Company Profile – Universal Insurance
- Founded: 1992
- President: Randy Tipton
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Sector: Insurance Provider
- Staff: Ten
- ITA Member Since: 2001
Universal Insurance supports the tanning industry and its current and potential salon clients. What else would you expect from an insurance provider dedicated to protecting your livelihood?
In 1992, a tanning industry veteran recognized the need for salon owners to protect their assets, as coverage at that time excluded UV exposure. To make this a reality, the owner partnered with a large insurance provider and began underwriting the tanning industry across the country. Twenty years later, Universal Insurance continues to be a stalwart supporter.
Randy Tipton, now President, joined the team in 1995. “During my first 10 years, I developed close relationships with many of our clients and other industry leaders,” she stated. “With our relationships and knowledge, our agency can provide a valuable service to people who need it. This made my decision to purchase the company in 2005 an easy one.” Today, Randy and her daughter, Jenny Bortman (Vice President), lead Universal Insurance as a family business dedicated to protecting salon owners.
Team Universal has built a reputation for stability, friendly service and solid business practices – and this has been the key to its lasting success. “Twenty years ago, we partnered with a larger insurance provider to offer coverage to tanning salon owners, and we’re pleased to say that we still work with that provider today,” Randy said. “We also provide friendly service and are always willing to drop whatever we’re doing in order to help our clients.” Randy is also proud to say that Universal is designated an Admitted Carrier – an insurance provider that follows guidelines created by the Department of Insurance (DOI), including regulation of the company’s rates and practices. “Admitted companies are part of their state’s insurance guaranty program, which pays clients’ claims if the insurance carrier becomes insolvent,” she added.
The tanning industry is in constant evolution, and everyone at Universal Insurance not only knows this, but also keeps pace with all its latest developments. “When Universal was founded, salon owners diversified their businesses with video rentals, hot tub sales and toning tables, while today, it’s bodywraps, teeth-whitening and airbrush tanning. In most cases, we add the service(s) to a salon owner’s existing policy; but, in the case of those that are similar to medical services, such as laser hair removal, a separate policy needs to be written.” Randy emphasized that when a change occurs at the salon, the owner needs to immediately inform their insurance agent.
As a tanning professional, trust is the most important quality your insurance provider should offer. After all, your salon is more than just a job – it’s how you pay your bills, feed your family and keep a roof over their heads. So, it makes sense that you need to have faith in those whom you’ve chosen to help protect it. By providing stability and friendly service, Universal Insurance continues to be the company that salon owners trust with their livelihoods … for 20 years and counting!
