We understand that reaching out to your insurance company is not typically a top contender on your list of fun things to do. However, how we answer your call can lead to a surprisingly positive experience.
The small team responsible for the automated phone system that answers your call and routes you to the correct parties knew it was time to refresh the voice prompting callers to choose their appropriate call destination.
Through a very “scientific” approach of walking around and listening to employees conversing with policyholders, one employee stood out from the rest as the perfect candidate for the project. Her diction was clear and she was highly upbeat and personable.
Let us introduce you to Kelly, the new voice of California Casualty.
Kelly has been with California Casualty for 15 years, interacting with customers in a variety of jobs from Sales, Underwriting, Customer Service and our specialized Agency Services department.
It didn’t surprise Kelly’s manager that she was the top choice for the project. She sits next to Kelly and knows the pride Kelly takes in providing solutions for customers with her “soothing style.”
Kelly was more than happy to help. It felt natural, given her focus on connecting with customers through just her voice. She shared some insight regarding her phone etiquette: “I watch my tone and pace so clients get a clear understanding of what I’m saying and the products we have to offer.”
Here are a few of the compliments Kelly has received from customers:
“Kelly is the most professional, courteous, energetic and kind person I have every spoken with.”
“Kelly was very concise, attentive and very pleasant to speak with.”
Luckily for Kelly (and her manager), it only took a few days in a local studio to get all of the messages recorded. The quick turnaround time just proved again that she was perfect for the project.
The next time you call us, listen carefully. The voice you’ll hear will now have a familiar face.
TAKEAWAY: Reach out to California Casualty and hear Kelly anytime at 1.800.800.9410.
Our Education Blogger is a public school teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s an active NEA member and enjoys writing about her experiences in the classroom.
Creating the “perfect” classroom seating arrangement is one of the more challenging aspects of teaching. It seems to be a never-ending puzzle! A good classroom seating arrangement allows students to be focused on learning, and that can only occur when other nuances are addressed.
Consider each student’s needs and challenges. Students who are easily distracted should be placed in an area of the room that provides the least amount of possible interruptions. If a student has visual or hearing complications, seat them where they can easily see and hear instruction. A student who needs to leave the room during class time for other services (speech, gifted, etc.) may prefer to be seated near the door to avoid feeling uncomfortable when leaving. A talkative student may need to be situated with as few classmates as possible. Do any students have physical limitations that requires equipment or accessibility?
2. Peer Tutors
Are there students in your class that could potentially be peer teachers to others? Seat these students near others who struggle academically or behaviorally. Be sure to spread them out among your seating arrangement. Don’t overuse this strategy, as it may be uncomfortable for your stronger students. They don’t ALWAYS have to be a peer teacher, sometimes they just enjoy being a student.
3. Student Organization
Allow your less organized students a little extra space. This may be at the end of a row or the corner of a group. If their supplies happen to “overflow,” it won’t cause problems with neighboring students. This is a bigger deal at the elementary level if students keep their supplies in their desks.
4. Teaching Style
Think about your own teaching styles and the desk arrangements that will benefit your instruction. Do you spend most of your time lecturing from a certain location in the classroom? What about classroom technology, like projectors, SmartBoards, or access to laptops? Is group collaboration often used?
Here are a few Free Desk Arrangement Generators to check out:
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters and nurses. Get a quote at 1.800.800.9410 or www.calcas.com.
Accidents happen. You may or may not know what to do, and what notto do, if you are involved in a crash.
After the screeching of tires and crunching of metal is over, the first thing is to make sure everyone is okay. Then it’s time to deal with the other driver, see if there are any witnesses, and exchange information – but you are rattled, upset and maybe not thinking clearly.
Here are key things that you should do:
Get the name, phone number and insurance policy number of the other driver(s)
Get the license plate numbers, year, make and model of the other vehicle(s)
If possible, take pictures that not only show the damage but the position of the vehicles – what lanes they are in, etc.
Get names and contact information of any witnesses
Be observant of the actions of the others involved
Call the nearest law enforcement agency and make a report
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
Things you shouldn’t do:
Don’t admit fault or apologize
Don’t lose control of your emotions
Don’t let the other party take a picture of your driver’s license (the National Association of Insurance Commissioners warns that information can be used by identity thieves)
Don’t leave the scene before you exchange information
Don’t accept money from the other party to avoid reporting the crash to insurance
While you should report all accidents to your insurance company, law enforcement may not need to be called for a minor non-injury collision. Be sure to obtain all the pertinent information in case you decide to file a report.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has produced a Wreck Check safety pamphlet that every driver should carry. You can find a link from the California Casualty Resource Page, www.calcas.com/resources.
There are a few other important things our adjusters want people to know:
Make sure to get the correct contact information and license plate of the other vehicle(s) involved
Make sure to give your best contact number or email to help speed up their claim
Make sure to report any hit-and-run crashes to law enforcement and provide as much information as possible
The summer storm season is here. There has been record flooding, a rash of tornadoes, and an increase of insurance claims due to hail in many areas of the country. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that hail causes $1 billion dollars in damage to property and crops every year, and the combination of wind, hail, and flood account for over $16 billion in insured damage. Severe weather losses have risen dramatically in the past few years due to increased repair costs and the severity of the storms.
Are you prepared? A major storm is no time to find your possessions are below the water line or you have nothing to cover your windows if they should be blown or broken out. Here are things you can do now:
Survey your property for flood potential, levees, etc.
Make sure trees on your property are healthy and properly trimmed
Check and clean gutters and downspouts
Have your roof inspected to make sure it is still waterproof and will shed excess rain
Install a sump pump in basements ( many experts recommend a second battery-powered sump pump in case of excess water or if there’s a power outage)
Install shutters to protect your home from high winds and hail
If you don’t have shutters, make sure you have boards 5/8 exterior grade or marine plywood to cover windows and doors
Make sure you have flood and sewage backup coverage
If possible, park your vehicle in a covered spot or in a garage
Know safe evacuation routes and have a family communication plan if you get separated
Before the next storm hits, it’s important to make sure you have the proper insurance and understand what is and is not covered. Here are things you need to know:
Most homeowners insurance does not cover the flooding from high water. Separate flood insurance needs to be purchased.
Most homeowners insurance covers hail, wind and lightning damage to your property, often with a deductible that you pay first.
You must have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy to cover your vehicle from hail, flood, or damage from falling trees or limbs. It also usually comes with a deductible.
Here is what you should do if you suspect your home or car has suffered storm damage:
Document the time, date and severity of the storm
Contact your insurance company
Work only with licensed contractors for repairs and check with the Better Business Bureau to prevent fraud
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
We understand that reaching out to your insurance company is not typically a top contender on your list of fun things to do. However, how we answer your call can lead to a surprisingly positive experience.
