An Austin man recently won an award for the highest level of commitment and customer service from J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Insurance Agency Program.

Ed Lee, an American Family insurance agent, won the award for the first time after his agency had qualified for the award for five consecutive years, according to an American Family news release.

The service excellence distinction is determined through a two-part process by J.D. Power and Associates. Customers complete surveys about their agents, and then the numbers are compared nationally. The top 20 percent in the satisfaction surveys are then eligable for the award.

After entering the top 20 percent, they must pass on-site evaluations about how they handle claims, customer needs and other criteria.

Customer satisfaction is apparently on the top of American Family’s list of priorities.

“Customer service is  more important than ever,” said Jack Salzwedel, American Family president and chief operating officer. “I’m proud that more American Family Insurance agents made the commitment to meeting the Distinguished Insurance Agency criteria this year than in any of the program’s previous five years. That’s truly saying something about their commitment to meeting our customers’ needs.”

Lee has been with American Family insurance since 1975. His office is located at 701 W Oakland Ave, in Austin.