Chris McCabe Insurance Has Deep Community Roots

Chris McCabe, owner of the New Lenox-based McCabe Insurance Agency, knows the ins and outs of the community.

A Providence Catholic High School alumna, she cheered on the football team at Bishop Kaffer Field in the '80s and learned to drive on Maple Avenue. And while she personally knows many of the long-established families, she eagerly welcomes newcomers.

As an independent insurance agent working with an association of Insurance Professional Agencies, McCabe is not obligate or partial to any particular insurance organization.

"It really does help to have a variety of different options available," she said.

In fact, that's the key to turning clients into friends, she added. The first step toward a long-lasting relationship is careful listening.

"I have to put them at ease, and let them know that we have programs for everyone." A single claim or a series of claims don't have to be expensive road hazards, she added.

It's not unusual for some of the major insurance carriers to drop a client for climbing into the too-risky category, but such action is not a personal indictment, she said.

"I try to put a nervous (insurance seeker) at ease," McCabe said. "The other day, I had a woman on the phone who was crying over having been dropped by her insurance carrier. I calmed her down and found another program right away. And it was cheaper."

With a hefty database at her finger tips, she can find an affordable program to cover people with health issues or driving mishaps. Along with major insurance company such as Pekin, MetLife, Hartford and Travelers, McCabe has access to wholesale insurance firms. By working with an insurance broker, she can customize plans that fit "basically any situation."

McCabe's provides coverage for health, businesses, car insurance and even highly specialized programs. On the rise are home-based business owners and business owners who literally take their show on the road.

A handy man, for instance, may not have a brick and mortar facility at all. The whole business is mobile. Therefore, he needs a program that insures the business owner, the driver and the equipment all in one.    

McCabe not only maintains her real estate license, she is currently working toward becoming an insurance broker. The combination of backgrounds provides her with the tools to identify the particular insurance needs of partners in a commercial interest or those planning a housing development.   

However, the biggest growth in McCabe's company comes from female clients. "It seems that single women in business or women looking for health or car insurance just prefer dealing with someone that understands them," she added.

"There's a trust factor built right in," she said.

Having been associated with the community for more than 30 years, McCabe, who earned a master's degree in business administration from in Romeoville, said folks in New Lenox appreciate her ready knowledge of the area. Again, she said, people tend to feel more comfortable "working with someone who shares the same background, who speaks the same language."

Although building relationships based on longevity and familiarity are great, McCabe said she likes to add a fresh flavor to the offerings when the opportunity strikes. And beginning this month, McCabe Insurance Agency welcomes Triple A Insurance as a carrier.

The company not only brings in a broader base of offerings, it also comes with a travel agent component. McCabe Insurance Agency clients will soon see a new addition to the office. Triple A is opening a one-gal travel agency within the office.

"I'm really excited about that," McCabe said. "I love to travel. My whole family does."