Presidents Message 99-10 of 25 March 1999

The United Farmers Agents Association
"Journey to 3000"

March 25, 1999

Update #99-10

COMING SOON! UFAA responds to the non-members question, "Why should I join, I already get all the information?" The web site will soon have major portions restricted to members only. No longer will the non-member be able to see the information on computers or from our legal department. It's time to join folks.

A Washington agent called recently and said, "A 29 year old male, rate class 1A, can purchase a 25/50/10 liability only policy in MCA that is cheaper than the same coverage in Farmers." I didn't believe him so he sent me the quote. It's true!

An Arizona agent writes: The top four reasons to use APPS and FPPS;
1. You like to hear "how important your call is and would you please hold."
2. The patience needed to operate the system will soon make you a patient.
3. Your company mail now includes "date sliding" letters telling you when the problem will be fixed.
4. You get assigned problem numbers that have more digits than your folio.

State Farm, in the past, would move an agent into a DM position and move him back if things didn't work out. That was a nice touch. It appears that the management company has now adopted the same philosophy. Again, nice touch. An agent in Columbus Ohio was recently appointed as a DM. His father was appointed to run the DMs old agency. The new DM told his agents that the company personnel suggested this arrangement and he was free to return to his agency if things didn't work out. Nice touch. I bet he will make a great DM because he won't have all the pressure. Question: Is this happening in your area? Let me know.

If you see any really special airfares covering June 10-20, let the National Office know. It's about time to start booking flights to the 1999 National Convention.
In a letter to an agent dropping off the HMA, the CSBSC Marketing Operations Manager says, "Under the Agreement the Companies have the right during the remaining period of the Agreement and for one year thereafter, to inspect your business, to interview your personnel and clients, to review and examine and audit all your records as may be considered by the Companies to be necessary or useful to verify compliance with the Agreement." For those of you who were told by your DM, "That will never happen," it appears you better think again.

OK, now I am really confused. I recently received a FedEx package on our new Flood Insurance program including a disk that I can load on my PC. The disk says Insurance Management Solutions Group, version 2.9, effective 5-1-99 and has a 800-490-9953 phone number printed on the disk. Today, I received a disk from Bankers Insurance (not American Bankers). The disk says Bankers Insurance Company, Version 2.9, Effective 5-1-99 and has the exact same 800 number. Does anyone know what is going on? This looks like we are writing for Bankers Insurance and not the management company. Or do I load one on the Sys36 and the other on my PC?????

Ralph Buchanan
President
United Farmers Agents Association