INSURANCE INSIDER RAISES CRUCIAL ISSUE

Are you hoping against hope or are you "Well" prepared for disaster? 'Cause Knowing Counts! Recent Changes In "Standard Insurance Policy" Wording Are Unsettling. You Think You Are Prepared For Disaster. Now You're Thinking Again.

(PRWEB) October 12, 2003 --
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Introduction:
Behind the scenes there is a calamity well underway. No, not a fire, earthquake, hurricane or some other catastrophe, but something much less noticeable: insurance policy wording is silently changing, richly favoring insurance companies in the event of such disasters.

INSURANCE INSIDER RAISES CRUCIAL ISSUE

If you've always thought you were prepared for disaster because you carried insurance, Tony Braga's internet site may have you thinking again. "Behind the scenes there is a calamity well underway. No, not a fire, earthquake, hurricane or some other catastrophe, but something much less noticeable: insurance policy wording is silently changing, richly favoring insurance companies in the event of such disasters," according to Braga. After adjusting claims for several insurance companies, Braga said he found one common element: a public in the dark. So he created a Web site: www.DisasterPrepared.net.

"The other day, while visiting a law library, I was alarmed to find that "Standard Policy" wording has been changed so as to favor the insurance company. The policyholders' technical authority to file a formal claim (demand for payment)--which few policyholders ever exercise--and the Appraisal process for resolving disputes, have all but been eliminated; and many regulations and rules for insurance companies have been changed in the companies' favor. Some of the changes in policy wording are outlined at: http://www.sure-net.com/board/messages/361.html A Post-mortem." It's later than you think and it is time we are aware," said Braga.

Features on Braga's resource-rich site include:

Free Claim Advice-- Policyholders can get professional claim advice on property insurance claims, for fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, earthquake, or other disaster: http://www.sure-net.com/board/index.html

"Policy Ensurance"-- ISBN 0-939206-02-1: the awareness/preparedness book for property insurance policyholders. Excerpts and ordering details are offered: http://www.sure-net.com/contents.html

Internet surfers can get their free copy of "How to get What You Deserve," insurance claim rights, by visiting: http://www.sure-net.com/rights.html (sent immediately by autoresponder).

Braga addressed the American Council on Consumer Interests at its annual conference in Washington, DC and made a call on consumers to win back their intrinsic rights and authority: http://www.sure-net.com/address.html

"If there is one thing I am sure of, it's that most insurance consumers have not had access to fundamental insurance claim rights and information, such as how to figure, file and settle insurance claims (considerably different than merely reporting a loss), not to mention insurance company timely obligations, responsibilities, and rules that tell us what we should expect from them. And now, recent changes mean we can expect less.

More so than ever, the mere assumption that you are in good hands, without knowing what it is you are entitled to, is just leaving too much to chance," Braga said.

About the author: Mr. Braga's insurance adjusting experience began in 1960, and he first published as a consumer advocate in 1977. His story can be found at http://www.sure-net.com/assumptions.html
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"It is time that someone publishes a book of this nature. As Regulators, we are aware that most policyholders are not aware. . .We wish you all the success. . .Your intent and foresight is commended."
--State of Hawaii USA
Department of Insurance