Jenny Markstrom

Today our featured agent in Jenny Markstrom located in Eden Prairie. Maggie is an insurance agent with Liberty Mutual.

Jenny, tell us about yourself.

Personal service is my priority.  Whether you need an annuity, life insurance, or health insurance, I can provide education and source the best product for your needs. I’m well versed in the details of healthcare reform and I strive to simplify the options I present to my clients whether small or large.

I’m an outgoing people person, who sees the little details that make up the big picture.  I can creatively apply solutions to problems that you didn’t know were there, to make life a little easier and brighter.  My goal is to do my job to the best of my ability, which means to be the best at all times, but always with the sincerest smile on my face.  I believe work should bring a sense of satisfaction each day.  Making insurance simple and straightforward for you brings my joy.

I am a second generation insurance gent serving the Twin Cities since 2011 and have been with the company since 1996.  I take pride in knowing we have reached a goal to protect our customers with life insurance!  I am active in my community and serve as the local Chamber Treasurer.   My team and I can assist with your auto, home, life, health, and commercial insurance needs.  I hold my CLU, FLMI and ChFC designations.  I am married to my husband of 10 years, Brandon, with 3 children Mason, Ella and Reid. 

Jenny, where are your offices located?

Our office is located in Eden Prairie, close to Eden Prairie Center.

What did you do before you started working in insurance?

I began my career in the medical field. My dream was to work at a world-class company, but that job offered me zero opportunity to gain any relevant experience. I worked in the operating room where the only computers monitored heart rates and blood pressure.I decided to take matters into my own hands. 

Personally, I had four jobs during the course of the three years it took me to go from graduation to landing my dream job.  I used my time outside of work to learn about digital marketing and developed a foundation for critical industry skills.

Building on those skills I became interested in starting my own business.  

How did you get started in the insurance industry? 

I had a friend who worked in a small insurance office and she thought that I would be a good agent.  I thought being an agent was all about selling and that wasn’t a strong desire for me.  I started working part time in my friends office learning the ropes.  I quickly realized I really enjoyed working with clients and helping them protect that family with the appropriate insurance coverage.  From there I started my own office and never looked back.

How did you learn to differentiate your company from others?

I believe our strongest differentiator is great customer service.  Great customer service means following best practices like valuing customers’ time, having a pleasant attitude, and providing knowledgeable and resourceful resources, but that you also take things a step further to exceed, rather than just meet, our customers’ expectations.

Our job is to help our customers get the most out of their policies and feel like they have gotten true value for their money. We make it your goal to learn everything there is to know about our policies so we can amaze our customers with timely recommendations for using new features and services.

Now a question from one of our readers: 

I throw a load of laundry in the washing machine, shut the door and start the cycle.  I come downstairs a couple hours later and there is water streaming out of the laundry room on the floor.  I found that the fill hose broke off and water is shooting out right onto my floor.  Is that covered by my homeowners insurance?

Each policy for each homeowner can be different.  Speaking in general terms, yes, the cost of cleaning up all that water and drying out your floor would be covered under your homeowners policy.  You would also be covered for repairing or replacing any flooring or trim that was damaged by the water.

I would recommend looking over your policy to see if the damage you’re claiming is covered or excluded by your policy. You should also get familiar with certain provisions in your policy like your deductible, your reimbursement terms (e.g. replacement cost or actual cash value), and coverage enhancements for high-value items. If everything checks out, contact your home insurance company as soon as possible

How do I go about filing a claim for something like that?

It’s very simple.  You can look up the claim center phone number or give us a call and we can provide it.  You will call the insurance company claim center and the customer service departments will assist and process your claim. A contractor will be assigned and they will do  inspection for the claim. Your adjuster will review the detailed description and photos provided by the contractor and approve the mitigation work.  That basically means the contractor will vacuum up any water and setup equipment to dry out your floors and walls.  If any of the building materials are too damaged the contactor may also remove those items during the drying phase.

What is the best way to get in touch with you if I want to discuss my insurance options?

Our website is the best place to contact us.  If you’re not near a computer, you can also call us directly.  We’d be happy to hear from you.

Thanks for meeting with me today Jenny!

You’re welcome, happy to chat with you any time.