Partner Spotlight: Andrea's Commitment to Smart Coverage
When it comes to placing personal umbrella policies, one of the most critical steps is understanding the client and the unique risks they represent. A well-matched policy placement considers the individual’s lifestyle, assets, and exposure. Andrea Barrios of The Liberty Company is an experienced broker who exemplifies this thoughtful approach, going the extra mile to research her clients and ensure they’re placed with the best possible coverage. We sat down with her to learn about her success as an independent insurance broker.
A Passion for Insurance and Research
Andrea’s journey into insurance began unexpectedly. "I think I was about 20 years old, and I was working at a bank called Countrywide. I was a floater, moving between departments until I found something I loved," she recalls. She soon discovered that insurance was that passion. A supportive manager recognized her potential and personally paid for her to get licensed. That investment in her career paid off, and Andrea has since built a successful career in the brokerage space, specializing in high-net-worth clients and complex risk placements.
Her love for the industry stems from the deep research and relationship-building required to do the job well. "I wasn’t just quoting and binding simple policies. I was more on the research side, handling escalations, analyzing premium differences, and educating clients on why certain coverage decisions made sense," Andrea explains.
Matching Clients with the Right Carrier
Andrea has honed her ability to navigate multiple carriers to find the best fit for her clients. "When I moved from the agency side to the broker side, I fell in love with it because we have access to so many different carriers. I work with business managers, CPAs, and lawyers who bring their clients to us. Many of them are high-net-worth individuals or difficult-to-place risks. I love educating them on why certain placements make sense," she shares.
This commitment to research and understanding means Andrea crafts smart coverage solutions tailored to each client’s needs. That diligence translates to real results, like when she caught an expiring policy with another carrier at the last minute for a high-profile athlete. "It was 7 p.m. on a Friday, and I thought, there’s no way anyone is working right now. But I had Rachel’s number at Monoline, and she responded right away: ‘Up opening my laptop. I’ll be on in three minutes.’ She approved it, we bound it, and she saved the day. That kind of responsiveness is invaluable."
Honestly, every time I bring up a suggestion, it seems like it becomes a new feature!
Why Andrea Loves the Monoline Platform
Andrea values efficiency and responsiveness in her work, which is why she appreciates Monoline’s platform. "Honestly, every time I bring up a suggestion, it seems like it becomes a new feature! I’ll ask Jan if something is possible, and if it’s not yet, she takes it to IT, and a month or two later, it’s there," she says.
She also highlights the platform’s user-friendliness and transparency. "It’s super easy to navigate. I can instantly see what’s acceptable and what’s not. The chat feature is amazing. I don’t have to follow up on a lot of things because the team is so responsive. I had a situation where I needed to add a 2019 Polaris, but I couldn’t find the right category. I reached out to Jan, and within a week, they had added it to the system, keeping me updated every step of the way."
If you can, do your research. It saves so much time.
Advice for New Brokers: Do Your Research
For those entering the industry, Andrea has simple but invaluable advice: "If you can, do your research. It saves so much time." Understanding the details of a client’s needs, the carrier’s appetite, and the nuances of policies ensures smooth placements and better outcomes for everyone involved.
Beyond the Office
When Andrea isn't helping clients navigate their insurance needs, she enjoys working out. Specifically, weight training and cardio at least four days a week. An expert at cultivating relationships as part of her professional life, she nurtures her relationships outside of work, spending time with friends, going out to brunch and dinners, happy hours, and church. She prioritizes play and activity, and loves taking her dog to the park. Her well-rounded interests and enthusiasm for life contribute to the thoughtful and personable approach she brings to her work.
Looking Ahead
Andrea’s commitment to her clients, her diligence in finding the right coverage, and her appreciation for strong partnerships make her a standout broker. At Monoline, we’re proud to support her with a platform that offers both ease and flexibility, backed by a responsive human team that values the same things she does.
We look forward to our continued successful partnership with Andrea and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!
