Wealth Advisor Insurance Partner
Call Us: 603-766-3733
A wealth advisor's worst nightmare isn't a market correction: it's the phone call from a client whose $4 million vacation home just burned down and they're underinsured by half. You spent years building that relationship, crafting a portfolio designed to grow and protect their wealth, and a single coverage gap just undid a significant chunk of your work. The truth is, most advisory practices aren't set up to handle the insurance side of asset protection, and they shouldn't have to be. What they need is a dedicated insurance partner for wealth advisors who understands the complexity of high-net-worth lives and can coordinate coverage that matches the sophistication of the financial plan already in place. Avery Insurance Agency has operated as exactly this kind of partner since 1899, bringing over 125 years of consultative expertise to the table. Rather than replacing any part of your advisory practice, Avery works alongside it, filling the risk management blind spots that can otherwise erode client trust and portfolio value. This isn't about selling policies: it's about making sure the wealth you help build actually stays protected.
Bridging the Gap Between Wealth Management and Risk Mitigation
The Vulnerability of High-Net-Worth Portfolios to Uninsured Losses
A client with $15 million in investable assets might have impeccable diversification across equities, bonds, and alternatives, yet carry a homeowner's policy with replacement cost limits that haven't been updated since 2018. That gap isn't hypothetical. One in five HNW clients has struggled to obtain adequate homeowner's insurance, with the figure climbing to one in three in high-risk states like Florida and California. Construction costs have surged, collectibles have appreciated, and liability exposure has expanded with social media and short-term property rentals.
The financial damage from uninsured or underinsured losses can dwarf a bad year in the market. A single lawsuit from a guest injured at a lakehouse, a wildfire that destroys a wine collection, or a cyberattack that drains accounts: these aren't edge cases for wealthy families. They're predictable risks that demand the same rigor applied to investment management. Yet insurance often gets treated as an afterthought, reviewed once and filed away.
Why Avery Acts as a Natural Extension of Your Advisory Team
Avery's consultative approach mirrors the way the best wealth advisors work. Instead of quoting premiums off a rate sheet, Avery conducts deep-dive assessments of each client's full risk profile: properties, vehicles, collections, business interests, travel habits, household staff, and digital exposure. This information feeds directly into a tailored protection strategy.
For advisors, the benefit is straightforward. You don't need to become an insurance expert. You refer your client to a team that speaks the same language of asset protection and fiduciary care, and you stay informed throughout the process. Avery provides reporting and updates that keep you in the loop without adding to your workload. The result is a tighter client relationship where nothing falls through the cracks.
By: Tod O’Dowd, CIC, CAPI
President of Avery Insurance Agency
The Avery Advantage: Specialized Coverage for Complex Lifestyles
Protecting Hard Assets: Luxury Real Estate, Collections, and Yachting
Standard homeowner's policies weren't built for homes valued above $1.5 million, and they certainly weren't designed to cover the contents inside them. A client with a $2 million art collection, a coastal estate, and a 60-foot sailing yacht needs separate, specialized coverage for each, often from different carriers with different underwriting appetites.
Avery coordinates across these carriers to build a unified protection plan. That means scheduled coverage for fine art and jewelry with agreed-upon values, builder's risk policies during renovations, and hull and liability coverage for watercraft that accounts for actual cruising patterns. One common mistake we see: clients insuring a yacht based on purchase price rather than current replacement value, which can leave them six figures short after a total loss.
Liability Insulation: Excess Liability and Umbrella Strategies
Wealthy families face outsized liability exposure. A teenage driver on the family policy, a housekeeper injured on the job, a social media post that triggers a defamation claim: the scenarios are endless. Standard umbrella policies typically cap at $5 million, but many HNW households need $10 million or more in excess liability protection.
| Coverage Type | Standard Policy | HNW-Tailored Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Umbrella Liability Limit | $1M - $5M | $10M - $50M+ |
| Domestic Staff Coverage | Rarely included | Workers' comp + liability |
| Cyber/Identity Theft | Basic or none | Full restoration + legal |
| Unscheduled Collections | $2,500 cap typical | Blanket coverage to $250K+ |
| Renovation/Builder's Risk | Excluded | Included with endorsement |
Avery structures these layers so there are no gaps between the primary policy and the umbrella, which is where most claims disputes actually happen.
Seamless Integration into the Wealth Advisory Workflow
Collaborative Risk Audits for New and Existing Clients
When a wealth advisor brings a new client into the fold, Avery can run a parallel risk audit that identifies insurance gaps before they become problems. This isn't a generic checklist. It's a structured review that examines property appraisals, entity structures, trust ownership of assets, and lifestyle factors like international travel or secondary residences.
For existing clients, Avery recommends annual reviews timed to coincide with your own portfolio reviews. This keeps insurance aligned with changes in net worth, property acquisitions, and family milestones. A client who just purchased a second home in Aspen or added a classic car to the garage needs their coverage updated immediately, not at renewal.
The collaborative audit also uncovers risks that clients themselves often overlook. Nearly three in four HNW individuals have experienced data loss or theft, yet many still lack dedicated cyber coverage. Annual cybercrime losses for wealthy individuals exceed $12 billion, making this one of the fastest-growing risk categories.
Streamlined Communication and Data Sharing Protocols
Nobody wants to chase down policy declarations or coverage summaries through a chain of emails. Avery maintains organized client files and provides advisors with consolidated coverage summaries on request. If your client's estate attorney or CPA needs proof of coverage for a trust transfer, Avery handles it directly.
This kind of coordination saves hours of back-and-forth and reduces the chance of miscommunication. Your team stays focused on financial planning while Avery manages the insurance details, and both sides share relevant updates through agreed-upon channels.
Strategic Benefits of a Dedicated Insurance Partnership
Enhancing Client Retention Through Holistic Financial Planning
Clients who feel fully protected are clients who stay. When your advisory practice can point to a coordinated insurance strategy alongside their investment plan, you're delivering something most competitors can't: complete peace of mind. That's not a soft benefit. It shows up in retention rates and referral activity.
A recent industry survey found that 65% of HNW clients worry about policy exclusions despite feeling generally confident in their coverage. That anxiety is a retention risk. When you partner with a firm like Avery that proactively identifies and closes those gaps, you're directly addressing a concern that keeps your clients up at night. Avery's entire philosophy is built around helping clients sleep well, knowing their assets are genuinely covered.
Reducing Advisor Liability by Outsourcing Specialized Insurance Advice
Here's something that doesn't get discussed enough: when a wealth advisor casually recommends insurance products without proper licensing or expertise, they're exposing themselves to professional liability. Even well-intentioned suggestions about coverage limits or carrier selection can create E&O exposure if a client later suffers a loss.
By referring clients to Avery, you're directing them to licensed specialists who carry their own professional liability coverage and have deep expertise in high-net-worth risk. This creates a clean separation of responsibilities that protects you and serves the client better. It's a smarter structure for everyone involved.
Elevating the Client Experience with White-Glove Claims Advocacy
Filing a claim is stressful for anyone, but for a client with a $3 million property loss or a seven-figure liability suit, the stakes are exponentially higher. Avery doesn't just help clients file paperwork: the team advocates on their behalf throughout the entire claims process, from initial notification through final settlement.
This means coordinating with adjusters, pushing back on lowball estimates, arranging emergency services like temporary housing or security, and keeping both the client and their advisor informed at every stage. The difference between a standard agency and a true claims advocate is the difference between a client who feels abandoned and one who feels supported during the worst moment of their financial life.
Risk appetite among wealthy clients has shifted dramatically. Only 25% of HNW individuals are now
willing to accept more risk in exchange for lower premiums, down from 39% just a year earlier. Clients want comprehensive protection, and they want someone in their corner when things go wrong. That's exactly what Avery delivers.
Establishing a Long-Term Synergy for Sustainable Wealth Protection
The relationship between a wealth advisor and an insurance partner should be measured in decades, not transactions. As clients' lives evolve, from growing families to business exits to retirement relocations, their risk profiles shift in ways that demand ongoing attention. Avery's model is built for this long arc, with multi-generational client relationships that span the agency's 125-year history.
For wealth advisors looking to strengthen their practice without stretching into unfamiliar territory, a dedicated HNW insurance coordination partner changes the equation. You keep doing what you do best while ensuring your clients' assets are protected from every angle. Reach out to Avery Insurance Agency to start a conversation about how this partnership could work for your practice and your clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does working with Avery cost my clients more than going direct to a carrier? No. Avery works with multiple carriers to find competitive pricing, and the consultative approach often uncovers savings by eliminating redundant coverage or correcting misclassified risks..
Will I lose control of the client relationship? Not at all. Avery operates as a behind-the-scenes extension of your team. You remain the primary relationship holder, and all communication flows through channels you approve.
How quickly can Avery complete a risk audit for a new client? Most initial assessments are completed within two to three weeks, depending on the complexity of the client's asset base and the number of properties involved.
What size client is the right fit for this kind of partnership? Avery specializes in clients with property values above $1.5 million or complex asset profiles that include collections, watercraft, multiple residences, or significant liability exposure.
Can Avery coordinate with my client's existing carriers?
Yes. Avery regularly reviews and works alongside existing policies, recommending changes only where genuine gaps or inefficiencies exist.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tod O’Dowd, CIC, CAPI
I'm the President of Avery Insurance Agency, a family-owned independent agency serving individuals and businesses across New England and in 40+ states. With a hands-on, consultative approach to personal and commercial risk, I help clients — from high-net-worth homeowners and contractors to restaurant owners and property managers — find the right coverage without the guesswork of working with a single-carrier agent.
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by Families and Businesses for Over a Century
Trusted by New Hampshire Families and Businesses for Over a Century
Your Life. Protected.
Complete Personal Insurance for Individuals Who Expect More
One Agency. Every Coverage You Need. No Gaps, No Surprises.
Home Insurance
Your home is your most valuable asset. Avery’s home insurance protects your property, belongings, and liability so you can feel secure no matter what happens.
High-Value Home Insurance
Own a home valued over $2 million? Our Premier Client Services program provides coverage built around high-value properties and the unique risks they carry.
Auto Insurance
Whether you drive a daily commuter, a classic car, or a motorcycle, Avery finds the right auto coverage for your vehicle and your budget.
Boat & Watercraft Insurance
From small boats on New Hampshire’s lakes to luxury yachts, Avery provides watercraft insurance covering your vessel, passengers, and liability on the water.
Umbrella / Personal Liability Insurance
An umbrella policy adds an extra layer of liability protection above your home and auto coverage. One of the most cost-effective ways to protect your financial future.
Valuable Possessions Insurance
Jewelry, art, collectibles, and other high-value items need coverage beyond a standard homeowners policy. Avery insures your most prized possessions at full appraised value.
Protect Your Business & Livelihood
Commercial Insurance Solutions Designed for New England Businesses.
Comprehensive Commercial Coverage That Keeps Your Business Running
General Liability Insurance
Protect your business from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. General liability is the foundation of any solid business insurance program.
Commercial Property Insurance
Covers your building, equipment, inventory, and other physical assets against fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered losses. Keep your business protected from the unexpected.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Workers’ comp covers medical costs and lost wages when an employee is injured on the job. Avery helps businesses meet state compliance requirements and manage costs effectively.
Cyber Liability Insurance
Data breaches and cyberattacks are a growing risk for businesses of all sizes. Cyber liability covers response costs, legal fees, and customer notification expenses after a security incident.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance
Covers your business against employee claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and related issues. Essential for any business with employees.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Whether a single truck or a full fleet, commercial auto insurance protects your business against accidents, damage, and liability on the road.
We Know Your Industry
Tailored Insurance Programs for the Industries That Drive New Hampshire
We Understand the Risks Your Industry Faces — and How to Manage Them
Contractors Insurance
From general contractors to specialty trades, Avery understands the unique liability and property exposures your business faces on every job site in New England. We build coverage programs that keep your crew and company protected.
Restaurants & Hospitality
Restaurants, hotels, and marinas face distinct risks — from slip-and-fall liability to liquor liability and food spoilage. Avery designs coverage programs for the specific needs of the hospitality industry.
Real Estate & Property
Whether you own a portfolio of investment properties or manage a condo association, Avery provides the right mix of property, liability, and management coverage to protect your real estate investments.
We Make It Simple
Getting Covered with Avery Is Easy
Step 01
Connect with an Avery Advisor
Call, email, or request a coverage online and we will respond the same business day.
Step 02
We Build Your Coverage Plan
We shop top-rated carriers, compare your options, and recommend the best fit for your needs.
Step 03
You Get Protected and Stay Protected
We place your coverage, review it annually, and advocate for you if you ever need to file a claim.
Let’s Clear Things Up
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Straight Answers From the Advisors Who Know This State Best
What does it mean that Avery is an independent insurance agency?
An independent agency like Avery is not tied to any single insurance company. We represent multiple top-rated carriers, which means we can shop the market on your behalf and recommend the coverage that truly fits your needs — not the one that benefits any single insurer.
This independence gives you access to more options and unbiased advice. Our advisors are compensated to serve your interests, not to push a specific product. That is a significant advantage over captive agents who can only offer one carrier’s policies.
How much does it cost to work with an Avery advisor?
There is no direct cost to you for working with an Avery advisor. Independent agents are compensated through commissions paid by the insurance carriers when a policy is placed. You receive expert guidance, market comparisons, and ongoing service at no extra charge.
In fact, many clients find that working with Avery saves them money. Our advisors know how to identify the right coverage levels so you are not paying for protection you do not need, and you are not left exposed where you do.
Does Avery help with claims?
Yes — and this is one of the most important things that sets Avery apart. When you have a claim, our in-house claims advisors go to work for you. We guide you through the process, communicate with the insurance company, and advocate for a fair and timely outcome.
Several of our team members hold professional claims designations, including AIC and AINS. We do not just help you file paperwork — we actively represent your interests to make sure you receive the full benefit your policy provides.
Where in New Hampshire does Avery provide coverage?
Avery serves clients throughout the state of New Hampshire from our offices in Wolfeboro and Portsmouth. Whether you live in the Lakes Region, the Seacoast, the White Mountains, or the Merrimack Valley, an Avery advisor is ready to help you find the right coverage.
Our advisors understand the specific risks that come with living and doing business in New Hampshire — from harsh winter weather to seasonal watercraft exposure. We apply that local knowledge to every coverage recommendation we make.
How does Avery handle high-value homes and assets?
Avery offers a dedicated Premier Client Services program for clients with homes valued over .5 million, significant investment portfolios, fine art collections, jewelry, yachts, and other complex assets. This program pairs you with a specialist who understands the unique risks of high-net-worth households.
Through carriers that specialize in high-value personal lines, we provide guaranteed replacement cost coverage, agreed value policies, and comprehensive risk management strategies. Your advisor will conduct a detailed review of your full asset portfolio to make sure nothing is overlooked or underinsured.
How often should I review my insurance coverage?
Avery recommends a full coverage review at least once a year. Major life events — buying a home, starting a business, adding a vehicle, getting married, or making significant home improvements — are all good triggers for an immediate review outside your annual cycle.
Insurance needs change over time, and policies that were right for you a few years ago may leave gaps today. Avery advisors proactively reach out to clients for annual reviews and keep up with changes in the insurance market that could affect your coverage or premium. Our goal is to make sure you are always protected and never paying for coverage that no longer fits.
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Contact Us
Portsmouth (HQ)
7 Islington St #102, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone Number: 603.766.3733
Wolfeboro
21 S Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH 03894
Phone Number: 603.569.2515