The Hartford Delivers on its Promises after CA Wildfires

 

Although your clients might not have been affected by the California wildfires that damaged or destroyed some 2,000 homes, every region faces its own catastrophes—hurricane, wind storms, tornadoes, blizzards. Wherever agents do business, we know that when the time comes to recommend a carrier it’s important that agents can tell their clients with confidence that The Hartford cares and will deliver on its promises. 

“We help rebuild people’s lives.” That’s how Juan Andrade, executive vice president of The Hartford Claims sees it. “We are there for our insureds in their time of need, providing comfort, financial assistance, and the expertise they need to get back on their feet.” 

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner praised The Hartford for its response to the fires: “I especially want to applaud The Hartford and any other insurance companies that have gone the extra mile to put their policyholders first in the recovery effort.”

How did The Hartford respond?

□      Hartford adjusters were on the ground immediately following the fires, including additional adjusters and managers from out-of-state.

□      Wildfire claims were routed to our Catastrophe Claims Organization in Illinois to avoid disrupting California’s standard claims service.

□      Adjusters and handlers have made contact with 100% of insureds who reported claims.

□      The Hartford Emergency Claim Cardsm and direct deposit was offered to insureds when appropriate.

□      Newspaper and radio ads helped insureds reach us.

□      A 30-day non-cancellation policy was enacted.

The Hartford employs a vast organization, time-tested practices, and innovative technology to help policyholders recover
from events like the wildfires. But in the end, what matters most is our people and their compassion for the families who have lost
their homes and their sense of security. 

One insured from Poway, California, said,
“If we were with another company, I am sure we would be a number. Instead, with the Hartford, we feel important. We know we have a long road ahead and are thankful for the attention we are already receiving from The Hartford.” 

Ivan Yount, a Hartford adjuster, explains his job this way, “We are more than their claims
adjuster. In times like these, we are their counselor and more importantly, their friend.” 

While this might sound overly sentimental to some, every claim is a highly personal experience for the insured. Often, as much as they need the financial assistance, they need reassurance. “Agents play a key role,” says Yount, “making calls, following up with adjusters, and guiding their clients through the experience. It’s a team effort to support the insured.” 

And it’s that personal support that matters most. An insured from Fallbrook, California, described his interaction with Ivan: “When we heard his voice and he immediately asked us how we were, we felt a huge weight come off our shoulders. We knew it was going to be okay. A lot of our friends were telling us to look out for ourselves after the fire, but it was clear Ivan was there to look out for us too. We have only wonderful things to say about Ivan and The Hartford.”