Phyllis Van Wyhe
CPCU, CIC, CSP

The Van Wyhe Group

E-NewsLetter

PO Box 4130
Waukesha, WI 53187
Phone (800)326-4741

Fax (800)476-294

April 1, 2009

 21st Century Insurance

The airwaves have been inundated with commercials for 21st Century Insurance and agents have been calling me to see what I know about the company.  Visit their website at 21st.com and you will find that their mission is to be the kind of insurance provider you need in our technology-driven, internet-connected culture.  “You live in the 21st century. Isn’t it about time your car insurance company joined you there?”  I decided to take them for a test drive. After getting a quote on their website, I called the number provided to get answers to two questions.  Jose told me I had called the wrong department, but was helpful, and eventually found the answers on his computer.  He then offered to transfer me to sales for more complete information.  Bridgett in sales was able to pull up my quote and give me the cost for including Underinsured Motorist coverage but did not know why I had not been offered the coverage.  She was clueless about the optional coverage, “Rental Loss Damage Waiver Coverage,” that was mentioned but not described on the website.  She first tried bluffing and then agreed to go find the answer.  She came back with an explanation that made little sense and was contrary to what Jose had read from his manual.  Did I tell you this company has the distinction of being one of only four national auto insurance providers to be recognized by J.D. Power for their outstanding customer service? 

21st Century Insurance is currently an AIG company, however, AIG is reported to be in advanced talks to sell their entire U.S. auto insurance unit to Swiss insurer, Zurich Financial Services.  The unit being sold includes the 21st Century Insurance Group business.  Hang in there Bridgett!  I’m certain the Swiss will be able to afford both multi-million dollar executive bonuses and the basic training you so desperately need.

Speaking of AIG

Considering AIG’s fourth quarter commercial net premiums written were down over 22% from the same period last year, maybe a name change is in order.  AIG also announced it would form a general insurance holding company to include its Commercial Insurance Group, Foreign General unit, and other property-casualty operations.  The new unit will be called AIU Holdings Inc. and will have a management and brand distinct from AIG.  Who can blame them from wanting to get as far away as possible from the pariah that AIG has become?

Don’t be the Last to Know

The only thing certain today is change.  When I see change, I always ask, “What are the insurance implications?”  This year I am doing a number of seminars that focus on some of the changes in our economy and our society.  In April, I am bringing “Vacancy, Foreclosure, and Declining Values” to Ohio.  In May, I look at “Fraud in a Recession” in Michigan.  And Wisconsin agents explore two emerging issues in “Handling Privacy and Confidentiality” in May and June.  Indiana agents will have to wait until July for one of these and the wraps are still on that program.  Join me, share your experiences, and learn from other agents.  You don’t have to face the rapidly-changing environment by yourself. 

Quote of the Month

“In today’s regulatory environment it is virtually impossible to violate rules.  This is something that the public really doesn’t understand… It is impossible for a violation to go undetected.”
Bernard Madoff on October 20, 2007
Words of Wisdom
“You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.”
Winston Churchill

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