First Responder Fees Claims Becoming Routine for Insurers

By Allan Ray and Marlin Zechman | September 5, 2011

  • May 30, 2017 at 1:01 pm
    AdjustThis! says:
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    In IL these charges have become absolutely mercenary. When they are not paid, the policyholder is given over to a collection agency to collect that which was never due in the first place. When your state is going on 3 years without a budget, I guess this is what you get.

    • May 16, 2019 at 1:50 pm
      Chris A says:
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      This is exactly what happens and if you have any interest in your emergency services being able to continue responding to your communities emergency’s when they occur, so start putting pressure on your insurance carrier who is the responsible party to reimburse your emergency services department. Think for yourself and don’t allow big business’s propaganda to confuse the truth. Beginning back in the 1700’s with Ben Franklin’s fire insurance company and others, insurance reimbursement was the SOP, and in other Countries, insurance carriers still fully fund fire departments and their response costs but somehow, insurance carriers started being able to get away with not pulling their share in the US, while still collecting our full premiums I might add! Our emergency services are basically “working for” insurance carriers and their responses and services rendered are a major reason insurance carriers are profiting so richly, and its time for the insurance carriers in the US who take our money for that purpose, to actually reimburse fire and rescue services for their costs incurred. So many fire departments are volunteer and are not funded by local government, and fire department doors are closing for good across America leaving those communities without any support whatsoever. What is stepping in to fill the gap are “for profit” fire departments, and you had better believe your going to have to pay when they come knocking on your door and it will be a sad day when the majority of fire departments in our Nation end up being “for profit” driven because VFD’s couldn’t operate due to not enough funding. Wake up America! Our communities are in trouble and our VFD’s could continue to survive and thrive if we just back their right to recover costs through insurance reimbursement! Don’t let insurance carriers lie to you, they are the ones being greedy, not our emergency services. Fight back by supporting your local VFD’s right to recover costs through insurance reimbursement, that’s why we have insurance! It doesn’t cost you anything extra (no matter what they try to tell you) and it could just save yours or someone you loves life by keeping your local emergency services group operational!

  • March 4, 2020 at 2:08 pm
    PAT LINTON says:
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    Please see letter written to each insurance company we bill for. Some have paid with no questions asked, several have refused and some with an attitude. Here is the letter I am planning to send to as many news papers as possible. Thank you Fidelity Medical Billing LLC.

    Why Should A Fire Department Bill Auto Insurance For Accidents

    Any person that needs to choose an auto insurance should, first check to see if that company pays the claims of an automobile accident to the volunteer fire departments. They should make sure that they do not pass it off as paid by taxes or by some grant. According to the county there are no ordinances that prevent the companies from billing for these services.
    Yes, a fire company is supported by our taxes, and they are volunteers and some do receive grants, but are we aware of the fact that because we have a fire company in our community, our taxes are lower; remove that company and we would see a difference in our taxes. Are we aware of the fact that the volunteer is not asking for payment for themselves, personally, but only for payment for the betterment of their companies’ equipment and firehouse? Our emergency fire response carries costs. Safety gear, gas, vehicle maintenance, training, communications and utilities are just a fraction of their costs. Their operation expenses are beyond the amount they receive from their taxes and grants. Therefore, they not only have to give of themselves to their company regarding the accidents or fires, but they have to be involved in outside barbeques, bingo nights, pizza nights, etc., all to help their company survive.
    Are we aware of what these volunteers go through to help the public? The concern and heaviness they feel when they face the loved one of a victim that was in an accident and the scene was gruesome, one that bares on their heart forever. They see those who must face a loss of limbs or babies thrown from a car. These volunteers must return home to their families and go to bed with this on their mind. Is there any wonder why they may have trouble sleeping or even may need counseling?
    Are we aware that there are hazardous materials that can cause cancer if they remove their gear in the wrong way? They cannot come in contact with this material. These materials sometimes are on the highways and the volunteers go to the scene to assist in cleaning up the spills. Do I need to go any farther with this? Should we worry about paying a few more dollars on our taxes to support our companies and volunteers.
    Was it not our First Responders who were there for our 9-11 victims in New York? Is it true that many states sent First Responders to help the victims of the 9-11 tragedy? Do we consider the safety of these volunteers, when they are out at night to assist someone who is trapped in their car, and they are out placing cones, directing traffic in the night? I personally know of someone who was struck putting out cones, for the safety of those passing by; yet he is still out there today putting himself out for those who need him.
    How selfish and inconsiderate it is to think about ourselves and our pocket, when someone is out volunteering their service for something we would not do. They are out in all kinds of weather, storms etc. helping to save someone who is crying for help. We sit at home in our warm, dry homes, safe knowing our loved ones are at home. We do not have to be concerned about what belongs to us.
    I think we should take a good look at the value of a volunteer. I do not say this to condemn because a few months ago, I did not understand their value as I should have. It was not until I became involved with the company myself by hearing and seeing what they go through. Now when I go by a wreck or see them out directing traffic with a car that has overturned, I stop and think about how proud we should be that we still have volunteers who want to assist with traffic control or sawing down a tree to get to the person inside the car. You don’t really know until it hits you or yours.

    Thank you,

    Someone who cares



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