Insurance broker Cindy Holland values great service

Working as a store manager and then as an executive with Nordstrom for a total of 19 years, exceptional customer care has become the cornerstone of Cindy Holland’s work credo. “We all know how Nordstrom is about service,” she said, “and from my experience there I’ve learned that any successful business must hang their hat on service.”

Six years ago Holland, 46, made the leap to the insurance industry and took that work ethic with her. Her sister was already in the business and told Cindy she knew she’d be great at it. With three children, Holland said she thought joining the insurance industry would allow her more flexibility and time with her family. Little did she know how much she’d love it too.

The Marin County native moved to the Sacramento area 12 years ago and is now with InterWest Insurance Services, the 34^th largest mortgage brokerage in the United States, with seven offices serving Northern California. Holland serves clients in the greater Sacramento area and advises individuals about a variety of insurance policies. “Home, auto, umbrella, you name it,” she said.

Holland said she likes that InterWest has its own in-house internal claims department, representing their clients, if needed, in a claim scenario. The company also has its own legal team.

As an insurance broker, Holland has greater access to information than an insurance agent does. “An agent can’t shop with multiple companies; they normally have to sell only the insurance their one company offers,” she said, “A broker can shop around for customers to tailor-fit their insurance needs.

“Because InterWest is recognized as a leader in the industry, we have a strong voice with access to all of the top-rated insurance companies,” she added.

Holland’s favorite part of being in the insurance business is helping people rebuild their lives and homes after a fire or disaster, but there’s also a downside to that — more common than most of us know. “Did you know 70 percent of people are underinsured?” she asked. “Something happens and people go to collect insurance to rebuild. Then they find out they don’t have enough insurance to cover the costs.”

Many of her clients come to Holland unsure of what insurance they need and how much. “I find great satisfaction in acting as my clients’ personal insurance advisor and advocate. I understand insurance can be somewhat complicated so it makes me feel good how often clients tell me they’re grateful to have someone actually explain what their coverage includes,” Holland said.

When not working, Holland finds time to stay active in the community she now calls home. The Placerville resident currently serves as the Affiliate Director of the El Dorado County Association of Realtors and supports a number of local charities.

If you’ve not yet met with Cindy, call her to receive an objective review of your home and auto insurance policies at 916-609-8424.