Full disclosure: I almost did not go to Forward, but am glad that I did.
I was in immediate need of a non-owners policy but couldn't afford much. I found Steve McKinnie's name on the AIPSO website as someone who works with the low-cost insurance plan that CA offers. His was the first of two names in Palmdale, so I called him first. I was immediately unimpressed with his phone demeanor. All I got were brusque, one-word answers, until the end when I asked if I could make an appointment and what paperwork I needed to bring. I nearly called the other place, but figured that I'd already made the appointment and didn't need Prince Charming for the purposes of writing up a quick policy.
The next morning I went to my appointment and from outside the door heard what sounded to be a jovial man on the phone on the other side of the door. As soon as I came in, Steve got to business but was also cracking jokes here and there, and I decided that the conversation from the day before must have been a bad connection. Either that, or I was sitting and laughing with a completely different person!
Anyway, down to the gist. Steve explained the non-owners policy to me and recommended what he thought would be the best kind of policy to suit my needs and current situation. He ended up talking me out of the low-cost policy because it would have created more headaches for me in the long run. He drew up the paperwork, had me sign everything, and even printed me a copy of the insurance verification sheet (which I needed to send out to another company). Finally, Steve helped me out with something that was not in his professional interest to do. Without going into detail, I will just say he extended me a courtesy that he did not have to, and for which I am grateful.
If you're looking for an agent who is informative and to the point, but also presents a laid back atmosphere and is relatable, I recommend Steve McKinnie at Forward Insurance. read more
