Insurance education • Michigan independent agency
Why Customers First Insurance Group Chose to Be an Independent Insurance Agency
This guide explains independent insurance agency in plain language, including what it can mean for protection, costs, and the decisions you may face.
independent insurance agency: the short answer
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Why an Independent Insurance Agency Matters
How an Independent Insurance Agency Helps Clients
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The “Why” Behind Customers First Insurance Group
Customers First Insurance Group was founded on a simple belief: good people deserve good insurance options.
Michael Vereecke, President of Customers First Insurance Group, started the agency because he grew tired of seeing responsible, loyal customers lose affordable insurance rates for reasons that often had little to do with the kind of client they truly were.
Too often, good-paying customers were penalized because an insurance company changed direction. One year, they were a great fit for a carrier. The next year, that same carrier adjusted its pricing model, changed its underwriting appetite, or shifted its growth strategy — and suddenly that same customer was facing a much higher premium.
Why does this happen?
Insurance Scores Play a Big Role
Auto insurance companies often use something called an insurance score as part of the process for determining premiums. They also look at factors like claims history, payment history, and driving record when deciding what a customer will pay.
Pricing Models Are Not Always Perfect
Behind the scenes, actuarial teams analyze large amounts of claims data to predict which customers are less likely to file claims in the future. While that may make sense from a business standpoint, those models can sometimes be affected by things outside a customer’s control, including fraud trends, catastrophic events, inaccurate data, or broader market shifts.
Carriers Sometimes Change Strategy
In some cases, insurance carriers lower rates intentionally to grow market share quickly. Later, after bringing in enough new business, they may raise rates or tighten underwriting guidelines, knowing that many customers will stay simply because shopping for insurance can feel time-consuming and frustrating.
Good Customers Deserve Fair Treatment
That approach never aligned with the philosophy behind Customers First Insurance Group. To Michael Vereecke, a good customer is someone who pays on time, files legitimate claims when truly needed, and is honest throughout the process. Those are the clients who deserve to be treated fairly.
Common Questions About Independent Agents
Understanding the difference between independent and captive agents. Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you.
What makes Customers First Insurance Group different?
Customers First Insurance Group focuses on service, honesty, and helping clients understand their options. The goal is not just to sell a policy, but to build long-term relationships by being kind, helpful, and matching people with coverage that makes sense for their situation.
Why did Customers First Insurance Group become an independent agency?
Customers First Insurance Group was founded because Michael Vereecke saw too many good customers lose affordable insurance rates when a carrier changed its pricing model or underwriting direction.
What does it mean to be an independent insurance agency?
An independent insurance agency is not tied to just one insurance carrier. That means Customers First Insurance Group can compare multiple companies and help match clients with coverage and pricing that better fits their needs.
Why do insurance rates sometimes go up even when nothing changed?
Insurance rates can change for many reasons beyond an individual customer’s control. Carriers may adjust their pricing models, respond to claims trends, change their underwriting appetite, or shift strategy to grow or shrink in certain markets.
Do insurance companies always reward loyal customers?
Not always. Some carriers offer very competitive rates to win new business, then later raise rates or become less competitive over time. That is one reason it is helpful to work with an independent agency that can review other options when needed.
What makes someone a good insurance customer?
At Customers First Insurance Group, a good customer is someone who pays on time, files legitimate claims when needed, and is truthful throughout the process. Those are the kinds of clients the agency believes deserve fair treatment and strong service.
What is an insurance score?
An insurance score is one of the tools many auto insurance companies use to help determine premiums. It is typically considered along with factors like driving record, payment history, and claims history when pricing a policy.
How does an independent agency help when rates change?
If one carrier changes its rates or underwriting guidelines, an independent agency can often shop the policy with other companies. This gives clients a better chance of finding a more favorable option without starting from scratch on their own.
Is cheaper insurance always better?
Not necessarily. The lowest premium is not always the best value if the coverage does not properly fit the client’s needs. A good insurance policy should balance price, protection, and the quality of the carrier behind it.
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★
Mike is very easy to work with and very accommodating! He went the extra mile to make sure we got the best rate!
Megan F., Harrison Twp, MI
★★★★★
Mike has been such a big help the last few years finding me the best home and auto insurance. Even living in Grand Rapids he has worked with me remotely for my best options. I have always never fully understood how to shop around for the best deal and most places took advantage of that. It was so nice to be able to have someone help me understand what I was getting and find me a great deal in a very short amount of time.
Christina L., Grand Rapids, MI
★★★★★
Working with Mike has been great. Been working with him just about 2 years and its been such a pleasant experience. Him
and his team our knowledgeable and kind. I also had never used an insurance broker in the past but now i wish i wouldve started using him sooner. Theres never any guesses hes always on top of changes and updates. Super responsive and very helpful 10/10
Amelia P., Shelby Twp, MI
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About
At Customers First Insurance Group, we put the needs of our clients first. We take the time to examine each clients unique risks and assist them in finding the coverage they need at a price they can afford. Located at 49696 Gratiot Ave, Chesterfield Twp, MI 48051 in Macomb County, Michigan.
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independent insurance agency: a practical review checklist
Use this guide to review independent insurance agency before making a coverage decision. Start with the definitions, the applicable limit or bond amount, your responsibilities, exclusions, and any endorsements or conditions that change the standard protection.
Questions to discuss before making a change
- What event, claim, or obligation activates the protection?
- Which exclusions or limitations are most likely to affect the result?
- Would an endorsement, higher limit, or different option close an important gap?
- What documentation should be kept before a loss or claim occurs?
Compare contract language and real-world protection, not price alone. A lower premium may come with a higher deductible, narrower terms, or less help when you need it. Confirm the effective date before replacing existing protection so you do not create an unintended gap.
For general consumer information, visit the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. For a review based on your circumstances, contact Customers First Insurance Group.
Have questions about your coverage?
Customers First Insurance Group can help you review the details, compare options, and make an informed insurance decision without pressure.
Customers First Insurance Group. This article provides general educational information, not legal advice or a coverage determination. Coverage, eligibility, pricing, and claim outcomes vary by policy, insurer, facts, and applicable law. Read your policy and consult a licensed insurance professional about your situation.