Meet Emmy Savage, a Senior Underwriter in our Personal Lines department!
With a territory covering Central Pennsylvania, into Maryland and Delaware, Emmy joined the Donegal team as a Property Claims Field Adjustor in 2001, before finding her home in Personal Lines in 2004.
Get to know her a little bit more!
Hometown: “I grew up in the Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, and now live in Ephrata, Pa.”
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, from Shippensburg University
What is your favorite part about being an underwriter?
“I love to dig into issues, help figure out solutions and assist in educating others. I also enjoy taking on new responsibilities and continually growing my knowledge base. This gives me the ability to truly assist my agents in the constantly changing world of Personal Lines.”
What are your favorite ways to connect with agents?
“This has evolved over the years with all of the changes in technology, as well as the shift from daily office life to a hybrid work schedule. Communication with our agents previously relied heavily on phone calls, but now we have so many options! Emails are often the fastest way to receive a response or share documentation and/or information, but I still love making a phone call when the issue needs a little more attention or explanation. I still enjoy that personal touch, and it’s great to catch up! I also enjoy in person agency visits. It’s great to put a face to a voice! We really build personal connections with our agents when we’ve worked with them for so many years – and that makes a huge difference.”
What makes Donegal different?
“Donegal differentiates itself from other carriers by having designated underwriters assigned to each agency. This helps to develop solid relationships with the agents to create trust and consistency. Our agents know that they can reach their underwriter, get a quick response and know how to proceed with their work to get back to their customers. In this current environment, it’s crucial to work with my agents to find the best solutions in the ever-changing landscape that is Personal Lines. Even in times when I need to deliver adverse information, it’s important to be able to explain why, or offer a solution that fits for everyone.”
On the weekends, you can find me…
“Usually watching a baseball game, or doing something with my family or friends. I have two sons, ages 17 and 14. My older son plays on various baseball teams throughout the year, which keeps us all busy! His travel team has taken us to places we wouldn’t normally visit, so it’s exciting to see new places and watch him play. We also like to go to the beach in Stone Harbor, N.J. I love to follow the Phillies, so I’ll watch them play whenever I can. I also love to be outside and go for walks or a run!
Something you might not know about me…
“I applied to Donegal through a newspaper ad that my friend, Julie Caplinger (now my manager), cut out and shared with me. We both applied and started in property claims on the same date. And here we are, 22 years later, still friends and co-workers, both in Personal Lines together.”
What Emmy’s colleagues are saying:
I’ve had the pleasure of growing up in this industry alongside Emmy for the last twenty-two years. We’ve laughed together, puzzled over policy language together and watched three additions be added to Donegal’s Home Office building. Not many people have the opportunity to watch a friend blossom into a pivotal member of their business community, so I feel truly blessed in this aspect. The pride that Emmy takes in not only her work, but in the genuine relationships that she strives to build with her agents, is unsurpassed. She’s been a true mentor for numerous underwriting trainees over the years, and is always willing to pause what she is doing to assist those around her. Emmy is highly respected by her peers, as well as her agents. She is an essential member to not only our underwriting team, but to the Personal Lines division as a whole. Our organization is extremely lucky to have such a dedicated employee like Emmy!