North Carolina

The Power of the Relationship

Dad is Impressed With his Agent’s Teen Driver Safety Efforts

Creating awareness of the dangers involved in teen driver safety is half the battle. Getting the parents and teen to listen is the other half.

When Jeff Smith of Gastonia, N.C., told acquaintances about his upcoming appointment with State Farm® Agent Adam Queler, they were confused.

“The process was new to me and, of course, my son, Wes. I told many people about my appointment with Adam, and no one understood what I was talking about. Many people asked if this was something new that the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles was requiring. I told them I did not know but would follow up as soon as I was done.”

At the meeting, Adam not only discussed the dangers new teen drivers face, he also showed the Smiths the State Farm Steer Clear video. While the Steer Clear program is not available in North Carolina, the video focuses on teen drivers who killed or injured friends not long after getting their license.

“I now see that this is something that Adam has taken upon himself and his company to do to ensure the safety of not only his clients but all young drivers today.”

As a current State Farm policyholder, Jeff was so pleased with his visit to Adam’s agency to explain teen driver safety to his son, Wes, that he wrote a thank you letter to State Farm praising the personalized customer service.

I would like to thank you for what you are doing not only for my son but for all the young teenagers that are going through the process of trying to acquire their driver’s license. It means a lot to me when you can speak to my son about the things that I may sometimes take for granted myself. The video was a real eye opener, not only for Wes but for me also. Thanks again for your true concern and dedication to keeping the roads safe.

After the meeting with Adam, Jeff said the thing that stood out the most to him was Adam’s willingness to share his true feelings about how he was not only worried about his clients but his own family as well.

“After all, he and many other insurance companies are pretty much giving young teens the freedom to drive -- and it is at a high cost mentally to me and Adam as we are parents who care for our children and always worry about them when they’re on the roads.”

Jeff said he also appreciated the way Adam spoke directly to Wes.

“He really looked at him and let him know that he was there for him if ever needed. I appreciate what he did and, for one, I am proud to have him as my agent. It means a lot to know that he has that much care about young teen drivers that he is willing to spend his time to make the roads as safe as he can. Even if only one person takes this kind of treatment to heart and really takes into consideration all the materials he gives out, as Wes will, then that makes all worthwhile.”

Adding a new teen driver to an insurance policy is not an inexpensive process, but Adam’s efforts made it worth the money to Jeff. While other insurers can add teens on to their parents’ insurance policy, having a heart-to-heart conversation on the phone or via texting is not quite the same.

“It is no secret that I have been with several different insurance companies as I am sure most drivers have. But I have to tell you, the personal experience that Adam gives to his clients -- or at least to me -- is bar none. There is not a time that I have walked into his office and Adam hasn't come from behind his desk to greet me. It is this personal experience he gives that makes paying the bill so easy to do. Thank you for following up and thank you to State Farm for finding an agent like Adam.”