PIA’S COMMUNICATIONS CENTRAL

The Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana is assisting agents, carriers and policyholders in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina by providing communications and other services. Its Web site at www.piaoflouisiana.com is a central location through which various parties can communicate. PIA said it has had policyholders contact its office directly looking for their agents, and the group has been successful in getting the necessary information to these insureds.

The Hurricane Katrina Relief Forum allows members and non-members to learn about the welfare and safety of others. Carriers have posted special messages for their agents and PIA has been able to keep members informed of general information, such as school meeting notices, and office space and housing opportunities.

In conjunction with PIA, Lafayette’s Onebane Law Firm set up a Legal Questions Forum that allows agents to have generic legal questions answered. The Forum has the same feature for technology issues and the ability to set up other, similar sections as needs arise.

Agents and carriers can update information by going to their respective pages on PIA’s Web site and completing the forms available to them. Once an agent completes his/her form, the data is transferred to the policyholders’ section of the Web site so consumers can locate their agents and/or access the necessary directions provided by their agent for filing claims.