Insurance Agent and Broker Associations Reach Out to Members

With the devastating circumstances in Southern California all too apparent, insurance agent and broker associations have stepped up to the plate to reach out to their members.

As the fires began to increase in severity, Insurance Brokers and Agents of the West (IBA West) sent out an e-mail to all of its members, informing them that the association was there to offer assistance to those that have been affected by the blazes, according to Clark Payan, CEO.

“If there is anything we can do for members, please let us know what you need,” Payan wrote in the message to members.

The e-mail also indicated that IBA West “has been coordinating response efforts with [its] national association, the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, the Insurance Industry Communications Group, as well as the Office of the California Insurance Commissioner.”

In addition to the initial e-mail, Jenn Thuma, member services vice president, said IBA West sent out special daily bulletins to its members while the fires burned. And, the association offered to staff an information and help desk at the various emergency centers.

Similarly, the Alliance of Insurance Agents and Brokers offered to assist anyone in the insurance industry who had been affected by the calamity.

Joe Jimenez, president, said in a statement, “If there are people and pets who need a place to stay … if any businesses have been affected … if anyone needs assistance in getting through this crisis in any way, we are there to help.”

The association also established a fund “earmarked to the American Red Cross to assist in recovery efforts.” And, the association formed a response team to tend to the needs of those seeking assistance. It noted it would help to coordinate those seeking housing or assistance with members offering the resources. (See www.agentsalliance.com for information.)

Finally, Insurance Skills Center, the education arm of IBA West, aimed to educate members and help them advise their clients on what coverages are available following the disaster. The Center wrote a feature article titled, “Southern California Fires: The Recovery Process Begins,” which appears on the IBA West member site (www.ibawest.com). The article also was sent out as a newsblast to all of Insurance Skills Center’s clients.