They Say

"Thank you...regarding your vital information on Preparedness...In particular...useful information for people to have in terms of property insurance and business recovery issues...a good reminder of ways of helping prevent stress by Preparedness... "
--Disaster Mental Health
American Red Cross
National Headquarters, USA

"...We have reviewed the material on your web site and wish to thank you for your efforts to give citizens the information they need to cope with the issues of filing a successful insurance claim in the event of a loss. Again, thank you for your public service... "
--State of Michigan Department of Community Health
Office of Public Health Preparedness, USA

"Very nice article in the Philadelphia Forum. I enjoyed it much and found it well written and informative. Quick question though--the title is 'Confessions of an Insurance Adjuster.' Just exactly what *is* an insurance 'adjuster,' and how does it differ from other insurance occupations, such as agent, investigator, and underwriter? How do these different professions compare and contrast?"
--Ken Javie

^"Hi Ken, thank you. I can only answer your question in a concise, complex way. That is to refer you to a book I publish: "Policy Ensurance." This is not to duck your question. Many courts cannot agree if the "agent" represents the policyholder, or the insurance company, or both, some of the time or all of the time. Also, "adjuster" and "investigator" are terms that need an involved explanation.

The very relationship between the policyholder and company, and whether it is fiduciary in nature or not, is another issue in disagreement by many of our courts that affects us all.

When the courts have opposite opinions on such crucial issues, it is impossible to offer up simple answers."

"I agree with you that it is essential that people be treated fairly by insurance companies at this terrible time. But because we have historically left insurance regulation entirely to the states--a decision which I think is an error and which I have tried on several occasions unsuccessfully to overturn...regulation of insurance...has been entirely a state matter. There was a Supreme Court decision 55 years ago that sought to recognize the fact that insurance is every bit as much a national industry as any other, but the insurance industry was successful in lobbying Congress to overturn that decision and leave it all to the states.

Of course the industry's preference for everything being done at the state level has somewhat altered now that they are looking to the federal government for some financial help...but I do not think we should simply extend that aid without some kind of consumer protections in return and I am working on that. Thanks again for underlining to me the importance of some change in national policy in this regard."
--Barney Frank
Member of Congress USA

"Thank you for contacting my office concerning insurance claim rights. I value and will consider your input on the matter.

I appreciate the opportunity to assist you on this issue. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office."
--Edward D. Garza
San Antonio, TX USA Mayor

"That's a great article you wrote promoting insurance reform (Spiral of Fraud). I strongly agree with your views. Would you mind if we include your article on ScamShield.com?...I would like our visitors to read your article."
--Tony C

"It is time that someone publishes a book of this nature. As Regulators, we are aware that most policyholders are not aware. . .We wish you all the success. . .Your intent and foresight is commended."
--State of Hawaii USA
Department of Insurance

"I agree with you that many insurance problems could be prevented if consumers simply had information. . .I admire your commitment. . ."
--former Oregon USA Governor Barbara Roberts (while governor)

"Thank you! Our disaster relief folks have your information, and I'm sure they'll put it to good use. Please stay in touch. We really appreciate your interest and desire to help disaster survivors."
--American Red Cross, Atlanta, GA USA

". . .Access to information is imperative in our society, especially to information pertaining to individual rights. This includes information regarding insurance...I believe people should, at the minimum, have access to information like insurance. . .Thank you again. . .regarding the dispersal of this information."
James P. McGovern
Member of Congress USA

"Thank you for providing us consumers this site that is informative as well as beneficial..."
Maria Taylor
Katy, TX USA

"This is to acknowledge your disaster preparedness information ...Thank you for providing this valuable information to the department. We are always looking for ways to educate the public on [an] important issue such as disaster preparedness. "
--State of Alabama USA
Department of Insurance

"Thank you...We appreciate your efforts in crafting a website dedicated to preparedness and preventing the stress that goes along with disasters events. The information you have provided is helpful...Thank you for your interest in preparedness."
--State of Virginia USA
Office of the Governor

"Thank you for passing on your information. I think it can be helpful to people..."
--The Salvation Army - Midland Division USC
Divisional Disaster Services Director

"...I have been forwarded the email you submitted through the miscellaneous comments link on Your City New York. Thank you for your interest in disaster mitigation and ways to improve disaster preparedness."
Director of Human Services
New York City Office of Emergency Management