Business spotlight: Jonathan Priest, MetLife

On March 24^th, 1868, a company dedicated to providing working-class Americans with financial protection opened its doors for business. Since then, MetLife has helped generations of customers around the world protect their property, finances, families, and futures. In fact, MetLife has been so successful at maintaining their mission and dedication to those they serve, that the company has been recognized in the Top 20 of Newsweek’s most reputable companies across all industries…out of 300 companies nationwide!

Contributing to that success is local and trusted Property and Casualty Specialist, Jonathan Priest. 

Jonathan, whose office is located 57 Tandberg Trail in Windham, works with MetLife to custom-build insurance packages for everyone regardless of where they are in the game of life.

“Anytime you’re making a change is a good time to review insurance,” Jonathan said. Getting a new car, getting married, getting divorced or having a baby are all great reasons to reassess your needs or learn about insurance.

Priest has been working in the banking and insurance industries since he graduated from college with a degree in education. The education degree has served him well in his career because he is able to turn insurance jargon into plain English. “If I could spread one message,” Priest stated, “It would be that Life insurance is never cheaper than right now. Don’t wait. Ninety-nine times out of 100, the rate is less expensive than you think.”  Priest also has life insurance policies available that don’t surcharge for marijuana use. “We are very competitive, and aware of the changing needs and realities of the marketplace.” he said.

Jonathan Priest

MetLife offers many things that other companies don’t, Priest said. When a client has an accident with a rental car, the rental agency will charge the driver for “loss of use” of that vehicle. MetLife covers that charge as part of their standard coverage, where no other insurance companies will! If an all-wheel drive car needs new tires due to a covered loss, MetLife will replace all four tires, as the tires need to be the same outside diameter to prevent damaging the car’s transmission.

When it comes to home insurance, MetLife has the option of uncapped insurance, Priest said. If a house is insured for $500,000, but it will cost $750,000 to rebuild, they will provide the bigger amount. “No one else is actively writing new policies that do that,” he said. Priest likes to work with first-time home buyers because they are like a blank slate. They need protection for a huge investment and need to be educated about which coverage is right for them.

When he meets with clients, he asks the right questions to find out what they need, be it homeowners, auto, disability, life, event or even pet insurance. Priest can also broker through many agencies to find the best policies for his clients. The face to face contact with Priest allows him to make a personal connection. When something happens, the clients call him. “If you have a claim, do you want to be working with someone who doesn’t care or that you’ve never met?” he asked. “I want to make sure you’re getting the coverage you need.”

The claim center for MetLife is in Rhode Island, and Jonathan makes sure to follow up if there is a claim made. “It is always best to check with your agent before filing a claim…one new client of mine had an agent who filed one homeowner’s claim as three different incidents, which got her policy canceled! I was able to save her over a thousand dollars on that policy alone!”  Priest has been able to find savings for many clients, going so far as to say that “More than 8 out of every 10 folks I quote, I am able to save money while maintaining or improving their coverages.”

Jonathan started with MetLife two years ago and hasn’t looked back. He earned recognition as the second-year agent writing the most new business in New England. With 18 years of experience in the insurance game, he knows a good company when he sees it.

He also has many local business owners as clients, all of whom have different, specialized requirements. “I enjoy getting into the commercial side of things, but a lot of personal lines agents do not.” he said.

Priest offers free consultations, reviews and quotes. “If I can’t do better for you, I’ll tell you.”  

He enjoys face to face meetings, but is in and out frequently meeting with clients, so getting in touch with him is best done by phone or email. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the office at 893-8184, message him on Facebook at Jonathan Priest MetLife Auto and Home, or email Jonathan.Priest@MetLife.com.