Crop Insurance Industry Ready to Step in Following Hurricane Charley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 17, 2004

For more information, please contact Laurie Langstraat at 913-685-2767

Crop Insurance Industry Ready to Step in Following Hurricane Charley

OVERLAND PARK, KS, August 17, 2004 - Hurricane Charley left a path of destruction across many agricultural areas in Florida. The citrus groves and trees, as well as many nurseries growing container plants and other landscaping products were severely damaged as a result of the winds or rain that pounded the area.

There is over $2.5 billion in crop insurance in force in the affected counties.

"The private insurance companies are standing by with adjusters, some from other states, ready to go in to the area as soon as they are able," said Robert Parkerson, president of National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS), a crop insurance trade association.

"Our main concern right now is not to interfere with our insureds getting their basic needs met first - water, electricity, a roof over the heads, etc.," said Ben Latham, chairman of NCIS, and president of Producers Ag Insurance Company. "Once those needs are met, we'll be there to take care of our insureds."

NCIS is working with the Risk Management Agency and the USDA to implement an expedited claims process to assess losses and provide payment of covered claims as quickly as possible.

"One of the advantages of crop insurance is that farmers don't have to wait for ad hoc disaster payments," said Parkerson. "We hope to have a process in place in the next 24-48 hours." This same type of process was implemented in 1999 when Hurricane Floyd hit the Atlantic Coast.

Private insurance companies operating in the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Charley are available to answer any questions an insured might have about his or her policy (see company names and toll free numbers listed below). Insureds are also encouraged to contact their local crop insurance agent to file a notice of loss.

Insurance Companies

ARMtech Insurance Services, Inc. - 800-335-0120

Great American Insurance Company - 800-833-2241

Producers Ag Insurance Company - 800-654-2767

Rain and Hail L.L.C. - 800-776-4045

Rural Community Insurance Services - 888-747-7247