Difference between First and Third Party Claims Handling
Comes Down to Customer Service
Duty to Insured over third party claimants says Tony Abbott
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By Bryan Harrison, Harrison Promotional Services
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 MVCA President, John Tucker, right, thanks Tony Abbott for addressing the group. |
 Stu Ryland, of Probity Adjusting and Consulting at the March 16, 2007 luncheon. |
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 MVCA Golf Chair, Keven Crabb, with Blue Sky Cleaners, announced details of the June 29th event. |
 Tony Abbott, of Mayall, Hurley, Knutsen, Smith and Green, discussed 1st and 3rd party claims. |
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Abbott shares expertise with March MVCA gathering The expanded room at Dave Wong's was decorated with St. Patrick's Day festivity as the Mid-Valley Claims Association gathered for the monthly luncheon meeting Friday March 16, 2007. 2007 President John Tucker, a veteran claimsman with Gregory B. Bragg & Associates, Inc. welcomed the group with an acknowledgement of the growth that's happening. "It's good to see us need to expand the room to accommodate more people," he said. There to share his insight and expertise in handling first and third party losses was guest speaker Tony Abbott, of the Mayall, Hurley, Knutsen, Smith & Green law firm. Following the customary door prize drawings and pertinent announcments, Mr. Abbott gave a brief dissertation on the significant differences between working with your insured and a third party claimant in bringing a case to resolution. "This is a topic that could really take all day," he began. "In the end, though, it comes down to customer service," he stated. "You owe a duty of good faith and fair dealing with your insured, first and foremost," he stated. "It's the 'Golden Rule' principle," he explained. "Do we do that? I'm sorry, we don't," he said flatly. "We tend to treat first and third parties the same, and that is a mistake." He strongly suggested that adjusters do all they can to shorten time tables in working toward settlements. Not only does this present quality customer service but "allows the carrier to seize the initiative, as well," he said. Bottom line: "give a fair result," he said. As the insurance carrier representative "you are a fiduciary to the first party insured. Base your evaluation with a reflective good faith practice. Consider "what would a jury do," he suggested. "Impeachment (of your insured) is not effective. For difficult cases, he suggested that claims people consider mediation as a good and fair remedy. In other announcements on the day, MVCA Board Member and Golf Chair, Keven Crabb, of Blue Sky Cleaners, announced details on the upcoming 42nd annual Mid-Valley Claims Golf Tournament. To be held back at Dry Creek Golf Course in Galt (right off Hwy 99), the tournament has been moved up in date from last year's event. This year it will be held June 29th. So, now is the time to get your reservations and sponsorships in. Contact Keven, or complete the Golf Form and send it in ASAP. Thanks to all our March Door Prize Contributors |
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