Local Agency Now Part of AARP Family

In March 2010 Lake Ronkonkoma's Sachem Insurance Agency became an authorized agent for the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford.

Thanks to this designation, the agency's current clients who are 50 years of age or older can now take advantage of AARP's program while maintaining the relationship with their personal trusted agent.

"We're very excited about it," said Steve Browne, who owns the independent agency along with his brother, Jeff. "It's great for local people who want to keep their relationship with their agent so they don't have to call an 800 number," he said.

Browne and his brother have planned a local advertising campaign to get the word out to the local communities, including a front page Pennysaver ad scheduled to run on April 8.

Browne, a Certified Insurance Counselor for 15 years, is also the President of Ronkonkoma's Chamber of Commerce since 2008. Browne said his company's relationship with The Hartford goes back to 1935, when the company's New Hyde Park office, Krug Insurance Agency, was founded by that city's first mayor, J. Nicholas Krug.

Browne's father joined him in 1960 and eventually all three Browne brothers joined as well. Phil Browne runs the New Hyde Park office while Farmingville residents Steve and Jeff run the office on Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma which opened in 2006. Steve is still quite proud that his agencies are recognized by such big names in the insurance industry.

"You have to be an agent of a certain caliber for The Hartford," Browne said. "They authorize select agents to distribute their products."

The agency provides auto, home, health, life and disability insurance for individuals and families. It also provides business liability, worker's compensation and commercial auto insurance for small businesses and retail stores. Between all the Browne brothers, there is collectively over 50 years of insurance experience in their office.

AARP currently boasts 40 million members nationwide and has been helping people aged 50 and over since it was founded in 1958. According to their website, the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford provides quality insurance and lifetime claim repair protection in addition to the following benefits: lifetime renewability; new car replacement; 12 month rate protection; 24/7 claim line; flexible payment options and plan flexibility which includes first accident forgiveness and waiver of deductible.

In addition to insurance, AARP offers an array of discounted quality services to it members including financial, health, travel and discounts.