IIABA Continues Kat Relief Efforts

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America has increased its contribution to its Katrina Relief fund to $100,000 and is receiving substantial contributions from others to help agents get back on their feet.

The Alexandria, Va.-based association's chief executive officer said IIABA's National Board voted last week to increase the donation to the Big "I" Katrina Relief Fund from its initial $10,000 when it announced the establishment of the fund two weeks ago.

IIABA said it has received contributions from insurers Safeco and OneBeacon of $25,000 each; $20,000 from the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents; and $10,000 from Encompass.

Member brokers from IIABA in Japan also made an undisclosed contribution to the fund during the association's annual convention in New York last week.

"There is no more important cause for our national and state associations than helping out our fellow agents, brokers and their employees, and their families in this time of great need," Mr. Rusbuldt said in a statement. "Anything we can do, we will do."

The association said it has sent hundreds of catastrophe packs to Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi state associations. The packs include essential field items such as windbreakers, ponchos, flashlights, hard hats, clipboards, shirts and duffle bags.

The association said it also is providing free Hurricane Katrina resource information through its Virtual University at www.independentagent.com/VU/NonMember/DisasterResources.htm.

InsurBanc, of which IIABA is a partial owner, is offering a special loan program to qualifying agents. Information is available by contacting InsurBanc at 866-467-2622 or lending@insurbanc.com.

Agents also can obtain information on flood programs through the Big "I" Flood Program at flood@iiaba.net.

The association said the Big "I" Professional Liability Program, provided by GE Insurance Solutions and underwritten by Westport Insurance Corporation, suspended all cancellations and non-renewals on insurance agency professional liability policies issued after Aug. 19. The moratorium will stay in effect until Oct. 31.

The Independent Insurance Agent & Brokers of Louisiana and the Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi have established contact information areas on their sites at www.iiabl.com and www.msagent.org for agents and customers.

Checks can be made out to the Big "I" Katrina Relief Fund and mailed to:

Big "I" Katrina Relief Fund

c/o InsurBanc

10 Executive Drive

Farmington, CT 06032

Credit card contributions can be made at www.insurbanc.com.