There’s nothing newsworthy or opinion-worthy for me to blather about this morning, so I’ll refrain from that. But something notable did occur the day before yesterday. I was cheered by it, and knowing that many people need a little cheer in their lives, I thought I might tell my Gentle Readers about it.
Insurance is a strange sort of good. It’s not a capital good; you can’t use it to produce other goods. And it’s not a consumption good; no one actually “consumes” it, nor wants to do so. It occupies a third category: overhead goods, which we purchase because not to do so would entail unacceptable risk. Insurance shares that category with several other goods we pay for grudgingly, such as the national armed forces.
Now, it’s uncommon that a vendor of an overhead good should take a personal interest in a customer. Uncommon? Practically unknown. But such vendors are aware that their products and services aren’t actually desired by anyone. They know they need to work to keep public opinion about them positive. That’s a singular challenge for an insurance company, many of whose customers buy their products under coercion.
Well, on Tuesday I received a thank-you card from my insurance company. My scanner isn’t working just now, so I’ll transcribe the message on it:
We are so thankful for you!Dear Francis:
We’re honored that you’ve trusted us to protect you over these many years. It’s our mission to empower you with protection so you can achieve your hopes and dreams.
A lot has changed in the world since you got your first Allstate policy, but one thing remains the same: You can count on us every day.
Thank you for being a loyal customer. We look forward to serving you for decades to come.
Sincerely,
Tom Wilson
Chair, President and CEO
Allstate Insurance Company
I was rather surprised to receive that card. Yes, it’s a little overly earnest, but that’s often how these things go. But it made me think about that first Allstate policy. I took it out in 1975: auto insurance, of course. In 1980 I added homeowner’s insurance. Though those two policies have endured a little alteration, I’ve stuck with them ever since.
As I said above, no one buys insurance for positive reasons, but rather to avert potential negative consequences. A lot of people “shop” their insurance needs every year or two. I’ve never been inclined to do that. Allstate may not be the cheapest insurer in America, but it’s reliable. When I’ve had to make a claim, I’ve had no problem with the company; their representatives and adjusters are pleasant and fair. Indeed, Allstate has gone to some lengths to make necessary repairs convenient, more so than a lot of other insurers. So I’ve had sound reasons for staying with them.
But the years do pass quickly. 1975 is fifty-one years ago. That’s two-thirds of my life on Earth. I hadn’t been looking for a thank-you card from Allstate, but I’m pleased that the company’s data-processing systems flagged my longevity and had such a card sent to me. They noticed, though I hadn’t.
That’s good PR. Really good PR. I don’t think I’ll be switching insurers. Actually, I hadn’t been thinking about doing so before that card arrived, but this is a little extra reason.
Just a small positive note for anyone who might want or need one. Life isn’t all bills, doctor visits, and dietary restrictions. Sometimes there are refunds, declarations that one is healthy and sound, and literal doctor’s recommendations to eat more chocolate. Yes, really.
Have a nice day.
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