Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency Announces Retirement of President Steve LeClaire

Agency to Continue Under 4th Generation Family Leadership 

After four decades of dedicated service, Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency proudly announces the retirement of its principal, Steve LeClaire, and the continuation of the family-owned business into its fourth generation. With deep gratitude for his unwavering commitment and contributions, the agency bids farewell to a pillar of the community and a well-respected figure in the insurance industry. 

Since its inception in 1939, Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency has been synonymous with professionalism, integrity, and personalized service, largely due to the vision and guidance of Steve LeClaire. His steadfast commitment to serving the community and ensuring the best possible insurance solutions for clients has left an indelible mark on Sutton and beyond. 

"It has been an incredible journey serving our clients and being a part of this wonderful community,” said Steve LeClaire. “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and appreciate every one of our loyal clients. I’m particularly pleased that our level of service and commitment will now continue with my daughter at the helm." 

As Steve LeClaire transitions into retirement, the agency is pleased to announce that the legacy of family stewardship will continue into a fourth generation. Lauren LeClaire, Steve's daughter, will assume the role of President, ensuring a seamless transition and upholding the agency's long-standing commitment to excellence. 

"I am deeply honored and excited to carry forward the legacy established by my father and the generations before him," expressed Lauren LeClaire. "Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency has been a part of our family for four generations, and I am committed to maintaining the same level of dedication and personalized service that our clients have come to expect." 

As the agency looks towards the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the insurance needs of individuals, families, and businesses throughout Sutton, the Blackstone Valley and beyond.

Lauren is a graduate of Sutton High School and Northeastern University, where she majored in communication studies. In addition to her role at the agency, she serves on the Millbury Federal Credit Union Commercial Services board of directors. She resides in Sutton and in her spare time enjoys professional bicycle racing and horseback riding.   

The retirement of Steve LeClaire marks the end of an era, but also heralds the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency under the capable leadership of Lauren LeClaire. With a legacy built on family values, the agency is poised to continue its tradition of service and innovation for generations to come. 

The kids are off to college, now what?

Preparing for College: Essential Insurance Considerations

As the summer draws to a close and the back-to-school season approaches, many families are gearing up to send their children off to college. While the excitement of starting a new chapter is palpable, it's also crucial to ensure that your student is properly protected. We’d like to highlight some key insurance considerations for families sending their kids off to college this fall.

1. Life Insurance

Life insurance isn’t usually first on the to-do list of sending your children off to college, but it can be a critical part of this milestone. Whether you currently have a life insurance policy or you need to purchase one, it’s important to make sure the policy will cover all of your current financial obligations, including any college expenses or student loans if you’re a co-signer. If you current policy does not cover the full cost of your child’s education, it may be time to review your policy and increase your coverage! It’s also a good opportunity to discuss financial planning with your children, including the purpose of life insurance. It’s an important life lesson as they transition into adulthood.

2. Renters Insurance: Protecting Personal Belongings

Dorms and off-campus housing are often filled with personal belongings—textbooks, electronics, and more. Renters insurance can protect these items in case of theft, fire, or damage. Many people assume that their homeowner’s insurance covers their child’s belongings away from home, but this isn’t always the case. Your policy may cover this, but it’s a good idea to review your policy or consider a separate renters insurance policy for your student’s residence.

Renters insurance is generally affordable and provides peace of mind. It also often includes liability coverage, which can be valuable in case of accidental damage or injury that might occur in the rental property.

3. Auto Insurance: Coverage for the College Student’s Vehicle

If your student is taking a car to college, you’ll need to review your auto insurance policy. Depending on where they’re attending school, there might be changes to their coverage or premiums. Some insurance companies offer discounts for students who maintain good grades, so be sure to inquire about any potential savings.

4. Identity Theft Protection: Guarding Against Financial Risk

College students are prime targets for identity theft due to their digital footprint and relative inexperience with financial matters. Identity theft protection services can help monitor and alert you to any suspicious activity, ensuring that any potential fraud can be addressed promptly. Some services even offer resolution assistance, helping to restore your student's financial standing in the event of identity theft.

As your child embarks on this exciting new chapter in their life, taking the time to review and update your insurance coverage can make all the difference. If you have any questions or need assistance reviewing or updating your insurance policies, feel free to reach out. Preparing for college is a big step, but with the right insurance coverage, you can help make it a smooth and successful transition for your student.

Contact Us Today

For personalized advice and to ensure your student’s insurance needs are fully met, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help make this transition as seamless as possible. Enjoy the journey of sending your student off to college with confidence!

Join Our Team!

We’re hiring!

Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency, a family-owned property and casualty insurance agency serving the community for 85 years, is seeking a dedicated and personable Part-Time Customer Service Representative to join our team. As a key member of our agency, you will play a vital role in providing exceptional service to our clients and supporting the day-to-day operations of our office.

Job Title: Part-Time Customer Service Representative

Company: Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency

Location: Sutton, Massachusetts

Responsibilities:

Customer Service: Interact with clients in a friendly and professional manner, both in-person and over the phone, to address inquiries, resolve issues, and provide information on insurance products and services.

Policy Support: Assist clients with policy change requests, claims submissions, and billing inquiries.

Documentation: Maintain accurate client records and documentation in our agency management system. Ensure all client information is up-to-date and compliant with industry standards.

Administrative Support: Provide administrative assistance to agents and other team members, including processing incoming and outgoing mail, filing documents, and preparing correspondence.

Client Outreach: Conduct follow-up calls to clients for policy renewals, updates, and returning calls and email inquiries. Assist in scheduling appointments.

Qualifications:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a customer-focused approach.

Previous experience in customer service or administrative support preferred.

Proficient computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities.

Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Willingness to learn and adapt to industry-specific software and processes.

Insurance industry experience or knowledge is a plus but not required.

Schedule and Compensation:

This is a part-time position offering flexible scheduled hours (approximately 20-25 hours per week) during regular business hours (Monday to Friday). Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

Opportunity to work in a friendly, family-oriented environment.

Gain valuable experience in the insurance industry and customer service field.

Potential for growth and advancement within the agency.

Paid training and ongoing support from experienced professionals.

How to Apply:

If you are enthusiastic about providing exceptional customer service and contributing to the success of a reputable family-owned business, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to info@benjaminagency.com.

Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated team member who shares our commitment to serving the community with integrity and professionalism.

Navigating Foggy Conditions: Tips for Safe Driving

Here at SBIA, we understand the importance of safe driving practices, especially in challenging weather conditions like fog. Here are some valuable tips to help you stay safe on the roads when visibility is reduced:

• Reduce Your Speed: Decrease your speed to adjust for limited visibility. Fog can obscure obstacles and other vehicles, so slowing down gives you more time to react to any potential hazards.

• Use Low Beam Headlights: Switch on your low beam headlights, even during the daytime. High beams can reflect off the fog and impair visibility further. Additionally, using fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them can help improve visibility close to the ground.

• Stay Alert and Focused: Keep your attention on the road ahead. Avoid distractions such as using your phone or adjusting the radio. Listen for sounds of other vehicles to help gauge your surroundings.

• Increase Following Distance: Maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Fog can make it difficult to judge distances accurately, so leaving extra space reduces the risk of rear-end collisions.

• Use Road Markings as a Guide: Follow the lines on the road to stay in your lane. If necessary, use the edge of the road or roadside reflectors as reference points to help you navigate safely.

• Signal Early and Clearly: Use your turn signals well in advance of any turns or lane changes. This gives other drivers more time to react to your maneuvers, reducing the risk of collisions.

• Avoid Sudden Stops or Turns: Abrupt maneuvers can surprise other drivers and lead to accidents, especially in low-visibility conditions. Brake and accelerate gently, and make smooth, gradual turns.

• Stay Informed: Check weather reports and traffic updates before heading out. If foggy conditions are anticipated, consider delaying your trip or taking an alternate route if possible.

• Know When to Pull Over: If the fog becomes too dense or you feel unsafe driving, find a safe place to pull over and wait until visibility improves. Use hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and arrive at your destination safely, even when faced with foggy conditions. Remember, it's always better to prioritize safety over speed when driving in challenging weather. Safe travels!

Ready your Vehicle for Winter

With the arrival of winter, its time to remember the importance of winterizing your vehicle for the upcoming colder months.

As you know, winter weather presents numerous challenges on the road, like icy conditions and reduced visibility. Properly preparing your vehicle can help ensure your safety and minimize the risk of accidents or breakdowns.

Here are a few tips to help you to do just that:

• Fill up your tires. As the temperature drops outside, so does the tire inflation pressure. That’s why you should check your tire pressure more regularly in the winter months and ensure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation (which you can find in your owner’s manual).

• Have your battery tested. Cold weather can strain your vehicle’s battery. In fact, when temperatures go below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, car batteries lose 35% of their strength. With that in mind, it’s crucial to have your battery tested before winter weather or temps hit to ensure it’s in good condition.

• Replace windshield wipers and washer fluid. Windshield wipers are essential to your safety if you happen to be caught in icy conditions. You may want to consider temporarily installing winter wipers, which can better handle ice or snow. At the minimum, however, replace any worn windshield wipers, and make sure your windshield washer fluid is at appropriate levels.

• Make an emergency kit for your car. It’s always good to have all the essentials in your vehicle in case of a breakdown or emergency. Supplies you may want to stock your car with include:

o Ice scraper

o Jumper cables

o Flashlight

o Blanket

o Cell phone charger

You can visit the United States Department of Transportation website for more winter weather driving tips. And if you have questions or concerns about your auto coverage or other insurance needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office!