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 Published monthly by United Farmers Agents Association,
aka UFAA, Chapter 15 Eastern Oklahoma. The chapter meets the first Thursday of each month.
 
Next Chapter 15 Meeting will be Thursday June 6th 11:30 AM
SHANGHAI AVENUE SUPER BUFFET 803 N. Aspen
Next to Arvest Bank @ S/E corner of S. 145 East Ave (Aspen) & E. 71st St (Kenosha) Broken Arrow. Chinese - Japanese - American Foods
Lunch $6.45 Dinner $7.95. Accepts all major credit cards.
Non-UFAA Members Welcome.
Note: Due to July 4th falling on the first Thursday of the month, Chapter 15 will not hold a July Meeting.
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The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
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Oklahoma UFAA Contacts:
UFAA Chapter 15 serving Eastern Oklahoma:
President- Glenn Johnson 918/252-0561 Tulsa
UFAA Chapter 12 serving Central-Western Oklahoma:
President- Jeff Roberts -580-224-0808 -Ardmore
United Farmers Agents Assn. National Office 800-275-8668
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
Learn more about our advertisers in this issue. Ads are hot links to their websites.  As a result of several reader requests, we have changed most of the article background colors to white in the Oklahoma Voice to speed printing and use less ink.
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Greetings!
Join us June 6th at the new Shanghai Avenue Super Buffet
for the UFAA Chapter 15 Monthly Meeting
803 North Aspen S/E Corner of S. 145th East Ave & E. 71st St. next to Arvest Bank MAPMessage From the President
AGENDA For June 6th Chapter Meeting
NON-MEMBERS ARE WELCOME
The June meeting is another "must attend meeting for those that understand that professional long term career advancement is a never ending process centering around the value your agency provides clients.
To get the most of your membership, you should attend many meetings per year, mentor & recruit
new members, attend conventions as well as participating in Chapter leadership. An agent can literally get 50 yrs of knowledge, education, confidence & positive growth oriented attitude in just a few short years. There are a lot of variables to balance a successful, profitable agency. So say "easier said than done" is an understatement. UFAA & Chapter 15 is here for you to help many of these variables work better for you. Lunch is again sponsored by yet another high quality claim provider that will go the extra mile for your valuable clients. Come & meet him, put his name in your cell contacts & printed lists for your CSR(s).
1. Discussion of rate adjustments. You will hear what risks the Black Box profile is favoring. 2. Service tips & claims issues occurring daily. 3. Where we are still uncompetitive. 4. Quiet time for special thoughts & prayers for the Moore tragedy. 5. Update on Legal issues for attending members only. 6. Bring a prospective member or a donation check for the AGM DRA Fund. 7. Latest misinformation hurting several agents saddled with policy assignments. I hope to see Tulsa's finest agents there as usual. Glenn Johnson, Chapter 15 President.
Note: Due to July 4th falling on the first Thursday of the month, Chapter 15 will not hold a July Meeting. Our next meeting will be Thursday Aug. 1st.
If you plan to join us for lunch, Please Arrive for Lunch Promptly @11:30
UFAA Meeting begins at Noon.
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918-663-5848
Fire, Water, Storm Damage & Other Perils Full Service Mitigation and Reconstruction 10344-B East 58th St Tulsa, OK 74146
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Superior Claim Service for Superior Premium?
Dear Okie Voice,
One of my clients had a home break-in where the criminal broke a sliding glass door. It was late at night and stormy. Upon the client filing a first notice of loss, the HelpPoint CSA heard the words window & glass then, transferred her to auto glass claims where the client was told Glass Doctor or Safelite would come out and make temporary repairs.
Glass Doctor arrived, took measurements & declined to do any temporary boarding up until claim was approved. (Keep in mind that if HP sends out service to prevent further damage, coverage has been verified & Farmers is on the hook for temp service, right?)
So, we called the adjuster next morning and advised him of the poor service. He says, "they should have sent Service Master." So, our office contacts Service Master of Broken Arrow who took claim number, called client and had door boarded in 1.5hrs.
My point is this. If we sell superior service at a superior premium, why can't HP do the job?
The adjuster's thought was that the HP service person (Kansas City) was new on the job or untrained. He wasn't surprised. So how will my client's survey be filled out, if she gets one?
Oh, I told the manager at Service Master who I was and I appreciated his speaking at our UFAA luncheon last week. Membership has it's privileges. Okie Agent
Dear Okie Agent, Your story is very timely as J D Powers has just published their 2013 Property Claims Customer Satisfaction Study. And, Consumer Reports has just published their 2013 Auto Claims Satisfaction Rankings for the Industry. These studies are information direct from the policyholders and their level of claims satisfaction. Your client above may have experienced a common HP practice, rather than an oversight on reporting the first notice of loss according to the rankings. -ed
Another agent reports he was timely in calling the HP adjuster regarding a fatality auto accident. The adjuster stated he was about to call the FIG insured and express condolences on the insured's daughters death. The agent had to correct the adjuster advising the death was the "B" party, not the insured's daughter. -ed
Pulse of the Agents Poll |
 | | Click here to obtain an Oklahoma UFAA Membership App |
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Click logo above to view the UFAA Website
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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 its appreciation to the many members who assist in and support its 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. |
Farmers Ranks Dead Last on the "First Notice of Loss" on Property Claims Satisfaction Study. 
To see all company ratings of the six subjects rated by policyholders, click on the First Notice of Loss link below. This is where Farmers ranked last.
When the survey page appears, you will see companies ranked by First Notice of Loss Experience. Then, you can click the other subjects at the top of that page for company rankings.
| Overall Satisfaction? | First Notice of Loss | Service Interaction? | Estimation Process? | Repair Process? | Settlement |
Consumer Reports Auto Claims Survey
June 2013
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 MISSOULA, Mont. Agent's Office Rammed by Vehicle A Missoula man is in the hospital tonight with serious injuries after allegedly ramming his SUV into a building. Police were called around 5:45 Tuesday evening to the Farmers Insurance building at 1705 Reserve St. According to police, the driver allegedly rammed the building three times and stopped the vehicle inside the building. The 50-year-old Missoula man was transported by ambulance to Saint Patrick Hospital to be treated for his injuries. No one was inside the building at the time of the incident. UPDATE: Driver expected to be charged with felony criminal mischief. See short video here including interview with agent whose office was damaged. EF-5 TORNADO Destroys a Large Portion of Moore, Oklahoma  Farmers HelpPoint can improve their claims rankings by concentrating on high accuracy of First Notice of Losses on the Moore, Ok Tornado claims occurring on May 20, 2013. Then, communicate a timely and efficient Fast, Fair and Friendly follow up with clients. |
Greetings!
 | | OHP: 101 people found alive and rescued |
This is a MUST VIEW VIDEO of a highly captivating interview by KOCO Channel 5 in OKC with well spoken OHP Trooper Betsy Randolph telling of the Moore, Ok. tornado aftermath. She tells it straight up that 101 survivors discovered overnight following the storm that were all in underground shelters & only way to survive a tornado of this most powerful EF-5 magnitude without life threatening injuries.
Her voice and story are compelling, extremely convincing and an education in survival. 7:15 mins. Copy and pass this video link to friends and family.
Moore, Oklahoma Tornado Facts:The confirmed EF-5 tornado formed at 2:45 PM May 20th. It strengthened on the ground for 40 minutes traveling 17 miles with a 1.3 mile wide path severely damaging or destroying 13,000 homes and businesses with damage estimate of $2 billion+, injuring hundreds with 24 deaths- including 10 children- the youngest 4mos; oldest age 70.
The only Moore Hospital & Trauma Center was destroyed. See it happen in this video. 11:28 mins. Notice how dark the sky becomes as the tornado grows in size.     Washing machine & rubble Home with collapsed Roof Car with 2x4 wind shot thru door Tons of worthless wind rubble Update:OKLAHOMA CITY 05/29/2013-
Property and auto insurance claims related to the May 19 & 20 tornadoes in Oklahoma have already reached 22,422, according to a data call by the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID). Update: 5/30/2013 Strong Storms Return to Oklahoma City Area: More Lives Lost.
Oklahoma City- Strong storms similar to those hitting the OKC bedroom communities of Shawnee and Moore south of Oklahoma City on May 20th, returned during rush hour traffic Friday evening May 30th. Storms formed west of the city near El Reno and a tornado and flood waters struck rush hour traffic along I-40 causing 13 deaths and 90 serious injuries with 7 still missing. Some of the victims drowned when a series of strong storms lined up east to west and dumped heavy rains over the same areas causing streams and rivers to leave their banks. Isolated flooding occurred across the area in low spots trapping motorists in cars causing drownings. Included in the death count were 3 veteran storm chasers when an EF-3 tornado with 160 mph winds blew their chase vehicle 200 yards. Victims were scientific researchers including Colorado's researcher, Tim Samaras, who starred in The Discovery Channel's show "Storm Chasers." Of the 7 still missing, 5 are known to be children.
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L-R HFT Employees Dan, Larry, Brandy, Chris & UFAA C-15 President Glenn Johnson.
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Eastern Oklahoma UFAA Chapter 15 & Tulsa Harbor Freight Tools Store #64 Team Up to Assist Tornado Victims in Oklahoma
Tulsa, Ok 05/22/13- On the second anniversary of the massive Joplin, Mo. 2011 tornado, Eastern Oklahoma UFAA Chapter 15 Board again approved funds to assist tornado victims. This time for the cities of Moore and Shawnee, Oklahoma devastated by EF-5 tornados on May 20th, causing 24 deaths and $2.0+ billion in damages.
"We learned a valuable lesson when we responded to Joplin 2 years ago with two van loads of bottled water, fresh fruits and granola bars," stated Terry Wilson, Chapter 15 Treasurer."We were in competition, so to speak, with scores of other organizations & church groups bringing the same basic supplies, especially water. Upon leaving Joplin we gave half of our remaining water to Farmers Mobile Catastrophe Claims bus (MCC) for distribution and brought the balance back to the Tulsa Red Cross for distribution to the Piedmont, Ok., tornado victims.
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L-R- Salvation Army Tulsa Area Metro Commander Major James Taylor accepts over 1,500 disaster items from UFAA C-15 members Terry Wilson & Glenn Johnson and Tulsa Harbor Freight Tools.
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" What Joplin victims repeatedly asked for were gloves and hand tools to search through debris to find valuable possessions, photos and keepsakes," said Wilson.
On May 22, 2013, Wilson and Chapter 15 President Glenn Johnson met with managers Larry and Chris at the Tulsa Harbor Freight Tools Store #64 and presented a plan and shopping list to get hand tools and safety equipment for Oklahoma tornado victims. Following Harbor Freight Corporate approval, the store crew pushed buggies up and down the store isles retrieving cases of gloves, safety glasses, first aid kits, hammers, duct tape, flashlights, batteries, & dust masks. Harbor Freight tripled our listed items at no additional charge. Way to go Harbor Freight Tools!
Over 1,500 disaster items were taken to the Salvation Army that had a truck leaving the next day for severely stricken Moore, Ok., that holds the record for the highest tornado wind speeds of 302 mph ever recorded on earth. Those winds were measured in the May, 1999 tornado that ravaged the city previously taking 36 lives causing $1.35 billion in damages. The overwhelming volume of disaster Items were greatly appreciated by the Salvation Army and loaded on the truck for distribution to the victims in need. May God speed their recovery.
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Oklahoma Continuing Education
Source: OID website 04.21.2013
All resident agents/producers, CSRs and adjusters are required to complete continuing education biennially. The requirements are as follows: Resident Producers (Excluding Title producers) are required to have 24 hours of continuing education, including three hours ethics and two hours of legislative updates. - Producers that sell, solicit, or negotiate Medicare Advantage or Part D Products or Plans are required to take a 4 hour Medicare Renewal course each renewal period.
- Producers that sell, solicit or negotiate Long Term Care insurance must take a 4 hour Long Term Care Partnership course each renewal period after the initial 8 hour Long Term Care Partnership course was taken.
- Producers that sell, solicit, or negotiate Annuity products are required to take a one time 4 hour course on Annuity products.
CSRs are required to have 13 hours of continuing education, including three hours of ethics and two hours of legislative updates. Resident Adjusters are required to have 24 hours of continuing education including three hours of ethics and two hours of legislative updates. Do you qualify for the free Okla. CE Mentoring Course? See Angel Rescues Okla. Ins. License article below. |
No UFAA Chapter 15 Meeting in July.
Due to July 4th falling on the first Thursday of the month, Chapter 15 will not hold a July Meeting.
Our next meeting will be Thursday Aug. 1st.
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Commissioner places moratorium on all insurance policy non-renewals, cancellations and terminations.
OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak is calling for a moratorium on all insurance non-renewals, cancellations and terminations for affected areas in the wake of the tornado and severe storms that occurred in central Oklahoma May 19-20.
"This is just a small, administrative step that we can take to help ease the burden of the victims of this devastating storm," said Doak. "Our goal is to help ensure that insurance policies that were in effect will remain in effect while numerous families go through the recovery process."
The bulletin released today requests insurers to not cancel, non-renew or terminate coverage while the Disaster Emergency Executive Order 2013-20 remains in effect, allowing consumers to take actions necessary to keep their policies in force. Additionally, any rate increases for insurance policies in affected counties dated on or after May 19, 2013 are to be deferred during the pendency of this emergency with coverage remaining in effect at the previously established rate.
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2013 UFAA National Convention June 11-13
The 2013 UFAA National Convention is scheduled for June 11 through June 13, 2013 at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. The National Office has produced this package for the UFAA National Board Members, Delegates, Alternates and Attendees, which contain a Tentative Schedule of Events, a Proposed Agenda, Proposed Bylaw changes, Proposed Standing Rule changes, Board reports, and a Revised 2013 Budget and Proposed 2014 Budget. You will also find Announcement of Candidacy, and Presentation information.
The Executive Board arrives on Saturday June 8th, Chapter Presidents arrive on Sunday June 9th and Delegates, Alternates and Attendees arrive on Monday June 10, 2013. Registration is scheduled from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Monday, June 10, 2013 in the registration/hospitality/vendor exhibit room on the 2nd Floor South Tower Convention facilities.
Okla. Chapter 12 & 15 members may contact their Chapter President if they have suggestions, questions, ideas or proposed modifications to any of the agenda subjects above. Chapter Presidents will leave for Vegas on Sunday June 9. You may contact them by phone or email prior to that date. You will find their contact information in the Okla. UFAA Contacts section above.
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 Greetings!
An Angel Rescues Oklahoma
Insurance License
Dear Okie Voice,
 | | It's time for my Okla. Insurance license renewal. But, I don't have my required CE Courses! |
Okay, I must admit that I kept putting off the required CE Courses for the last two years. Knowing my license renewal was fast approaching, I knew I had to get on the ball and Get-R-Done.
But, you know, other things with less priority kept popping up and gave me the excuse to put CE on the back burner for another day. Besides, I hate sitting in a classroom all day so, in the past few years, I have used the on-line course training. But, that just kills my eyes to read on-line for hours on end.
Since I recently retired from the agency, license renewal was just not a high priority. I had decided to dump the CE and call the OID and see what the procedure is to just park my license and renew it another day. Now shame on me, cause I waited until the afternoon prior to my renewal day and called OID Agent Licensing Division. The sweetest lady named Angel answered the phone so professionally and upbeat. I told her about my dilemma and that I would be up all night to complete the online CE requirement to make tomorrows renewal deadline- "So let's just park my license for up to a year," I advised.
She asked for my license number and searched it on the department's database. After a few seconds of dead air, she blurted out with excitement, "Mr. ?????, YOUR ARE ALREADY QUALIFIED ON YOUR OKLAHOMA CE REQUIREMENTS!"
"What?" came my reply. "How can that be?"
Oklahoma CE Mentoring Course Eff: April, 2011
New Okla. 24 hr. Credit CE Course that takes 5 minutes to complete, it's free including 3 hrs of Ethics & 2 hrs of Legislative updates.
Angel responded, "I see that you are 65 or over and have had 20 years or more experience in the insurance industry." She continued, "Let me verify your email address and I will send you a introduction letter from Commissioner Doak and form to sign as you qualify for the CE MENTORING COURSE established by the Commissioner in 2011." Angel explained, "Just sign it, print your name below the signature, add your license number and today's date. Just fax or scan and email back to us. This is a free CE Course benefit for those age 65 and over with 20 or more years of insurance experience and qualifies for 24 hours CE credit." A few minutes later the email arrived. I printed off the form, filled it out and had it faxed back to the licensing division in 5 minutes. DONE! CE completed.
I renewed my license on-line on the final day and all is well, easy, cheap and quick. Thank you to Angel, just the person I needed to make my day. And, thank you Commissioner Doak for your contribution & support to the citizens of Oklahoma and the licensed producers.
For more details on the CE Mentoring Course including the required Attestation Form to complete and return to the OID CLICK HERE Okie Agent
Thanks Okie Agent, "This is great news for those who qualify! Don't cut the time on this program as close as the above agent did. Only the signed attestation form (no other documentation required!) must be in OID hands prior to your license renewal as it takes a day or two to update the CE hours on your records prior to renewing your license on the SBS system." The CE Mentoring Course information link was first published in the July 2011 issue of the Oklahoma Voice. -ed
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Commissioner Doak's Uninsured Motorist Bill Signed by Governor OKLAHOMA CITY - Starting November 1, law enforcement officers will be able to remove the tags of uninsured vehicles in the state of Oklahoma. House Bill 1792, proposed by Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak and recently signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin, will also provide temporary liability insurance for the uninsured vehicle for ten days. House Bill 1792, authored by Sen. Corey Brooks, R-Washington and Rep. Mike Christian, R-Oklahoma City, seeks to lower the number of uninsured motorists in Oklahoma over the long-term while providing minimum liability insurance in the short-term at no cost to the state. Law enforcement officers will be allowed to remove the tag from the uninsured vehicle and replace it with a temporary sticker, insuring the driver for a period of up to ten days. Once the offender pays the required fees and fines and purchases insurance, his or her tag will be returned. "Driving without insurance is not only irresponsible and illegal, it also raises costs for those who play by the rules and insure their vehicles," Gov. Fallin said. "This bill will give law enforcement officers another tool to encourage all drivers to purchase insurance, and to thereby drive down costs for everyone." "It has been estimated that the financial cost of uninsured driving to the state alone is around $9 million in lost premium taxes. This money would have gone to into the General Revenue Fund to help fund public schools, social services, police and firefighter pensions, and other vital programs," said Doak. "We cannot afford uninsured motorists on our roads any longer." The new law was modeled after a similar law in Louisiana. The uninsured motorist rate in Louisiana dropped from 30% to 12-13% upon implementation of the law. |
Greetings!
FGI Challenges the word
"Farmers" within UFAA name
Recently and following the AGM DRA Lawsuit filed against FGI by UFAA, Farmers Legal team challenged UFAA on the use of the word "FARMERS" used in the United Farmers Agents Association.
Farmers claims they have exclusive rights to the word Farmers and our usage violates trademark regulations. Farmers demands an immediate cease and desist of the usage of word Farmers within the name of UFAA.
UFAA has used the word Farmers within its' name since the inception of the organization in the mid-1960's and has never been challenged by the companies before. The timing of such demand is highly suspicious, following our AGM DRA Lawsuit filing. And, is thought to be extremely discriminatory unless Farmers ALSO demands cease and desist orders against hundreds of other business names and organizations such as, Farmers CO-OP, Farmers Markets, Farmers Feeds, Farmers Grain Elevators, Farmers Societies, Farmers Assoc. and the list is endless.
Then, there are those with scores of locations like Farmers & Merchants Banks and insurance companies including American Farmers & Ranchers Mutual Insurance Company, Oklahoma City, OK. Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance Co. McPherson, KS. Farmers Market Insure, Farmers Mutual Fire, & Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance. If FGI claims to own the word FARMERS,
perhaps, they also would control any form of the word- Such as Farm Bureau Insurance, State Farm Insurance, and farms such as Baker Farm, Jones Farm and Smith Farm along with Farmington Casualty and Farmland Mutual.
However, UFAA is not the first to be challenged by FGI on trademark issues. The webmaster of
 "For example, had they approached me about my initial use of the Farmers Mark (without the slash through it) , and stated that, while possibly protected it may also cause confusion and requested I remove or significantly alter it I would have likely complied with a smile. Instead they threaten all sorts of legal action (none of it enforceable by what I can tell), causing me to e-mail a ton of attorneys and getting their opinions about the site, resulting in the slash mark now in use." Webmaster
The bottom line based on FGI's cease and desist order is that UFAA has to defend its position and its' name- U-F-A-A that we have used for nearly 50 years. To do that UFAA had to contract with an additional law firm that specializes in trademark disputes. A contract with the firm had to be signed with a $25k retainer fee. A fee that has now been gridlocked and cannot be used in the AGM litigation for our members where even non-members benefit.
So, following the trademark litigation, what do we have to do in the end? Well, let's take the Farmersreallysucks webmaster's experience above. Do we just change our U.S. trademarked UFAA logo and match it to his experience and do the following? U decide.
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Greetings!
Oklahoma Insurance Consumer Bill of Rights
You may want to print this for your records and future reference to deal with an underwriter or give to your insured to file an official consumer complaint with the OID.
An insurance company cannot deny you insurance solely on the basis of credit information. 36 O.S. §§ 950 et. seq.
Acceptance or Denial of Application: Every insurance company must give written notice that an insurance applicant is accepted or denied as an insured within forty-five (45) business days after receiving the application. 36 O.S. § 1241.
Cancellation by Insured:
Every insurance policy shall contain a provision describing the process for premium refund if the insured cancels the policy before the end of the policy period. 36 O.S. § 1241.1.
Claim Inquiry:
An insurance company cannot increase premiums, cancel or nonrenew a policy solely on the basis of a policyholder inquiring about making a claim or requesting information about a possible claim, if the policyholder does not submit a claim. 36 O.S. § 1241.2.
Acknowledgment of Receipt of Claim: Every insurance company shall acknowledge receipt of a claim to the policyholder within thirty (30) business days. 36 O.S. §1250.6
Claims Accepted or Denied:
Every insurance company shall advise policyholders within forty-five (45) days after the proof of loss is filed of the acceptance or denial of a claim. If investigation cannot be reasonably completed within such time, the insurance company shall notify the claimant within forty-five (45) business days after receipt of the proof of loss that more time is needed. The denial of a claim must be given to the claimant in writing. 36 O.S. § 1250.7.
Notice of Cancellation or Nonrenewal: Every insurance company shall give at least ten (10) days notice prior to the date of cancellation and twenty (20) days notice prior to the date of nonrenewal of the insurance policy. OAC 365: 15-1-14.
Response to Claimant:
Every insurance company shall adequately respond to a written communication from a claimant within thirty (30) days after receipt of the communication. 36 O.S. § 1250.4.
Filing a Complaint:
Consumers have the right to request assistance with a claim or file a complaint with the Consumer Assistance/Claims Division. The insurance company or professional must provide an adequate response to the Division within thirty (30) days after receipt of an inquiry from the Division. 36 O.S. §1250.4(B).
Automobile Owners' Rights
Accident Prevention Course: Every insurance company shall give a discount for three years to any insured persons who successfully complete a defensive driving course approved by that insurance company. 36 O.S. § 924.1
No Fault Accident: An insurance company cannot assign driving record points, cancel, refuse to issue or renew, or charge a higher premium to an insured involved in a collision who was not at fault in the accident. 36 O.S. § 941(A).
Lower Liability Limits: An insurance company cannot cancel, refuse to issue or renew, or charge a higher premium to an insured for the reason that the insured had lower liability limits with a previous insurer without actual justification. 36 O.S. § 941(B)
Traffic Record: An insurance company cannot increase premiums, cancel a policy, or refuse to issue or renew a policy based on a traffic record that is more than three (3) years old. 36 O.S. § 942.
Traffic Charges: An insurance company cannot increase premiums, cancel a policy, or refuse to issue or renew a policy based on traffic tickets if the insured: (1) was acquitted of the charge; (2) was arrested and no charges were filed; or (3) was arrested and the charges were dismissed. 36 O.S. § 943
Homeowners' Rights
First Claim: No insurance company shall cancel, nonrenew or increase the premium of a homeowner's policy which has been in effect more than forty-five (45) days, solely because the policyholder filed a first claim against the policy. 36 O.S. § 3639.1.Weather Related Claims: Homeowners' policies and any other personal residential insurance coverage shall not reflect a surcharge for weather related claims. OAC 365: 15-7-26. (Note: the last word in this statute is the word CLAIMS as in plural or more than one. -ed)
OK-MAP: The Oklahoma Market Assistance Program Association (OK-MAP) was created by the voluntary efforts of insurance companies and operates under the auspices of the Oklahoma Insurance Department. It is a mechanism created to respond to a need to assist homeowners in Oklahoma who have difficulty obtaining homeowners' insurance. For further information, view the OK-MAP website; www.mapsprogram.com, call (405) 842-9883 or email okmap@iiaok.com. 36 O.S. § 6412 |
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Komando Info Center: By Kim Komando
Kim Komando Cyber News Microsoft fixes critical flaws; update now!
05/14/13
It's time once again for Microsoft's infamous Patch Tuesday. If the term is new to you, I'll explain. On the second Tuesday of every month, Microsoft releases a series of patches to fix problems in its products, which include Windows, Office and Internet Explorer. The number of patches varies each month. It might be a few patches or a few dozen.
This month is fairly light with only 10 patches to fix 33 problems. However, a few of these patches solve serious problems that hackers can use to take over your computer.
Click here to find out what they are, and how you can make sure your computer is up to date. >>
Oklahoma Voice has reprint rights. Copyright 1995-2013 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. KimKomando.com |
Check out the UFAA Chapter 15 Home Page with more Farmers, industry news and member benefit information, newsletter archives including breaking news too late or too large to publish above.
Agents and UFAA Chapter 15 donated $1,000 to the AGM DRA Lawsuit in May.
In May 2013, UFAA Chapter 15 matched dollar for dollar contributions up to $500 max by Oklahoma member and non-member agent donations to the AGM DRA Lawsuit. That suit has seemingly blocked agent mandated production requirements along with requirements of AGM, EDGE and Take 5 and other programs and relieved business pressures of most Oklahoma Agents.
Such lawsuits are very expensive against a large company and we would encourage Oklahoma agents to continue their support on this important litigation keeping you as an independent contractor as promised to you as a new agent.
Chapters will again be asked to contribute to the AGM DRA Lawsuit during the upcoming 2013 National Convention in June. Chapter 15 will again consider matching all Oklahoma Agents ON- LINE contributions to the AGM DRA Lawsuit from now until the start of the convention on June 11th.
If this suit is not successful from a UFAA expense issue, you may discover the reinstatement of the above FGI programs or similar programs with different names. Your donations are critical to the suits success that is really all about you and your agency operations, regardless if you are a UFAA Member- as we are "Agents Helping Agents(r)". -ed
You may easily contribute on-line monthly or a one time contribution at this UFAA LINK. Thanks in advance. Chapter 15
The Articles below are on our Home Page link this month
UPDATED: Okla. Company Comparison Rate Charts- Auto: 04/13 Home: 04/13
and Company rate filings
FGI Executive Compensation Exhibit for years of 2010, 2011 and 2012
Top 10 Insurance Companies in Tornado Stricken States
GAS HUMOR 
===============================================EX===========================
Quick reference Advertiser listing in this issue you can print or download for your office referral  ===================== Okla Ins Dept: Change of address or name more than thirty (30) days after the change occurred shall be $50.
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Did you know? As a member of UFAA you get:
1 hour of tech support a month
1 Free @ufaa.com email address
1 Free web page with your domain name
Call us today Toll Free, Primary # 1-866-441-8018 Alex Conger - UFAA Tech | | Click here to access the Oklahoma Membership app. |
Have you missed past issues of the Okla. Voice? If you missed past issues, you can access them and other article headlines on our Chapter 15 Home Page Link above.
Have you joined UFAA?
We just can't make it much easier. Just mouse the Join UFAA logo to obtain the a membership application. Fill it out and 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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