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If this newsletter does not appear to format correctly, use link above. In this issue- National Ranked #6 Travelers goes Internet Direct
Production quotas announced under new AAA
Zurich & Farmers to Acquire AIG Direct Auto
Where have all the Oklahoma agents gone?
The NAIC Top 25 P&C Companies for 08
Foremost drops from Okla top 10 fire
HelpPoint flunks BBB Ratings x 3
-On Oklahoma Voice home page-
New way to renew Ins. License
Free 8 hr CE Course May 27
History of 21st Century Ins
Okla Top 10 companies
OKLAHOMA
VOICE
with April Agent's Opinion Poll Results
Published by UFAA Chapter 15 Eastern Oklahoma. Chapter 15 meets the
first Wednesday of each month. |
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Next Chapter 15 Member Meeting: Wednesday May 6th 11:30 AM
Green Onion Restaurant 4532 E 51st Tulsa. Non-members welcome
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Mission Statement
The United Farmers Agents Association is a professional association committed to helping our members through education, communication, support and information and to establish a true partnership with Farmers Group, Inc. |
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Oklahoma Contacts:
Chapter 15 serving
Eastern Oklahoma
President- Mike Gately 918/481-3277 -Tulsa
Chapter 12 serving
Central-Western Oklahoma:
President- Tony Reese 580/355-1335 - Lawton
To join an Oklahoma Chapter
choose one closest to you
and contact the chapter. Or,
Sign up at UFAA Web site.
United Farmers Agents Association Web Site
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"After my lawyer read the Farmer's new open-ended Agent Appointment Agreement 32-8489 he ask me this question. "Do you want to be an employee, disguised as an Independent Agent.?"
Los Angeles 07/11/01 Farmers slapped with $90 million judgement in misclassification of claims adjusters and failing to to pay overtime.
Minneapolis October 2004, following a three-week trial, a Hennepin County jury concluded that insurer, Farmers Insurance, had improperly misclassified certain of its Minnesota claims representatives as administrative employees.
Oregon, May 2, 2005, Judge Robert Jones signed the final judgment in the MDL
lawsuit against Farmers
The judgment awarded $52,498,388 to 1,039 claims representatives
employed by Farmers Insurance Exchange who worked overtime without
compensation.
"The definition of insanity is doing the same
thing over and over again expecting different results." Marty Feinstein, CEO Farmers Insurance 1997 - 2005
Are you receiving your copy of the UFAA National Voice? It's mailed to Farmers Agents across the country quarterly. The next issue will be distributed in July, 2009. You may need to update your mailing information at the UFAA Website.
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Greetings!
The Pulse of the Agents- Last months Opinion Poll results
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The Oklahoma Voice reader polls take no more than a
few seconds to complete. You are informed immediately how your vote compares
to other responding readers. It is important to vote in the polls as we all can
gain the "Pulse of the Agents." . Your poll votes remain anonymous. We only obtain the numbers of answers converted to percentages, not
the source of those numbers. Readers can only vote in a poll
once. The percentages
shown when a reader votes, is the tally at that moment. We'll publish final poll
results in a future issue. Look for this
image > < designating a poll where you may
vote.
Does eAgent require you to change your log in password every 60 days?Although,
the poll results were 100% "NO" in only a week following distribution
of the April Issue of Okla. Voice, we know that management does read it. Field
bulletin #09-0271 dated April 6 addressed the password change issue
making it effective in Oklahoma on April 7th, just 8 days after distribution of the Oklahoma Voice. Here
is a portion of that bulletin that may make you love us or cuss us. But, It was needed for both corporate and agency security as employees come and go."Agency
Dashboard users will be automatically prompted to change their password
every 60 days. The rollout will begin on April 7, 2009, for Oklahoma
agents. It will then progress to South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska on
April 9, 2009; and then to Minnesota on April 10 and 11. After that, we
will continue to roll out the password policy to our other states."New password rules: Your last seven consecutive passwords cannot be reused. Also, your password: 1. must contain at least seven, but no more than 14 alpha-numeric characters 2. may consist of upper and lower-case letters, numbers as well as characters ($,@ and !) 3. should not contain anything that's easily guessed (names, birthdays) 4. should not contain simple sequences or patterns (abc123, user123) cannot be reused for one year How to make your passwords unbreakable but
memorable. Check out Kim Komando's great suggestions.
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Poll Shows 46% of Okla. Farmers Agent poll
respondents say they will plan exit strategies
Poll #1: In relation to the future expected actions of Farmers Management.
Poll #2: In relation to Management deleting Agency Interaction Shares (AIS) for data input.
Poll #3: In relation to the article that showed the results of an agent questionaire in 1987, the poll asked if you would vote in a multi-question poll updated for 2009.
Poll #4: In an article on Dashboard Security with Farmer's 2005 bulletin they would require agent password changes every 60 days, that did not happen.
If poll #4 were repeated today that result should be 100% YES.
Polls #1 and #2 could relate to sample "Management Confidence" Polls. 89% of respondents feel a severe lack of confidence in management over the next 12 months with 46% or nearly 1/2 of Oklahoma agents believe they will be forced to leave, retire or decide to go independent and 43% see management focused on their bonuses.
On the management policy change deleting the AIS payments to agents, 19% of respondents may believe it's just more expected management cost cutting while 11% may have been numbed by the action with no opinion. But, 71% of respondents tagged loss of AIS credits as an unfair and unacceptable management action. It's noted, management does have confidence from only 11% of the agents and or DMs in the sample polls.
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Mandated AAA Production
Quotas Have Arrived!
Agency Operations Manual 03/17/2009 Sect 3-10 Page21
Dashboard Search? Use keywords: "Agency Operations 3-10" then go to page 21.
"Any agent appointed under Agent Appointment Agreement 32-8489
will be required to produce a minimum of forty (40) Property and
Casualty policies and three (3) Life issued-and-paid (I&P) policies
every calendar quarter unless and until the agent has two thousand
(2,000) total policies in force. (PIF)
In
addition to meeting the above requirements, career agents appointed
under Agent Appointment Agreement 32-8489 will also be required to meet
their minimum quarterly and accumulated requirements for the first
twenty-four months as set forth in the Career Agent Subsidy Addendum. Agents
who fail to meet minimum performance requirements for two consecutive
quarters may be considered as having unacceptable performance and in
breach of their [appointment] agreement."
Do you wonder
what the next revision will be? Like, 60, 90 or 120% production  increase over the
above? Will we be competitive? Welcome to the new AAA and your bonus is?
YOU as, perhaps, a misclassified Independent Agent, get to pay all your overhead expenses plus state, fed and SS taxes that
Farmers avoids at their sole discretion. See article on UFAA Home Page "Employees disguised as independent contractors." |
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
2008 PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE INDUSTRY TOP 25 COMPANIES BY COUNTRYWIDE PREMIUMBy Line of Business 35-Total All Lines 03/30/2009 With Zurich-Farmers 2007- 2008 GWP Comparison
Zurich is reported to the NAIC with Farmers combined GWP that places Zurich at the #3 ranking. Farmers no longer has a separate listing since 2007 when they dropped to #8* in nationally ranked companies while Zurich was then ranked #13.
RANK GRP / CO NAME GWP GWP Earned Market.SHARE %
1 176 STATE FARM GRP 49,944,110,234 49,453,794,151 - 10.09
2 12 AMERICAN INTL GRP 31,947,476,416 33,526,984,059 + 6.45
3 212 ZURICH INS
GRP 2007 29,108,000.000 27,276,000,000 - ??? (added) -ed
3 212 ZURICH INS
GRP 2008 28,157,387,522 27,871,637,361 - 5.69
4 8 ALLSTATE INS GRP 26,880,105,440 27,181,919,438 + 5.43
5 111 LIBERTY MUT GRP 26,331,557,661 26,318,540,027 - 5.32
6 3548 TRAVELERS GRP 21,807,760,469 21,867,657,433 + 4.40
7 31 BERKSHIRE HATH GRP 16,225,291,933 15,488,700,067 - 3.28
8 698 FARMERS GRP INS 2008 16,073,342,512 <estimated rpt due out 5/15 ??? (added) -ed
8 698 FARMERS GRP INS 2007* 16,044,663,333 15,780,054,058 - 3.25 (Added) -ed
8 140 NATIONWIDE CORP GRP 15,826,371,498 15,811,245,681 - 3.20
9 155 PROGRESSIVE GRP 13,776,834,518 13,811,356,259 + 2.78
10 91 HARTFORD FIRE & CAS GRP 11,049,580,528 11,127,687,349 + 2.23
11 38 CHUBB & SON INC GRP 9,836,727,259 9,870,489,300 + 1.99
12 200 UNiTED SERV AUT GRP 9,575,491,347 9,444,699,137 - 1.93
13 626 ACE LTD GRP 8,656,266,131 8,584,110,118 - 1.75
14 218 CNA INS GRP 8,528,226,320 8,053,079,270 - 1.72
15 761 ALLIANZ INS GRP 6,093,099,134 6,177,299,557 + 1.23
16 473 AMERICAN FAMILY INS GRP 5,835,203,659 5,865,303,242 + 1.18
17 280 AUTO OWNERS GRP 4,409,410,913 4,394,309,018 - 0.89
18 84 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GRP 4,091,749,579 4,083,728,118 - 0.83
19 19 ASSURANT INC GRP 3,853,077,113 3,734,682,638 - 0.78
20 213 ERIE INS GRP 3,799,901,584 3,783,652,217 - 0.77
21 98 WR BERKLEY CORP GRP 3,579,386,081 3,759,031,473 - 0.72
22 150 OLD REPUBLIC GRP 3,219,625,816 3,274,275,011 + 0.65
23 244 CINCINNATI FIN GRP 3,180,460,976 3,177,992,163 - 0.64
24 241 METROPOLITAN GRP 3,050,105,058 3,067,818,586 + 0.62
25 1285 XL AMER GRP 3,035,011,919 3,157,452,446 + 0.61
**INDUSTRY TOTAL** 495,171,362,005 497,752,690,705 + 100.00
?? 21st Century Ins Co $1,100,866,121 $1,232,192,783 + ??? (added)-ed
NOTE: Based on filings received by March 30, 2009, an estimated 99.36% of Property/Casualty filings have been received by the NAIC. *2008 NAIC reported GWP for Farmers companies listed below
Neither FNWL or Zurich are shown on top 25 life companiesFarmers current press releases state, "Farmers(R) is the nation's third-largest Personal Lines Property & Casualty
insurance group."
Farmers Ins Grp GWP for 2007*
Farmers
Ins Exch Profile For 2008:21652 Direct Premiums: $3,470,072,619
Farmers
Ins Co Inc Profile For 2008 21628 Direct Premiums: $902,133,408
Truck
Ins Exch Profile For 2008 Naic21709
Direct Premiums $874,498,839
Mid
Century Ins Co Profile For 2008Naic
Direct Premiums : $2,461,429,014
Foremost
Ins Co Profile For 2008 11185 Direct Premiums : $985,797,053
Bristol
W Ins Co Profile For 2008 19658 Direct
Premioums $228,872,492
Fire
Ins Exch NAIC#: 21660 Home Office: California $1,686,490,884
Affiliate companies
Farmers
Ins Co Of IDaho NAIC#: 21601
Home Office: Idaho $098,508,861
Farmers
Ins Co Of Arizona NAIC#: 21598 Home Office: Arizona $682,910,340
Farmers
Ins Co Of ORegon NAIC#: 21636
Home Office: Oregon $365,108,072
Farmers
Ins Co Of Washington NAIC#: 21644 Home Office:
Wash. $549,752,081
Illinois
Farmers Ins Co NAIC#: 21679 Home Office:
Illinois $705,596,994
Texas
Farmers Ins Co NAIC#: 21695 Home Office:
Texas $356,676,556
Farmers
Ins Of Columbus Inc NAIC#: 36889 Home Office: Ohio $107,496,058
Farmers
TX Cnty Mut Ins Co NAIC#: 24392 Home Office: Texas $1,345,531,363
Civic
Prop & Cas Co NAIC#: 10315 Home
Office: California $46,266,188
Exact
Prop & Cas Co Inc NAIC#:10318 Home
Office: California $11,317,775
Neighborhood
Spirit P&C Co NAIC#: 10317 Home
Office: Ca $26,601,327
Farmers
New Century Ins Co NAIC#: 10806
HomeOffice: Illinois $95,196,018
Farmers
Reins Co NAIC#: 10873 Home Office: California $50
American
Federation Ins Co NAIC#: 43699 HomeOffice: Florida $18,640,497
Foremost
Prop & Cas Ins Co NAIC#: 11800 HomeOffice: Michigan $118,591,748
Foremost
Signature Ins Co NAIC#: 41513
HomeOffice: Michigan $157,746,364
Foremost
Cnty Mut Ins Co NAIC#: 29254 HomeOffice: Texas $146,932,177
Foremost
Lloyds Of TX NAIC#: 41688 HomeOffice: Texas $92,167,664
Bristol
W Cas Ins Co NAIC#: 11034 HomeOffice: Ohio $18,634,369
Bristol W Preferred Ins Co NAIC#:
12774 HomeOffice: Michigan $46,820,172
Coast
Natl Ins Co NAIC#: 25089 Home Office: California $274,628,163
Security
Natl Ins Co NAIC#: 33120 Home Office: Florida $189,992,272
For
the year of 2007
Total GWP: $16,044,342,000**This corrects the Okla Voice Apr 2007 showing Farmers #11 as affiliate cos premiums not added in. Should have been #8
Note: It will be interesting to see if Farmers deletes Zurich's GWP in future reports and stands on their own in the predicted #3 position with 21st Century. AIG expected to fall in rankings as they sell off their assets. - ed
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UFAA Sponsored E&O is a Go!
Every day that you
continue your coverage with the Farmers Group E&O program you are exposing
your agency to loss and possibly paying more than you should have to.
Why depend on the
Farmers policy with the exclusion for the most common type of agency error,
failure to provide an available Farmers coverage?
The Farmers policy
contains the Class One exclusion that may expose your agency to uncovered loss.
[Many of] you took the time
to apply for E&O and you been approved for overage that is vastly superior
to the current coverage offered by the Farmers group program. Why
not make your effort pay off?
Many agencies have
saved money and all have improved their coverage. Click this link to review the coverage
summary
that outlines the specific advantages of this plan as compared to the Farmers
plan.
Enrollment in this
insurance plan is continuing and you may change your coverage at any time
without penalty from Farmers. Farmers is complying with requests
to cancel agent coverage (including FFS agencies) with no
interference. [<< Following UFAA Attorney #1 and Attorney #2 contact]- ed
The next binding
date is 6/1/2009.
Calsurance is currently providing
the loss history within 1-3 days of your request.
Thank
you, Kevin
Dahlke
Kevin Dahlke Insurance Brokerage
6812 Deep Valley Rd
San Diego, CA
92120
619 287 8613 fax 619 287 8921
kevin@dahlkeinsurance.com
http://www.dahlkeinsurance.com
To complete a trial application and receive a quote go to this link. See the national recognition UFAA E&O article published in the Insurance Journal.  Insurance
E&O is just not as visually apparent as construction E&O as
shown in this photo of an ATM. The plan was to construct a staircase
and covered platform to access the ATM would have violated the American
Disabilities Act by not being handicap accessible.
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The Travelers Company Inc. Goes Direct Via Internet
Will others follow?
The Travelers Company Inc. management said it will begin aggressively marketing its online direct personal lines business in an effort to capture a niche market the company is missing. Joseph P. Lacher Jr., executive vice president for the St. Paul, Minn.-based insurer, said the company plans in late Spring and early Fall to begin rolling out TV and radio advertising touting its online direct market.
He said the initial roll-out will be modest in a few geographic locations as the company learns the impact of its ads. Plans call for an increase in advertising ramping up to national coverage during the summer.
Mr. Lacher said while the company is planning to push the direct marketing to consumers over the Internet, Travelers still strongly backs its independent agents. He said the company is making this move because it feels it needs to address a growing niche market of buyers who want to buy direct online. "The independent agent system has remained strong and vibrant and offers terrific value to consumers, and we remain big supporters," Mr. Lacher said. However, there has been a precipitous increase in the number of consumers who want to buy direct over the Internet over the past 15 to 20 years, and Travelers feels it needs to be a player in that marketplace.
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Wonder if any companies in L.A. are thinking that way? Let's see, no agent or DM commissions nor support expenses. Rate hikes accelerates both PIF lost and client run-off to reduce agent contract value buy-outs. Then, flip the switch to direct sales through the Internet at rates below x-agent/DM pricing. Appears Farmers is ramping up in Olathe, Ks. with a new building for 600 more employees bringing the total to 3,000. You don't suppose they're building that back office Internet sales force do you? -ed 04/10/09
If you wish to be excluded from future mailings please let us know by emailing us at ufaa15@gmail.com or by using the Unsubscribe feature at the located within this document. Disclaimer - The Oklahoma Voice is published twelve times per year for the United Farmers Agents Association, Chapter 15 Northeastern Oklahoma. The United Farmers Agents Association and the editor neither assumes any responsibility for the accuracy of the articles or advertisers, nor any liability arising from reliance upon them. The Oklahoma Voice expresses it's appreciation to the many members who assist in and support it's publication,. Opinions in the Oklahoma Voice do not necessarily express the views of any single member or Chapter officer or UFAA organization. Products and services advertised are not endorsed by this Chapter or United Farmers Agents Association, Inc. Complaints or inquiries should be forwarded directly to the advertiser. All purchases and services are at the complete discretion of the consumer. Trademarks are the respective products or logos of their respective owners. |
 03/06/09 Aaron Cedeno staff writer John Petrovic The Olathe NewsFarmers' HelpPoint building ready for occupancy
Vince Donofrio, vice president of HelpPoint, and Nicolle Welsh,
support service manager of HelpPoint, ceremonial opened a new HelpPoint
operations center Friday at 16850 W. 119th St. Olathe, Ks.
After breaking ground in February 2008, Farmers Insurance officially took
possession Friday of its new HelpPoint facility. The 95,000-square-foot building at 16850 W 119th St. will house approximately
600 claims representatives - the point of contact for policy holders with an
insurance issue. Now with four buildings and 500,000-square-feet of office space in Olathe,
Farmers is the city's largest private employer - home to 3,000 employees.
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 Internet Direct Begins
Zurich-Farmers Insurance to
acquire AIG auto business
Published: Sunday, April 19, 2009 9:49 AM CDT Delaware Business Ledger
Swiss-based Zurich Financial Services Group announced
its subsidiary Farmers Group, Inc. has agreed to acquire 100 percent of AIG's
Wilmington-based US Personal Auto Group, positioning the Farmers Exchanges as
the third largest traditional direct writer of insurance in the US and the third
largest US personal lines insurer overall.
As part of the transaction,
Zurich will immediately sell the portion of the acquired business
that is comprised of regulated insurance businesses to the Farmers Exchanges.
"The expansion of the US personal
lines capabilities of Farmers has always been one of our strategic priorities,"
commented Zurich's CEO James J. Schiro. "It reduces the overall volatility of
our portfolio of businesses, while continuing our focus on profitable growth
through customer, product and distribution excellence. This acquisition also
illustrates how financial discipline can position us to capitalize on market
opportunities even in these challenging times, provided they meet our strategic
objectives and financial hurdle rates."
This transaction is a further milestone on our path to achieve our strategic
goals for 2010, while positioning Farmers as the fastest growing personal and
small business insurer in America," explained F. Robert Woudstra, CEO of Farmers
Group, Inc. "Now, in addition to a powerful and productive agency force, Farmers
will also have one of the most successful direct distribution platforms within
one of the fastest growing distribution channels in the US."
Having
successfully integrated several significant acquisitions onto Farmers' effective
distribution platform this decade, this transaction aims to further strengthen
and consolidate Farmers' competitive position by providing for an accelerated
entry into the direct sales distribution channel, which grew from 7.7% to 18% of
the total US auto insurance market from 1997 to 2006.
The agreed
transaction adds approximately 1.5 million direct auto customers plus an
estimated over 500,000 new customers per year to Farmers' personal lines
operations, and substantially broadens its geographic base and exposure mix,
particularly within the Eastern US, one of the business's key target markets.
The acquisition positions Farmers firmly among the top 3 US personal lines
insurers, according to recent US insurance industry
data1.
Under the terms of the agreement, Zurich will acquire
AIG's US Personal Auto Group, which includes "21st Century Insurance"
(comprising the former "AIG Direct" and "21st Century Insurance"), as well as
AIG's "Agency Auto." AIG's US Personal Auto Group employs approximately 6,000
people. In 2008, gross written premiums totaled $3.6 billion of which
approximately 75% derived from the direct business and 25% from the agency
business, delivering a pre-tax income of $99.2 million.
Zurich will
initially purchase AIG's US Personal Auto Group for approximately $1.9 billion
and will immediately sell the regulated insurance entities to the Farmers
Exchanges for approximately $1.4 billion in cash.
Check out 21st Century at: www.21st.com
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License # 879 $15.99 Monthly
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Edmond 405-330-0025 Tulsa 918-270-2888
For Residential & Commercial |
Storm Response | Move outs |
Approved HelpPoint Vendor
918-698-7445
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21st Century Active States
21ST CENTURY CASUALTY CO
LICENSED
STATE NAIC REPORT
YEAR END 2008
Below is information supplied by 21st Century Casualty Co per
their most recent 2008 annual filling.
State:
Active Status: DWP (Direct Business Written)
California
L
$12,164,667 (only state shown with premiums written for this company)
21ST CENTURY INSURANCE CO
LICENSED
STATE NAIC REPORT
YEAR END 2008
L=Licensed N=Not Licensed
State
Active Status
DWP (Direct Written Premiums)
Alabama
L
$0
Alaska
L
$0
American Samoa
N
$0
Arizona
Q
$0
Arkansas
L
$0
California
L
$895,352,679
Colorado
L
$1,413,490
Connecticut
L
$0
Delaware
L
$0
District Of Columbia
L
$0
Florida
L
$93,415,245
Georgia
L
$66,09,052
Guam
N
$0
Hawaii
N
$0
Idaho
L
$0
Illinois
L
$7,010,774
Indiana
L
$3,748,409
Iowa
L
$0
Kansas
L
$0
Kentucky
L
$0
Louisiana
N
$0
Maine
L
$0
Maryland
L
$0
Massachusetts
N
$0
Michigan
L
$0
Minnesota
L
$1,881,275
Mississippi
L
$0
Missouri
L
$1,122,695
Montana
L
$0
Nebraska
L
$0
Nevada
L
$2,875,567
New Hampshire
N
$0
New Jersey
L
$65,558,278
New Mexico
N
$0
New York
L
$2,144,215
North Carolina
L
$0
North Dakota
L
$0
Northern Mariana Islands
N
$0
Ohio
L
$7,316,729
Oklahoma
L
$0
Oregon
L
$688,985
Pennsylvania
L
$9,237,404
Puerto Rico
N
$0
Rhode Island
N
$0
South Carolina
L
$0
South Dakota
L
$0
Tennessee
L
$0
Texas
L
$0
U.S. Virgin Islands
N
$0
Utah
L
$0
Vermont
L
$0
Virginia
L
$0
Washington
L
$1,712,343
West Virginia
L
$0
Wisconsin
L
$7,78,981
Wyoming
N
$0
Total U. S. 2008 DWP: $1,100,866,121
Okla. Agents have told the Oklahoma Voice they learned in recent meetings that 21st Century has 15k PIF and $10 million in Okla written premiums. OID shows no DWP for either company in 2007 while the NAIC shows no Okla premium for 2008 based on company reports. Go figure. -ed
Legend for Active Status column
L - Licensed or Chartered
Licensed Carrier and Domiciled Risk Retention
Groups. In some states referred to as admitted.
N - None of the above
Not allowed to write business in the state.
Q - Qualified Reinsurance
source: Nat'l Assn of Ins Comm. 04/26/09
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Issue Date: MARCH 2009, Posted On: 3/5/2009
Agent and Broker magazine
Hartford to limit coverage for salmonella tainted
peanuts
Hartford Casualty Insurance Co. filed a lawsuit against the Peanut Corp of
America to determine whether it must pay claims for victims affected by a
nationwide salmonella outbreak.
The suit was filed in the U.S. District
Court for the Western District of Virginia's Lynchburg Division. Hartford claims
that one or more of the terms, conditions, exclusions or limitations in the
policies "exclude or nullify coverage" for PCA for one or more of the
salmonella claims.
The general liability policy provides limits of $1 million per
occurrence and $2 million aggregate for bodily injury or property damage
included within the "products-completed operations hazard," according to court
documents. The umbrella liability policy provides liability limits of $10
million per occurrence and $10 million in the aggregate in excess of the
underlying insurance for bodily injury or property damage included within the
"products-completed operations hazard." An investigation of Peanut Corp. of America's Blakley, Ga.-plant where
the outbreak allegedly occurred is underway.
One national news reported pigeons had roosted on the plant roof that was in disrepair allowing rain to flush pigeon poop into the interior of the building contaminating the product used in scores of consumer products from peanut butter crackers to ice cream. Must we now create a consumption rule about peanut butter as we now have with yellow snow? -ed
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2008 Insurance Fraud
Hall Of Shame
No criminal masterminds here: the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud's annual
Hall of Shame spotlights 2008's largest and sometimes dumbest insurance fraud
schemes. What did they have in common? They all got caught.
Appellate Judge Michael Joyce from Erie, Pa., collected $440,000 in auto
insurance after lying that a 5 mph bumper bender nearly crippled him. But
although nearly "crippled," Joyce flew airplanes, golfed, roller bladed and
scuba dived in the Caribbean. Joyce will be sentenced in 2009.
Samuel Aaron Brabson claimed a car crash left him nearly crippled and
confined to a wheelchair. The Richmond, Va. man received more than $1.2 million
in disability claims. But Brabson competed in triathlons and went mountain
hiking. He received 1 year in prison.
Two dentists at a North Carolina clinic billed Medicaid for millions in root
canals and pulled teeth-procedures the dentists claimed were done to children.
At least two kids each had 16 root canals and steel crown procedures. Letitia
Balance and Michael DeRose paid $10 million to settle federal civil charges.
Serving 11 years for health insurance fraud, Dr. Ira Klein plotted to kill
those whom he thought had sent him away. The Houston physician tried to pay a
hit man to have his wife shot, a federal prosecutor run over by a truck and to
have acid thrown in an FBI agent's face. The plot was stopped in time. In a plea
deal, Klein will serve an additional year.
Michael Paul Schook told so many people he would burn down his Suffield,
Conn., home for insurance money that half the town knew about his plot. At least
three people turned him in after he repeatedly said how easy the scheme would
be. Schook received 7 years.
Two elderly women befriended a pair of homeless men in Los Angeles, then
took out $3 million in life policies, naming themselves as the beneficiaries.
Helen Golay and Olga Rutterschmidt then had cars run down Paul Vados and Kenneth
McDavid in dark alleys. Both women received life sentences.
Three men sold fake workers' compensation policies to small businesses,
stealing at least $70 million in premiums. One injured worker couldn't afford a
prosthetic leg. Donald Touchet received 22 years, Robert Standridge received 18
years and Robert Jennings received 15 years.
Michigan dermatologist Robert Stokes inflated claims while exposing
thousands of patients to disease by reusing sutures, scalpels and syringes.
Stokes also removed minor lesions from patients after lying to them that they
had cancer. Stokes stole at least $1 million in insurance money and received 10
years in federal prison.
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Postage up 2 centsOn May 11, 2009 the price for a First-Class Mail stamp
will increase from 42¢ to 44¢  Save on Postage costs with advance purchase of the Forever Stamp
The stamp, which will carry the word "Forever" instead of a price, will
remain valid for sending a letter, no matter how much rates go up in the
future.
That will eliminate the annoyance of buying one- and two-cent stamps to make
up the new rate when prices rise, and folks who want to hedge against inflation
could lay in a supply of the stamps for long-term use.
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TOP 10 Okla P&C Companies
Comparing 2006 & 2007 GWP for Auto and Homes.
See the link to the Top 10 on the
home page below.
Foremost drops out
of Oklahoma Top 10 Fire
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Call us for Board up Service
 Tulsa Broken Arrow
918/664-7904 918/258-7578 |
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Bethel Collision Center (918) 258-3318
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Oder Abatement Meth Lab Pack Rat Property |
Ads are now hot links to websites Support Our Advertisers
The Oklahoma Voice welcomes Weber's Root Beer as a new advertiser. Weber's has been in business in the Tulsa area since 1933 making root beer from an old family recipe that is sold around the nation. They recently decided to franchise the business to others. Our readers can earn a $1,000 finders fee by referring those you know - when they become a franchisee in the Weber's System. See their ad below.
Learn more about our advertisers as you or your clients may need their services in the future.  You may click on any of our valued ads in this issue for direct access to their informative and educational website.
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THE SPECIFIC SECURITY
OBJECTIVES OF UFAA ARE:
1. A two-way negotiated contract.
2. For rendered services contractual compensation schedules encompassing full commission of all premiums.
3. Agent ownership of policies and expirations.
4. Termination for just stated-cause only.
5. Ending discrimination of agent or agent authority.
6. To foster cooperation for mutual benefit, between other agent associations. |
"America's Digital Goddess"
GOOGLE'S NEW AD PROGRAM RAISES PRIVACY CONCERNS
Earlier this week, Google launched what it calls interest-based advertising. Basically, Google sets a cookie on your computer. It then tracks your searches and page views. This information is used to serve targeted ads to you.
Google says it will not track certain sensitive interests. However, privacy advocates are concerned. And many say Google is acquiring too much data on surfers.
Fortunately, you can opt out of the tracking. Methods vary from browser to browser. Visit my site to learn how to protect your privacy now!
IE Opens Small Windows
TIME TO UPDATE ADOBE READER 9, ACROBAT 9
On Tuesday, Adobe pushed out a security update for its PDF software. Adobe Reader 9 and Acrobat 9 are both affected. The update fixes a critical vulnerability that hackers have exploited for months. Adobe has offered few details on the vulnerability. It is waiting until it patches Linux and Solaris versions of the software.Hackers can exploit the vulnerability with a malicious PDF file. The exploit can be triggered simply by e-mailing the file to a victim. Both Mac and Windows users should install the update now! The patch is available on Adobe's site.
Oklahoma Voice has reprint rights. Copyright 2008 WestStar TalkRadio Network. Reprinted with permission. No further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written consent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. Visit Kim Komando and sign up for her free e-mail newsletters www.komando.com |
Farmers Agent Websites
More Visits? More Leads?
More Results? You Agree?
 Dear Editor, I was PO'd with Farmers two years ago, when I read the article in the Okla. Voice about the large yellow page color display ads that appeared NEXT to the agents co-op trademark ads. (two line in-column ads) So, I dumped the YP ad and went to the free basic website that was hyped by Farmers and their vendor. My phone is still not ringing and email is dead, except for useless spam. So, here's the question. What benefits and results are agents seeing with the agency websites purchased through a Farmers vendor?
Dear Okie, Great question. The display ad article you refer to was printed in the April, 2006 Oklahoma Voice pointing out many violations of the company's own YP ad rules and appeared to cross the line of the Federal Trade Commission's policy on unfairness.
Home office corrected this fiasco in Field Bulletin #06-0520 just four months later dated August 16, 2006. It stated, (in relation to display ads) "You will no longer be able to list your agency in the alphabetical in-column advertising section as we already participate in the in-column Yellow Page Corporate Trademark." We suspect the FTC may have been asking questions for such policy changes to have occurred so quickly.
Let's discover the value of the free basic and fee based Premium websites through the "Pulse of the Agents" poll and find out if the 50% discount set up cost and monthly charge is worth the price. Both polls below have the exact same question and answers. The only difference is one relates to the basic website the other is on the premier and premier plus. Please select the Farmers controlled website that you have and complete the single question poll. The Okie Voice will print the final poll results in next months issue. Thanks. -ed If you do not have the company offered websites, you can still view the votes tallied. Only vote in one poll if you have Farmers sponsored website.
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Where have all the Oklahoma Agents Gone? When the Oklahoma Voice changed over to Constant Contact, our HTML email service provider, we were then able to obtain reasons for return email. That info is not available with US Snail Mail or with our normal IPS. Looking back over the last three months it's shocking the number of farmersagent.com email address that are no longer valid. Here's the number of returned Oklahoma emails with invalid corporate agent email addresses based on our 2009 emailing dates of the Okla. Voice.
01/06/09 2
02/02/09 8
02/11/09 13
03/02/09 7
03/30/09 3
Total 33
That averages 11 agents per month over a nearly 3 month period. Should that trend continue through 2009, it would total 132 ex-agents or 26% turnover of the Oklahoma Agency Force based on our newest email address count of Oklahoma agents.
Why do you think agents are leaving Farmers? Take the quick poll where results will be published next month. WHY?
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I DEMAND TO OPT OUT Dear editor,
Don't I own my business? Do I control my business? Can not I select the policies I choose to sell? If those answers are YES, like I was told, then I DEMAND TO OPT OUT!
I am tired of Farmers deciding on my behalf what I will sell. I don't like the Farmers FLEX. with the repetitive rate increases this is a client death policy. When it renews, the rates will be much higher. But, Farmers, without my permission, keeps putting Flex ad stuffers in my client's renewals. We spend more time on the phone un-selling that product, only to hang up from one client and another calls. OPT ME OUT! On second thought, I demand the option to OPT-IN on all future promotions to my clients. Okie Agent.
Humm, thanks Okie Agent, Lets see what the "Pulse of the agents" poll thinks about your idea..
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| INVESTMENTS DOWN? |
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EARN $1,000
Finders fee for each new franchisee we sign that you have referred to us. In the States of: OK, AR, KS, MO, TX Contact us at webersrootbeer.net
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 Better Business Bureau Rated A+
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HelpPoint Flunks BBB RATINGS x 3
 An Oklahoma Voice 2009 Update Report
Los Angeles- F Oklahoma City (OKC)- F
When the Oklahoma Voice checked out Farmers Insurance
Group through the Better Business Bureau on line reports in March, 2008, scores
of agent offices appeared along with company offices such as HelpPoint and
satellite claims offices. But, not this year.
The Oklahoma Voice warned agents to go on line and check
their ratings and make corrections if needed with the BBB. And, they were advised to separate
their listing from the corporate listings in an effort to raise the agency
scores. Today, few agencies remain on the listing, at least, in Oklahoma.
The BBB ratings system has changed from our last report
where they used a double lettering system and have since simplified ratings to
scholastic grading using letters from A to F, with a plus and minus. A+ (97-100
pts.) is the highest grade, and F is the lowest- with the lowest complaint
closing stats. (below 60 pts.) Here's the highlights from our recent April, 2009 BBB review of Farmers and some competitors.
The Tulsa Property Claims Office was shown as "out of
business" last year, with the BBB advising- "Disputes with this
company you may wish to seek legal advice." The Okla. Voice advised the claims center and, they got the BBB to correct it to satisfactory But, this year the Tulsa Property Office at PO Box 470244 Tulsa flunked the BBB ratings with an F.
The BBB has two listings for the OKC HelpPoint showing PO Box 268994 that is rated C- which is the Document Center according to Toni a CSA at HP.
But, PO Box 108815 is the Total [Auto] Loss Department. That
address located in the same building has BBB rating of F compared to a 2008 BBB rating of unsatisfactory
Other Farmers Locations-
Farmers Insurance Group, Inc. Rating C+GOOD P.O. Box 9075 Van Nuys, CA 91409 Phone: (866) 857-5052 Fax: (323) 932-3427 Shown as Home Office? Business Start Date: 1/1/1928 Company ID: 18605 BBB Member since 1951.
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Farmers
Insurance HelpPoint Rating: F P.O. Box 894729 Los Angeles, CA 90189 Phone: (800) 435-7764 Fax: (866) 223-5727 This location has a HELPPOINT phone #
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Complaints
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Type of Response
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4
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Making
a refund, as the consumer requested
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0
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Making
a partial refund
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1
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Agreeing
to perform according to their contract
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1
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Refusing
to make an adjustment
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0
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Refuse
to adjust, relying on terms of agreement
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9
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Unanswered
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0
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Unassigned
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Farmers
Insurance Rating B- P.O. Box 30388 Los Angeles, CA 90038-3088 Phone: (314) 995-3633 Fax: (314) 995-3624 Contact: Don Eitel - Branch Claims
Supervisor
Farmers
Insurance Rating D P.O. Box 894731 Los Angeles, CA 90189 (This office likely combined with Box 894729 rated F above.
Farmers
Insurance Rating C average 4680 Wilshire Blvd.Los Angeles, CA90010 Phone: (800) 327-6337 Company ID: 100067988. (this location is the home office and shows no improvement over 2008 with a CC rating of average.)
Farmers
Insurance Group Rating B+ Phone: (918)
000-0000 Address: 5314 South Yale Suite 305 Tulsa, OK 74135 (state office)
Prematic
Service Corp Rating B Phone: (800) 435-7764 PO Box 149227 Austin, TX 78714
Farmers
Insurance Rating B Address: 17150 W 118th Terr # 6 Olathe, KS 66062
Farmers
Insurance Exchange Rating D+ Phone:
(478) 477-5065 Address: 17000 W 119th Street Olathe, KS 66061 ServicePoint
Farmers
Insurance/Prematic Corp Rating C- Phone:
(888) 327-6377 Address: 1700 W 119th St Olathe, Ks 66061 ServicePoint
Farmers
Insurance Group Claims Rating B+ Farmer's Insurance Group Business
Address: P.O. Box 85200 Lansing, MI I48908 Foremost?
Bristol West
Insurance Services, Inc. of Fla. Rating B- 5701 Stirling Road Davie, FL
33314 Phone: (954) 316-5200 Fax: (954) 316-5151
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The Oklahoma Voice looked at other competitors while we were on the BBB database. State Farm HQ in Bloomington, ILL has a BBB rating of A, while Allstate in Northbrook, ILL has No rating. AIG in Wilmington, DE A+. Hartford is rated C, while Geico is rated F. Progressive is rated A.
21st Century Ins. Wilmington, DE. A+, Woodland Hills, Ca. A-.
Our customers have every opportunity to review
the BBB just as it was used to prepare this report. Some low ratings may be unjustified with claims handling improving over the last three years, the period this report is based. Farmers
Corporate needs to coordinate internally on improving our overall BBB ratings and ensure proper communications with the BBB as their rating system does not yet appear perfect. Perhaps, 21st Century can now show Farmers how to improve their publicly viewable BBB ratings. -ed Source: www.bbb.org
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Check out the UFAA Chapter 15 Web Home Page with lots of member benefit information including E&O updates and Industry articles.
New Procedures to renew your Okla. Ins. License
Latest Top 10 Okla. Auto & Home Ins Companies
Foremost drops from Okla.Top 10 fire ranking
Who is American Farmers & Ranchers Ins. Co.?
The history of 21st Century Insurance Group
New Federal Law for your Agency Eff: Jun 1st
New Life Marketing Letter Might Work for you!
Free 8 hour CE Course on May 27th- Tulsa
If you think you learn some things here, you should try the chapter 15 monthly luncheon meeting. It's packed with valuable agent information. Not all is published in this newsletter.
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