Why Do We Call Ourselves Good Neighbor Insurance?

“Whether you hate insurance and insurance salespeople, consider them a necessary evil, or consider them largely misunderstood – in everyday life insurance agents are often avoided.

The Samaritans (An ethnic group from 30AD) had that reputation too – Suspect. Considered lower life forms. Some people would actually cross the street to avoid one of them. Except for one Samaritan who changed forever how people thought of him by going out of his way to help a fellow traveler. A Jew. One who may not have really liked him all that much….Or would want to be seen in public with a Samaritan, sharing a bagel….But who needed his help.

By going out of his way, this Samaritan surprised us all by helping this man get the medical attention he needed. Irrespective of race. Irrespective of prejudice. A traveler who had been mugged and left on the side of the road.…By being a ‘Good Neighbor.’ [NOTE: He didn’t ‘become’ a good neighbor – He already was one. He just hadn’t met this particular man yet.]

Maybe our work will never change anyone’s perception of insurance or insurance salespeople – But either way, we’ll happy to help. Because every one of us has been on that road ourselves….Traveling, needing assistance, maybe medical attention. And not knowing where to turn. Needing someone to come to our rescue.

It’s why we call ourselves Good Neighbor Insurance. Because there’s a lot of travelers out there. And we know for sure that some of them will need our help. We just haven’t met them yet.”

Now who would you rather do business with?

• An organization whose ultimate goal is “selling more insurance?” Or…
• A business that’s helping make the world a better place, while making sure your workers are protected with the right insurance at the best rates?

Three references that come to mind when talking about what it means to be a “good neighbor” are:

1. 1. The story of the good neighbor, also known as “The Good Samaritan” (above),
   2. The story about going the second-mile, and…
   3. The story about a homeowner who receives guests late at night and wakes their neighbor from sleep to borrow items to properly entertain.

In all three examples, there is the strong impression of helping/being of service, of going out of the way, of listening and looking out for others/helping them accomplish their goals.

All three also mention the ‘commonality’ between those helping and those helped:

• A fellow traveler who has shared the same risks.
• A good neighbor who others have confidence in, known for their willingness to help.
• A difficult encounter with someone that is making an unexpected demand of us/our time, where we are faced with the opportunity to not only serve, but go “above-and-beyond” in meeting their request, and thus winning them over.

The term “good neighbor” or “good Samaritan” has become part of our everyday speech and thought. It has become one of the most well-known stories expressing what it truly means to be a neighbor, a friend, a fellow human being.

We think all three stories represent the values and passion we as Good Neighbor Insurance employees have:  To protect our fellow travelers and help them meet their goals.

Why Good Neighbor? Because our goal ultimately isn’t to sell more insurance, but to look after others and help them change the world. To serve NGOs, non-profits, B Corporations, and faith-based groups that are improving the lives of those overseas. To be the very best international health insurance brokerage in the world protecting travelers. Because where others advertise their insurance as an umbrella (protecting you from the elements), we’d rather be known as “a company of Spartans with iron shields” (see below) surrounding you, keeping you and your organization safe.