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 In this Issue How the Mighty Fall video: A Primer on the Warning Signs of Business Failure
OKLAHOMA
VOICE
January 2010
Published monthly by United Farmers Agents Association, aka UFAA, Chapter 15 Eastern Oklahoma.Chapter 15. The chapter meets the
first Wednesday of each month.
Next Chapter 15 Member Meeting: Wednesday, January 6th 11:30 AM |
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Chapter 15 will meet in the upstairs meeting room of the Silver Flame Restaurant located at the S/W corner of 61st & Sheridan, Tulsa. A
fixed cost of the meals @ $12.50 per person includes meal, drink, tax,
gratuity. Price also includes Tabouli, Hummus Tahini, salad, baked potato, fries or vegetables and bread. We'll have a choice of 5 lunch entrees.
Non member agents welcome. Lunch Menu
  Farmer's Float honoring marching bands leads 2010 Rose Parade The 121st Rose Parade took place on Friday, January 1, 2010 at (8:00 a.m. PST 10 a.m. CST) featuring spirited
marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and
high-stepping equestrian units.
This year's theme- "A Cut Above the Rest" Farmers' 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade entry shown at right, "A Salute to the Bands," was the lead float in the Parade line up. The float was surrounded by the
"Farmers Insurance Band" - members of the Riverside Community College
Marching Band who will also perform as part of the televised opening
ceremony. This is Farmer's 51st year to have a parade float entry. Cute or Blooper?
OOPS...?
Did we miss a great opportunity to place a second float in this years parade or have Farmer's 2010 entry sponsored by 21st Century being this year was the one hundred and 21st Tournament of Roses Parade? But, 21st Century is no stranger to the Tournament of Roses Parade. Like Farmers, 20th Century Insurance Company (previous name) has won several parade awards and trophies over the years. 20th Century won the Judge's Special Trophy in 2000 but, it was won under the name of 21st Century Insurance as the company used their float and the great media exposure of the Rose Parade to announce to viewers their name change from 20th to 21st Century Insurance.
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Mission Statement
The United Farmers Agents Association -UFAA-
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.Check out our website
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Oklahoma UFAA Contacts:
UFAA Chapter 15 serving Eastern Oklahoma
President- Mike Gately
918/481-3277 -Tulsa
UFAA Chapter 12 serving Central-Western Oklahoma:
President- Tony Reese 580/355-1335 - Lawton
UFAA Oklahoma Voice Editor
UFAA Oklahoma Voice Ads
To join an
Oklahoma UFAA Chapter
choose one closest to you and
contact the chapter.
or, sign
up at the UFAA
Website.
United Farmers Agents Association Web Site
UFAA
Chapter 15 Newsletter Archive & Homepage Letters to the Editor
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 Video Lesson Stage 1: "Outrageous Corporate Arrogance that inflicts suffering upon the innocent"
CAPTIVE AGENTS, THE FORGOTTEN PEOPLE
submitted by the Board of the National Association of American Family Agents. (NAAFA) www.NAAFA.com]
What if you decided to start your own business? You find a product you feel you can really market. You invest thousands of dollars and years of hard work into establishing a successful business which includes scores of faithful returning customers. Things begin to look like maybe you are finally making it as a successful business owner. You are established and respected in the community. You own the building your business is in. Things are really looking up. But suddenly, with one fell swoop, it is all taken away from you. Someone bigger and more powerful than yourself decided your business was theirs. You are out with essentially nothing, including your reputation. Sound familiar?
This is the plight of the captive insurance agent today. Captive agents are controlled like employees but claimed by captive insurance companies as independent contractors. Captive agents are often told how to sell, what hours they must be open, when and when they cannot take a vacation. They are required to attend meetings of questionable importance. They're given sales quotas that are often beyond the realm of possibility because the captive insurance company controls the rates. They are asked to submit endless progress reports and are reprimanded and threatened if these reports are not submitted in a timely manner. Agents are told who they can and cannot hire. Often captive insurance companies provide phone systems and computer systems to the agent in an effort to control and monitor the agent. Captive agents often find that even though they pay the monthly phone bill, the company has forced them to sign an agreement that their phone number belongs to the company. Advertising is often forcefully shared in order to control the agent. Agents are blamed and often find their contracts terminated for too many losses, too few 100/300 liability coverage, too low a retention rate, too low an application count, or any other of a list of about 20 "indicators" upon which agents are judged. The list of controls goes on and on.
Captive insurance companies seem to take the word captive literally. The dictionary defines captive as a "prisoner, unable to escape, forced to use or accept something." If a captive agent tries to leave a captive company to sell as a true independent agent, he is often sued and restricted by claims that the names, addresses, phone numbers, coverage and renewal dates of all his clients are "trade secrets" that belong to the insurance company. In the truly independent world, agents are truly independent. Independents own the names, addresses, and client data that they themselves brought into their agency. What exactly is the difference here? Nearly all data collected by both types of agents is readily available for public viewing. Why this same information is considered a trade secret by captive insurance companies and NOT by independent companies is very unclear and unfair.
Captive agents' contracts are often terminated because the company wants that agent's policies to give to a new agent-in-training. Or perhaps a district manager is being asked to step down, so the company simply figures out how to fire the agent and take his agency away from him and give it to the district manager. Terminating an agent's contract is quite easy because the district manager can place any production requirement he wants on the agent regardless of whether the company's rates allow an agent to sell or not. Often excuses for terminating are "manufactured." Agents have been falsely accused, defamed, and 'used as examples' in an attempt to intimidate other agents. The agent is guilty till he can prove in court that he is innocent and usually this is at a great financial cost to him...one from which he may never recover.
We believe it is time the world, including the courts and government departments such as the IRS and the EEOC begin to recognize there is a serious and unfair inconsistency evident here that is causing a great deal of stress and monetary loss to the "forgotten people," the captive agents.
Captive agents are unable to form unions to negotiate these issues (with the company) because they are not employees. Captive agents are unable to influence judges because captive insurance companies with extra deep pockets (provided by policyholder money, incidentally.) are able to influence them with various perks that are way beyond the capabilities of the average individual captive agent. Politicians heed the highly paid lobbyists hired by insurance companies. The news media seem influenced by the "credible" large corporations rather than the "small guy" because these 'generous' companies are donating hospitals and parks and other wonderful gifts to humanity.
Captive agents are a totally unrepresented, unfairly treated, forgotten segment of the American workforce. Every other group of workers in America is represented by some government entity, some union, or some trade association, but not the captive agents. If captive agents were able to quit working for the captive company that is abusing them, they could start over. Many agents are willing to make this sacrifice even late in life, but captive companies won't allow them to do this. The companies sue the agents who have gone independent for violation of non-compete (without proper proof), for computer fraud (even without realizing that the lists they've accused the agent of "stealing" off their computers were lists that the agent was required by the district manager to run for marketing purposes), for violation of trade secrets (even though what the company is calling trade secrets is data that is publicly available to anyone in the insurance business and data collected by the agent himself...not an internal employee.) We are going to make every attempt to expose the plight of captive agents. We believe that agents must be treated as the true independent contractors the IRS have labeled them. We believe the companies have misrepresented to the courts and to the IRS exactly how they treat captive agents.
We suggest agents write to your representatives both in Washington and in your state. Perhaps we are ready for federal regulation of the insurance industry as proposed by the present administration. Contact public media such as John Stossel of ABC's 20/20, Oprah, Sixty Minutes, or your local newspaper. If the public knew how our businesses are being taken away from us, there would be an outcry demanding fairness to a group of sincere agents who are trying to do an outstanding job of servicing our clients, but who are hampered by the deadly threats and controls of the captive insurance companies. This is America and our voices must be heard!
Source: Family Agents(NAAFA) www.NAAFA.com
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 Video Lesson Stage 2: "Undisciplined Pursuit of More"
Agent 1: "I just got a call from a client who can save over $500 a year by going to 21st
Century. I told her "That's Farmers you know! We bought them!" She didn't care
even though she said that she loves me as an agent and that I've done a lot for
her."
Agent 2: "So I come in to work on Monday morning and look through the headlines. What do I
find? Farmers is raising our already terrible home rates AGAIN! Protector plus
is up 18% is some areas, Next Gen about 20%, and Landlord about 35%. They say
its to regain profitability but don't they realize how many people have already
canceled and how many more are going to after this. Not to mention the amount
of agents we are losing."
Agent 3: "Same old story, our own company competing against us. I lost a Foremost mobile
home policy to guess who? Foremost!! The insured called AARP who wrote a new
Foremost policy at a much lower premium after AARP (Hartford)."
Agent 4: "I can't write enough business to make up for what goes out the back door, much
less write more to show a gain, so after thirty five years, more than half my
life given to this company, I have been placed on the DARG program and will
probably be gone."
DM 1: "You may choose
not to attend the mandatory life
training, I am then obligated to
document that and forward your
failure to attend to the state
and home office."
Agent 5: "Crunch time. I've been told to have 5 P&C and 3 life in 8 days."
Agent 6: "X-CEO Marty Feinstein stated in a 1994 video sent to agents that "Farmers must become a company easy to deal with." And, it happened with the "no exception underwriting rule," "three day window of processing cancellations," "late payment penalties," "surcharging fire policies for claims," "quotes that you cant Trust" all to make the company more income on top of multiple rate hikes." Then, sugar coat it with the "Perfectly understandable and no hassle EZ pay billings, disappearing discounts, and totally unreconcilable renewals. These changes really pleased many of my clients right into the hands of competition." What are/were they thinking?"
Agent 7: "Remember, Farmers never loses PIF and premium income. When the numbers look suspect, they just buy a million or so PIF from Foremost, several hundred thousand at BW, and several million more from 21st Century and their affiliates. Agents are the loss leader on their PIF shopping sprees."
Agent 9: Foremost just shot me off a Motorcycle. I just quoted against a policy written by "Harley
Davidson Insurance Division" and my rate was 62% higher than the Foremost policy
written with an "affinity" discount through Harley Davidson. It is very clear
Foremost is catering to the IA.
Agent 10: "There are a total of 6 Farmers agent within a
quarter mile of my office, I know three of them and the rest has shown up within
the last 2 years. There is nothing I can do about this. There are two IA offices
within two blocks of my agency. There is another large FIG office about
a mile away and about six months ago another FIG agent opened an office directly
across the street from him. In this small city of 70,000 people there are 18 FIG
agents."
DM 2: "As a manager of this
District, the only way
I
know that's happening is by
counting actual life sales. I can
only
assume
an agent not consistently
selling has lost their
interest or knowledge
in
effective life sales.
Therefore, we will be
conducting a series of
mandatory, monthly life
classes to help you achieve
this objective."
Agent 11: "I lost another great account today in commercial due to not being competitive. The
other Zurich broker came in under $1100 compared to Farmers. At what point does this
stop?"
DM 3: "This is a heads up on future Life
meetings. Agents who do not have 12
life policies written by June 29th
will be meeting with me every week."
Agent 12: "I just read the memo on how they are eliminating the small portion we
get from each ez-pay acct. They are "averaging" it out in 2009 per
paycheck. I still find it appalling that on the independent side they
pay more to agents when selling Foremost and BW policies than they do
to their own captive agents."
Agent 13: "Dear God, I sure hope it gets better."
( agent comments in these articles from public Farmers Agent Network and ufaa.com public bulletin board) Note: Critics argue that the nature of the information -- it's often
submitted anonymously -- questions its validity. But anonymous doesn't
necessarily mean untrue. In fact, anonymity often gets a bad rap. If
you posted something positive about your boss on such sites -- and
signed you name to it -- you'd be labeled a suck up. If you trashed the
company and identified yourself while doing so, you'd risk losing your
job. DM comments from letters to agents.
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 Video Lesson Stage 3: "Denial of Risk and Peril"
Agent 1: "According to an anonymous home office person Farmers has
lost 755,355 for the first 6 months. I don't know the persons name, position or
telephone number but it was asked why the offering of this information and the
response was, if FIG does the right thing they will need to chop off half its
corporate personnel, lower management fees and lower rates. The exchanges can not
survive with the PIF drain taking place. In 2008 they lost 284,000
policies." Agent: "I have to wonder why? Why would anybody run a company like this?"
Agent 2: "Is it just me or has Farmers decided to deny or hide the actual numbers? The
Retention and new business tracker has not been updated since September. Is this
an attempt to not disclose the actual number of policies the company is losing?
I guess by not publishing the numbers in a timely manner the managers of the
company will not have to take responsibility for the lack of leadership this
company has demonstrated during the last quarter of the year. Has anyone else
noticed that the state retention ratio has been omitted from the achievement
award report? If the news is that bad instead of fixing the problem it is easier
to omit the data."
Agent 3: "Now how do I complete my Gateway without accurate numbers? My DM, DMM or SE they
can't even tell me where I am now, how in the world can I tell them where I will
be 6 months or 12 months from now? What are they smokin'?"
Agent 4: Pete and CJ what you are seeing an example of is "COOKIN THE BOOKS" or WIN
THE POOCH". It's like a sweater that's unraveling and you have already pulled
too many threads, so you quit pulling, and pretend like it's not falling apart
or there are not already holes. Just like I wrote in the FOLIO POST, Lucy they
have some splainin' to do, I think they are holding on for one more bonus."
Agent 5: Like hundreds of other FIG agents, I took the same approach. I quit and opened up an IA. Best decision I ever
made. My agency is now growing faster than I ever imagined possible, my closing
ratio is pushing 80% my "OOF" file drawer for 2009 holds 26 files. [The real peril has and will show increased PIF loss as each cycle of x-agents complete their non-compete period and go back after their client's they left on FIG's books.]
By MarketWatch 11/30/09 30 global financial institutions on systemic risk list- including six insurance companies-
Regulators have identified thirty international financial institutions for
cross-border supervision exercises, the Financial Times reported Sunday, without
directly citing sources. Six insurance
companies--Axa SA , Aegon NV, Allianz SE Aviva Plc, Zurich Financial
Services AG and Swiss Reinsurance
Co. Zurich Reports 53% Drop in First 6 Months NU News MARK E.
RUQUET Date:09-02-2009 Zurich Financial Services Group reported, in August, a net income drop of 53
percent for the first half of the year as the recession continued to take a toll
on the company's earnings.
Zurich Reports 3Q net income rose 490%
National Underwriter 11/05/09: Zurich Financial Services Group reported third quarter net income rose 490
percent over the same period last year despite economic challenges. The
Zurich, Switzerland-based insurer reported third quarter net income rose $755
million to $909 million. The company said it was the fourth consecutive quarter
of quarter-on-quarter improvement since the third quarter of 2008.
National Underwriter public comments on above article.
Yes, Just Wonderful. Meanwhile us Baltimore area folks can't find meaningful employment
after being abandoned by this company - hope Mr Schiro enjoys his
retirement.
Oh Great- When is some of that profit going to be passed down so that Farmers agents can get a competitive auto rate?
I guess someone watched the movie "Wall Street" a little too closely.
Zurich Reports Final 9-month net income down 24%
Market Watch: 11/05/09: Zurich Financial Services Group reported that for the
nine months, net income fell 24% to $2.2 billion. In general insurance,
operating profit fell 3% to $2.51 billion, while gross written premiums and
policy fees fell 10% to $26.32 billion. In global life, operating profit fell 6%
to $1.16 billion.
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Video Lesson Stage 4: "Grasping for Salvation with AIG acquisitions and Game Changing Technologies"
Express/FA2:
Is it working to the Agent's
Competitive Advantage?
 On Nov 30th, the Okla. State Office sent out a glowing email report on FA2 from an
Oregon DM boasting of PIF gains in his district stating, "We are back in the game. Now it's time to get out there and go to work.
See you at the top!" We all know these will be great for business, and right now agents are
enjoying the new benefits of FA2 and Express." The Oklahoma Voice sent the DM's email to our Oregon contacts to validate. The following responses were received.
- "Not even close- the rate is no better than before
the FA2 came out. If there is any small truth in the numbers the DM
is bragging about, I would like to see the quote comparisons to verify how it is
being done."
- "To me, this is just another smoke and mirrors on
the rating, and we will see as far a quote/processing time goes, if it does save
staff time."
- "I have been getting the same response from everyone so far. I believe we
have someone that is simply saying what ever is necessary, to garner
favor for their own benefit. Personally, I believe this does more harm,
as it does not reveal the true nature of our competitive position."
- "I have written some auto, but the last 5 [FA2] quotes, I wasn't even close. At the last meeting, two agents went off on him. [DM] I just lost another 5 fire policies to
Country Companies. Since the beginning of 2008, I have lost 127 policies. I've
lost 6 commercial policies, and have had to work hard to keep long time existing
commercial clients. It
has been the hardest year I have ever had in 20 plus years. I think a lot of
smoke was being blown."
- "FA2 has been a complete disaster here in Oregon. The
rates are not better than they were before - just unexplainable. For
instance I just quoted three vehicles for two 50+ year olds with clean
records and retired.The coverage was liability only for all three
cars. You would think the rate would be the same on each vehicle,
right? car 1 1995 Toyota Corolla $222.30 car 2 1995 Toyota Tacoma $154.20
car 3 1988 Geo $90.00. Although, the rates look good, combined, how do you explain the vast
difference between cars? Agents are reporting the most bazaar rates from $500.00 for a clean driver
to $154 for a DUI and a suspended license.
- "I swear someone on the other end of this system is throwing darts at a rate
chart."
We thank our Oregon member participants for their experience and perspective on this issue. =============================
Treaties seem to be ignored: It's a win/win for Farmers
Agent 1: No one is more frustrated than I am over the purchase of 21st Century which
competes directly against the agency force. But I have to tell you that in my
conversations with FGI they are quite proud of their investment. They stated they have made approximately $939,000,000 on their investment so far and
have over 2,960,000 PIF.
There is supposed to be a treaty in place to keep 21st
Century from taking policies from Farmers but it appears that some 21st sales
individuals are doing anything and everything to pad their commissions. In my humble opinion they are not going to back down as a matter
of fact, a statement was made that for every policy 21st Century takes from the
agency force its one less policy they have to pay contract value on. So not
only is 21st Century making them a ton of money, they are happy it is reducing
their agency contract value liability.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see
this was very well thought out. You're not going to see
the board of governors complaining as it is a very smart investment strategy
that makes them money and reduces their liability at the same time.
For Sale
Agent 2: I have decided to leave as an agent. My contract value has dwindled over the years and it becomes apparent Farmers Agents have three choices: 1. Go IA and start over. 2. Dry up with continued PIF run off or 3. Sell out. Tulsa Area Farmers Agency for sale. contact ufaa08-agency4sale@yahoo.com if you have an interest.
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 Video Lesson Stage 5:
"Capitulation to Irrelevance or Death"
<< Could this happen?
 For Sale: << Could this happen?
Contact Owner: Zurich Financial Services - for inquiries concerning the management company.
Contact Owner: The Farmers Policyholder Legal Holdings Representative regarding any or all of the individual companies.
Note: We will furnish outstanding agent contract values to be included (at your option) in all offers for purchase as there is no corporate/guarantee account set up to compensate Exclusive Agents.
"You can come back from within stage 4 but, you cannot come back from stage 5."
-Jim Collins, Author "Good to Great."
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What Employees are Saying about their jobs Click here- Farmers Employees (includes BW and Foremost)
Score: Love their Job 42 Hate it 143
Click here- 21st Century Employees
Score: Love their job 6 Hate it 35
The comments are interesting and educational.
WARNING- Due to recent stress of recent lay-offs, some have used language that is not appropriate.
Note: Critics argue that the nature of the information -- it's often
submitted anonymously -- questions its validity. But anonymous doesn't
necessarily mean untrue. In fact, anonymity often gets a bad rap. If
you posted something positive about your boss on such sites -- and
signed your name to it -- you'd be labeled a suck up. If you trashed the
company and identified yourself while doing so, you'd risk losing your
job.
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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 and/or logos are the respective products or trademarks of their respective
owners. |
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Save $300! Call: 1-800-709-4923 What Channel is
 getting the short straw?
As you
know, Farmers has gained another channel called 21st Century DIRECT to blend with their
Independent and Exclusive channels.
While watching Cops on TV on Sunday evening, commercials on Tru-TV
featured 21st Century ads touting savings of $300 on auto insurance with more
savings over Allstate and Progressive.
As a Farmers Agent, like you, losing clients to nearly all other competition, I
called the 1-800# above just to see if our newest Farmer's Family member would
quote my autos. The call went something like this-
21st: Can I help you?
Me: Yes, I want to get an auto quote.
21st: Your first name?
Me: Wait, don't you want to know if I have current insurance? Everyone
else does.
21st: Okay, who is your current
insurance company?
Me: Farmers Insurance and I am the agent, A Farmers Family Agent for
over 24 years. Do you sell direct to Farmers policyholders?
21st: Sure, What is your first name.
Me: You know, Farmers now owns 21st Century ... she interrupts..
21st:: "Yes,
I know."
Me: "And, you will still quote and sell direct to Farmer's
clients?"
21st: "Sure, and your first
name?"
Sorry, I guess I got a little upset and went off on her and she hung up. Don't
believe me, give it a try for yourself at 1-800-709-4923. Okie
Agent
Dear Oklahoma Voice,
Hey welcome
to The Farmers Way.... I got a quote for auto and fire from 21st Century, I
could save over $1,000 a year if I switch. Their fire policy is All Risk! I've
been a Farmers agent since 1984 and am really at a loss as to what leaders are
doing. IF I didn't know any better I'd think they were trying to
put us out of business.
Thanks for writing. Now, the the rest of you call for a quote and write the
Oklahoma Voice an email and let us know your quote experience with the Farmers Family of 21st Century by clicking on the email address of -Editor
The Three Channel Overview
Today, when YOU write a 21st Century client with Farmers, you are
penalized & paid only 1/2 of the commission for life of the policy. If 21st or Foremost takes your policies DIRECT or through an IA, there is no charge/pay between the
gaining or losing agent. The agent contributors above make a good point-
Now, you know what channel is getting screwed
as FIG Agents are now reporting IAs are soliciting Farmers Clients with 21st
Century/Foremost Products as complaints fall on deaf ears while Exclusive Agent PIF
continues to fall. We are suppose to get leads from 21st Century. Could it be
that we are becoming the new "Lead Center" for the other channels? -Ed
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THE SPECIFIC SECURITYOBJECTIVES 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. | |
Residential and Commercial
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Tulsa 918-270-2888
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By Kim Komando
MICROSOFT TO PATCH CRITICAL VULNERABILITIES On Dec 8Microsoft will release its security updates for December. Six updates will patch
12 flaws. Windows, Internet Explorer and Office will all be receiving
patches. Three of the patches are rated critical. The vulnerabilities they fix allow
remote code execution. Included will be a fix for a zero-day vulnerability in
Internet Explorer disclosed last month. Microsoft will also release an updated
Malicious Software Removal Tool. Don't forget to install these patches
promptly!
WILL OFFICE 2003 WORK WITH WINDOWS 7? Marty wrote in from
Winter Park, FL, where he tunes in on WDBO 580 AM. He's planning on upgrading to
Windows 7. But he's worried that his Office 2003 software won't run.
Microsoft says that virtually all programs that work in Vista will work in
Windows 7. Incidentally, the same holds true for gadgets. So, yes, Marty, Office
2003 should be fine.
There have been reports of installation problems. Some have been unable to
install it from the CD. There's a simple work-around, though. You can copy the
CD to your hard drive. You can then launch the installation program from the
hard drive.
To copy the CD to your computer, open it in Windows Explorer. Press Ctrl+A to
select all of the files and folders on the disc. Then, drag and drop them to
your hard drive. This may take a while, so be patient.
When you're done, look for the setup file. It should be called Setup.exe.
Double-click it to start the installation process. After you install the
software, be sure to run Windows Update. It will install the latest patches for
Office. Otherwise, you're putting your machine in danger.
Now, Office 2003 has left mainstream support. Fortunately, you will continue
to receive security updates. But you'll need a new version, eventually.
Microsoft plans Office 2010 next year.
If you don't want to pay, consider OpenOffice. Like Office, it is a full-fledged office suite. And
it's free. It doesn't include an e-mail program or calendar, though. You can
download Thunderbird for e-mail and Sunbird for your calendar. They're free, too.
Have more questions about Windows 7? I have answers!
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 |
New Oklahoma Traffic Laws
Effective Nov. 1st
New Left Lane Law: Ticket $206
The law says drivers
going under the speed limit must stay out of the left lane. That lane is only meant for
passing and turning left.
A couple of other laws
trooper say many drivers may not know about are people not using
their turn signals and
also people who don't
move over to the far lane when an officer has pulled
someone over on the side
of the road. Both of those violations could also cost you more than $200.
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12/7/09- After laying off 343 since August, Farmers Insurance announced today they will lay off an additional 200 by end of 2009. The cuts will come from Farmers' recently acquired 21st Century Insurance
division.
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UFAA Members & Guests Attend UFAA Chapter 15 Christmas Party
All arrived bearing gifts for the Chinese Gift Exchange a.k.a. Dirty Santa, where numbers are drawn and gift is chosen from previous person's selection or from the gift table.
The UFAA Chapter 15 Christmas Party was held Dec. 12th at the renowned Silver Flame Steakhouse in southeast Tulsa. Each full time agent UFAA Member was handed a new $50 bill plus, all arrivals were given choices of chapter complementary gifts.
Throughout the evening, additional door prizes were awarded by drawing. Our sincere thanks to all who attended including our UFAA National Board Member
VIPs- V.P. Mike Ward and UFAA National Historian, Chuck Simpson, Kansas City.
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We're already there! While you ask, "Where are we going?"
Zurich named Direct Marketer of the Year by the Direct Marketing Association.
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Chapter 15 Election Results-2010
Treasurer- Terry Wilson
Posted 01/2010 issue of Okla. Voice
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Investments Down?
 $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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Compatibility Issues Across Dashboard,
Express & U of F, IE6 & W2K Systems
The new Personal Insurance Express supports both Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7, as is
laid out in the AIMS technology specifications and PC Specs 11/07 on Dashboard
As you probably already know, Microsoft has stopped supporting Windows 2000 (W2K).
Currently, the Dashboard will still work with W2K & Internet Explorer 6 (IE 6), however as
new applications get implemented, the compatibility issues will begin. In particular, the Farmers Auto 2.0 course, and NextGen Homeowners
courses within the University of Farmers Online will cause Internet Explorer
6 (W2K) to lock up when clicking on the 'Next' button to proceed
to the next slide within the module. In Express, the drop-down boxes do
not fully expand regardless of the browser. However, users of Internet
Explorer 7 will be able to hover over the content of the drop-down box which
will activate a "tool-tip" which will show the full description of whatever
the user is hovering over. This [tool-tip] option is not available in Internet Explorer
6.
Ultimately, it would be more efficient and cost effective to purchase
a new PC. This being said, users with Windows 2000 can upgrade to Windows XP,
the only problem is that the cost in upgrading the RAM, as well as the
OS software will cost as much as purchasing a brand-new PC.
Farmers
is currently working on the compatibility issues with Windows 7 and the
Agency Dashboard. I have also heard that development is also looking at
Firefox compatibility. As of about a month and a half ago, development has
resolved the compatibility issues with Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP and
Vista.
Windows 7 may cause some challenges when it comes to compatibility
with hardware (printers, scanners, etc.). Device drivers for Windows 7 are
not widely available by every manufacturer and tend to be available on
a "device-by-device" basis. In addition, older devices may not have a
Windows 7 driver available by the manufacturer, so this is also something
that the agents will need to keep in mind.
Best Regards,
John
ServicePoint®
Enhancements
to the dropdown views in Express will allow easy viewing of all dropdown
menu items with the upgrade to Internet Explorer 7 (IE7). Enhancement
coming February 2010.
We cannot find any comments where Farmers had stated that many agents will need to completely update or buy new systems. Was that a ploy to not create an agent uproar in the field? However, 1-800 NET-USER has a new phone option- Direct to Dell New Sales Dept. With more than 50 million using Firefox, it could really be a benefit to agents if Farmers would allow it. The Oklahoma Voice is created with Firefox- a free web browser. -Ed
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Univ. of Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2009 Rose Bowl
  January 1, 2010 2 PM PST or Noon CST
Oregon Insurance Dept.
Fines Farmers $10,000
By Brent
Hunsberger, The Oregonian
December 03, 2009, 1:51PM
[Nearly a month before to the Oregon Ducks head to the Rose Bowl,] t he Oregon Insurance Division announces it has fined
Farmers Insurance Co. of Oregon $10,000 for altering consumers' insurance
premiums based on their credit scores. The penalty, handed down late last
month, stems from Farmers' three-year practice of using a consumer's credit
history to re-rate their auto and homeowners' insurance policies when they
renewed. In more than 1,000 cases, the re-ratings resulted in higher premiums,
the state's final
order says.
Oregon law allows insurers to use credit scores as part
of its criteria for refusing initial coverage or determine your rate. But it
bars insurers from using credit history or an insurance score at renewal to
re-rate a personal insurance policy, unless the consumer asks. Farmers'
spokesman Jerry Davies said via e-mail that a programming change in early 2006
"caused an undetected system issue. Unfortunately, the system issue caused
our mechanical system to stop working correctly.
The case stems from a
consumer complaint the division received in July 2008 about poor service. In the
process of investigating, state officials discovered Farmers' practice, said Ron
Fredrickson, manager of the division's consumer advocacy
team. The improper reratings took place between January 2006 and
Feb. 13, 2009 on 8,385 instances, state officials said. In 1,050 of those cases,
the re-rating resulted in an increase in premiums.
Farmers has refunded
consumers a total of $64,840, division spokeswoman Cheryl Martinis said. Customers
with policies still in force were issued credits, Davies said. Farmers also is
making changes to its computer system, state officials say.
===============
 Texas,
North Dakota, California and now Oregon. Just when does the computer programming
excuses go away? Inquiring minds want to know, according to that last paragraph,
were nearly $65,000 in checks written "to x-Farmers clients" while credits were
issued to those still in force? How about charge backs to Oregon agents losing
policies having no control over this mis-rating issue? Agents are complaining of
rates across our territories. Does mis-rating expand, perhaps, territory
wide?
If companies fail to protect agent's commissions, even on
internal errors then, agency commission losses must become protected by state
regulators and companies penalized in addition to the state fines to reimburse
agents 3 years commissions on corporate errors causing PIF run-off while
prohibiting agent charge backs on state mandated refunds issued to in-force
clients.
Otherwise,
being victimized twice, agents just end up SUBSIDIZING state levied fines as
companies recoup commissions already paid with agent charge backs on mandated
refunds. -EdPulse of the Agents Poll #3 P.S. The Oklahoma Voice expresses our sorrow over the Oregon Ducks loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl Game. However, it was one of the best hard fought college games of the season. Both the Buckeyes and Ducks did a great job and the Ducks remain the PAC 10 Champs. Now, the Duck fans understand the agony of defeat as OU fans did when the Ducks beat us last year for the Championship. -Ed |
 Christmas Weekend Blizzard `09
Score: Oklahoma City 14 Duluth, Minnesota 11
OKC beat out Duluth in the Christmas Weekend blizzard that proceeded across the mid west plains before heading to the northern states. Duluth reported 11 inches of snow fall from the winter storm while OKC received 14 inches.
In Oklahoma, it started with rain in the early hours of Christmas eve then, turning to several hours of sleet. As temps dropped, the sleet changed to snow as winds howled overnight up to 60 MPH. The governor declared a state of emergency in all 77 Oklahoma Counties as ice and deep snow drifts began to accumulate closing portions of major state and inter-state highways. The Oklahoma National Guard was activated to patrol highways and turnpikes for stranded motorists.
The H. E. Bailey Turnpike was closed from the Texas line to OKC along with the Turner Turnpike from OKC to Tulsa. Later in the day, the Will Rogers Pike from Tulsa to the Missouri line was also closed while hundreds of motorists were stranded in ice and snow across the state. A triple fatality auto accident occurred in the early hours of the blizzard west of Tulsa as a large H3 Hummer allegedly crossed the center line and hit a family in a Cavalier head on killing all in the smaller vehicle. An additional storm death was reported 4 days later as a snow plow driver southwest of OKC driver discovered a man in a vehicle totally covered in a 6' snow drift. On the upside, Oklahoma had a White Christmas but, few could travel within the state.
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What's in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
2 F M Z U 6 2 E 0 2 Z 8 7 8 5 9 0
If you have been an agent or CSR for any time at all, you have written dozens to perhaps thousands of VIN numbers over your career. Just exactly what is a VIN?
A VIN number is a 17-character alphanumeric identifier or a
manufacturer's serial number. Each character in the VIN number has a
significant meaning. Together, they create a number that tells
everything about the vehicle and its unique history.
How to Decode a VIN- When decoded, the VIN
tells the country and year of manufacture; make, model and serial
number; assembly plant; and in some cases it even identifies equipment
specifications. The system goes something like
this: sequence for characters is first A to Z, then 1 to 9, and last 0.
The letters "I", "O" and "Q" are typically omitted from system so as not to be confused with numbers 1 and 0.
The vehicle identification number is divided into four parts: 1. World Manufacturer's Identification (WMI - three characters)- The first character in the WMI sequence represents the country where
the vehicle was manufactured. Countries like the United States (1 or
4), Canada (2) and Mexico (3) are represented by numbers while other countries such as Germany (W), Italy (Z) and Japan (J) are represented by letters.The second character refers to the manufacturer. The characters can be
either letters or numbers. For example: Jaguar (A), Dodge (B), Chrysler
(C), Jeep (J), Buick (4), Cadillac (6) or Saturn (8).The third character represents the vehicle type or manufacturing division.
2. Vehicle Description Section (VDS - five characters)- The vehicle description section consists of five characters (the 4th to
8th characters) which identify everything from the body style, engine
type, and braking system to model, series, restraint system, etc.
3. The 9th character is a VIN accuracy check digit which verifies the previous
VIN numbers. It is determined by carrying out a mathematical
computation developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The 10th character or digit is the model year while the 11th letter is the manufacturing plant.
4. Serial Number- The
12th to 17th characters are the actual serial number of the
vehicle-these last 6 digits make the vehicle unique (think of DNA). It
can also help to identify whether the vehicle was the first, the
hundredth, or the last vehicle off the manufacturer's assembly line.
This is valuable information for collectors. So,
the next time you see that long number printed on your registration
papers or stamped across your dashboard, you'll know how to decode it.
This will give you a better understanding of where your unique vehicle
actually came from!
Here are the codes for the VIN 10th letter or digit that determines the vehicle model year.  | Code |
Year |
|
Code |
Year |
|
Code |
Year |
|
Code | Year
|
|---|
| A = | 1980 |
|
L = |
1990 |
|
Y = |
2000 |
|
A = |
2010 |
| B = |
1981 |
|
M = |
1991 |
|
1 = |
2001 |
|
B = |
2011
|
| C = |
1982 |
|
N = |
1992 |
|
2 = |
2002 |
|
C = |
2012
|
| D = |
1983 |
|
P = |
1993 |
|
3 = |
2003 |
|
D = |
2013 |
| E = |
1984 |
|
R = |
1994 |
|
4 = |
2004 |
|
E = |
2014 |
| F = |
1985 |
|
S = |
1995 |
|
5 = |
2005 |
|
F = |
2015 |
| G = |
1986 |
|
T= |
1996 |
|
6 = |
2006 |
|
G = |
2016 |
| H = |
1987 |
|
V = |
1997 |
|
7 = |
2007 |
|
H = |
2017 |
| J = |
1988 |
|
W = |
1998 |
|
8 = |
2008 |
|
J = |
2018 |
| K = |
1989 |
|
X = |
1999 |
|
9 = |
2009 |
|
K = |
2019 |
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Agent group expects a flurry of filings from improperly
classified workers.
Allstate 'independent contractor agents turn to IRS to
clarify their status.
October 21, 2009, GULFPORT, MS.
For most, Independence Day occurs on July 4. For Allstate agents
who believe they've been misclassified as 'independent contractors,' the hope is
that day will come much sooner as dozens, if not hundreds, of Allstate agents
file IRS Form SS-8 to determine whether they are independent contractors as
Allstate proclaims, or have been misclassified all along.
The filings come on the heels of a recent petition drive started
by an unidentified Allstate agent. The National Association of Allstate Agents
(NAPAA)-a non-profit group representing the rights of more than 13,000 Allstate
agents-published the petition in its most recent quarterly magazine. In the same
publication, the group also published a hypothetical, example of the IRS Form
SS-8.
"We prepared this hypothetical example based on the information
we gathered from Allstate agents over a period of several years," said Jim Fish,
NAPAA's executive director. "We believe that agents are being deliberately
misclassified and we intend to expose this injustice in any way we
can."
In 2000, Allstate Insurance converted the majority of its sales
force from employee to independent contractor status. With the change in status,
many of those agents anticipated liberation from the requirements of being an
Allstate employee. Now, almost a decade later, Allstate agents are still waiting
for their independence, hence the interest expressed by a number of Allstate
agents in filing an IRS Form SS-8.
"We anticipate the IRS and President Obama will receive
thousands of petitions, said Fish, "When the SS-8 forms are filed, we expect
that Allstate's behavior will be heavily scrutinized by the IRS. If nothing
else, this intense scrutiny may change Allstate's behavior for the
better."
Allstate agents certainly aren't the first independent
contractors to be treated like employees without the accompanying benefits. In
2007, after filing a class action lawsuit demanding parity with employee
drivers, current and former FedEx independent contractor drivers were elated
when Judge Robert Miller of the U.S. District Court in Northern Indiana
certified them as a class. This action has opened the door to similar cases
involving independent contractors who are treated like employees.
"It was reported that the IRS plans to audit more than 6,000
companies for employment tax issues. We're hoping the volume of Allstate agents
filing SS-8 forms and the simmering discontent among agents over the
misclassification issue will help push Allstate to the top of the IRS list, so
we can finally resolve this long-standing problem," added Fish. For more information on the National Association of Professional
Allstate Agents, you can visit their Web site at www.napaausa.org.
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 Farmers Introduces Electronic
Signature System at HelpPoint
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2009 -- Farmers Insurance Group of Companies® has
introduced eZsign, a new claims settlement option for their customers with total
loss claims. It is currently approved in the states of Washington, Oklahoma, and
Illinois. Farmers is anxiously awaiting approval in all other states.
"Previously a customer who had reached settlement would have to wait for
documents to arrive in the mail, and then sign and return those documents for
payment to be issued," stated Odom Wu, Director of Farmers Strategic
Initiatives. "Now Farmers, with the agreement of the Washington, Oklahoma, and
Illinois Departments of Motor Vehicles, can give customers the option to receive
the documents via email, sign them online using their mouse, and return them
instantly to expedite payment. This initiative is consistent with Farmers'
commitment to innovation, and keeps Farmers on the cutting edge in providing
customers the best claims experience possible. Farmers is the first in the
insurance claims industry to accomplish this for its customers," Wu
continued. "This is a win-win situation," stated Bryan Murphy, Farmers Insurance
Executive Vice President and Chief Claims Officer. "This is the future. The
customer wins with speed, convenience and lower cost. The company wins with more
rate competitiveness. Farmers is ready to implement eZsign in all states as soon
as the states understand customer wants and understand the benefits that come
with the metadata of an electronic signature."
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Check out the UFAA Chapter 15 Home Page
with more Farmers, industry news, lots of member benefit information, newsletter archives and breaking news too late to publish above.
Chapter 15 HOME PAGE Link
Have you missed past issues of the Okla. Voice? If you missed past issues due to the spam problems, you can access them on our home page link above.
Two more short but great articles by Jim Collins author of "Good to Great" on our home page this month-- The Dynamics of Leadership-Team Behavior- How managers interact says a lot about the state of a company...
- Getting the Right People in Key Seats- The specifics can vary, even within companies, but our research delivered six important traits that identify "the right people"
- More below on the Chapter 15 Home Page. Click link above.
- Serious Security Flaws in Adobe Reader ver. 8 & 9 Update fix will not be released until Jan 12. Recommended actions...
- Also, COMPROMISED ADS EXPLOIT READER FLAWS-Criminals have been taking advantage of a flaw in OpenX. This software is used to place ads on popular sites. Those who viewed the online ads were redirected to a site in China....
  HOT OID Info you need to know -Do not call the Okla. Ins. Dept. (OID) They now provide info on line: Anti-fraud Complaint Form- for you & your clients
Consumer Request for Assistance Form- for your clients
Home and Auto Rate Comparison Charts From the OID.
These articles and more on the home page link above.
Have you joined UFAA yet? We just can't make it much easier.
Just mouse the logo above to obtain the membership application. Fill it out; attached a check and mail or use the bank card option and fax it to 1-314-631-7963. United we stand. Divided we fall. |
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