Ensuring compassion for the insured

Whether it’s a home, car, business, or planning for the inevitable, Nerissa Berry guides her clients to the best insurance options for their unique needs.

When Berry began the Nerissa Berry Insurance Agency in 2010, she served as a captive agent, meaning she only offered insurance from one carrier. But to better serve clients, she knew she needed to expand.

“At the end of 2019, I decided to transition to an independent insurance agency in order to better assist my clients in the insurance industry,” Berry said. “Not only am I able to shop around for my clients with multiple carriers—such as Allstate, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, and many more —but in many cases, I’m able to save my clients money.”

Berry’s passion for insurance ultimately stems from her commitment to people.

“I really love the people: the single mother, the widow, the young family. Every day, I meet someone new, and I love that!” she said.
She started her agency from the ground up, with zero policies, and worked her way up.

“In my three years of owning an independent agency, I have more clients now than I did as a captive agent for nine years,” Berry said. “I started my business because I wanted to build a legacy for my family. My family has many entrepreneurs, so taking that leap wasn’t foreign to me.”

As was true for many, COVID impacted the insurance industry in new ways.

“Insurance companies saved money due to people not driving, and many people may have received rebates,” she said. “Now that everyone is driving again, auto insurance has become unprofitable, and rates are rising again due to historical inflation and increased labor and material costs. Consumers need an insurance advisor to help them through the weeds.”

And Berry is committed to finding affordable options that fit her clients’ budgets.

“I genuinely care about my clients, and I don’t want them to be ‘insurance poor,’ meaning they are paying so much in premiums that they can’t afford it,” she said.

“If I can show someone compassion every day, whether it’s my family or my clients, then I have succeeded in my purpose.”