Sleazy Dealings

Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast well over a year ago. I spent nearly six months on orders in New Orleans, helping the police and handing out ice, water, food, and information. I came home at the end of February, and I hear that there has been no improvement since that time.

Now, up front I will tell you that I am not over-sympathetic for the residents of New Orleans. Many of these people had no insurance, and my opinion is that you shouldn't take risks that you can't afford.

That being said, the insurance companies have basically ripped off all of their clients in the Gulf Coast Region.
I personally spoke with one man that had paid his insurance premiums to State Farm for 32 years. He was never late with his payments, and had never filed a claim. His home was destroyed by Hurrican Katrina, and he was offered $120.00 for a storage building in his back yard. His roof had been blown off, a tree from across the street was in his front room, and all of his windows were broken. He was offered $120.00 after 32 years.

Many of the police officers that I patrolled with did not file claims, as they had little damage or no flood insurance. They all received letters canceling their insurance, stating that their companies would not be covering the Gulf Coast region any longer. They received no refund checks, and no further explanation.

All-State, Farmer's Insurance, State Farm and others are guilty of just walking out on their clients. How well are you covered?

I am sick of corporate America getting away with this crap! But what can you do? Most banks require home-owner's insurance in order to finance a house. Give me some feedback on this one, folks. I want to know what you think we can do about this.