Overview: Capital Insurance Group has an excellent opportunity in our greater Los Angeles territories for an experienced Sr. Claim Representative. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent time management and sound organizational skills; effective communications ability, both verbally and in writing to interact effectively with claimants, customers and company personnel; excellent investigative and analytical skills to evaluate exposure, assess coverage and settle cases within assigned level of authority.

Qualifications: To be considered you must have a minimum of two years of progressively challenging multi-line adjusting experience with emphasis on coverage, claims of higher exposure as well as litigated files.  Excellent PC skills are required along with the ability to develop timely reports, documentation, and correspondence.  You must be able to do your own fieldwork, have excellent negotiation skills with the ability to effect timely and thorough investigations and settlements.  All candidates must have a valid CA driver’s license and personal vehicle.

Education & Experience: Educational qualifications include a college degree or the equivalent work experience with specified insurance related course work preferred.

Capital Insurance Group
Human Resources Department
2300 Garden Road
Monterey, CA 93940

Fax: (831) 233-5900

E-mail: CIGHR@ciginsurance.com

EEO/M/F/V/H

Overview: The ideal candidate will work in a small business unit and will be responsible for the rating of new business, endorsements and renewals of commercial lines accounts using automated and manual rating systems.  This assignment is also responsible for preparing policy information, correspondence, quotes and securing loss information and reports.  Duties also include a variety of key office support functions such as answering telephones, directing messages as well as responding to agent inquiries.

Qualifications: Solid organizational skills are required to manage your time and priorities.  Effective analysis and reasoning skills are required to accurately evaluate commercial risks.  In addition, this assignment requires a detail oriented individual who has excellent communications and listening skills along with a customer service attitude.

Education & Experience: Strong PC skills and a basic knowledge of insurance principles and practices are required. Work experience should include one to three years with an insurance carrier or in an insurance agency which includes rating experience.  The equivalent of a high school diploma with coursework in office skills is also desirable.

Capital Insurance Group
Human Resources Department
2300 Garden Road
Monterey, CA 93940

Fax: (831) 233-5900

E-mail: CIGHR@ciginsurance.com

WEATHER DID NOT DAMPEN SPIRITS AS 300 RUNNERS/WALKERS

PARTICIPATED IN THE 3RD ANNUAL RUN FOR THE HEROES

Capital Insurance Group, Century Insurance Services, LLC, and Gig Harbor Businesses Raise Attention and Awareness to The Cause at the “3rd Annual New Year’s Resolution Run for the Heroes” to Benefit Behind the Badge Foundation

Century Insurance Services, LLC, Capital Insurance Group, BNI, Puget Sound Business Partners, ResCom General Construction, Gig Harbor Automotive, Harbor Graphics, CheriCalvert.com, Cascade Pacific Home Loans, Nations Financial Group, Harbor Design Services, Harbor Home Massage, Linda Shiraiwa CPA, Kohler Heating & Air Conditioning, Devcon Security, New York Life, and Keller Williams Realty are proud to raise moneyto benefit families of fallen officers in Washington

Run for Heroes 5k Runners at the starting line

 Gig Harbor Washington (January 2012) “Wet but good”…“Labor of love”…“Loved the spirit of cooperation and working together for a good cause”…“So proud to be a part of it.” These are just a few of the comments from participants in the “3rd Annual New Year’s Resolution Run for the Heroes,” recently held on January 14, 2012 in Gig Harbor, WA to benefit the Behind the Badge Foundation. Behind the Badge Foundation’s expanded mission includes the State-recognized Line-of-Duty Death Response Team, financial support for line-of-duty death memorial services, support for catastrophically injured officer issues, resource referrals for network counseling, financial planning, memorial planning, and legal assistance for affected families, as well as ongoing maintenance of the State Law Enforcement Memorial on the capitol campus in Olympia.

As a demonstration of public support and compassion, this important community and family event grew three times to nearly 300 runners. Runners came from as far away as Mississippi and California in addition to many local runners from Washington.

The inclement weather did not dampen the spirits of runners, participants, and organizers. According to Kasey Petersen of Century Insurance Services, registrations increased three-fold over last year. Donations were up as well. “Even though it rained, the turnout was fantastic! The families of fallen law enforcement officers really appreciate the support of the runners, walkers, organizers, and all the participants. This event is also a way for people to come out and say thanks to all the police officers and members of the law enforcement community. We are happy that our work has brought attention and awareness to the Behind the Badge cause, and we thank everyone for their support,” Kasey noted.

Left to Right: Kathy Rongey, Account Exec, CIG; Susie Nelson and Kasey Peterson of Century Ins; Jim Geisler, Branch Manager, CIG

 Jim Geisler, Northwest Branch Manager of Capital Insurance Group added, “It was a fun event! Capital Insurance Group was pleased to be able to support Century Insurance Services’ efforts to give back to their community and raise funds for a worthy cause. Kasey Petersen at Century Insurance went above and beyond in taking care of the details that helped make this a successful event. We appreciate the opportunity to be involved in such a worthwhile event.”

According to Mike Davis, Chief of the Gig Harbor Police Department, “The Resolution Run for the Heroes has become a hallmark event in Gig Harbor! Even though the weather was brutal, the mood of the participants was one of optimism and respect for what is truly the backdrop of this event…appreciation for what our law enforcement officers and firefighters do around the clock to ensure that the high quality of life we have become accustomed to in Gig Harbor stays intact. It was encouraging to hear and feel the support we have in Gig Harbor– it makes our jobs a heck of a lot easier!”

Dan Wullick of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department commented, “It’s really nice to see the community come out and support the cause. My wife is one of the organizers and has worked really hard – it’s a labor of love for her and a great way for her to focus her energy. She goes to the funerals with me when officers lose their lives in the line of duty. This event helps her to funnel her energy as she works to help others.”

Run for Heroes Alyssa Wulick, Pierce County Sheriff Dept. Reserve Deputy Quentin Brown, Janelle Brown and Sierra Brown

Resolution 10k Runners

A participant in the 5k walk remarked, “My whole family is in law enforcement, so of course we’re all out here. It’s always great to see people standing behind law enforcement, especially when you’ve got your family on the line – it is good to see people supporting you back.”

The event featured both a 5k Walk/Run and 10k Run through downtown Gig Harbor to Crescent Valley Drive and back. There were many popular information booths with raffle prizes and more at Skansie Park in Gig Harbor. The Gig Harbor Police Department and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department had an information booth with safety brochures and give-a-ways regarding water safety, bike safety, runner safety, pedestrian safety, and more. The American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter also had a booth with valuable information about emergency preparedness and local services. Kids had their photo taken with Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Dan Wullick in uniform and in his police car.

The group of dedicated Puget Sound Business Partners, including Capital Insurance Group who teamed up to run this event, provided valuable community safety information with an array of prizes. Some of the many great safety-themed prizes included solar safety lights, flashing safety lights, safety whistles, emergency radios, Bluetooth® headsets, men’s and women’s running jackets, reflective vests, emergency roadside kits, and more. Other prizes include a $100 American Express gift card provided by Devcon Security, a massage provided by Harbor Home Massage, and an assortment of rubber ducks in sports skins, which were a hit with the kids.

Puget Sound Business Partners

All donations benefit the Behind the Badge Foundation

Donations can still be made by going to behindthebadgefoundation Please reference Run for the Heroes.

Overview: The Total Loss Claim Service Center Representative is to adjust first-party and third-party total loss claims to conclusion. This position is also responsible for the handling of the salvage vehicle through sale and recovery of funds, as well as performs other duties as required or assigned by the Claims Service Center Management team. The primary functions of this position include; the prompt evaluation and negotiations of fair and equitable total loss settlements; timely contact and interaction with clients on agreed options and condition of vehicle; the Investigation into the nature and extent of damage, including preexisting damages and any other information needed to assess accurate values; preparation of necessary correspondence to clients, lienholders and legal representatives; negotiation and settlement of total loss claims. Must maintain a solid working knowledge of auto finance and/or lease agreements, demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, have strong mathematical abilities and interpersonal skills to effectively negotiate settlements with vehicle owners, lienholders and salvage dealers.

Qualifications: 

Knowledge of:

Excellent communication skills, oral and written, within the English language

Superior customer service techniques

Basic computer knowledge of WINDOWS Operating Systems

Ability to:

Demonstrate good analytical skills.

Demonstrate effective communication skills, using a telephone.

Understand and explain insurance contracts to customers.

Effectively exchange ideas and information through oral and written communications.

Readily learn and assimilate changes in company policies and procedures.

Establish effective work relationships in order to accomplish work responsibilities and objectives.

Plan, organize, and prioritize work under the pressure of critical deadlines.

Education and Experience: Equivalent to completion of two years of college (or equivalent experience) and one year of claim-adjusting support or customer service related experience. 

Capital Insurance Group

Po Box 40460

Bakersfield Ca. 93384-0460

661-241-5600

email: cighr@ciginsurance.com 

Capital Insurance Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.  EEO 

Location: Northern Region, CA.

Overview: Capital Insurance Group has an excellent opportunity in our  Northern California Region  for an experienced Regional Property Claim Examiner. In concert with the Regional Property Claim Team, the candidate will achieve equitable settlement of property claims and the conveyance of claimant benefits within an assigned Regional territory. They will coordinate field claim representatives, and the Regional Management Team to assure collaborative and efficient use of resources in the management of field property claims.  Ensuring compliance with regulations, company standards and company claims handling practices.  The will direct the performance of Independent Adjusting resources and accept a personal caseload of higher level property field assignments during periods of low Independent Adjuster activity.

Qualifications: The incumbent must utilize knowledge and experience to evaluate loss and determine loss value based on testimony, documentation, case law and regulations in the jurisdiction of the loss as well as the stipulations of the contract and policyholder language. Experience, logic, decision-making and sound problem solving skills are essential to interpret, and evaluate liability and loss.

-       Applicable insurance regulation and codes, policy language and coverage

-       Relevant claims laws, including civil and tort law and current trends in insurance case law

-       Knowledge and proficiency using standardized estimating software such as Xactimate

-       Adjusting experience involving moderate to high value Commercial & Residential risks

-       Proficient English comprehension with ability to read and articulate issues orally and in writing

-       Plan, organize, and prioritize work to meet critical deadlines

-       Ability to deal effectively in antagonistic or emotionally charged situations

-       Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, employees and business partners

-       Ability to accommodate overnight travel

-       Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid Driver’s License

-        

Education & Experience: College degree or the equivalent of progressively challenging work experience representing a minimum of five to eight years technical carrier experience as a field property adjuster or examiner. Functional computer skills and computer literacy utilizing standard office software, claims/business software and electronic communications equipment. Experience in negotiations/mediation, conferences and settlement.  Experience in handling high exposure, large loss and litigated files. Experience with automated claim systems required.  Associate in Claims (AIC) certification is desirable.

Capital Insurance Group
Human Resources Department
2300 Garden Road
Monterey, CA 93940

Fax: (831) 649-4748

E-mail: CIGHR@ciginsurance.com

EEO/M/F/V/H

“Marketer of the Year” Award

Grant Davis – President/Broker of GDI Insurance

Monterey, CA (January 15th, 2012) – Capital Insurance Group® (CIG) is proud to announce that Grant Davis, President of GDI Insurance, Turlock, California, one of CIG’s Independent Insurance Advisors, was honored with the prestigious “Marketer of the Year” award by Agency Revolution, at its 2011 Insurance Marketing Summit in Chicago.

Agency Revolution’s President, Michael Jans, said, “We provide tools to help agents grow. But ultimately, it’s the agent who decides to put these tools to work and make a difference. Our panel wisely chose Grant Davis, GDI Insurance, as someone who knows how to make big things happen. It shows in his company growth. And it shows in the tremendous impact he’s made in his community.”

It would be hard to travel through Turlock without running into this fast-growing agency’s President, Grant Davis. It’s not just that he’s an avid and capable marketer, but also because of the positive force his agency has become in the community. “CIG helped me make things happen in our community that I couldn’t have done alone,” Davis said. “Our Community Safety Day, for example, would never have happened without CIG’s support.”

CIG developed Community Safety Saturday, and works with its independent and franchise insurance agencies to hold this important event, to help increase community awareness to the importance of children’s and family safety at home, in the car, and during life’s everyday events.

Walter Bennett, VP of Underwriting for Capital Insurance Group, remarked, “We worked with Grant Davis to hold CIG’s twelfth Community Safety Saturday Event in California. Grant and his agency team brought together a host of local service providers and service organizations to provide a wonderful community event for the citizens of Turlock. For CIG it is this type of partnership we have with Grant Davis Insurance Agency that defines us as an insurance provider – working with community-based Independent Insurance Advisors whose business philosophy embraces safety and security for families, businesses, and communities.”

Over 875 community members attended GDI’s Community Safety Saturday on June 25, 2011 in Turlock. Families from throughout the community had their children’s car seats checked for proper installation. Meaningful safety information was distributed by CIG, GDI Insurance, and other child-safety advocates, including the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Rural Fire Department, California Highway Patrol – Modesto/Fresno, Safe Kids Central Valley, and the American Red Cross/Modesto. The Klaas Kids Foundation led by Marc Klaas, Polly Klaas’ father, fingerprinted children and gave out DNA kits to parents.

The event was featured on the front page of the local paper, as well as on local TV and radio. In addition, the national ABC Television Network Program “20/20” featured a segment they filmed at the Community Safety Saturday event that included an interview with Midsi Sanchez, a victim who escaped after being kidnapped in 2000 when she was 8 years old.

Also present at the event was Tabitha Cardenas, who lost her son when he was kidnapped by his father and later, found, drowned.

Sandie Borthwick, Marketing Manager for Capital Insurance Group, remarks, “We are proud to partner with community safety-oriented insurance agencies like GDI Insurance. Community Safety Saturday was born out of our concern and commitment to keep children and families safe. It is what we are all about—we are a company with heart.”

- Gig Harbor NEWS AND UPDATES!

• Pre-event registrations increase three-fold over last year for the 3rd Annual New Year’s Resolution Run for the Heroes in Gig Harbor on Saturday, January 14th to support Behind the Badge Foundation.
• Community shows generosity, support and compassion in light of the recent loss of National Park Service Ranger, Margaret Anderson.
• Families are invited to come to the event and obtain valuable safety information and win great prizes including safety whistles, reflective vests, Bluetooth® headsets and a $100 gift certificate from American Express! Kids can also have their photo taken with Officer Dan Wullick and his police car!
• The race will be covered LIVE by Spencer Abersold on KGHP-FM. The event is also being promoted on Sports Radio KJR 950 AM and 102.9 FM. The KJR Oldies radio station 95.7 FM will be at the event playing oldies music and giving away lots of free prizes from 8 AM – 10 AM.

Capital Insurance Group and Century Insurance Services, LLC Join Gig Harbor Businesses Saturday, January 14, 2012, to hold the Community and Family event: “3rd Annual New Year’s Resolution Run for the Heroes” to Benefit Behind the Badge Foundation

Century Insurance Services, LLC, Capital Insurance Group, BNI, Puget Sound Business Partners, ResCom General Construction, Gig Harbor Automotive, Harbor Graphics, CheriCalvert.com, Cascade Pacific Home Loans, Nations Financial Group, Harbor Design Services, Harbor Home Massage, Linda Shiraiwa CPA, Kohler Heating & Air Conditioning, Devcon Security, New York Life, and Keller Williams Realty have teamed up to hold this important community event.

Gig Harbor, WA (January 11, 2012) – Compared to last year at this time, over three times the number of participants have already registered for the “3rd Annual New Year’s Resolution Run for the Heroes” to benefit Behind the Badge Foundation.

In light of the tragic death of Margaret Anderson, National Park Service Ranger in Mount Rainier National Park this past weekend, the community is showing their compassion and support even if they cannot attend the event, and are donating directly to the Behind the Badge Foundation, the beneficiary of this important community event. (People can go to www.behindthebadgefoundation.org and mention Run for the Heroes with their donation).

NEW! At the Resolution Run event, kids can have their photo taken with Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Investigator, Dan Wullick in uniform and in his police car.

NEW! The group of dedicated Puget Sound Business Partners who have teamed up to run this event, will offer valuable community safety information with great prizes. Some of the many great safety-themed prizes include solar safety lights, flashing safety lights, safety whistles, emergency radios, Bluetooth® headsets, men’s and women’s running jackets, reflective vests, emergency roadside kits and more. Other prizes include a $100 American Express gift card provided by Devcon Security, a massage provided by Harbor Home Massage, and an assortment of rubber ducks in sports skins. For every dollar donated, the donor will receive a raffle ticket and can choose which raffles to enter.

NEW! The race will be covered live by Spencer Abersold on KGHP-FM. The event is also being promoted on Sports Radio KJR 950 AM and 102.9 FM. Also, KJR Oldies radio station, 95.7 FM will be at the event playing oldies music and giving away free prizes from 8 AM – 10 AM.

NEW! The American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter will have a booth with information about emergency preparedness and local services.

***************

An important community and family event to benefit the families of fallen officers is returning this year to Gig Harbor. A group of dedicated local Gig Harbor businesses are joining together to hold the 3rd Annual New Year’s Resolution Run for the Heroes on Saturday, January 14, 2012. Proceeds of the Resolution Run for the Heroes will benefit Behind the Badge Foundation to support the families of fallen police officers in Washington State. According to the foundation, nationally, there have been over 158 line-of-duty officer deaths, up 11% in 2011. Washington State averages 2-3 line-of-duty officer deaths per year, and since 2000, there have been 31 line-of-duty officer deaths. The goal this year is to attract runners and non-runners and raise more than $10,000.

The event will feature both a 5k Walk/Run and 10k Run through downtown Gig Harbor to Crescent Valley Drive and back. Check-in is at Skansie Park at 8:00 AM and the race starts at 9:00 AM. Registration is now through Saturday, January 14 is $35. There will also be information booths from 8:00 AM to Noon, raffle prizes and more at Skansie Park, which is located at 3211 Harborview Drive in Gig Harbor. The Gig Harbor Police Department and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department will have an information booth with safety brochures and giveaways regarding water safety, bike safety, runner safety, pedestrian safety and more. NEW! The American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter will have a booth with information about emergency preparedness and local services.

To register online go to www.active.com

Kasey Petersen of Century Insurance Services, LLC, explains, “The event was started in 2009 by Puget Sound Business Partners where Century Insurance Services, LLC, is a member. At that time, everyone was personally affected when the policemen were killed. Our hearts went out to their families, and we wanted to make a difference. We are dedicated to continuing to help them through our Run for the Heroes event. We hope that our community will join us by participating in the run/walk events or by sending a donation to help our Behind the Badge families.”

DeeAnne Shaw, President of the Puget Sound Business Partners, remarks, “As a wife of a long-term police officer in Pierce County, it is important to me that the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make every day in the line of duty are never forgotten by our public citizens. It is also important that the families of the fallen officers are never far from our hearts and minds.”

Sandie Borthwick, Marketing Manager for Capital Insurance Group, states, “We are proud to partner with community safety-oriented insurance agencies like Century Insurance Services, and we are happy to lend our support to this important community event.”

Donations can be made by non-runners in person on race day or by going to www.behindthebadgefoundation.org

Behind the Badge Foundation’s expanded mission includes the State-recognized Line-of-Duty Death Response Team, financial support for line-of-duty death memorial services, support for catastrophically injured officer issues, resource referrals for network counseling, financial planning, memorial planning, and legal assistance for affected families, as well as ongoing maintenance of the State Law Enforcement Memorial on the capitol campus in Olympia.

Capital Insurance Group and Century Insurance Services, LLC

Join Gig Harbor Businesses Saturday, January 14, 2012, to hold the

Community and Family event: “3rd Annual New Year’s Resolution Run

for the Heroes” to Benefit Behind the Badge Foundation

Gig Harbor, WA (December 22, 2011) – An important community and family event to benefit the families of fallen officers is returning this year to Gig Harbor. A group of dedicated local Gig Harbor businesses are joining together to hold the 3rd Annual New Year’s Resolution Run for the Heroes on Saturday, January 14, 2012. Proceeds of the Resolution Run for the Heroes will benefit Behind the Badge Foundation to support the families of fallen police officers in Washington State. According to the foundation, nationally, there have been over 158 line-of-duty officer deaths, up 11% in 2011. Washington State averages 2-3 line-of-duty officer deaths per year, and since 2000, there have been 31 line-of-duty officer deaths. The goal this year is to attract runners and non-runners and raise more than $10,000.

The event will feature both a 5k Walk/Run and 10k Run through downtown Gig Harbor to Crescent Valley Drive and back. Check-in is at Skansie Park at 8:00 AM and the race starts at 9:00 AM. Pre-registration for the race before December 24 is $30 and includes a T-shirt and gift bag; late registration on Sunday, December 25, to Saturday, January 14 is $35. There will also be information booths from 8:00 AM to Noon, raffle prizes and more at Skansie Park, which is located at 3211 Harborview Drive in Gig Harbor.

Click here to download the Run for the Heroes Registration Card.

For online registration, go to: www.active.com

Kasey Petersen of Century Insurance Services, LLC, explains, “Everyone was personally affected when the policemen were killed. Our hearts went out to their families, and we wanted to make a difference. We are dedicated to continuing to help them through our Run for the Heroes event. We hope that our community will join us by participating in the run/walk events or by sending a donation to help our Behind the Badge families.”

Dee Ann Shaw, President of the Puget Sound Business Partners, remarks, “As a wife of a long-term police officer in Pierce County, it is important to me that the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make every day in the line of duty are never forgotten by our public citizens. It is also important that the families of the fallen officers are never far from our hearts and minds.”

Sandie Borthwick, Marketing Manager for Capital Insurance Group, states, “We are proud to partner with community safety-oriented insurance agencies like Century Insurance Services, and we are happy to lend our support to this important community event.”

The race will be covered live by Spencer Abersold on KGHP-FM. Donations can be made by non-runners in person on race day or by going to www.behindthebadgefoundation.org

Behind the Badge Foundation’s expanded mission includes the State-recognized Line-of-Duty Death Response Team, financial support for line-of-duty death memorial services, support for catastrophically injured officer issues, resource referrals for network counseling, financial planning, memorial planning, and legal assistance for affected families, as well as ongoing maintenance of the State Law Enforcement Memorial on the capitol campus in Olympia.

Century Insurance Services, LLC, Capital Insurance Group, BNI, Puget Sound Business Partners, ResCom General Construction, Gig Harbor Automotive, Harbor Graphics, CheriCalvert.com, Cascade Pacific Home Loans, Nations Financial Group, Harbor Design Services, Harbor Home Massage, Linda Shiraiwa CPA, Kohler Heating & Air Conditioning, Devcon Security, New York Life, and Keller Williams Realty have teamed up to hold this important community event.

landlords; new rental unit non-smoking law becomes effective January 1

CIG is the leader in offering smoke-free insurance to apartment building owners and condominium associations in the Western US

MONTEREY, Calif. (December 27, 2011) – The new California State Law, SB 332, makes it easier for landlords to convert their rental property into a smoke-free environment. With over 30 percent of California residences being multi-family housing, Capital Insurance Group’s (CIG) expertise in smoke-free coverage may make the decision to go smoke-free for California landlords even more appealing.

Effective January 1, 2012, landlords will be permitted to enforce strict restrictions against smoking on a residential rental property. These restrictions will extend from within the dwelling unit as well as anywhere on the premises. (For more information, go to:

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0301-0350/sb_332_bill_20110906_chaptered.pdf)

CIG has been offering a smoke-free premium credit to multi-housing property owners in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, for two years. “The decision to offer a smoke-free rental unit is now much easier for California landlords. CIG is pleased to offer a credit that reflects the safe practices of the property owners and managers who take such preventative measures against fire risk,” said Ken Stewart, CIG Products, Commercial Compliance & Commercial Lines Manager.

CIG’s smoke-free premium credit is only one of many benefits to a smoke-free environment. A smoke-free apartment credit can translate into significant annual savings for an apartment owner. Since 2007, the trend toward smoke-free multi-unit housing has grown nationally and globally.

For property owners, the economic benefits are numerous, including lower rehab costs for smoke-free units, faster turnover time due to less preparation and repainting, as well as less wear and tear on each rental unit. The owners also benefit by having fewer insurance claims—saving them both time and money.

“As the leader in apartment property insurance, we look forward to our CIG agents in California working with landlords to assist in their efforts to convert complexes to a smoke-free environment. As a result, we are providing a 10 percent premium credit to those property owners who offer smoke-free housing,” said John McLaughlin, CIG’s Field Operations Manager.

For more information on the CIG Smoke-Free Credit visit
www.ciginsurance.com/insurance/liability/smoke-free-credit/

Trusted Choice® insurance agencies urge families to take steps to protect their gifts.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (December 7, 2011) – Turn the news on during the holiday season and unfortunately and inevitably, you’ll see stories of how a “Grinch” stole someone’s gifts from a car or from under a Christmas tree. As you do your holiday shopping, Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents and brokers recommend you make sure you have the proper insurance products in the event that your prized possessions are stolen.

A new national survey by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) found that 44% of respondents, representing more than 100 million people in the United States, said they have been a victim of burglary, robbery or other form of theft. Of those who said they were victims, only 40% said their stolen property was insured.

“This research proves that no one is immune to theft and, sadly, shows that not enough people have adequate property insurance,” says Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president of agent development, education and research. “Especially during the holidays, it is very easy to be consumed by the hectic pace of the season, but everyone should take time and put family and home safety at the top of their holiday wish list.”

The survey also found that of those whose stolen property was insured, about 58% believed they were fully compensated for their losses. This indicates that in most cases, people who are properly insured fare well in the event of a loss. That figure could be significantly higher if more consumers elected to insure their personal property for replacement cost and not depreciated actual cash value. Doing so typically only adds 10-15% to their homeowners insurance premium.

“If you haven’t done it recently, at least make it your new year’s resolution to meet with a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent to assess your risks and insure that your assets, including your new holiday gifts, are protected,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “Independent insurance agents not only advise clients about insurance, but they’re risk and liability experts.”

Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents urge consumers to consider these points to protect their assets and gifts during the holiday season in their homes, cars, while shopping or anywhere:

At Home:

• Break down boxes, especially for expensive electronics, into small pieces and discard them in non-clear trash bags.
• Keep gifts hidden from view at outside windows.
• Lock all doors and windows even when leaving the home for a short period of time.
• Leave spare keys with a neighbor rather than hiding them outside, such as under doormats or in fake rocks. Burglars are not fooled by most hiding places.
• Indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer should be used whenever possible.
• When you’re away from your home for an extended period of time, have a neighbor or friend watch your house and pick up newspapers and mail.
• Beware of strangers at your door. Criminals can pose as couriers delivering gifts or be soliciting donations for fake charitable causes. Ask for identification or information about a charity.
• Many renters have no insurance to cover their personal belongings in case of fire or theft. Existing homeowners or renters’ insurance policies should be reviewed to ensure adequate and up-to-date coverage limits of your home or possessions.
• Valuable gifts such as jewelry, antiques and collectibles may have limited or no coverage under a standard homeowners or renters’ insurance policy. It is often necessary to purchase an “endorsement” or separate coverage for these items.
• Consider insuring your personal property on the same replacement cost basis as your home.

In the Car:

• Lock all doors and roll up all windows even when leaving the car for a short period of time.
• Bring gifts into homes with you overnight rather than leaving them in your car.
• When shopping, keep gifts in the trunk or hidden from view in the interior of the car.
• Put all of your packages in the trunk before departing one parking lot and driving to another. Waiting until your next shopping destination allows others to see packages go into the trunk of your car and then you departing into the mall or store.
• Avoid parking next to vans and large trucks that block your space from general vision of others.
• Make a mental note or write down exactly where you park your car to avoid wandering around longer than necessary.
• During the day, park away from buildings to reduce the chance of dings from car doors or shopping carts and the likelihood of vandalism.
• At night, avoid secluded areas and park directly under lights whenever possible.
• Look underneath your car before you reach it when returning from shopping; criminals have been known to lie underneath in wait.

While Shopping:

• Use a credit card in order to avoid thefts of large amounts of cash that cannot be replaced.
• Shopping with a single credit card is preferable – it is easier to cancel one rather than several if your wallet or purse is stolen.
• Keep purses zipped and in your possession close to your body rather than leaving it in your shopping cart where it is more susceptible to theft.
• Be sure to keep a reference list of phone and account numbers for all your credit cards in a safe place at home.
• Try to carry keys, cash and credit cards separate from each other.
• For freedom of motion and clear visibility, do not overload yourself with packages when leaving a store and returning to your car. You cannot defend yourself with your arms too full of bundles.
• Use ATMs in well-populated, well-lighted locations. Do not throw ATM receipts away at the ATM location.
• Remember there is increased safety in numbers. Avoid walking alone and leave malls and stores well before closing time to assure a more active parking lot.

Other:

• How much was that doggy in the window? The holiday season often includes images of cute puppies under a Christmas tree or a kitten with a sparkly ribbon around its neck. But before you do your holiday shopping at the pet shop, potential pet owners must understand that no matter what they paid for their pooch (or any pet), most homeowners insurance policies exclude animals. So if your pet is stolen, it is not likely you will be able to claim it as a loss with your insurance company.
• Conduct a home inventory after the holidays and make sure that any new items in the home are properly insured.

The survey was conducted for Trusted Choice® via telephone by International Communications Research (ICR), an independent research company in Media, Pa. Interviews of a nationally representative sample of 1,018 households were conducted in November 2011. The survey has an overall margin of error of +/- 3.1%. For more information about ICR, go to www.icrsurvey.com.