Season's Greetings and Hot Buttered Rum

BCMG wishes all its employees, clients, and friends a wonderful Holiday Season.  For all of you, but particularly our friends up north, here’s a little southern tradition you might want to try to warm yourself up inside.

Season’s Greetings and enjoy!

Hot Buttered Rum

8 cups apple cider
6 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
15 whole allspice berries
10 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks, broken into small bits
5 tsp. dark honey
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 cups dark rum
Boil first 6 ingredients about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add butter, stir till melted, strain into 8 warm mugs, and divide rum among them.

Source: Garden & Gun Magazine (Online Edition)  http://gardenandgun.com/hot-buttered-rum 

What Claims Professionals Can Learn from... Tim Tebow

      In an article in Property Casualty 360, by Christopher Tidball, he explores ways claims professionals can use Tim Tebow's unconventional methods on the field to see similar successful results in the office.  As this industry can become very structured and seemingly monotonous at times, it is those who dare to be quirky and different that see results in a whole new way.
      As mentioned here, at BCMG we are not exactly Florida fans, but there is no denying the success of Tim Tebow on and off the field.  We, at BCMG, think it's important to strive for a fresh perspective and an innovative approach to insurance claims management.  We are not afraid to step out of the box and do things a bit differently- all to bring our clients the best service possible.
      For additional information about the Property and Casualty 360 article, click here.  For information about BCMG, please visit our website at www.brownclaims.com.
      Also, please subscribe to our blog for up-to-date information and leave comments.  We would love to hear from you!

Brace Yourself for the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season

     
      According to experts at Colorado State University, the 2012 Hurricane Season is sure to be an active one, especially if El Niño does not occur.  The experts project there is a 45% chance that the conditions of the years past will continue, and El Niño will not develop.  If this is the case, the warm Atlantic water and the reduced wind shear creates an environment for hurricanes to both form and thrive.  
      The forecasters say if the conditions are as predicted, the season would likely include "12-15 named storms, seven to nine hurricanes, and up to four major hurricanes".  While there is no certainty yet as to how the 2012 Hurricane Season will go for sure, it is set to be a very active season.  


Source: Mark E. Ruquet, "Odds are High for Another Active Hurricane Season in 2012",  PropertyCasualty360.com
http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/12/07/odds-are-high-for-another-active-hurricane-season#.Tt_jE_-2Sas.email

5 Tips to Protect Your Home During a Holiday Party

When planning your holiday parties this year, the menu and decor are not the only things to sit down and consider.  On top of all of the responsibilities of hosting a fabulous get together, it is important to be aware of the potential liabilities of even the smallest gatherings of people, especially in regards to your homeowner's insurance.  Here are some tips to protect yourself, your guests, and your assets during holiday celebrations:

1.  Guest Precautions-  While a "Winter Wonderland" sounds perfect while caroling, harsh weather conditions can be dangerous.  Icy walkways and sidewalks are especially hazardous and should be dealt with and well lit before guests arrive.

2.  Check the Help-  From the landscape team to the catering staff to the valet drivers, make sure all of your vendors are properly insured.

3.  Keep a Guest List- Keeping a guest lists is especially important for business and philanthropic events where all guests aren't necessarily your best friends.  Always be aware who you are opening your home to.

4.  Consider the Event Type- Whether it's an open house or a fund raiser for your favorite charity, contact your insurance agent to make sure your policy covers any type of event you may be hosting in your home.

5.  Protect your Valuables-  Place all valuable items in a secure place that is out of the traffic of guests.  This includes expensive artwork, trinkets, and cutlery.  This will hopefully prevent the whole "Grinch who stole Christmas" incident.

We hope these tips come in handy when coordinating your next holiday functions and prevent any unnecessary stress and financial loss.  Let us know what you think!

Source: Article by Amy Hoak, MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/protect-your-home-when-hosting-a-bash-2011-12-05?pagenumber=1

SEC Champions, LSU Tigers!

BCMG Owner/President Stephen Brown, Cindy Brown, Bill Sanders, Lauren Brown Sanders, Chris Daniels, and Marketing Director, Mary Katherine Brown

Despite an impressive first half, the Georgia Bulldogs fell short and ended up being another team dominated by the unstoppable LSU Tigers.  All in all, it was a great time for everyone in Atlanta, and we look forward to joining forces once again to beat the Alabama Crimson Tide January 9th in New Orleans!

Louisiana Property Policyholders May Have a Little Something Extra in Their Christmas Stocking!

     
      According to an article posted today on the Insurance Journal's website, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is urging policy holders for the last four years, to collect their rebates from the Louisiana Citizens Insurance Corp. Assessment over the last four years.  The deadline is December 31, 2011, to claim the rebates from coverage paid since 2007.
      When it comes to claiming your rebate, Commissioner Donelon says it is quite simple.   "Just fill out the Louisiana Department of Revenue tax form for the year in which you paid the Citizens Assessment and mail it or fax it in with your insurance declaration page showing the assessment has be included in the premium.  The whole process doesn't take more than 10 minutes".  Who doesn't want a little extra money this holiday season?
     
For the full article from the Insurance Journal's website click here.  Also, for additional information from the Louisiana Department of Revenue's website, click here.

SEC Championship- House Divided

Here in south, football allegiances are in our blood and rivalries run deep.  This year's Southeastern Conference Championship will feature the matchup of the undefeated LSU Tigers and the "10 in-a-row" Georgia Bulldogs.  With the corporate office based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, most of the members of the BCMG team will be decked out in purple and gold chanting "Geaux Tigers!".  With the exception of one.  BCMG's marketing director, Mary Katherine Brown, is a graduate of the University of Georgia and a converted Dawgs fan living in Atlanta.  With tiger fans and dawg fans alike migrating to Atlanta, it is sure to be a great time full of celebrating, cheering, and friendly competition.  

Happy December!

Happy December!

We can't believe it's already the first day of the last month of the year!  Here at BCMG, 2011 has been good to us and we hope to continue to grow in prosperity into the new year.  As all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays begin, we wish all of you a safe and happy December filled with warmth, love, and the spirit of giving!

How to Produce and Keep Happy Claimants

      An article by Andrea Ortega-Wells appeared today on the Insurance Journal's website highlighting the ways independents can make the claims process as positive as possible, while still protecting themselves from dreaded E&O cases.  

      First and foremost, communication is key. Properly keeping all parties in constant communication allows for efficient workflow and the process isn't halted because someone feels left out.  Another way to keep claimants happy is to create positive business relationships with people that you work with, such as claims supervisors, managers, and lawyers.  Building relationships and staying in contact decreases the chance for surprises in the end.  The article also contains tips for agents from ClaimsJournal.com editor Denise Johnson about the claims handling process.  Here are a few below:

1.  Fill out all initial forms wholly and completely

2.  Have sufficient coverage knowledge 

3. Valid CIOs

At BCMG, we strive to create the most positive claims experience for claimants and agencies alike.  The quality and integrity of our work is held to the utmost standards.  We want to hear from you!  What are your thoughts?  How do you work to keep both claimants and agencies happy?

 

For the complete article and additional information visit the Insurance Journal's website.