UnitedFarmersAgentsAssn Okla Voice Feb 2010

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OKLAHOMA

VOICE
February 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, February 3rd 11:30 AM

Chapter 15 will meet in the upstairs meeting room at the Silver Flame Restaurant located at the S/W corner of 61st & Sheridan, Tulsa.A fixed cost of the meals @ $12.50 per person that includes meal, drink, tax, gratuity and group appetizer. We'll have a choice of 5 entrees.
Lunch Menu

Non-member agents welcome.
.

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

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

This article was originally printed in the Autumn 2001 UFAA National Voice. It is reprinted here with current updates.
WE ARE UFAA!

And, just why are we so proud of that?

Our association is forging ahead - assisting our members in developing their agencies, providing valuable information, and being active in the legislative arena to promote and protect our members interests. Join with us now in this exciting endeavor as it truly is a great time to be a UFAA member!

The Board of Directors ofthe United Farmers Agents Association

Our quarterly magazine, The Voice, is published with you, the member, in mind. It regularly addresses issues, reports current events, and provides you, the member, with a chance to freely express your opinion. We have extended to our chapters the ability to create local newsletters for their members to keep them informed on more local issues.

Our past legal endeavors now allow you to have that PC on your desk. Replacing that cumbersome and overly expensive rental of IBM system 36 and $135 monthly connection fee. Farmers provided a company owned Dell PC to all agents and transferred ownership to the agents a few years later, about the time the maintenance service agreement expired.

Our nationwide activities opposing agent-owned ACA accounts led to the management company creating a company-owned ACA - saving you money. Stopping thousand$ in bank charges to the agent-owned accounts for NSF checks, closed accounts, etc.

Constant questions from our members nationwide led to lower E&O rates for all agents. We now have an excellent E & O Policy available for our membership and limited (E&O only) members controlled exclusively by UFAA providing greatly improved coverage's, not to mention favorable pricing.

We introduced the "Original" E&O Deductible Recovery Program to help you earn more money from outside business without the worry of a large deductible. Farmers then made the buy back deductible available on their provided E&O while we created for our members their own E&O Program after serious questions surfaced on CNC under the Farmers controlled E&O program.

Our outside legal opinion of the HMA agreement was designed to assist you in making decisions about your future. Based in part on our extensive legal review, education of the membership, the Horizontal Marketing Agreement (HMA) is now an obsolete corporate form.

Our efforts on the national level defeated legislation designed to change the IRS definition of independent contractors -a change that would have adversely affected our livelihood. However those Independent Contractor definitions do not seem to be understood by all in management including some DMs.

The Agents Association of Allstate and American Family has commenced actions of filing IRS Investigative Form SS-8. UFAA membership shall benefit from the actions of our fellow associations.

Pro-agent legislation has been introduced in many states - and passed in several - that benefits all exclusive agents. Some UFAA chapters have local lobbying efforts in their states to combat lobbying issues that are not always in best interest of our membership.

UFAA Technology Services is available to all members. UFAA Technology Services will assist members with computer hardware and software questions and problems, recommend computer programs to assist members in operating their offices, and recommend hardware configurations. All UFAA Members receive 1 hour of computer technical services monthly. A membership value savings of $780 annually- double the cost of your annual due$.

We have produced and made available our UFAA Technology Video, which provides information valuable to your agency's success. Changes are underway to revive this benefit on our ufaa.com website with convention speaker content being made available to you on our website along with our page on Helpful Hints.

Updates are e-mailed to our members, as needed, to keep them informed about the latest developments. We believe communications are vital to our membership and we will continue to keep you updated via several mediums such as UFAA Direct, chapter newsletters, direct mail, conventions and local chapter meetings.

We have made available the information you need to set up a paperless office. This need has weakened over the years as our membership is adamant that paper documentation be available at all times in event of questions, lawsuits and/or E&O claims.

We have made available a 401K Retirement Plan for you and your employees. In addition, we have introduced our latest benefit- a pre-paid legal benefit to assist in your business and/or personal activities.

WE ARE- An Association of Professional Farmers Agents and YOU can be one too.

UNITED FARMERS AGENTS ASSOCIATION

95% of your UFAA membership dues may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense, but is not deductible as a charitable deduction.

Don't leave your customers out in the cold with water or fire damage! We have crews standing by to mitigate the loss and begin the repair process.

Our services include:

- Emergency water mitigation / structural drying

- Fire damage cleanup, including securing the property after a fire

- General contracting / structural repair of fire and water damage, vandalism, storm damage

- We restore and secure personal property, such as furniture, housewares, collectibles, toys

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Quick response reduces loss ratios while building customer loyalty.

Social media use lags with agents and brokers

Although less than a quarter of independent agents and brokers responding to a recent survey are using social networking in their marketing plans, almost 20 percent are considering it, according to an exclusive reader survey of American Agent & Broker readers.
Published in AA&B's December issue on Internet marketing, the unscientific survey suggests that although agents may still be holding back from full involvement in social media, interest is strong in reaching customers through other Web methods.
The online survey, which was conducted in October and November, included more than 600 participants of all sizes and locations. The questions focused on what types of Internet marketing methods users were currently employing, from basic Web sites to Twitter and Facebook.

In general, the responses suggest that although most agents and brokers are actively using more traditional Internet methods, they have been slower to get involved in more cutting-edge practices. When asked whether their agency or brokerage had a social media presence, almost 60 percent (58.1 percent) said no, 22.3 percent said yes, and 19.6 percent said they were considering it.

Of those respondents who had a social media presence, 26.6 percent used LinkedIn, 24.9 percent Facebook, 11.4 percent on Twitter, and 3.8 percent on MySpace. Of the social networking users, 47 percent reported having a formal policy on what employees can do on the Web during working hours.
Surprisingly, even Web sites are not ubiquitous. Although 81 percent of respondents reported having an agency Web site, 19 percent did not. Of those respondents with Web sites, the majority (32.3 percent) had supervised a redesign over the past 6 to 9 months, 24.6 percent did so more than 2 years ago, and 21.9 percent over the past year. In an open-ended question, several respondents commented that they didn't pursue any form of Internet marketing because Web sales were "undesirable." 12/15/09 Agent & Broker Magazine

Along with Web sites and social networking, other popular marketing methods used to reach current and prospective customers included:

E-mail marketing (49.3 percent)

Search engine optimization (24.9 percent)

Lead-based Web sites (13 percent)

Interactive Web site such as reader forums (10.4 percent)

Electronic customer relationship management (8.4 percent)

Other methods mentioned in an open-ended question included insurer-sponsored Web sites, online and print advertising, telemarketing, seminars, direct mail, cross-policy sales lists and instant quotes and purchase options on Web site.

Insurance Journal

Farmers Agent Network Taken Down

In a surprise move in the last week of January, the Farmers Social Media Network for Farmers Agents has shut down. The only comments mentioned on the site is, "This social network has been taken offline by its owner. It's likely the owner will bring it back on line shortly." You may try this link to see if it has reappeared.

Otherwise, You may want to check out the ufaa.com website and review comments about this action on the Bulletin Board Tab. It's a great source of information from both new and seasoned agents across the country. While there, look around under each of the subject tabs at the top of the page. There is a lot of information you may not be aware of such as the Most Significant AAA Changes for new 2009 agents under the Contract Tab. You can compare it to the older contract 1984-2009 also shown. Explore and enjoy as there is general information for all agents including a 12 year archive of the quarterly UFAA Voice Magazine. A Member ID and Password is required for more specific articles of interest and the member bulletin board. -ed

49.3% of Agents and Brokers can't be wrong-
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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.

Now Serving All Who Have Served Honorably
USAA expands membership to all veterans- 11/05/09

"I am very pleased to let you know that eligibility for membership is now open to anyone who has ever served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces."

"Our mission states "USAA seeks to be the provider of choice for the military community." Not just the officer community. Not just military retirees. Not just those who served after 1995. We are carefully and responsibly managing USAA's growth, and have taken incremental steps in expanding membership eligibility to bring us to this point."

Josue (Joe) Robles Jr.
Maj. General, USA (Ret.)
USAA President and CEO

12/23/09- A.M. Best has affirmed its highest possible financial strength ratings of A++ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings of "aaa" for the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and its insurance subsidiaries.

Another One Bites the Dust

Editor: The tip on this article came from one of our best insured's who recently moved their autos to USAA. Hubby has been out of the service since the late 80's and did not qualify under their active service since 1995 rule. They have great Okla. auto rates according to our x-insured but, their H/Os are a little $picey. Check out their A.M. Best rating- the highest possible financial strength rating. USAA has rated at the top in J.D. Power insurance consumer ratings. As far as I know, they have never had agents, only an 800# for decades and likely one of the the first direct writers of insurance. Did you hang on to your DD-214 to be a USAA qualifier for you and your family? More at usaa.com But even as good as they appear on paper, USAA has their most recent nay sayers and some have been policyholders for decades. Looks like their most traditional competitive rates maybe coming more inline with the market. UFAA Member.
Thanks member. -ed

Collapse not covered by
weight of ice & snow

Dear Oklahoma Voice, Snow load

The snow and ice accumulation over the Christmas Holidays caused patio cover damage to one of my Tulsa Next Gen insureds. Did I say damaged? I mean it collapsed to the ground.
"No problem we said, we will get HelpPoint right on it." Everything seemed to be going fine until a little over a week later, HelpPoint sent me a copy of the denial letter on the patio cover claim. I was told the claim would have been covered by the Next Gen 1st Ed , but no collapse coverage exists under 2nd Ed. of a Next Gen on normally open areas of separate structures like a patio cover or carport whether or not attached to the residence structure must now be partially or fully enclosed with walls. What sense does that make except for agent E&O exposure! I want the trustworthy Special and the Prot + policies back. Otherwise, it's just another reason to consider going independent. Okie agent

Dear Okie, That's a real wake up call. And, wake up call #2 is your E&O may classify this claim as a class 1 exclusion and may not be covered under the Farmers E&O Policy but, rather out of your hip pocket. That's why we have pushed the UFAA Sponsored E&O for nearly a year in our newsletters that does not contain such exclusion. -ed

"Quotable Quote"

"Trust, commitment, communication, compatibility: They're the building blocks for any relationship, whether its a friendship, marriage, or the unique bond between an independent agent or broker and the insurers they represent." Author: Laura M. Toops, American Agent & Broker Magazine editor Date:2009-09-08

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008

On September 25, 2008, the President signed the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 ("ADA Amendments Act" or "Act"). The Act emphasizes that the definition of disability should be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of the ADA and generally shall not require extensive analysis.
The Act makes important changes to the definition of the term "disability" by rejecting the holdings in several Supreme Court decisions and portions of EEOC's ADA regulations. The effect of these changes is to make it easier for an individual seeking protection under the ADA to establish that he or she has a disability within the meaning of the ADA. More information here.

Job Bias Charges Jumped in 2009

January 7, 2010

Workplace discrimination charges rose in 2009, reaching the second highest level ever recorded, according to federal officials.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reports that 93,277 workplace discrimination charges were filed with the federal agency nationwide during fiscal year 2009 ended Sept. 30, while monetary relief obtained by the agency for victims topped $376 million.
Private sector job bias charges (which include those filed against state and local governments) alleging discrimination based on disability, religion and/or national origin hit record highs. The number of charges alleging age-based discrimination reached the second-highest level ever.
Continuing a decade-long trend, the most frequently filed charges in 2009 were charges alleging discrimination based on race (36%), retaliation (36%), and sex-based discrimination (30%).
The near-historic level of total discrimination charge filings may be due to multiple factors, including greater accessibility of the EEOC to the public, economic conditions, increased diversity and demographic shifts in the labor force, employees' greater awareness of their rights under the law, and changes to the agency's intake practices that cut down on the steps needed for an individual to file a charge, according to federal officials.
The EEOC reported it resolved 85,980 private sector charges and resolved more charges than ever alleging unlawful harassment, as well as allegations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Through its combined enforcement, mediation and litigation programs, the EEOC said it recovered more than $376 million in monetary relief for discrimination victims.The EEOC said $294 million of this total was recovered through administrative enforcement and mediation.
"The latest data tell us that, as the first decade of the 21st century comes to a close, the commission's work is far from finished," said EEOC Acting Chairman Stuart J. Ishimaru. "Equal employment opportunity remains elusive for far too many workers and the commission will continue to fight for their rights. Employers must step up their efforts to foster discrimination-free and inclusive workplaces, or risk enforcement and litigation by the EEOC."

"The latest data tell us that, as the first decade of the 21st century comes to a close, the commission's work is far from finished," said EEOC Acting Chairman Stuart J. Ishimaru. "Equal employment opportunity remains elusive for far too many workers and the commission will continue to fight for their rights. Employers must step up their efforts to foster discrimination-free and inclusive workplaces, or risk enforcement and litigation by the EEOC."

RETALIATION
Retaliation is prohibited against a person who files a complaint of discrimination, participates in an OFCCP proceeding, or otherwise opposes discrimination under these Federal laws.

Any person who believes a CONTRACTOR has violated its nondiscrimination or affirmative action obligations under the authorities above should contact immediately:

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.20210, 1-800-397-6251 (toll-free) or (202) 693-1337 (TTY). OFCCP may also be contacted by e-mail at OFCCP-Public@dol.gov, or by calling an OFCCP regional or district office, listed in most telephone directories under U.S. Government, Department of Labor.
Source: EEOC

QUICK
REFERENCE
GUIDE
Did company, state office or your DM advise you & your staff of this new single corporate phone number?

This is a great idea. Now, you don't have to reference the numbers for each business unit. You may want to place this number in your cell phone in case you need to call while out of the office.
I used it over a weekend from home during the January freeze warnings and called HelpPoint to clarify conflicting vendor approval statements shown on CRN concerning water damage on a frozen pipe claim. Works great! It even has agency services and accounting departments that have been MIA to call direct since they stopped sending the inter-office phone book to agents, 5 years ago, in 2005. -ed

The Single number to contact any business unit:
Farmers toll-free (877) 411-1FIG (1344)

ServicePoint Option 1

Policy Services and Underwriting

Commercial Option 2

Farmers Life Option 3

Bristol West Option 4

Foremost Option 5

Flood Option 6

Support Option 7

Help Desk Sub-Technical Support-Option 1

Agency Services Sub-Option 2
Address changes, license renewals, AP subsidy
and Career agent subsidy administration
Accounting Sub-Option 3
Folio, commissions, contract value, AP and
Career agent subsidy reimbursement and
payment

HelpPoint Option 8
Report a claim

Farmers.com (866) 422-5928

Agent Web site updates

Agent Benefits

www.Farmersagentsbenefits.com
Enrollment (877) 862-1237
Changes (323) 932-3904

University of Farmers

university.farmers@farmersinsurance.com

Farmers Ad-Vantage (800) 218-7894

Advertising Aid and Agent Signs

You can print this information easily here or go to dashboard and search > 36-3886

Pulse of the Agents Poll

Farmers in the News

Farmers Appoints New Oklahoma State Director-

John Lucido comes from Nebraska where he was state director over Nebraska Iowa, N. & S. Dakota 1/18/2010.

We have yet to see this announcement in a Farmers press release believing they are awaiting the announcement at the Jan. state meetings. We heard of this state director change weeks ago and advised our Oklahoma UFAA membership direct. Our current State Dir. Gregor Scott is rumored to be going to Columbus, OH as VP apparently to work with the agent training center.

What do you think?

Seems that Oklahoma is becoming known as a stepping stone state to upper management as the director is elevated to VP. This has now occurred with all of the Oklahoma state directors since 2001 including, Coble, Westerman and now Scott.

Pulse of the Agents Poll

More News-

SAN DIEGO -- The opening round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament will get under way Thursday. The four-day tournament, previously called the Buick Invitational, runs through Sunday at Torrey Pines' north and south courses in La Jolla.
The tournament's new sponsor plans to debut a 246-foot-long Zeppelin, touted as the world's largest airship, at the show. The so-called "Farmers Insurance Airship" will provide aerial television coverage of the tournament. It will be emblazoned with a giant Farmers Insurance logo.

Tiger banner

SAN DIEGO - Call it a sign of the times. Circling over Torrey Pines yesterday as the pro golfers competed in the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open was a plane with an advertising banner. The message: WE MISS YOU TIGER! D�J� VU SHOWGIRLS. The riff on the Tiger Woods sex scandal drew a lot of quiet chuckles among the gallery, and according to the manager of the D�j� Vu Showgirls strip club in the Midway District, generated plenty of phone calls.
By Tod Leonard, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER January 29, 2010 at 12:01 a.m

dBusinessNews.com Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:07 PM PST
Los Angeles - Farmers Insurance Group of Companies� announced today a $25,000 contribution, to the American Red Cross to help aid relief efforts in Haiti, where a devastating earthquake killed more than 100,000 people and left the country in shambles. This is the first donation with more contributions planned as the need continues. In addition to the $25,000 dollar immediate donation, Farmers will also hold a countrywide "blue jean" day on January 22, 2010 when Farmers employees can wear blue jeans to work in exchange for a monetary donation to be given to the American Red Cross to further support relief efforts in Haiti.

Mindshare N.A. Gains Momentum Phil Cowdell and his team have quietly won $500 mil. in business in six months. Adweek Dec 14, 2009- Mindshare has quietly won about $500 million in new media assignments, including Farmers Insurance ($100 million), Sun Products ($60 million) and just last week, Skyy Spirits, which spends about $10 million on ads annually, according to Nielsen.

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has appointed William Walrath as state executive director of Michigan, the company said today. Crain's Detroit Business Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:15 PM PST

Farmers Insurance Float Honoring Marching Bands to Lead 2010 Rose Parade
PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance 12/21/09
power cords and receptacles

To help agents generate sales growth-

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has appointed Larry Pratt as vice president of sales. Mr Pratt joined Farmers Insurance in June 1990. He was transferred to the home office in June 2001 as a marketing consultant II, a position he held until he was promoted to executive director, Alabama in April 2002. Ins Bus. Review 12/21/09

Farmers Appoints New Southwest Field Operations ExecutiveInsurance Journal December 21, 2009- Farmers Insurance Group of Companies� announces the appointment of Senior Vice President Roy Smith to Senior Vice President Field Operations, Southwest Zone, effective immediately. The Southwest Zone includes the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Jack Hannigan Named Farmers Insurance Exec. VP- Independent Agency Operations
PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Tue, 22 Dec 2009- Farmers Insurance Group of Companies� announces the appointment of Jack Hannigan, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Independent Agency Operations to Executive Vice President Independent Agency Operations at Farmers' Home Office in Los Angeles, effective immediately.

Henle Named South Texas State Executive Director for Farmers InsuranceInsurance Journal December 22, 2009. Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has named John Henle as South Texas state executive director. Henle replaces Larry Pratt who has been promoted to vice president - Sales in the company's Los Angeles headquarters. Henle began his career with Farmers in 1999 as an auto property adjuster in the Las Vegas BCO. After serving in various positions in California and Washington state, he was promoted to senior marketing consultant, State Operations, for the Central Zone in 2006. Henle will be based in Austin, Texas.

Mid Valley News Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:51 AM PST
Jim Westerman Named Vice President of Farmers Insurance Pacific Zone Farmers Insurance Group of Companies� announces the appointment of Senior Vice President Jim Westerman to Senior Vice President Field Operations, Pacific Zone, effective immediately. The Pacific Zone includes the states of California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada. Westerman replaces Steve Feely, Farmers Senior Vice President of Field Operations who is retiring.

Deb Settle Promoted to Sr. VP Colorado Springs Business Journal 01/01/10- Deb Settle has been promoted to Farmers Insurance senior vice president of field operations for its central zone. The central zone includes Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Colorado, Idaho and Utah.

Foremost Insurance Launches New DistinctChoice Auto Program in Maryland

Press Release Source: Foremost Insurance Group On Wednesday January 6, 2010, 4:32 pm EST

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Foremost Insurance Group announces their new DistinctChoice� Auto program effective January 7, 2010 in Maryland. This new auto program is designed with increased limits, deductible options and the important coverages that drivers want.
The new DistinctChoice Auto program features broad eligibility and popular discounts. Some of the highlights include:

Multi-Policy Discount (Farmers�, Foremost� and Zurich Small Business� policies qualify).

Optional Dynamite Deductible� Endorsement that can reduce the deductible an insured pays in the event of a Comprehensive or Collision loss by $50 for each semi-annual policy renewal or $100 for every annual policy renewal. The deductible the insured pays can go down to $0 for a Comprehensive loss and $100 for a Collision loss.

376 FARMERS INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. (Oklahoma Filing)
Homeowners 9/3/2009 Filed as Amended Received: Filing: Type: Closed: 9/28/2009
Effective: 10/17/2009
The company is filing Next Generation Homeowners Program manual pages that revise the auto/homeowners discount to expand the list of eligible companies with which an auto policy may be written to receive the discount. The filing is amended to include Mid-Century Insurance Company as an eligible company.OID Website Okla.

Microsoft Facing Massive Heat for
Non Secure IE Versions

Will Farmers make Dashboard work with Firefox before they get hacked again?

France & Germany Dump Microsoft Internet Explorer

If you haven't yet ditched Microsoft's Web browser, Internet Explorer, you may want to consider it now. In recent weeks, two major European governments have urged their citizens to find an IE alternate. Both France and Germany recently issued warnings against using the browser from Microsoft. A French cyber agency -- Certa -- recently cautioned against using all IE versions. Germany issued a separate warning after lines of malicious code used in recent attacks against Google were leaked online. While IE still commands the lion's share of the browser market, its use has steadily declined in recent years. And because it continues to be the most-used tool for Web browsing, you can expect it to be the one most targeted by cybertheives. Firefox is currently the No. 2 most used browser, but Google's Chrome has the most rapidly rising popularity. Finance tech news Jan 19, 2001

Dump Internet Explorer Now

The latest attacks on Google have made it clear. Internet Explorer is a set of security holes masquerading as a Web browser. Get rid of it. Now. More on this issue from IT World, an open exchange. Jan 17, 2010

Seems that Microsoft is sending updates to our computers constantly every week that say something to the effect, "Security issues have been identified that could allow an attacker to compromise a system that is running Internet Explorer and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your computer." But while you are installing the update, Microsoft advises you to continue your computer operations during the install process. Only to have to restart the computer while you are now involved in another project on the computer What sense does that make?

Let the Oklahoma Voice know if you have had a windows IE6 system down lately, virus intrusion warnings or other problems on the Internet. Germany, France and Kim Komando recommend dumping IE while the US has posted warnings. After Vista and continuing security updates on IE, there has got to be an ongoing problem with all IE products. I dumped IE months ago and went to Firefox. What a smooth transition. However, Firefox is not compatible with Dashboard and all you see is the blue line going back and forth on the personal screens. Now, Farmers IT must wake up to IE security flaws and make emergency alternate explorers compatible with dashboard before they get hacked again like they did in Nashville in December.

Agents must protect their office systems and there is a building need to push Farmers IT to make alternative browsers work on dashboard. Use the feedback button at the top of the Dashboard main page to let your desires be known or send an email to nscapplications@farmersinsurance.com Or you can copy and paste this article into feedback and email it to nsapplications address above. Thanks for "Agents Helping Agents"

Can One Billion+ PC Users be Wrong
or is it Just Farmers?

Farmers Dumps Support of IE6

In reference to the Microsoft dissatisfaction issues above, the Oklahoma Voice printed in the January issue a sub headline stating Farmers supports both Internet Explorer 6 & 7. That statement was taken directly from the PC specs dated 11/07 posted on the Dashboard. The Oklahoma Voice was emailed to agents on January 4th, 2010 with an article written by a Farmers IT support employee concerning the compatibility Issues across dashboard, express & U of F, using IE6 & Windows 2000 Systems & IE 6 to be phased out in February, 2010.

On January 5, 2010, Farmers updated PC Specs on Dashboard eliminating the support of Internet Explorer 6 giving agents just a few weeks to upgrade their systems to operating systems that supports IE7 that is not compatible with Windows 2000. IE7 requires XP or Vista as Farmers has yet to support the the newest Windows 7 operating system.

Here's the problem agents face as we understand it.
Microsoft has both Windows 2000 and XP in extended support meaning they will only provide security updates for Windows 2000 through 2010 and for XP through 2012. The wide spread dissatisfaction of users with Vista, ironically forced MS to create Windows 7 not currently supported by Farmers. So, you will likely have to upgrade an older computer with XP that will only last for 2 years. Or, buy a new system with the hated Vista operating system creating another new learning process stacked on top of all of Farmers new changes. This will be most frustrating for the agency force.

As IE7 is the key dashboard compatibility issue. It just makes sense for Farmers to make dashboard work with the free Firefox browser- a much more stable and secure browser and is the number 2 browser used world wide. It has wide co-compatibility with all operating systems from 2000 through Windows 7 severely decreasing the agent learning curve of a new operating system. Otherwise, they must provide computers for the agency force as they did in 2005. If we have to pay for upgrades and new computers would mean that we pay a large front end access fee to obtain the AAA contract obligations Farmers has to for agents to access information that is to be provided by the company under the contract. Click Firefox logo for more info. -ed.

Pulse of the Agents Poll

What we are hearing from the member agents?

1. Rumors have been flying out of Minnesota that several DMs are gone due to Farmers opening a new agent training center in the state. It is thought that x-DM override commissions pay for the center's employees & operations rather than to allow the overrides to be divided among the district agents.
2. DMs will be under the gun in 2010 for their districts to produce increased life sales, in addition, DMs will be required to bring in more new agents under the agency development program.
3. However, that rumor conflicts with information coming from a few areas to lower the pressure on DMs due to the number of filed lawsuits.

Oh well, guess we will see which stories run true in 2010. If the life push increases, we should receive some good stories for our monthly Pinocchio Awards this year. Perhaps, that's why we are NOT hearing the slogan, It's a "Great Time" to be a Farmer's DM. -ed

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Biohazard & Crime Scene Cleanup

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Edmond 405-330-0025
Tulsa 918-270-2888

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Woman's verdict against
Farmers Insurance reduced

OKLAHOMA CITY - The state Court of Civil Appeals has ordered that a woman's $9 million jury verdict be reduced by nearly $3.4 million.

The court took the action last week in a lawsuit filed by Barbara J. Nettles against Farmers Insurance Co. The ruling states that Nettles was insured by Farmers when her right knee was injured in a collision on an Oklahoma City highway in 2004.

Her lawsuit alleged breach of good faith and fair dealing in an insurance contract. A jury awarded Nettles $4.5 million in actual damages and an additional $4.5 million in punitive damages. The appellate court reduced the total award to about $5.6 million.

Nettles has 20 days to agree to the lower award or Farmers will be entitled to a new trial.
Tulsa World/AP 12/24/09

No Insurance? - No Vehicle!

Bill Filed in Oklahoma Would Allow Uninsured Vehicles to be Impounded

Oklahoma State Rep. Steve Martin has filed a bill that would allow law enforcement officials to impound vehicles that are found to be uninsured.

"This bill addresses one of the most consistent demands of voters in my district and across the state. That demand is to get uninsured motorists off of the roads," said Martin (R-Nowata, Washington, Osage Counties).

House Bill 2331, authored by Martin with the assistance of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, takes advantage of a recently activated instant-verification system available to law enforcement officers. The system enables officers to determine within seconds if vehicles are covered by qualifying liability insurance.

Under House Bill 2331, if a car is uninsured, it would be seized immediately by the officer and towed to an impoundment lot until all of the requirements of the law are satisfied.

Oklahoma's insurance verification system is now fully operational and has been available to law enforcement for several months, according to Martin's announcement.

Source: Oklahoma House of Representatives

Homeowners Insurance

Expenditures for Homeowners up while Renters Insurance down by NAIC

The average homeowners insurance premium rose by 2.2 percent in 2007, following a 5.2 percent increase the previous year, according to a December 2009 study by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Florida had the highest average homeowners insurance premium ($1,534) in 2007. Texas, which had the highest average premium in 2006, moved to the no. 2 spot in 2007, with an average expenditure of $1,448, followed by Louisiana ($1,400). The average renters insurance premium declined by 3.7 percent in 2007, followed a 2.1 percent drop the previous year. Mississippi had the highest average renters insurance premium in 2007 ($250), followed by Louisiana ($248) and California ($231).

Auto Insurance car pic

The average cost of automobile insurance declined by 2.6 percent in 2007, according to a December 2009 report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The District of Columbia had the highest average expenditure ($1,140), followed by New Jersey ($1,104), Louisiana ($1,096), New York ($1,047) and Florida ($1,043).

76 percent of insured drivers purchase comprehensive coverage in addition to liability insurance, and 72 percent buy collision coverage, based on 2007 NAIC data.

Foremost Insurance Now Accepts Boats Up to 40-Feet

Being rolled out by state in 2010
Sno load collapses roof on boats

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Foremost® Insurance announces the expansion of their Family Boaters program in Iowa, accepting more risks and introducing lower rates. Effective January 1, 2010 for new business and Feb. 1, 2010 for renewals. Other state roll outs will follow.

Acceptance of boats up to 40-feet in length
Acceptance of boats valued up to $400,000
Up to 50% decrease in Personal Property and Trailer rates.
Better rates - Credit Tiers A and B are now less restrictive for eligibility and have lower rates.

"Expanding our eligibility provides a wider range of boating products to offer both our agents and their customers," says Dan Gordon, Marine product manager, Foremost.

"Foremost agents can now provide an effective insurance solution for the majority of personal marine risks, and their customers get better rates. We're excited about this expansion," says Gordon.

Pinocchio Award

For February, 2010

Okla Voice, Here's another example of a DM trying to manage by threats, intimidation and manipulation. Requiring 10 life policies by mid year and that a Life Commitment Worksheet be completed is a production requirement. Career agents have no production requirements". I wonder if home office knows about this?

Hi,
This year, as an incentive for agents that are helping the District to hit our goals, I will be reviewing your life production numbers halfway through the year. Any agent that has not issued at least 10 life policies will be subject to having their #500 series policies reallocated to another agent. Please fill out the attached Life Commitment sheet and return it to the District Office, via email or fax.
The total number of policies currently in your #500 series: XXXX

Thanks, David Carl, DM 73-24-01
    dcarl@farmersagent.com
2855 HAYES ST STE 201
NEWBERG, OR 97132-1390

source: ufaa.com > DM/Company tab

Would you like to bestow this award upon your DM for outstanding service to himself? Just send his or her comments to the editor Have you noticed your DM corresponds with you only when he or she wants something?

LPHAGENE HOLLAWAY passes away. Age 74 Years

DATE OF BIRTH: May 23, 1935 - Galena, Kansas

DATE OF DEATH: January 20th, 2010 - Tulsa, Oklahoma

SURVIVED BY:
SONS: Randy Hollaway - Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Michael Hollaway & Wife, Carmen - Tulsa, Oklahoma
SISTERS: Allene Clark & Husband, C. C. - Rogers, Arkansas; Carol Mills & Husband, George - Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; LOVING GRANDDAUGHTERS: Carah Hollaway Tulsa, Oklahoma; Emily Hollaway Tulsa, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Hollaway, a Farmers Agent for several decades; her parents, Ralph & Eulah Murphy; and her sister, Dorliene Baxter. She was a member of Carbondale Church of Christ.
Services: 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 22nd, 2010, at Carbondale Church of Christ in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Final Resting Place: Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, under the direction of Mark Griffith Memorial Funeral Home - Westwood Chapel in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 918-446-0010. Online guestbook available at www.markgriffithmemorialfuneralhomes.com.

Bethel Collision Center
(918) 258-3318
BBB Rated A+

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By Kim Komando

Dump Internet Explorer for Firefox

Internet Explorer is the default Windows browser. It's also the most popular browser in the world. In fact, you may be using it right now.

But it's plagued with security problems. And as recent news from China makes clear, they're dangerous. The Chinese found a flaw in Internet Explorer. They used it to wriggle into Google's system and grab dissidents' e-mail.

Microsoft quickly patched the flaw. But it is only the latest in a long list. Germany, France and Australia have recommended that citizens switch browsers. I second that.

My favorite is Firefox. You can get it [free] right off my site. This switch is easy. You can keep your stuff-bookmarks, history and stored passwords. When you first launch Firefox, it will automatically run the Import Wizard. Under "Import Options, Bookmarks, History, Passwords and other data from:" select Microsoft Internet Explorer. Click Next.
Decide whether to import your home page. You have two options. The first, labeled "Firefox Start, a fast home page with built-in search," is the default home page. The second is "Import your home page from Internet Explorer." Choose one, and click Next>>Finish.

You're probably most worried about importing your bookmarks. All are transferred. But some may be in different places. Bookmarks stored in the Favorites Bar will not be moved to Firefox's Bookmarks Toolbar. You'll find them under Bookmarks>>Links. The Import Wizard might not appear automatically. No problemo. Launch it manually. Click File>>Import.

The first window is the same as above. Under "Import Options, Bookmarks, History, Passwords and other data from:" select Microsoft Internet Explorer. Then, click Next.
You'll get a list of items that can be imported from IE-Internet Options, Cookies, Browsing History and Favorites. Check the box next to each one you want. Click Next>>Finish.

Free anti-virus and anti-spyware programs available too

Some antivirus programs will do the job. But you should really use an anti-spyware program. For example, Windows Defender Spybot-Search & Destroy will do the trick. Both are free. Other free anti-spyware programs listed in my Security Center and probably will also help.

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

Special warning on business credit cards for entrepreneurs

RIP-OFF ALERT REISSUED: clarkhoward.com 12/21/09

Entrepreneurs are being cautioned to avoid signing up for or using small business credit cards. These types of cards will lock you into extra liability in spite of the Credit Card Holder Bill of Rights that goes into effect February 2010.

The initial liability comes because the small business is the signatory and has responsibility in the event of default. Yet there's a second level of liability to the individual that's specific to small business cards. The lender can do what's called "piercing the corporate veil." In plain English, that means if your business can't pay the bill, the bank comes after you.

The Credit Card Holder Bill of Rights does not offer any protections on this specific issue for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Remember, you should be using a personal card for business expenses and simply paying the bill from your business account.

Washington State Auto Glass Co. Pleads to Insurance Fraud

Farmers Ins. Files Complaint 12/21/09 Ins Journal

A Battle Ground, Washington, auto glass installer who over billed an insurance company for years has pleaded guilty to first-degree theft. Robert T. Wooster, 51, doing business as Dr. Bob's Auto Glass and DRB Enterprises Auto Glass, is believed to have overcharged Farmers Insurance Company at least $100,000 - and perhaps significantly more - over several years.
Dr. Bob was doctoring his invoices, illegally inflating them." Farmers contacted [Ins. Comm] Kreidler's office, which has a Special Investigations Unit to investigate insurance fraud. The state investigators served a search warrant on Wooster's business in late 2007, seizing dozens of fraudulent invoices. The investigation found that Wooster had two schemes for illegally billing the insurer:

He would replace chipped or cracked windshields, but bill the company for more-expensive side- or back windows. The insurance commissioner's office is aware of more than 100 cases in which customers had windshields replaced, but where the records showed that Wooster had billed for side- or back glass.
He would submit bogus invoices, cutting and pasting photocopied dealer invoices to make it look like his costs for the glass were much higher than they really were. He also fabricated false invoices for parts that were never actually installed, such as new window moldings. Wooster pleaded guilty to the felony charge this week in Clark County Superior Court. Sentencing is scheduled for mid-February.

Farmers Insurance Reminds Consumers to Prepare Now for the Next Major Earthquake

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS 01/12/10 WIRE)--

The recent temblors in Northern California, including the latest jolt that shook the Northern California town of Eureka provide an opportunity for all Californians to prepare themselves now for the next significant seismic event, according to Farmers Insurance Group of Companies®. Earthquake: Home sinks

While preliminary reports indicate widespread damage has resulted from Saturday's 6.5 quake and its several aftershocks, scientists continue to stress that residents need to get ready now for a major earthquake in the state. While there are a number of things people can do to begin preparing for the next "Big One," Farmers reminds consumers that most stand-alone homeowner, condominium, renters and commercial property policies typically do not provide coverage for losses resulting from an earthquake.

Consumers are urged to contact their insurance agent or the California Earthquake Authority for information regarding coverages and costs.

The following are a few tips gleaned from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the US Geological Survey and the American Red Cross on what consumers can do before, during and after an earthquake to be prepared. A more detailed listing of tips are available via their web sites: www.fema.gov, www.usgs.gov and www.redcross.org (information also available in Spanish).

Pulse of the Agents Results

Online Surveys by Constant Contact.

On Good to Great- How the Mighty Fall in the January Article and video, we asked-

Thinking back, do you see any correlation between the video and our company?

Definitely in all stages 1 to 4 described 79%

Perhaps in a few stages 17%

I see no correlation at all 4%

Concerning the Oregon Fines Farmers $10,000 January article, we asked-

As several states have fined Farmers, I believe...

Those states are the tip of the iceberg on yet discovered extreme rate hikes 91%

Errors happen when programming many rating changes 0%

It's easy profit when GWP gained is more than the fines 9%

Their seems to be a strong lack of confidence in the company based on above answer percentages. Thank you for your responses. Ed

Is your computer just slow or is it your Internet Provider?

Check your Internet Speed at Internet Frog.com and be sure to watch the frogs eyes as he watches your cursor movements.

Do Criminal Searches online

The Web makes it easy to dig up information on people. That includes any sort of criminal history. Business owners need to check criminal backgrounds before hiring new employees. But anyone can do similar searches online.
criminal searches online

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.ne t

Farmers Insurance "short rate"
Refund Investigation

Is This the Next Class Action Lawsuit Farmers Will Face?

Will Agents be Named in the legal action?

Did your insurance company fail to inform you that it would charge you a penalty if you canceled your policy?

Did your insurance company inform you that it would charge a "short rate" if you canceled your policy?

Did your insurance company explain what a "short rate" is?

Did your insurance agent not tell you that it would penalize you if you canceled your policy?

Did your insurance company fail to tell you how it would compute the amount of the premium it would return to you if your canceled your policy? (We expect it is the latter, not the former. E.g. You didn't know your insurance company would charge you a penalty if you canceled your policy, and you were not informed of the amount of the penalty. Eppsteiner & Fiorica

Some insurance companies don't refund all of the unused portion of its policyholder's premium. Insurer's call refunding less than the unused portion of your premium "paying a 'short rate.'"

Many insurers refund all the unused portion of a premium, when an insured cancels their policy. However, a few insurer's keep part of their insured's unused premium. They effectively charge a penalty fee if your cancel your policy.

Farmers insurance is one of the company's that does not return all of the unused premium to its insureds when they cancel their Farmer's policies. In Farmers' policies, Farmers states that if it cancels the policy it will refund all of the unused premium. (It calls this returning the premium "pro-rata.")

However, Farmers does not return all of the unused premium to its policyholders when the policy holder cancels the policy. When the policyholder cancels their Farmers policy they are paid something less than the unused premium and something less than the "pro-rata" share of the premium they paid. Farmers calls its payment of less than the unused portion of the premium the "short rate." What this really means is that if a Farmers' insured terminates their policy at any time other than renewal of their policy, Farmers will charge the insured a penalty fee. The penalty fee is the amount of money that is the difference between the "short rate" and the "pro-rated unused portion of the premium."

Farmers' policies do not define "short rate." Therefore a policy holder cannot know what the "short rate" is. Farmers' insureds are not informed that they will be charged a penalty if they cancel their policies before the policy's renewal. How can an insured agree to something not explained before they buy a policy or defined within the policy?

A Farmers policyholder has contacted Eppsteiner & Fiorica to complain that he was charged a penalty for canceling his policy. He further complained that he was never informed that he would be penalized if he canceled his policy: not by Farmers' and not by his Farmers' agent. When this Farmers policyholder asked his Farmers agent what the "short rate" was they told him they couldn't explain it. When this same insured asked a Farmers Insurance Group employee how Farmers computes the "short rate," the employee said they could not explain it. When this insured queried Farmers' in writing about how to compute the short rate, Farmers wrote to him and said it could not explain the "short rate" computation because it was too complex.

The foregoing demonstrates that Farmers' insureds cannot know they are agreeing to be paid the "short rate" when they buy their policies. How can you agree to something not understood or known by Farmers insurance agents and employees? How can a Farmers insured agree to something that is not explained before they purchase their policy; not defined in sales material and not even defined in Farmers' policies? The answer to these questions is that Farmers' insureds did not agree to anything they don't know, is not explained to them and is not defined within their Farmers' policies.

Eppsteiner & Fiorica is investigating Farmers practice of paying its insureds the short rate of their unused premiums. If Farmers or another insurer has charged you a penalty, e.g. paid you a "short rate" refund contact Eppsteiner & Fiorica. Farmers' insureds may not even realize that Farmers charged a penalty when it refunded your unused premium.

source: Eppsteiner & Fiorica

Oklahoma Insurance Department by the 2008 Numbers
Community presentations ...........................................295
People reached through community events ...... 1,975,778
Incoming calls .........................................................13,497
Counseling hours .....................................................2,345

Financial Exams Domestic life & health companies . .....10
Domestic P&C companies..................................... ..17
Domestic title insurers................................ ............ ...1

Domestic HMO...................................................... .. ...1
Domestic Mutual Benefit.......................................    .....1
Market Conduct Exams................................... .....    ......4
Rate and Form Compliance Division- Insurance Product Rate and Form Filings
Licensing Filings Received..................................11,519
Consumer Assistance Fraud
Incoming calls......................................... ..................36,125
Files opened...............................................................4,029
Files closed.................................................................3,903
Money recovered................................. ............. $3,476,037
Complaints received...........................    ........................770
Cases opened................................................................440
Referrals for prosecution...................................................77
Money recovered................................................$1,362,756

Licenses issued
Resident producers (new).................................2,153
Total resident producers..................................18,625
Resident limited lines producers (new).................774
Total resident limited lines producers.................3,524
Non-resident producers (new).........................12,589
Total non-resident producers...........................56,519
Non-resident limited lines producers (new)...........117
Total non-resident limited lines producers.............257
Resident adjusters (new)......................................579
Total resident adjusters......................................5,137
Non-resident adjusters (new)..............................8,092
Total non-resident adjusters..............................25,541
Total producers/adj on file...............................109,603
Agencies
Resident agencies (new).........................................212
Total resident agencies..........................................2,143
Non-resident agencies (new)................... ................754
Total non-resident agencies...................................4,257
Continuing Education
Conferences hosted by OID.........................................4
Courses approved................................................6,267
Courses offered in Okla.........................................4,752

Okla. Top 10 Companies Market Share: 2008 vs 1998

HOMEOWNERS MULTIPLE PERIL- 2008
STATE FARM FIRE AND CASUALTY COMPANY 241,398,855   26.668%
FARMERS INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. 149,348,908    16.499%
"       "    "    (104,407,650    22.7% 1998)
OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 67,114,394 7.414%
ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY 30,571,525 3.377%
ALLSTATE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY 27,453,380 3.033%
SHELTER MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 27,431,351 3.030%
UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION 26,339,027 2.910%
AMERICAN FARMERS & RANCHERS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 24,853,671 2.746%
LIBERTY MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY 22,590,863 2.496%
ALLSTATE INDEMNITY COMPANY 20,154,489 2.227%
REMAINING COMPANIES 267,929,759 29.599%
COMMERCIAL MULTIPLE PERIL (NON-LIABILITY) 2008
FARMERS INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. 14,577,125   5.637%    (N/A 1998)
STATE FARM FIRE AND CASUALTY COMPANY 14,162,731   5.476%
HARTFORD CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY 12,927,993 4.999%
BROTHERHOOD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 10,219,841   3.952%
TRAVELERS PROPERTY CASUALTY COMPANY OF AMERICA 9,118,547   3.526%

OTHER PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTO LIABILITY- 2008
STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY 197,379,870   19.726%
FARMERS INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. 147,847,645   14.775%
         "                  "                "                  (114,654,000   15.1% 1998)
OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 70,790,360   7.075%
PROGRESSIVE NORTHERN INSURANCE COMPANY 50,168,491   5.014%
MID-CENTURY INSURANCE COMPANY 33,959,555   3.394%
SHELTER MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 33,707,443   3.369%
ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY 31,202,738   3.118%
PROGRESSIVE DIRECT INSURANCE COMPANY 26,526,530   2.651%
UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION 24,148,214   2.413%
ALLSTATE FIRE AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY 23,971,548   2.396%
REMAINING COMPANIES 360,929,256   36.070%

PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTO PHYSICAL DAMAGE- 2008
STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY 159,471,270   20.393%
FARMERS INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. 104,300,196   13.338%
         "                 "                 "                  (100,477,646   17.4% 1998)
OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 64,422,174   8.238%
PROGRESSIVE NORTHERN INSURANCE COMPANY 36,416,334   4.657%
ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY 33,980,164   4.345%
AMERICAN FARMERS & RANCHERS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 24,311,470   3.109%
ALLSTATE FIRE AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY 24,225,207   3.098%
SHELTER MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 23,081,454   2.952%
UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION 20,226,007   2.586%
PROGRESSIVE DIRECT INSURANCE COMPANY 16,803,274   2.149%
REMAINING COMPANIES 274,766,894   35.136%

LIFE-ORDINARY 2008
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 56,251,292   6.042%
STATE FARM LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 42,887,497   4.607%
MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 42,447,186   4.559%
LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, 42,036,888   4.515%
NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 39,522,800   4.245%
TRANSAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 27,041,423   2.905%
FARMERS NEW WORLD LIFE INSURANCE CO 24,942,408   2.679%
          "                "               "           "                  (16,180,111   2.627% 1998)
FARM BUREAU LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 24,052,972   2.584%
JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (USA) 23,616,317   2.537%
AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 22,866,404   2.456%
REMAINING COMPANIES 585,299,976   62.870%
TOTAL LIFE-ORDINARY PREMIUMS WRITTEN 930,965,163

Source: Oklahoma Ins Dept. 102nd Annual Report 2009 NOTE:- premiums & market share based on GWP in 2008. Source: in blue type OID 92nd Annual Report 1999 covering 1998 premiums and market share.

"The Farmers
Way" and register for a
Community Leadership course.
This is your next step in
qualifying for the 2010
FarmersWay requirements!
Agency Insider newsletter Week of January 14, 2010

Did that say requirements? As in I gotta do it? Dear Farmers, please send me a IRS W-4 form that I can fill out for withholding of federal taxes and claiming the number of dependents in my household. If I am to be treated as an employee then, I will be taxed as an employee. Your free ride of your defining my contract as an employee/employer relationship while I pay your employment taxes is over. Okie Agent

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.

Oklahoma Quakes- Are You Providing Proper Coverage?

Earthquake tremors cause an estimated $4.6 million in damages to structures each year in Sooner State, according to a study by the Federal Emergency Management

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.