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FARA and FPRA scores are used to "predict future losses." Fair Isaac says "An Insurance Bureau Score is a snapshot of your insurance risk picture at a particular point in time." Now, correct me if I am wrong, but those seem to be contradictory statements.
Yet another "Dear Colleagues: letter is in the mail dated October 30, 2001. Amazingly, the issues addressed in the latest letter were raised by UFAA.
1. Viruses: They said, "To think that Farmers would intentionally 'send' a virus to the field is just incredible. Again, a rumor designed to hurt Farmers." Instead of saying, "Unfortunately, mixed with real issues are UNFOUNDED [emphasis added] rumors, which appear to be designed to damage Farmers." they might admit the truth. We did say the first training CD-ROM for Biznet contained a virus. And it did. On February 13, 2001, the Farmers Marketing Message Screen said, "Approximately 10 days ago, we notified you that the training CD ... contained a virus." A virus that UFAA identified and notified our members about immediately rather than waiting over ten days as they did. The message screen also advised agents that it was safe to use the virus infected CD as long as it wasn't downloaded, an incredible piece of bad advice. UFAA notified our members immediately to NOT use the CD under any circumstances. The message screen also said that the "Code Red II" virus attacked the Farmers network and effected the dashboard. Recently about 20 agents called UFAA Technology about getting a virus when attempting to take the Fair Access test. UFAA immediately posted the information and instructed our members how to fix the problem. Hardly "unfounded" rumors. And our intentions were to help our members, which is exactly what we did. And never once did UFAA say that the virus was sent intentionally.
2. Fair Access Agent Training. It's about time they admitted why agents are being harassed to take a 25-question, self-correcting test. They say, "The program was developed in response to ALLEGATIONS OF DISCRIMINATION BY FARMERS AGENTS [emphasis added] in the quoting of insurance." The Associated Press quoted Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery as saying, "Farmers Insurance Group will pay $4.3 million to settle an Ohio case that claimed THE COMPANY REFUSED TO INSURE [emphasis added] homeowners in minority neighborhoods..." That seems to be two, somewhat different, interpretations of what happened. And, according to the Associated Press, the problem stemmed from underwriting rules that prevented agents from adding replacement cost coverage to homes built prior to 1950.
3. Fire Commissions. "We do not anticipate a commission change in the near future." That's a pleasant and appreciated surprise. But, as we all know, not all of their "promises" are kept. And when they originally announced the commission cut, Marty came back with, "They did what they thought was right at the time." and rescinded the cut. They also said they have hired an outside consulting firm to conduct a "study of agent commissions." I would bet that every agent reading that letter knows exactly what that "outside consultant" will recommend and it wont be an increase in commissions!
"One of our core values is 'Trust.'" The virus problem was not a "rumor." It was real. If the Fair Access test was a settlement condition, the Company chose not to disclose that fact, but you can thank UFAA for letting you know the "rest of the story". Abut not divulged to the agency force until UFAA discovered the case. I would be very surprised if the fire commissions were not cut based on the recommendation of that anonymous alleged "outside consulting firm." There is the truth.
Enjoy reading the letter.
Have a great day.
Ralph
** Think and act like an Independent Contractor and a
businessperson.
** Keep UFAA informed of what is happening in your area.