Tow Professional Podcast
Tow Professional Podcast
Smart Insurance Strategies Save Towing Companies Money
Family legacy meets industry expertise at Austin Insurance, where the second generation of tow insurance specialists continues their father's tradition of hands-on, personalized service. Tyler and Todd Austin share how their father Rob built the business by actually visiting towing companies in person when competitors were simply mailing forms—a practice they proudly maintain today.
The brothers dive deep into the unique challenges facing today's towing professionals, from skyrocketing equipment costs to the shrinking pool of qualified drivers. They reveal troubling trends in the insurance market, including how some carriers now refuse to cover single-truck operations regardless of their safety record or years in business. This conversation offers rare insider perspective on how towing companies can navigate these challenges.
What separates this discussion from typical insurance talk is the practical, money-saving advice offered throughout. The Austins explain how smart documentation—from safety meeting sign-in sheets to comprehensive vehicle maintenance records—can dramatically improve your rates. They share a cautionary tale about a towing company hit by a tornado that discovered they had $40,000 in uninsured fencing, highlighting the importance of thorough coverage reviews.
Perhaps most valuable is their breakdown of essential coverages often overlooked by towing professionals: commercial auto liability, general liability, on-hook cargo, and garage keepers coverage form the foundation, but many operators miss critical protections like motor truck cargo coverage. They even warn how your social media posts might be undermining your insurance rates when underwriters spot potentially risky activities in your Facebook photos.
Ready to protect your towing business with insurance specialists who truly understand the industry? Contact Austin Insurance at 270-444-6818 or email austin_ins@wreckerins.com to learn how their decades of specialized experience can safeguard your operation.
Welcome one and all to Toe Professional Podcast. Remember, this is your podcast. It's for the pros that have a need to know, that are on the go. This is truly the voice of the towing and recovery industry. I'm DJ Harrington, your co-host, better known as the Toad Doctor, and the real man. The real host of this program is the president and publisher of Toad Professional Magazine, a very, very good friend of the industry and a dear friend of mine, darren Weaver. Darren, how are you on this beautiful day? I'm telling you it's beautiful in Atlanta. How is?
Speaker 2:it in Birmingham, man, let me tell you it's beautiful in Birmingham and it's a fantastic day. Because I guess I've kept the podcast a bit of a secret amongst my advertisers because, man, I've been wanting these guys on forever. Tyler and Todd Austin of Austin insurance. I've watched these guys grow into uh, uh, I mean just grow men with families from young guys in the industry. When I got in and they've got to watch me get old and slow around the trade shows and uh, man, I, I didn't tell them that for my advertisers, the podcast is no cost. And uh, when I, when I told them that and they said, well, podcast is no cost. And when I told them that, they said, well, hey, that sounds like a great idea.
Speaker 2:So, man, we got them on today, man, and let me tell you I've followed their father in the industry. When I first started, he was there at front and the whole family's in the booth. So it's a family-owned, family-run, multi-generational insurance company and just phenomenal people, man. So this is a great one DJ, good weather and good people. It's a great combination.
Speaker 1:When I met Tyler, I had brown hair and I had hair. That's how long, great family. I am so glad we got them on the podcast and this is you know. I'm going to tell you this is going to be a good one. I'm telling you ahead of time. All right, now we're going to tell our 20,000 listeners. Now I'll get Todd and Tyler really nervous. They'll say, oh my Lord. First of all, tell us a little bit about the history of Austin Insurance and how your father brought you two guys into the business.
Speaker 3:Well, my dad, rob Austin, started insurance, I guess about 1986. He started out with a small agency trying to do personal lines, just trying to write different coverages. About 1993, he stumbled across a market, that small agency trying to do personalized, just trying to write, you know, different coverages. And then about 93, he stumbled across a market that specialized in tow truck insurance.
Speaker 3:He got hooked up with that company and you know he got to watching a lot of agents weren't going to see customers at the time and he got his foot in the door by. You know he was advertising We'll come see you. Well, a lot of people were doing it all through the mail and he got his foot in the door by. You know he was advertising we'll come see you. Well, a lot of people were doing it all through the mail. And he just joined the association you know, created a circle there, I guess, and just went from there with it. You know, then, about 2004, I got out of high school to college and I'd been working part-time with him and of course, you know, growing up when I was younger, going to tow truck meetings or tow shows, of course I was always interested in the tow trucks and I guess I just kind of started in the business with him.
Speaker 1:Well, I know one thing, Tyler, you guys have learned you might have done it by association, but it had become part of you. And every time someone asked me who would I go to, I said, just go right over to Austin Insurance. They're here at the show, so just go talk to them. And, better yet, here's their phone number in case you miss them. So we'll make sure all our listeners get the phone number, the information. But, darren, I'm glad you got them on, so I'll let you ask them.
Speaker 2:The second one, all right guys, so either one of you want to take this one on. I do want to ask what? What do you guys hear from the, from the tow professionals on the market, the tow bosses? You're dealing with what seems to be the the biggest problems facing business owners that are looking to add coverage for a new towing company.
Speaker 3:I guess I'll do it there. From what we're seeing, you know just the cost of equipment is a big one. You know new trucks are up and I mean everything in the hole is up. You know, as far as adding, you know the biggest problem with that and you know, again, you know finding drivers is a big problem we're running into, you know, a challenge for a lot of the tow owners. I'm just trying to think of the. You know, just basically keeping employees and finding work, and you know, keeping the trucks moving forward.
Speaker 2:Would you say also, tyler, that when somebody is a new company in the market, it really is important who they go with with an insurance company and why?
Speaker 3:Yeah. You know, being a new startup there's not a lot of options for, you know, for a new startup. You know a lot of companies want you to be in business at least three years, some of them five years, you know, before they you know, but it's a real top market on a new startup right now, and you know, and other challenges we're seeing, some companies have pulled back where they don't want to insure a one truck guy.
Speaker 3:So I mean, we got one company that they won't insure anybody that don't have two trucks or more. Now Okay, and that caused a problem because you know, while you're one truck guys are. They've been in business for 15 years with one truck. They kept it small and but you know, now they're having to go back to say you're progressive, you know a higher market because they can't get into good markets with one truck. You know you run into that sometimes.
Speaker 2:So so I take it as key when you so I take it as key when you are getting in this industry, or when you've been in it for a while, to get with somebody that's got a deep knowledge of the market so that they can help you make those steps. Because the depth of knowledge in the industry, the you know your father, like you said, instead of instead of just picking up the phone and letting them phone it in, or send a email and take the coverage, he'd go out there and see them and find out about the depth of their needs and and and and steer them you know the direction and help them with it along the way. And it, you know, it looks like you guys are doing the same thing in your father's footsteps with it. Yes, yeah, awesome man, that's, that's so good. Well, dj, I'm gonna give you this next one, brother, and then we'll.
Speaker 1:We'll take a break yeah, because here's what we're trying to do and I want to make this clear to all our listeners. We really, Darren and I, both love Austin Insurance, but we want you to understand if you're out there looking for insurance, the first call should go to Austin and let them educate you a little bit. I sent a guy over to Austin and he was a one-truck guy. He was going to college. He learned plenty because they sat with him and explained what needs to be done. So that's what you need to do. So let me ask the next one, and then we'll take a break. We have seen insurance rates increase tremendously in our industry over the last several years. What is affecting this change and how can a professional protect their business? They're looking for a couple of little tips, Tyler and Todd, a little tips of how they could maybe protect their business a little bit more. So let's go to the wisdom boys.
Speaker 6:Well on some of the increases that we've seen, or causes that some things. That causes the increases is just the price of everything. The price of their property has went up. The price of trucks have went up. You know, if there is a claim, the price to fix a vehicle no longer is it a $300 fix to fix a car. It's going to be $1,500 or more now for minor damage. So that's some of the reasons why insurance rates have went up and maybe some residual effects from COVID are still kind of out there that could be also forcing the insurance rates to go up as well throughout the years.
Speaker 1:And how can?
Speaker 6:they protect their business again. They can, you know, by just getting the cameras, the GPSs, training their drivers, their safety plans for their companies. That's all good. You know, rec master training would be a good place to go to get the guys learned, to teach them how to learn and get them information.
Speaker 3:They need to know and something else they can do. Dj on that too is you know. I always tell customers you know it's three to five thousand dollars pay them claims. An insurance company would rather see one big claim than they would a bunch of little dings just because you have frequency.
Speaker 4:But you know, you keep them off your loss runs as well.
Speaker 3:Just say alright, any claim. That's three thousand or less. I'm going to fix myself gotcha take a break.
Speaker 1:Can I ask you guys, if a guy goes to RecMaster or goes to a West Wilburn school or something like that, does it help them a little bit of getting insurance?
Speaker 3:Yeah, I mean, there's not like a check market says, all right, you get a discount. But when they have that training, I always make sure I tell underwriters and they take everything into consideration when they're doing the quote. It definitely looks good. It definitely looks good on them, you know. They know they're training their guys. They want to do it the right way.
Speaker 1:And I had told Darren one time when I went to one where the state inspects the vehicles and they want to make sure they have it little, even those things you put out the fires, you know that carry that, and they carry sand and they carry tools and they carry and they inspect the vehicles. Well, those guys always had a better rate with the underwriter because they say at least they take care of their property, they take care of their vehicles. It makes a big difference.
Speaker 6:It kind of shows that they're investing back into their company by having all that stuff, having the safety plans, having the materials they need.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 6:Insurance underwriters like to see All right.
Speaker 1:Right Insurance underwriters like to see All right good.
Speaker 2:Well, I think it's a lot DJ, just like in, some of these guys have toys, they might have sports cars or campers or so on, and when you insure those things, that's one of the big things the insurance agent asks is hey, is that vehicle kept inside in a locked garage? Is it heated, is it cooled? Because they want to know how it's being taken care of. And when you've got a big piece of equipment like a lot of these tow professionals are trying to ensure when the guys can go out there and sit down and talk to them and they can turn around and see that they're doing their training programs, that they're, you know, putting what they need on the truck, that they're taking care, putting what they need on the truck, that they're taking care of everything.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I can see where, where todd and tyler says, hey, you know, we're gonna, we're gonna look at the underwriter and smile, say, hey, these guys are trying to do everything right and that makes it that can make a difference. Um, so I I think 100 with these guys are saying the relationship, knowing their people and just the years of them going out and knowing this industry and knowing how to help folks out. That's the key. So, listeners, you guys hang in there. We're going to be right back with Todd and Tyler Austin of Austin Insurance right after the break.
Speaker 7:TRAA is the national association representing the US towing and recovery industry. We act as the voice of America's towing industry by offering representation, education and leadership at the federal level. Much of our focus is on representing the interest of the towing and recovery industry on Capitol Hill. Representing the interest of the towing and recovery industry on Capitol Hill, including promoting positive legislation and opposing potentially negative legislation TRAA is the industry's watchdog on Capitol Hill.
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Speaker 1:Welcome back listeners. You know you've been listening to Tow Professional on the Go podcast. Darren and I, we try to do our best every week to bring you informative episodes. This is one of them. Tyler and Todd from Austin Insurance are doing a fantastic job. For those of you who don't understand Kentucky, they are doing very well. But I want to thank all of us. You know you guys just download and listen. We're available on Spotify, iTunes, Pandora, Stitcher, iHeartMedia. Wherever you get your podcast, we are there. So I can't thank you enough for telling your friends and getting us over 20,000 listeners. I'm very proud of all of you for helping us grow this business. So, Darren, I'll turn it over to you, Two wonderful guys that I respect very much in our industry.
Speaker 2:Without a doubt man? Well, this is a good one. So I know there's many different types, but for our listeners, what types of coverage is offered in the towing industry and what coverage should be on the policy that some companies miss?
Speaker 6:Well, the most common the coverages that everyone deals with on a day-to-day basis in towing is going to be the commercial auto liability, the general liability, the on-hook cargo, and then there's another one Some companies will also have a thing called motor truck cargo that you want to make sure that you have. Also, if you're doing a lot of bigger stuff, you might want to look into also having some motor truck cargo coverage as protection as well. And then also garage keepers coverage. That's going to be for storage of any cars on your lot, just about.
Speaker 6:Some other coverages that aren't a big. You know, usually it's like a cyber coverage EPLI coverage. So usually it's like a cyber coverage, epli coverage and of course you can get excess lines of coverage at some companies. Some of the towing customers may require their towing provider to have those extra coverages as well, and then you go into the property for the business, the umbrellas as well, and then you can. Some places may need flood coverage. You know there may be close to a body of water or a river where they may need some flood insurance. So you know that's all stuff that's out there that you can get. Maybe not all with one company, but if you divide it up you can get it through a few different carriers to where you got a whole package deal.
Speaker 2:Okay, Well, let me ask you this, Todd. Now we had one local company here and you guys might have seen some coverage on it in the past years which was Hearst Towing, and these guys got hit by F4 tornado towing. And uh, these guys got hit by, uh, f4 tornado, um absolutely leveled uh their building where they worked on their heavies, took out the main headquarters. That was basically at the time a uh a little larger than a, a double wide, and it messed a lot of the cars up on the lot.
Speaker 2:But one of the surprising things that that Len Hurst had told me is he said you know, I never even thought about the fence. I mean, he had fence around the property as far as you could see. And he said you know, in my coverage I never thought for the amount of fence I had or the changes. And he said I had $40,000 worth of chain link. You know when it come around to it. So I want to let you speak to that. Do you see where there's a need going forward, where owners pay a little more attention to the amount they put on their building, on their properties, their vehicles and so on?
Speaker 6:Oh, absolutely Some of the property coverages. They'll have a little bit built into it for some of the some extras such as signs or maybe some fence. But if you got a big storage yard, these fences can get quite expensive real quick, depending on what kind of fence it is, of course. But yeah, that's a coverage that you may want to go ahead and have listed on there as well, just like the building. You can also list the fence on the property as a as an item to be covered as well. Just like the building. You can also list the fence on the property as a as an item to be covered as well.
Speaker 4:Okay, I mean, it's not just fences too.
Speaker 6:You know, some people have big camera systems on their lots. They have signs out there, that's. That's all stuff that could be listed on the policy to be covered in case of some catastrophic situation comes upon them.
Speaker 2:Well, you know, I had a vendor in the industry that I went and saw and I know you guys know him, brian Anderson of Towmate, and where his facility is, it's right by the curve of a road.
Speaker 2:Well, a car left the road middle of the night, went through his fence, went through one of his buildings, hit a $250,000 machine that makes extrudings for his products and then hit a lift where he had an 81 model four-door Rolls-Royce on the lift and it totaled the lift. It totaled the $250,000 machine, the Rolls-Royce, half the side of the building and all the fence. And I think these are some things sometimes that we might overlook, trying to get a policy that's a little bit a couple of dollars cheaper a month. And I'm sure you guys have come across some companies in the industry where it just hurts your heart and you're like man, I wish they would have. Just wish they would have put a little bit more coverage on this or been able to add a little bit more at the time in case they had a catastrophic like that. All right, dj, you take the next one, sir.
Speaker 1:All right, these guys are really good and you want to ask them so many questions. I think we should have somebody like Austin Insurance on a lot. Tell us what makes Austin Insurance stand out in the industry. You know we'd love you, but tell our listeners, when it comes to touring and recovery insurance. Comes to touring and recovery insurance and can I ask and this is not one of the questions that we've prepared for but have you ever looked at another person's policy to help them out, To say, Mr Harrington, you really should cover this and your agent didn't bring this up and he really should cover that. Or we can help you because we're a little larger insurance agency. We could help you with liability. We can help you with other things. Has that ever happened?
Speaker 3:uh, yes, sir, uh, I mean I've, you know, I've reviewed people's policies and you know they, you know some policies just sell. They call it an intel coverage I've seen or that covers cars and trucks but it don't cover you know somebody hauling a forklift on the back of a road back it doesn't have the cargo.
Speaker 3:I've run across that you know before and you know and I've just told them. It's well, you know a lot of times I'll just give recommendations. I said I'd definitely go back to your agent. You know whether I can help you or not. I'll just give recommendations. I say I'd definitely go back to your agent. You know whether I can help you or not. I'll just make sure you're covered because you know you'll be the one holding the bag when that falls off the back of your truck Exactly right, exactly right.
Speaker 3:You know I've done that quite a bit with people. I'll review your policy. I'll let you know what you got. You know we're always honest people and up front. You know if you got something that needs to be looked at, I'm going to tell you. You know, whether you buy insurance from us or keep it with your current people.
Speaker 2:I love that. I love that. Well, I know the answer to this. I know DJ had asked, but I've seen it for years and years. You know your father there your, your father's parents there, you, that, you guys there at the booth. So tell, tell our listeners what makes Austin insurance stand out. Tell us a little bit about that personal.
Speaker 3:I mean, basically, you know, like we said, we're a family owned business. We go to about six tow shows a year. Mainly we go to see new people, but we see a lot of current customers. We're able to see people outside the work, out of their office. Everybody's relaxed. It's not working all the time. One thing I think we do, a lot of agents don't do, is we'll go see somebody, we'll go see a sit. You know we'll go see you sit down and you know we want to explain it all out. So people know what they're buying. They're not just, you know, fell out there to sign it and then they're wondering what they bought. They know everything to a T and you know we'll take time. Sit down. It takes three hours.
Speaker 2:It would takes three hours, wouldn't take three hours or half a day, you know, and you know, explain everything to them, man. That's that's what I'm talking about, that that's what I know from watching you guys over the years and that's what I wanted, um, you know, passed on to our listeners. Because I see that these guys care, they got a passion for the industry. They're hard chargers and, uh, man, they, they want to make sure that your business is there, not just today, but many years down the road. You know, I, I, I think they, they live by the same credo I do is, if they can take care of your business, they ain't got to worry about theirs. And that's where they they put their heart is making sure your business is protected. So you can't beat these guys, dj, you take the next one.
Speaker 1:Now you want me to. Now you really just covered mine again. You made it good. You know that you wanted them to answer one way, or you got the answer. I'll do the next one and I'm really glad you jumped in because I wanted I want our listeners to understand this is a company that I really you know. You know your business. Austin insurance will help you grow your business. There's a difference and we really believe in these guys and they've done so much for the industry. What advice would you give owners in the industry where they are searching for coverage?
Speaker 6:I mean it depends on really what coverage they're searching for and it kind of goes back. You know you want to make your best case to your underwriters, so they want your company to look the best it can do.
Speaker 6:You know safety means having sign-in sheets, you know that's a big thing to have be able to show the underwriters look, we have safety meetings monthly and we have employees there. Here's where they sign in Just that little bit of showing an underwriter that to go in to help them get the additional coverages they need at even a better rate possible. So it kind of puts the underwriters wanting to go to the bat for the, for the tower, and give him the best rates possible and find the best coverage they can for him.
Speaker 1:Right, and I've seen some people that do their monthly inspections of their vehicles and some people that don't and some people that sign off every day. What a difference when you see that sign-off sheet where the driver gets in the vehicle, does the inspection before he runs out to get the first car for the day. Oh yeah.
Speaker 6:Those are the right operations. The company's truck files and driver's files just adds, you know, adds stuff to where the underwriter wants to do the more for them to help them out, showing that they run and operate a good business.
Speaker 1:Now, darren, before we take a break, I just want to say this my family has a very large construction company. They're not in towing, very large construction company in New Jersey company. They're not in towing Very large construction company in New Jersey. My brother, when we were talking about that, out in his yard he has 250 employees and you sit there going. He looks at it. He doesn't think buying insurance is buying. He thinks it's an investment.
Speaker 7:He thinks it's an investment in his business.
Speaker 1:He looks at it because the bigger you are, the more people that say deeper the pocket, the more, bigger the target, yeah, bigger the target.
Speaker 3:I always say.
Speaker 1:Yeah, bigger the target. You are exactly right, and he is the big target. And even air pressuring the vehicles and the target. You are exactly right, and he is the big target. And even air pressuring the vehicles and the tires. And that's what happens, because other people will come in and say, well, the air pressure in your tire wasn't the right, that's why you tapped the vehicle in front of you and I'm like what?
Speaker 5:Yeah.
Speaker 1:I made the investment in my insurance company. You take the best and you copy the rest, and everyone else is out there doing it. All right, let's take listeners. We're going to take a fast break. We'll be back for our last segment with the Austin Insurance people and it is a winner. Hang tight, we'll be right back and it is a winner.
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Speaker 1:Wilbert Innovation Elevated. Welcome back listeners. You know you listen to the number one podcast in the towing and recovery industry. Today, with Austin Insurance, with Tyler and Todd. It's been fantastic.
Speaker 1:We picked up a lot of good tips. I hope you took notes and I hope that you'll look for them at the next show that they're going to be at, because they go to a lot of shows. But we're also going to give you the phone number, so get ready, you can write down the phone number and if you've got any questions or how to get a hold of them, we will do it. We'd like you to like and review and share everywhere. That's why the podcast has grown.
Speaker 1:By all means, we have a hotline. If you want to hear another industry expert like Tyler and Todd, by all means 706-409-5603, and that's the number you call. And you've got no problem. Just call us and Darren and I and Chuck Camp, the producer, will do our best to get that industry expert on the podcast Without further ado. Let me pass it over to my dear friend, darren Weaver, and when you see him on the show floor, tell him how much you enjoyed the tote professional magazine, because it's the number one in the industry and I'm proud to be part of it. I write a nice column there every month, so, uh, you can come and tell me the same it's okay, I, I do.
Speaker 2:I do want to mention something on this one. This, this upcoming issue, is going to be something else because, um, but unbeknownst to both of you, one of our other editors, dan messina um, wrote and wrote an article about the greats in industry and I think you were mentioned in there, dj and uh, as being one of those, and then I understand the article you did was kind of a throwback to the industry, talking about the greats in the industry. So, man, this is going to be some good edit in this upcoming issue. But what I wanted to get to with the guys and I know they touched base on this a little bit is let's stand those out again. What are some of the things these owners can do, todd or Tyler, so that their company, to help their company, receive a better rate before their? What are the things they should be doing right now for their company to get better rates?
Speaker 6:Oh, Some of the things a company can do depending on their size is definitely a factor in this, but for some of the bigger outfits they could invest in having a training program, documentation for that.
Speaker 6:A safety program, such as driver's files, is also a good thing, where you keep all the training documents, certificates, sign-in sheets.
Speaker 6:That's all a good investment to have in your business. And the same thing with truck files have, when you bought it, when it was serviced, any updates to it, anything changed in the truck, it also goes to good. Also, if there is a claim with that truck, you can go back and show where you've improved it and kept the maintenance up on it, and it's a factor in also getting that claim paid out as well. So, and also investing in on the trucks, the GPS units, the forward and rear facing cameras and all other kind of safety systems that can go along. I know there's multiple things you can purchase or invest in in your business, such as the HOSS systems and several other items Signage, you know, on your trucks, lights, you know everything can be a factor in helping your business out. But the material having trained and proving that the employee's been trained is also really good on the insurance side, showing that you know you're in for the long haul on your business and the underwriters really enjoy to see that type of stuff.
Speaker 2:And that's some good information right there. Todd, I tell you I love that on the driver files and that, like you said, the vehicle files, it's an investment for both of them and your employees, and in your vehicles files, it's an investment for both of them and your employees and in your vehicles, and the guys need to be looking forward ahead to be. There's so many systems out there now that will keep that maintenance form on their vehicles and keep up with all of that. So it's great that you can give the owners that information and they know that that's something that can benefit their business down the road. So that's huge.
Speaker 3:And the thing is Darren, too a lot of companies don't have like okay, if you get a camera system it's going to be a 10% discount, but just let them know that they're eligible maybe to give you a little extra credit toward your premium.
Speaker 3:There's no set percentage, but they do what they can. Basically, what we try to do is when I go see a counter, talking to them on the phone, I get an idea of their business. Yeah, you know what they're doing and on both sides of the trucks and drivers, you know we go to these underwriters we're trying to paint a picture to them.
Speaker 3:They don't, you know an underwriter sitting up, you know, in the office somewhere we're trying to paint the whole business to them. Let them know what we're seeing. You know. Yes, make it. You know that this company's they're doing it the right way, so let's give them your best you know, love it that.
Speaker 2:That makes a lot of sense, man.
Speaker 6:Thanks for for clarifying that and another thing yeah, go ahead, talk, watch uh, and I don't know if this could help, but you know, watch what companies put on their facebook page or or uh websites, you know they'll. They don't want to see a haul on a plane or something, even though it's cool to do, but underwriters, they look at this stuff. That's another factor.
Speaker 3:They may do something. It might be once in 50 years they hauled an airplane, but underwriters say they think it's hauling planes every other day or something.
Speaker 2:I've always said and you guys pointed this out to me when I was young in the business is. You said, hey, listen, you mentioned to those guys that their friends aren't the only ones that look at Facebook. Sometimes it's their insurance riders that are looking at their going. Oh, johnny's using his truck as a crane today, putting air conditions on the roof, so exactly.
Speaker 3:Or you know, we're backed up to a pond and kids are using the diving board. I've had you know, oh, my goodness yeah, yeah, it's something I probably do, you know exactly, yeah.
Speaker 2:so you, you've got to watch those things. I'm glad, glad you said that, because there's, there are things that can hurt you and, like you said, you know some companies might not give you a tremendous discount for having the cameras. But what happens when you, when your driver, gets into a position to where somebody runs a light brake, checks them, does something, turns around or says, hey, they loaded my Corvette up. When they did it, they scratched the wheel, so on. You've got those rear facing cameras, you've got the front cameras catching everything and you've got somebody else on your side besides the driver that works for you, that they're saying, well, he's going to, he's going to say it anyway. You've got film of the situation and that helps you, that helps your insurance company to be able to go to bat for you and that helps you on your claims in the long run. Is that about right guys?
Speaker 3:Yes sir.
Speaker 2:Yeah that's a big part of it, all, right? Well, dj, you take the last one. Sir, I'm going to let you let it rip.
Speaker 1:You got it. Well, I want to tell these people and I want to also tell our listeners, tyler and Todd. Todd, I was at a place and then you can explain why they did this. The day there was a passenger car, the gentleman had an accident and bled all over the inside of the vehicle. So they go outside and they're parked the car and then they labeled the car that there is a blood hazard vehicle. They put signatures and stuff on the window. They took a picture and put it in the file and the insurance guy I guarantee you would say now file. And the insurance guy I guarantee he would say now these guys dot the I's, cross the T's. They're my kind of people I want to do with them. Is that something that you've seen in the past?
Speaker 3:Yeah, I mean you talk about just keeping files on everything that's happened. Yeah, I mean I've seen some companies that dot their I's cross the seen some companies that they doctorize cross-fatigues, like you said. I mean I've seen it before You've done it. You know they keep it you know, not everybody, but a lot of companies do.
Speaker 1:They do, and it made a difference. Here's my question. Austin Insurance has always been heavily involved in attending and supporting the towing associations run tow shows. You're at the state shows and we really appreciate it. How long and I know this has been a long time, I know you've been there a long time. What are some of the upcoming shows our listeners could attend and talk with them? You know to you personally, so where will you be?
Speaker 3:Well, next week we'll be in Ohio at the Great Wolf Lodge Right At Mason, and then, coming up in October, we'll be in Chattanooga.
Speaker 1:Yes, At the Tennessee Toe.
Speaker 3:Show and then wrapping up in November at Baltimore. Gotcha, we'll be at the Baltimore.
Speaker 1:Toe Show. You got it and I guess the best way can I just give them the phone number for all our listeners. Go ahead, All right.
Speaker 3:It is 270-444-6818.
Speaker 1:6818. Gotcha. Yes, sir, and how about what's a good you know like if they want to talk to you, or email address? Is that okay?
Speaker 3:Yes, sir, that is what's the name. It's Austin, austin, yeah.
Speaker 6:Austin A-U-S-T-I-N underscore I-N-S at wreckerinscom.
Speaker 1:So wrecker is w-r-e-c-k-e-r inscom.
Speaker 6:Yes, sir.
Speaker 1:You got it. Yeah, that's our main that's kind of our.
Speaker 3:That's our main email. We got individual emails but that's where, if they send to that one, we know somebody will see it. You know, don't get past anybody. Everybody takes that email.
Speaker 1:Right, that's our master email. Yeah, well, before I turn it back over to Darren, I just want to tell both of you and I want to tell the industry. You're a fine company, fine people, and you know when you're doing business as my brother would say to me, dj when you're doing business with reputable people that are good people, that care about the industry. That's half of it right there. I would rather buy, or he calls it invest. I'd rather invest money with somebody that's going to help me grow my business and will keep an eye on my business so that I have the right coverages and that's the most important thing where somebody educates them, because this is your business. You're a specialist on insurance. Yes, we are specialists on towing and recovery, and it's a big difference. We need advice from guys like yourselves and I'm sure glad you're on the podcast. All right, turn it over to you now, buddy.
Speaker 2:Yes, sir. Well, man, I tell you, I told you this was going to be a good one. And listeners, if you want more information, make sure you go to wwwwre-Scom, wreckerinscom, and you can look through everything that they have to offer there. You can give them a call directly at 270-444-6818. Or you can find them in Toe Professional Magazine.
Speaker 2:I've known this family for a long time, great family, and I'm a little bit different when it comes to the sell side. I don't try and just sell a hole in a magazine and say, hey, we'll talk to you next year. I believe, me and DJ both believe, when you know good people and you put them with other good people you know in the industry and that's what we try and do is hook up our listeners, our readers of the magazine, with the companies that can make a difference. And here at wreckerinscom or 270-444-6818, todd or Tyler Austin will make your job, make your business grow, and they'll protect you and make sure you ain't always have to be on your toes. They'll dot the I's and cross the T's for you and make sure you got the coverage that you need. And if you don't understand it, hey, don't worry, they'll come see you and they'll take the time to make sure you understand everything you're getting and that your coverages are there for you, and that's the key. So, so happy we could have them on today.
Speaker 2:But as always, listeners, I want to end this one with a prayer and, dear Heavenly Father, we just thank you for every one of our vendors. We thank you for the service they do in the industry. We ask, when all these shows are coming up, that you protect our vendors coming and going to the shows. Bring them back to their families safe, keep their families safe while they're gone and protected and help increase their knowledge, wisdom and prosperity to bring products and services to our industry. Dear Heavenly Father, also watch over our men and women of towing, bless them, guard their footsteps as they go out and take care of our family members in their time of need and just bring them back to their families, protected and covered, and heal those hearts and be with those that have lost loved ones along the way in this industry. Father, we thank you for your protection, amen.
Speaker 2:And as always, listeners, we thank every one of you for making Toe Professional Podcast number one in the industry. Keep listening. We'll have more great experts on the show, like Todd and Tyler Austin of Austin Insurance. Make sure you reach out to them wreckerinscom, or give them a shout on the phone today, 270-444-6818. Todd or Tyler will have the information to get your business out of the red and back in the black. Have a great day and God bless, until next time.