After more than a quarter century in sales at GEICO, James Boley seized an opportunity in 2020 to step out on his own. But he didn’t leave the industry or even sever his relationship with the insurance giant; he took advantage of GEICO’s Local Office structure whereby he operates his own Lakeland-based agency that sells and services GEICO products exclusively.

“We’re proud to be a small local business that offers the best of both worlds: outstanding coverage from a highly trusted national brand with a more local, personalized touch,” Boley explains, “and our seven full-time licensed agents aren’t GEICO associates but rather Boley Insurance associates.”

He said the process of becoming a Local Office is rigorous and selective because of how thoroughly GEICO vets its partners.

“I’d always wanted to own my own business, so this relationship works perfectly,” he says. “I feel very fortunate and grateful for it.”

Though the Local Office is just four years old, Boley’s expertise is bolstered by that of his veteran associates, who worked together at GEICO before joining Boley in his venture. In all, the team’s insurance experience equates to more than a century.

“Not only are James and two of our agents insurance industry veterans,” says James’ wife Michelle Boley, who also works at the Local Office, “but they are US Military veterans. Their disciplined, detail-oriented habits and sense of duty shines through in the work they do and truly benefits our customers.”

“We are committed to doing what’s right for our neighbors and giving them peace of mind.  I know customers buy insurance because they have something important to protect, and I take that very seriously.”– James Boley 

Boley Insurance is a one-stop shop of GEICO products and services where customers can find coverage for home, auto, renters, motorcycle, boat, jewelry, umbrella and more. The only lines they don’t sell are life and health insurance

Shopping for insurance can be a daunting task, so Boley Insurance has tailored its agency to ensure exceptional customer service. “We strive to make the experience as painless and hassle-free as possible,” Michelle says. “We encourage people to visit us in person and offer late hours—until 7p.m.—six days a week to make it convenient. Since our agents are all local and in the office every day, you can get to know your agent on a first-name basis. You’ll deal with the same friendly agent who knows not only you but also Polk County and the Florida insurance market thoroughly.”

James has built his business—and continues to grow his business—on trust.

“We want to continue building long-term, trusted relationships with our customers,” he says. “We are committed to doing what’s right for our neighbors and giving them peace of mind.  I know customers buy insurance because they have something important to protect, and I take that very seriously.”

The Boleys, who have two young drivers on their own policy, are well aware of the sharp insurance cost increases Floridians are facing. 

“We empathize because we are in the same boat as consumers,” Michelle says. “We know affordability is a top priority.  Our team is skilled at uncovering every possible discount to save you money without sacrificing the quality of your coverage” 

And James is hopeful there is relief on the horizon.

“Many of our customers have seen rate reductions recently. If you shopped or had GEICO in the past, or had a policy with us previously, now might be a good time to check with us again because you may see a reduction as well.”  

He recommends customers consider bundling their policies because it can maximize savings and simplifies the process by consolidating everything into a single account. 

So how does someone know what types of insurance they need, and at what level of coverage?

“We get to know our customers by asking the questions we know will reveal appropriate coverage,” Michelle says. “What one person needs can be very different from the next. We often find that customers are woefully overinsured as much as underinsured. We’re happy to go through the work it takes to find out.”

The consistent growth Boley Insurance has achieved over the past 4+ years has made it a trusted, recognized leader in Polk County. 

As Michelle sums it up: “When you work with a small local business, you’re supporting your local economy. The more we grow, the more we can give back to our community and support causes that are important to us like veterans, our local public schools, youth sports, literacy programs and more.”

It’s easy to call James and his team at Boley Insurance at 863-400-7460 or visit the office at 3615 S. Florida Avenue, Suite 910 in the Merchants Walk shopping center. 

It’s so easy, actually, that even a caveman could do it.