Business Spotlight, Farmers Insurance

By Ralph Dickerson

Tired of working in a factory, Phil Simpson began to look for a career change. He wanted something that allowed him the flexibility to do the things he wanted, but to also build something that belonged to him, not someone else. After examining his options, Phil decided to embark on a career in the insurance industry with Farmers Insurance.

“I started in January of 2020,” Phil said.  When he decided to become an insurance agent, Phil looked at various companies. Someone told him about Farmers Insurance. Though he saw their commercials on television, Phil did not know much about them. He began to look into the company.

“I fell in love with the company and the way they treated me,” Phil said.
Though affiliated with Farmers Insurance, the local agency belongs to him. It is not a franchise. He makes all of the business decisions. As the owner of the business, he makes the decision on what and where to advertise, he decides which community endeavors to support and which organizations, groups, or sports teams to give donations.

Like other insurance agencies, Phil’s office offers home, auto and life insurance, and much more. When he started his agency, Phil wanted his business to stand out, so he examined his options carefully. As he thought about the direction of his office, Phil carefully examined the local area and realized two big draws in this area: the Ohio River and the Hoosier National Forest. Due to these attractions, boating, camping and ATVs are popular here, so he decided to concentrate on specialty insurance.  “Specialty insurance covers ATVs, campers, boats, rental homes and campsites,” Phil said. “Those are the things people have fun with in life.”

Once he made the decision to specialize in specialty insurance, Phil decided to offer these insurance policies to both sides of the river, so he also acquired his Kentucky insurance license. Another reason he wanted to offer insurance to Kentucky, and Hancock County in particular, is because he lived in the state for six years, with nearly four of those years near Weber’s Corner in Hancock County. Also, his daughter attends South Hancock Elementary.

“We are one of the top agencies for specialty insurance,” Phil said. “Our service is great. We are available evenings and weekends. We are growing and we are going to work hard.”
Phil said he also offers Medicare Supplement insurance policies. He sells these policies through two different companies, which allows him to shop around and find the best deal for his customers.

The office, located at 543 Main Street, Tell City, IN, is open six days a week.  The office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

“We have a text messaging service,” Phil said. “If you have a problem on a Sunday, you can text us. We check it several times per day.”
The office consists of himself and agent Quintin Stewart. The number to text is also the main office number: (812) 547-7065.