Miss. Congressman Calls for Federal Probe into Insurers’ Katrina Practices

January 10, 2007

  • January 10, 2007 at 9:14 am
    OmniSure says:
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    Since the carriers are calling the primary contributor to the property damage STORM SURGE (excluded) They are offering, what… 10percent, 20percent, 30percent maybe 50percent in some cases of the coverage A limit for reiumbursement on the wind and zip for the surge. Effectively they are saying it is unlikely that the WIND caused the majority of the damage, after all, it seems much more ligical for a home to be reduced to rubble from a TIDAL WAVE/STORM SURGE than from hurricane force winds, RIGHT?

    Than explain to me how 3Billion of property damage occured in Florida after Hurricane Andrew in 1992? There wasn\’t one drop of flood or storm surger in Miami with Andrew. Andrew reduced, even multi story, commercial, reinforced, concrete buildings to rubble with just WIND.

    I wonder if Scrugs will juxtopose Andrew and Katrina during the trial, it would WIN the case for him.

    Now where are my Andrew photos? Oh, here they are, yes Dickie, you can call me now.

    PS: When hurricanes and floods/storm surge occur simultaneously and damage a house, the industry should come up with a factor for EACH carrier, NFIP FLOOD, EXCESS FLOOD & WIND CARRIER to pay their PRO RATA SHARE of the loss, subject to coinsurance penalty for underinsurance. That would end the bickering and add clarity to the debacle of simultaneous loss. AND DICKIE WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF A JOB!

  • January 10, 2007 at 12:19 pm
    Tom says:
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    With elected officials like this, it\’s a wonder anything good ever gets done. Maybe the industry denied flood claims, because that\’s what the policies say, and that\’s what happened.

    This guy also doesn\’t have a clue about the federal antitrust laws. The limited exemption available to the insurance industry allows for sharing of \”blind\” data so rates can be more accurate, because of larger numbers. Take that away, and just how long does anyone think the smaller state or regional companies will last.

    Collusion, as the congressman suggests but offers no proof, was, is and always has been illegal. Maybe the guy should pay more attention to the 3,000+ dead Americans in Iraq, the lack of decent affordable health care in this country, the failure of our education system to keep up with the world, etc. On the other hand, if he know no more about those then about insurance, maybe it\’s best that he doesn\’t get involved.

  • January 10, 2007 at 12:58 pm
    Zman says:
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    Mr. Taylor obviously has little understanding of the insurance industry or its anti-trust exemption. It\’s a shame that our public representatives grand-stand and bloviate on issues like this rather than devote their efforts toward productive purposes.

  • January 10, 2007 at 1:01 am
    Julio says:
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    OMG! If he thinks things are bad now with the involvement of the feds, how does he think it would get any better with MORE fed involvement? Maybe his brother needs a job and this is one way to guarantee him one.

  • January 10, 2007 at 2:25 am
    Banana says:
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    In Philadelphia, where the murder rate is now one death for each day of the New Year & going towards an even higher number than last year, our government is patroling local restaurants, cafe\’s & deli\’s to ensure that the new smoking ban is enforced.

    It\’s really a shame that we keep voting these idiots back into office again ana again.

    The last election I used my vote to vote out every encumbent that was running. Personally I am sick to death of these guys & if everyone followed suit maybe, just maybe, there would be change.

    Off with their heads!!!

  • January 10, 2007 at 4:15 am
    Court says:
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    Ahh, the court of public opinion! What a blooming idiot. The only reason Taylor is miffed is because he could not ride herd over the carrier that was on solid ground. With less than half the residents returning after 16 months, one would think the policians would see the writing on the wall. Banana has the right idea: We hired them, we can fire them!! It is truly unfortunate that they return to office, but we have met the enemy and it is us!

  • January 10, 2007 at 5:56 am
    HUM says:
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    Yep…In most cases I would agree. In this case however, I wouldn\’t count your chickens before they are hatched. If everything the Insurance carriers was on the up and up, they should have nothing to hide, however its telling that State Farm is nearing a settlement that very well might pay out several hundred million dollars to claimants in exchange for a criminal probe into their post Katrina practices being dropped by the state of Mississippi. Seems to me they are buying their way out of trouble. If they really had nothing to hide they would have nothing to fear so they wouldn\’t settle.
    Only time will tell.

  • January 11, 2007 at 9:26 am
    Julio says:
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    It doesn\’t matter how much was paid… it matters how much was legitimate claims. I lived in FL during Andrew, and the fraud was rampant. Still is, and probably will always be. Same for Katrina.

  • January 11, 2007 at 12:45 pm
    Jeff says:
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    During the aftermath of Hurricane Camille, it was difficult to determine whether property was damage by wind, by water, or by both…..
    I do not think alot has changed since Camille, although I am not an engineer, Hurricane Katrina and Rita produced both wind and water damage, and if any insurer including State Farm is suggested that there was absolutely no damage from wind and it was all from water….then I\’m sorry, but, there just not doing the right thing..!!

  • January 12, 2007 at 2:44 am
    Miss America says:
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    This is the first time that I have seen Politicians stand up for the people.
    Going up against the system and demanding justice for all.
    How can you complain about that.
    We are divided in too many ways.
    Listen to what \”The People\” are trying to say.
    We paid State Farm to Protect our Homes
    from a Hurricane.
    They Lied, Cheated & Stole our Money then left us in the rain.
    We know the power that the Industry has,
    without these power of these men,
    we would still be in the rain.

    We did not cause Katrina.
    We are not lying about our claim.
    They lied to deny us and
    water is who they blamed.

    Scruggs is a man that will bring them to their knees. One and One is two my friend and the truth will prevail.

    It\’s time we have our Elected Politicians
    help us fight for our rights.

    I applaud the following gentlemen…
    G. Taylor, T.Lott, Scruggs & Hood & them,
    These were the only men
    that stood up to defend
    the Innocent Working American.

    A clash in Power… but in the end,
    we need to change America…
    This is what we\’re fighting for.

    If they do not regulate the Industry,
    you can be then next Victim.

  • January 12, 2007 at 1:33 am
    bob laublaw says:
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    The men you love are crooks and you can have them. You post is hilarious, thanks for the good laugh. My office laughed as well. Enjoy your view way up in the clouds.

  • January 12, 2007 at 2:51 am
    Penny says:
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    Allstate adjuster walks thru & around our home. Documents issues… this is a result of flood, this is a result of wind-damage\” Goes back to Allstate… waiting for check… it never arrives… but they have conveniently \’REASSIGNED\” the honest adjuster. the next guy, \”the closer\” is ruthless. doesn\’t care what the first adjuster says, he doesn\’t care… tells us he doesn\’t care and then offers us about $3000. This is about a $50K difference!!! Then I hear from other friends, neighbors, co-workers… All of the insurance companies are doing the same thing! Tell me they\’re not in it TOGETHER!!

  • January 12, 2007 at 5:29 am
    OSay Can U C I\'M LADY LIBERT says:
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    Crooks? They are not….Crooks.
    What did they steal?
    You say they are Crooks….
    Well…

    At least these so called Crooks
    grabbed the loot from the Pirates
    and gave it back to us.

    So, Now….Lets call them ROBINHOOD…

    Mr. Taylor, Lott & Scruggs
    Threw State Farm…
    Under The Bus!….

    They have turned Bad Neighbors into
    Good Neighbors.
    I am happy for all.
    We\’ve been thru too much….
    it has taken a toll.

    How can you look the other way
    when you are also an American?

    Insurance Companies denied wind claims.
    200 Miles Per Hour ….she blew
    She took our homes & businesses.
    She even blew The Superdome.
    They blamed the water to try to win,
    they betrayed every American.

    She blew the roof off of WLOX…
    News Crews & Camera Men ran for their lives…
    and You can see the green grass outside…
    All on tape and it\’s evidence you see
    but again & Arrogantly…
    Refused to Pay Wind Claims & Lied…
    They tried to coverer it up & hide.
    They used their power to stop these men
    from the beginning of the Investigation.
    They tried to block…every step of the way
    but this was nothing to these Powerful Men.
    especially with Scruggs leading them.

    You should be honest…at least
    with yourself.
    We are American & This must End.
    It\’s time to come together again.

    We Paid … They Denied
    We Complained….They Lied

    Where are the Honorable Men?
    Could you trust One with
    your savings or even ten?

    I can\’t find one… not even in Church
    Can\’t trust them married or even in bed.

    Where were all the other men…
    that are also on America\’s Payroll?
    Taylor, Lott, and Jim Hood…
    Forever will be called Robin hood.
    They were the ones that fought
    for you & me.

    This is the first time that I see…
    Politicians fighting to help me.

    Katrina\’s win blew so hard…
    she showed us lots of Theft & Fraud….
    The Industry said it was not the wind,
    that\’s why she took homes of Powerful Men.
    Before it\’s over… & in the end,
    I think we\’ll find Katrina, a friend.

    Seek the Truth & ye shall find….
    What they\’ve been doing all of this time.
    You say they have nothing to hide…
    but now we\’ll see …what is inside.

    Our God is the reason & he want\’s us to know…
    be good to each other or
    the winds he will let blow.

    But this is what I want you to know….
    It took Katrina & a few Powerful Men…
    The South does have a new Robin Hood!

  • January 12, 2007 at 5:37 am
    Lady Liberty says:
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    PENNY..
    It just takes time….
    In the end, the truth will prevail and the wolves will be denounced by name.
    This is the reason why God allowed Katrina to take everything we owned.

    We shall rise again!

    I am singing….in the rain….

  • January 15, 2007 at 9:23 am
    Julio says:
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    I hope you are all happy, and enjoy your lives in a place WITHOUT insurance (affordable or otherwise). Don\’t even come looking to me when the next one hits…

  • January 15, 2007 at 1:41 am
    bob laublaw says:
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    Robin Hood was still a crook no matter how you look at it.

  • January 15, 2007 at 2:18 am
    Mr Genious says:
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    During the next major hurricane every township should have a special set of cameras fixed on a few different houses that can be used to give a general idea of what actually damaged the \”average\” home in the area. It wouldnt be fool proof, but if I can show video from a house a few miles away where the roof blows off, that helps me prove my case. Great idea???

  • January 15, 2007 at 2:47 am
    Lady Liberty says:
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    To: Julio
    Call me when it\’s your turn.
    When you try to collect but get denied.

    The government has to step in.

    FEMA can sell Hurricane Insurance,
    Including Flood & Wind

    This will end the argument & protect Homeonwers too.

    End the Piracy by taking this business away from the Pirates that
    committed acts of Mutiny,

    They continue to profit from selling Hurricane Insurance,

    with A Hurricane Deductible…. BUT

    without coverage for WIND OR WATER. lol

    It\’s just like if you wrecked your car.
    Only to have the Insurance Deny your claim because they had a bump in the road.
    Then have Americans say, Read your policy.
    Now you have a car note but can\’t drive your car and got screwed on top of that.
    Lost your job because you could not get to work and now your credit is screwed too. Interest on another car will be even higher with bad credit.

    This will happen again. It\’ could be you.

    PS FEMA PAYS… THEY NEVER LIED
    FEMA Paid 100%

    Our Good Neighbors…Denied 100% wind

    To: Mr. Genious:

    \”Anyone that had Katrina Video Evidence
    was Paid, In Full, & On the Spot\”
    Quotes from a State Farm Agent

    Why didn\’t they use the video\’s in court?

    To: Boblaub
    Robinhood IS ONE CROOK…
    State Farm has Crooks all over.

  • January 15, 2007 at 2:53 am
    The Saints says:
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    The South is Rising Again.

    Thank You Baby Jesus…

    I love God & My Country,

    This is Sweet Liberty

    THIS IS WHAT WE\’RE FIGHTING FOR…

  • January 15, 2007 at 3:13 am
    Lady Liberty says:
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    THE SOUTH IS RISING AGAIN….
    Thank You Sweet Jesus…

    Why can\’t you people see what this Industry has done to your fellow man.

    This is What We Are Fighting For?

    We Paid for Flood.
    We read the policy too.

    FEMA / Flood paid 100%

    FEMA DID NOT DENY A CLAIM OR TRY TO BLAME MR. WIND FOR ANY DAMAGE.

    UNLIKE OUR GOOD NEIGHBORS…
    THEY TRIED TO BLAME MR. WATER FOR ALL.
    THEY TRIED TO BLOCK THE INVESTIGATION.

    They Lied & Tried to use their power to stop the investigation.

    Katrina winds 200 MPS
    blew the covers off the industry…
    They Lied, They Cheated & now they must pay.

    This is not about water!!!!!

    State Farm blamed the water before anyone could get to see their damaged home.

    Are you too stupid to see what they have done to their own…
    Strangers came to our aide.
    Our own people, in the USA.
    No one owed us except for the Insurance Companies that we paid to protect our homes from a financial disaster.

    MY HOME IS STILL STANDING…
    STATE FARM REFUSED TO PAY $1.00
    THEY DENIED LOSS OF USE BENEFITS TOO
    \”HOME UNINHABITALBE BECAUSE OF WATER\”

    A category 5 : blew the roof off of the superdome a, blew high rise windows out of hotels & casinos from LA to MS?

    How can you anyone say Katrina did not do wind damage?
    Open the dictionary to Hurricane?
    Katrina listed in World Book Encloypedia as the worst disaster in USA history.

    Mutiny by State Farm is what they have done to innocent Americans that trusted and that paid them.

    No Wind Damage? Added Insult to Injury .

    However,
    They will be Good Neighbors when they pay punitive damages for what they have done.

    God Bless America.
    Land that I love.

  • January 16, 2007 at 7:00 am
    Will says:
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    Bottom line is this: It was/is assine for an insurance company to stand on the \”water took it all idea\”…. in many cases there were sustained Cat 2+ winds for as much as 6-8 hours before water unindated some of these homes. The foolish thing to say was when SF stated that it was possible that NO damage occured not even a shingle. These people got a policy limit verdict because SF and many of the other carriers just wrote it all off to water if your home was at or below the surge line. All most wanted was a resonable settle that wind was at least partially responsible for the destruction of the home. In my particular case I was able to prove and the insurance company agreed,(after a 8 month fight ) that there was substantial damage to the home from tornadic/micro burst activity. I received a tad over 50% of the policy limits enforce. Nothing is cut a dried, and I would also agree that the punitive is over the top. Hell my rates had already tripled in the previous 7 years.

  • January 30, 2007 at 5:47 am
    Insured by Snake Farm says:
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    Does anyone know what it takes to be hired as an Adjuster,
    to go out of state to a disaster area and evaluate damages?

    Either the Adjusters
    \”Did not know what they were doing\”
    or they
    Knew exactly what to do & how to do it.

    They all agreed, Water Damage or Surge.
    Hummmm
    Did they have the same boss/coach/teacher?

  • February 3, 2007 at 8:02 am
    American Woman says:
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    Keep his numbers current and do not use his name until he is in a courtroom.
    You don\’t want to risk loosing him.
    The truth is on the way.
    I caught my ADJUSTER lying.
    My Agent was programmed in what to say
    and how to say it.
    A little more time and help is on the way,\’
    Lets hope that we get a policy that will cover our next home before another Katrina hits.

  • February 3, 2007 at 9:11 am
    Lady Liberty says:
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    I am proud to see American Men Fighting for our rights. It brings back the Spirit of America. We have more wars inside America then we do outside from the Top to the bottom. From the White House to the bedrooms of America,
    Everyone\’s looking for something.
    and when they find it they no longer want it. Time to take care of each other.

    If the USA can spend $2 Billion a week in IRAQ, we better be able to provide the American Homeowners to buy a policy that will guarantee financial protection for any natural disaster.
    No If, Ands, Buts, Excuses or Exclusions.

    This is America.
    This is Our Land.
    Provide Fair Policy
    or hit the sand!

  • February 3, 2007 at 12:44 pm
    Sheron Weiss says:
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    My son stayed untill daylight on 2nd st. in Pass Christian. He is lucky to be alive but he knows what type of damage was done by the wind. My adjuster told me not to worry. I had alot of wind damage and State Farm was going to take good care of me. He called me back that same night to appologize. He said when he got back to the office with his report, it was taken away from him and he had been taken off my case. In addition they demanded his personal notes and photos. He refused to give them up. He said he didn\’t like what State Farm was doing to me and told me to keep his card. He also told me that if I needed him for anything to call him. I want my story heard. (228)697-3695



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