When it comes to insurance, consumers have more choices today than ever — and sorting through those options can be overwhelming. Working with a local insurance agent who knows the process inside and out, like Laura Scala of Salem, can help you find the right policy for your circumstances.

Laura Scala works for Comparion Insurance Agency, offering their expertise and guidance to help customers purchase car, home, life, pet, renters, umbrella and other specialty insurance policies. By having an expert like Laura Scala at the helm, you’ll save time and effort in discovering a customized policy that meets both your coverage needs and your budget.

Patch spoke with Laura Scala to learn more about their experience in the insurance industry, the benefits of getting a personalized policy quote and their favorite things about Salem.

How did you get into the insurance industry?

I got into the insurance industry 10 years ago after my family experienced significant financial loss due to being under insured. The more I researched where we went wrong, the more I realized how many folks truly don’t know what is or isn’t covered by their insurance policies and how it all works. I love connecting with people and helping so it was a natural fit to turn what started as a search for answers into a career helping others avoid the same outcome.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of this job for me is knowing that my customers are properly protected whether it be through correct liability limits, accurate rebuild coverages, or enough life insurance so a families emotional loss isn’t also a financial loss. I also really have a passion for educating and helping first-time homebuyers navigate the process and work hard to help them become educated consumers about insurance so they really know what all their coverages mean.

What’s something you wish everyone knew about insurance?

That there is no ‘apples to apples’ comparisons, The devil is in the details! Just because you may see the same coverage limits listed from one carrier to another when shopping for insurance doesn’t mean the actual policies are the same. For Example, seeing $500k in rebuild coverage from two companies doesn’t mean it applies to the same type of losses (Fire, Wind, Theft, Vandalism etc) or that each company may have different criteria that needs to be met before the policy will pay out those limits. How and when those limits get applied or excluded is what really matters. This why having a local Insurance Agent to help you navigate correct coverages, policies, and different companies is incredibly important.

What’s something you wish everyone knew about working with a local agent?

I wish that people knew that having a local Insurance Agent is FREE! There is no additional cost to have an expert help you. Since a local agent lives, works, and plays in the same area you do we have a deeper knowledge of your needs as it may pertain to weather related coverages or local insurance trends- Like having to put your motorcycle, boat or RV into seasonal storage or the tendencies of our small rivers to flood, or that NH is one of 2 states in the country that do not require auto insurance and with that comes added importance on certain coverages when you DO have auto insurance.

What factors should someone consider when exploring their insurance options?

Often, if it’s too good to be true…it might be. Cost is always important since we all have budgets, but getting the correct coverage limits for your situation and knowing the details of those coverages are often more important. I don’t have a single customer who has experienced a loss and come back and said “But I wish I had saved that $100 last year by dropping or reducing my coverage”

What would you tell someone who’s on the fence about getting a personalized insurance policy quote?

If there was a $100 bill on the ground would you bend over and grab it, or say ‘I don’t think I can reach it’. For the majority, You’d at least give it all you had to try and grab that money. I use this example because many people think to themselves “I’m already getting a great deal, I’ll pass on getting other quotes/options”. Since getting a quote is FREE and often only takes a few minutes there is really no reason to not at least know all of your options and reach for those savings. Going through the process also helps to make sure your coverage is always up to date and ensure you have no gaps in coverage.

What do you like most about the Salem area?

I love that Salem, NH is in it’s ‘revitalization era’ with the new Tuscan Village and all the improvements happening around Rt. 28. You also can’t beat the location, we are an hour-ish from Boston, the ocean, or the lakes region!

What’s your favorite restaurant in the Salem area?

Ralphies Cafe Italiano!

What’s one hidden gem in the Salem area that everyone should know about?

The outdoor space at Tuscan Village! Live music, beer garden, lawn games. It’s fun for the whole family!

Licensed in:

NH, MA, ME, VT

Services

Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, Life Insurance, Annuities, Powersports Insurance, Boat Insurance

Comparion Insurance Agency is one of the largest personal lines agencies in the U.S. by premium, with over 2,000 insurance agents and 180 office locations. Since Comparion partners with 50+ national and regional insurance carriers, local agents can offer you multiple quotes — meaning you can select the best personalized coverage for you, all at a price that fits your budget.

Let Comparion help you find the right policy. Contact Laura Scala today to learn more about Comparion’s insurance options and receive a no-obligation quote.