hill, vice president and general manger of Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc. "Customer service is our No. 1 concern: we take pride in our reputation of providing our clients with excellent service, which includes assuring that our customers receive prompt claim service." The insurance carriers Crye-Leike Insurance Agency represents includes: Allied Insurance, Safeco, Fireman's Fund, Kemper and Royal & SunAlliance, all for home and auto insurance in Tennessee as well as AAA Insurance for home and auto insurance within Mississippi and Arkansas; Golden Rule for individual health and term life as well as annuities; Zurich-Kemper for commercial and life insurance; Progressive for auto and recreational vehicle insurance; Chubb, an insurance provider for more high value homes; UNUM/Provident for disability income insurance; American General for variable, life and annuity products; Blue Cross/Blue Shield for individual and group health insurance; and Exchange Mutual for homeowners and vacant dwellings insurance. The agency has experienced continued growth since its establishment in 1982. "In looking over the past 20 years in business, technology has played a key role in allowing our agency to grow because it has afforded us to be much more competitive in our pricing," said Hill. For the past five years, the agency has grown to about $ 4.5 million in annual premium volume with 65 percent in property and casualty insurance products, including life, health, auto and homeowners and the remaining 35 percent in commercial business insurance. Crye-Leike Insurance Agency Inc. is a division of Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years. Officers are: Harold E. Crye, president; Dick Leike and Buddy Hill, vice presidents; and Brian Robinson, secretary-treasurer. Crye-Leike is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 57 branch and franchise offices located in 26 counties throughout a five-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.95 billion and 20,768 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2001.