| Storm Watch Gives Insurance Companies Practice
State Farm has the majority of homeowner insurance policies in Hawaii. To say the company tracks storms is an understatement. "As we speak there are storms off South Africa and Mexico, other storms that we continue to watch," said Carolyn Fujioka, State Farm public affairs director. The company can call for reinforcements from the mainland if a disaster warrants it. "They can bring in extra equipment, extra people to help. And these would be people who are trained to respond to disasters," Fujioka said. Insurance companies use a triage system for assessing property damage. The worst cases come first. "A hurricane could hit and we must be prepared even though we've been lucky for the last few years," Perkins said.
Safeco Insurance Names Two New Central Region Executives
Seattle-based Safeco Insurance, a Liberty Mutual Agency Markets company, announced the appointment of two key additions to its management team in the Central Region. Scott McPherson has joined the company as director of marketing for the Central Region. He is responsible for marketing, communications and agency management best practices for the region. He started his insurance career with Safeco back in 1992, holding positions in claims and field underwriting. Most recently, McPherson was regional sales director for Travelers Insurance, and previously worked for Nationwide and Guide One Insurance in product development, marketing and sales. Before pursuing his insurance career, he was a director of communications and training in the U.S. Air Force. Also, Ray Jimenez has joined the company as South Texas regional manager for the Central Region.
Saving money as easy as reviewing auto insurance coverage
If you've lost a job or your income is reduced for another reason, it's good to review insurance coverage. A guiding principle should be to answer the question “How would a change in coverage affect my family's health and well-being?" Let's focus on auto insurance. Minnesota auto owners are required by the state to carry minimum limit liability insurance, no-fault insurance and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection. Other optional coverage includes collision, comprehensive, towing and rental reimbursement. If your car is not new, one way to reduce auto insurance premiums is to increase the deductible for comprehensive and collision. If the car's value is low, consider dropping collision and assume the potential of loss yourself. Minimize your premium by checking rates from several companies, raising your deductible, and insuring all family cars with one company.
Know your policy when dealing with insurance claims
They had flood insurance. They called a State Farm adjuster right away. They followed the adjuster's direction, hiring one of two companies recommended to handle the cleanup and repair. But for more than two months, the Fullers found themselves trapped between the federal government and the Winter Haven company that cleaned up the mess, staring at a bill for $4,500 they thought their insurer would pay. "I fully expected this service to be paid in full," Wendell Fuller said. "It seems like the charges for the service would be worked out before State Farm recommends a company." State Farm adjusters and representatives of ServPro of Winter Haven reached an agreement Monday that shields Fuller from owing money on the claim. But weeks of uncertainty caused consternation in the Fuller home.
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