Philip Watkins | Goosehead Insurance
Philip Watkins, agency owner at Goosehead Insurance, is a relationship-driven personal insurance advisor serving Greater Richmond (with additional support for Virginia Beach). He helps homeowners, buyers, and investors tailor coverage for homes, condos, renters, autos, and landlord/short-erm rental properties, plus boats, RVs, and golf carts. As an independent agency owner, Goosehead shops 30-60 A-rated carriers (varies by location) with no brand bias. Watkins and his team emphasize long-term service over one-off sales, including a proactive re-shop when renewal premiums jump (around 25% or more) and a steady, first-call approach to claims guidance—contributing to roughly 90% client retention over seven years.
Customer Experience: What to Expect When Working With Philip Watkins at Goosehead Insurance
Start to finish, the experience centers on choice, clarity, and steady follow-through. Because the agency represents many carriers—not just one brand—Philip compares options behind the scenes and presents the best fit without bias. Eligibility rules and pricing change often; the team keeps an expanding carrier bench so a company that wasn’t a fit last year may be the right answer today. If renewal premiums spike, you don’t have to chase quotes yourself: when a year-over-year increase is around 25% or higher, the office proactively re-shops and emails you with a plan. Most clients keep the same agent and service team while carriers change in the background, so the day-to-day support feels seamless.
Claims support is hands-on. You’ll have access to your carrier’s claims department and Goosehead’s national claims team, but the first call can be to Philip. He’ll walk through the pros and cons before you file—especially for smaller losses where deductibles and long-term pricing could outweigh a payout. Education is the theme: understand coverages, know what triggers rate changes, and make an informed decision rather than a rushed one.
“I’m kind of like your attorney—call me first and tell me everything. Then let me give you sound advice.”
— Philip Watkins, Goosehead Insurance
Personal Insurance Tips for RVA Homeowners
- Use an independent agent for options: One conversation, many carriers. Ask for an A-rated company and a coverage summary that fits how you actually live.
- Know the “big three” liability risks: Dogs, trampolines, pools. If you add any of these after buying a policy, tell your agent. Carriers do inspections and may non-renew for undisclosed risk changes.
- Call before you claim: For smaller losses, compare the deductible and likely premium impact against cash-paying the repair. An advisory call can save money over time.
- Schedule regular check-ins: A full re-shop every 1–3 years—or sooner if premiums jump—keeps coverage aligned with current pricing and rules.
- Match policy to use: Renting your home, finishing a basement, or listing on Airbnb needs the proper form (landlord or short-term rental) to avoid claim denials.
- Consider an umbrella policy: If you have teen drivers, multiple properties, or frequent guests, an umbrella can add $1M+ of liability protection at a relatively low annual cost.
- Tell your agent about major updates: New roof, additions, large renovations, or outbuildings can change coverage needs and eligibility.
- Mind credit and driving habits: Insurers use soft-pull credit factors and loss history. Paying bills on time and avoiding at-fault incidents can improve pricing.
- Bundle smartly, not blindly: Home-auto bundles can help, but ask your agent to test separate carriers too—sometimes split policies win on value.
- Keep documents handy: Declarations pages, photos of improvements, and a simple home inventory make renewals and claims faster and cleaner.
Bottom line: Philip Watkins at Goosehead Insurance pairs unbiased carrier shopping with proactive renewal support and practical claims guidance, helping Richmond homeowners keep the right coverage at a fair price—year after year.
Profile credit: Insights provided by Philip Watkins, Goosehead Insurance.