Ron Collins, CLU

I entered the insurance business in 1981.  Since the start the focus of my business has been on group employee benefits and personal health insurance, as well as other individual coverages such as disability and long term care insurance.  I earned a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation in 1989.

Sue Stapleton has been my assistant since 2001.  She is responsible for new business underwriting and maintaining our files and database.  She will be glad to assist you with your inquiries or requests and is usually the first person you will talk to when you call our office. 

Our goal is to provide accurate, up to date and honest information about the companies we represent and the products I offer.  As an independent agent, I don’t need to place a minimum amount of coverage with any particular company.  If I am not an expert in a particular line of coverage, I will tell you and recommend someone who is.  I spend a great deal of time with you when you inquire about insurance coverage, so that you will have all your questions answered and receive the information you are looking for.  Health insurance is a “fair traded” product, which means premiums are the same no matter which agent you use, or if you apply direct to a company.  You don’t pay us a fee; we are paid a commission by the insurance company if you secure your coverage through us.  Our convenient Redwood City location offers you the opportunity to schedule an appointment in our office, if you prefer. 

Why should you use a broker instead of going to direct to the company?  First of all, there is no additional cost in dealing with a broker.  Secondly, we can save you a lot of time by helping you choose which plans and companies are right for you, expediting the submittal process by making sure applications are correctly completed, and monitoring the underwriting process to make sure approval decisions are made in a timely fashion.  And finally, you are dealing with a local representative; someone you can call at any time with questions about coverage, claims, billing or changes.  We don’t have an automated caller waiting system.  You don’t have to call the insurance company if you don’t want to.