Sequoia Auto Insurance Review

Sequoia Auto Insurance was incorporated in 1947. The company is based in Monterey, California. Sequoia has total assets of more than $182 million with total capital of more than $3 million with a net surplus of just over $167 million. Richard James Quagliaroli is the current president of the company.

Location: 31 Upper Ragsdale Drive Monterey, CA 93940
Phone number: (831) 333-9880
AM Best Rating: A-
Market Cap: $50-100 million

Types of Insurance Offered by Sequoia

• Auto
• Home
• Boat
• Airplane
• Business

Coverage

Sequoia currently offers coverage to all the states in the western United States and most states in the rest of the country. Auto insurance is not available in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, New Jersey, North Dakota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia. All products are not available in every state where
Sequoia does business.

Auto Insurance Options

Sequoia provides standard coverage, required in every state by auto insurance law, to motorists. The exact form of policy depends on the state where the driver lives. Some states are “no fault” and others are “tort” states. Tort states require that someone be found at fault in the event of an accident. Types of auto insurance offered include:

• Collision and Comprehensive – This is an optional policy, but does cover damages regardless of whom was at fault.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – This is another optional policy, but strongly recommended. It covers costs associated with motorists who may be underinsured or not insured at all. Passengers are usually covered as well.
• Personal Injury Protection and Medical Coverage – This option is required in no fault states. Coverage relates to any physical injuries as a result of an auto accident.
• Loan or Lease Gap – C&C is required to purchase this option. Coverage pays for expenses not covered by an existing loan or lease.
• Rental Car Reimbursement – Expenses associated with car rental fees are covered while a vehicle is being repaired or replaced.
• Towing and Labor – Emergency roadside assistance is a perk of this coverage.
• Custom Parts and Equipment – This option covers aftermarket accessories such as specialized lighting, custom paint jobs and installed entertainment systems in addition to what was standard on the vehicle.

Goals

Sequoia places an emphasis on customer service. This includes being attentive to client needs and making agents available to clients when questions and other issues arise. Based on customer evaluations, it appears the company has lived up to these goals with few exceptions. Sequoia’s basic goals include:

• Focus on respect for the client.
• Taking action to resolve issues.
• Responsible management of insurance needs.
• Be knowledgeable of a policyholder’s coverage with the ability to suggest coverage that will be beneficial to the client.
• A focus on customer service with a promise to answer all calls with responsible, well-trained staff.
• Accessible management open to all employees, vendors, agents and policyholders.
• A promise to provide timely payment in the event of a claim.
• Commitment to offering affordable coverage.
• Commitment to provide the right policy for each policyholder.
• Promise to address any issues with prompt, reliable client-centered service.

Products

Sequoia Insurance offers a variety of products designed for commercial clients. Insurance agents and corporate employees work to create innovative products to serve the company’s existing customer base and attract new clients.

Sequoia Edge – A comprehensive risk management solution described as flexible. The target client is in the middle market. Ten risks are covered. Different limit options are available with 27 additional coverages. Companies have the option to purchase these collectively or individually.*

Sequoia Enterprise – This commercial product is designed for small businesses with property value under $10 million and less than $5 million in annual sales. Coverage includes casualty and property for businesses that fall into certain classes such as retail, habitation, wholesale, service and manufacturing.*

SMARTtrac – This feature provides safety and HR managers with instant access to tools required to allow them to manage risk and safety effectively with a focus on keeping costs at a minimum.

Cyber Coverage – This feature provides first and third-party coverage options designed to protect a business against internet-based risks. This coverage became available as on June 15, 2011.

*Commercial and umbrella polices are available.

Loss Control

Sequoia’s loss control experts work to identify potential hazards and make recommendations on how to reduce the chances of a loss. Internal and external experts assist clients in an effort to minimize risk management efforts. Electronic resources, including valuation tools, are used by agents to assist in the effort to reduce risk for customers.

Claims

The agent handling the claim remains with the policyholder throughout the process unless an issue arises that requiresadditional assistance. Sequoia does not have a call center. However, an effort is made to process all claims within a reasonable amount of time. Contact is maintained with the policyholder throughout the duration of the claim’s process.Compared to similar insurance companies, Sequoia’s coverage and related services are above the industry average.