Update #99-19

The United Farmers Agents Association
"Journey to 3000"

June 21, 1999

Update #99-19

What a great convention!!!! Over 110 delegates from all over the country met in Las Vegas for 2 ½ days to discuss our Association and how we can move ahead in the future. Ask your Chapter President for more details.

EasyPay was a major discussion item. Hundreds and hundreds of accounts are being lost by agents in EasyPay states because of EasyPay problems. That's not right. One questions frequently heard was, "Who invented that program?" One agent said an accounting firm. Another answer was, "We bought it from an airline company." Or, "The Farmers programmers wrote the program." Does anyone have any real evidence who is responsible for EasyPay?

Things are starting to heat up in the Butler Higgins v Farmers Insurance lawsuit. Major Langer, the lawyer for Butler Higgins, addressed the Assembly and answered many questions asked by the delegates.

A Colorado member just had an interesting experience in the work comp arena. His rates are very good but he is getting significant pricing pressure from a "Newcomer" to the Denver area. One of his accounts just got a quote that was substantially lower than Farmers. The newcomer was Superior National. Is Superior National a part of that world famous Zurich Financial Services empire?

"Show me your 1099 from XYZ Insurance Company." "Show me your tax returns." "Show me …" "Show me …" If I feel that my tax records are personal and confidential, what do I do if a representative of the management company demands to see them? It's happening now folks.

"Operation Restore" "State-of-the-art technology" Agents that are calling hope the promises are true and have asked whether the technology can be applied to APPS, FPPS and EasyPay. I certainly don't know the answer.

"The district office is receiving an inappropriate number of 3rd and final requests for reinspections. This is not optional. They need to be done. Please call the district office if you need help. We will provide the inspections at a nominal price." When the agent called the DM, he was told the price was $10 and the district reserve agents would be paid $5 to do the work.

Ralph Buchanan
President
United Farmers Agents Association