News & Events
Profax 6/1/2010 - 6/1/2010
TIS THE SEASON: How many of your clients have gaps in coverage for their boat, jet-ski, ATV, moped, golf cart and other
recreational vehicles? This time of the year generates RV purchases, trades and potential gaps in insurance coverage and
careful attention has to be given to the gaps or limitations within your clients’ policies. Even when your client has an RV
endorsement, are there provisions for substitute vehicles [in for repair etc], additional units or replacement units? Is there a
time limit for reporting the trade-ins or additional units? Is there automatic coverage for Physical Damage when the RV
endorsement covers only liability? How does your client’s UMBRELLA address the gap in coverage? A possible remedy
besides having your E&O policy in force is to always use CHECKLISTS for coverages on both new and renewal accounts. Does
your agency have a policy of always adding or explaining the REC vehicle coverage and/or exclusion and getting a “signed
waiver” if the insured rejects coverage? Has your agency reviewed your personal lines book of business for these risks? Does
your agency have a website or newsletter to alert your clients? Does your agency communicate with your clients via email
news groups, facebook, linkedin etc? If your client is buying a “bare-bones” policy based on the cheapest price then that is
what he has -- which in all likelihood does NOT include any RV, jet-ski, ATV coverage. They most likely don’t even have
coverage to take their riding lawnmower down the street to mow “Aunt Hulda’s” backyard! ‘Tis the Season to check out
these coverage gaps.
FSA TO ASSIST RMA ON AUDITS: In an effort to prevent crop insurance fraud, waste and abuse, the FSA staffers will be
making two crop inspections on selected producers this growing season. One inspection will be during the growing season
and one at the time of harvest. The FSA staff will be checking to see if reported crops have been planted and cared for in a
workmanlike manner. All suspected cases of fraud of the FCIP will be referred to RMA. Producers and others will report
suspected fraud, waste, and abuse to the local county FSA office, the RMA office or Office of Inspector General. Resources
and information sharing between FSA and RMA is expanding beginning this growing season.
DENTAL BENEFIT AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS: Effective April 1, 2010, the PIA Trust added Dental Insurance available to PIA
members and their employees. The product is written through MetLife and offers up to $2000 annual max per person, no
underwriting, a passive PPO plan [allows freedom to choose any provider] and both preventive and basic services available.
A deductible applies only to basic and major services. A “quick quote” and additional information is available online at
www.piatrust.com.
AG LISTENING SESSIONS CONTINUE: The latest U.S. Ag Secretary field hearing was held in Lubbock, Texas where House Ag
Chairman Collin Peterson [D-MN] said he “would like to eliminate all limitations on government payments to farmers due to
the size of their payments or incomes”. He noted that most of the food produced for the USA and world comes from
300,000 to 350,000 of our biggest farms. These big farmers “should be treated equally” with small farmers in getting
payments, Peterson said. His position mirrors what a majority of farmers believe but would be opposed by supporters of
small farms such as the National Farmers Union organization. Peterson also proposed changing USDA’s definition of a “farm”.
Currently a farm is defined as producing $1000 or more in farm products, which is about as archaic as farming with horses!
This definition skews ag programs, drives up administrative costs, and allows government payments to non-farm entities.
Now is the time to make a significant change as the new 2010 Census will provide current data to make changes. Peterson is
on the right track but will the Congress or USDA have the fortitude to make necessary changes? Time will tell.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
First International Insurance, Williston, ND has a position for a goal oriented insurance sales professional with Commercial
and Personal Lines experience. Must have a ND Property/Casualty License. For more information and to apply online, go to
http://www.firstintlins.com/employment.aspx
Manger Insurance Inc has an opening for an Insurance Agent in Williston, ND. Position would work with an established book
of business and focus on writing new commercial and personal accounts. Offering excellent compensation package. Mail
your confidential resume to Manger Insurance Inc, Attn: Personnel, PO Box 1386, Williston ND 58802.
