The Hartford Opens Chicago Office to Handle Catastrophic Claims

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. recently announced that it has created a new office in the greater Chicago area dedicated solely to processing claims that arise out of catastrophic events.

This new catastrophe office, which opened this month, will function as part of The Hartford’s existing property claim operations in that city, and will focus on handling significant losses that arise from either man-made or natural disasters, according to a release issued by the company.

Located in suburban Aurora, Ill., the new office is staffed by a team of 36 claims representatives. The new catastrophe office will enhance the company’s ability to respond to the unique needs of customers following a catastrophic event, such as a devastating hurricane or tornado.

“The company chose this area as the right place for a catastrophe office because of its strategic, central location in the country and safe distance from storm-prone coastal areas,” explained Vicky Pace, assistant vice president of field claim operations at The Hartford. “At this site, the team can be fully staffed and ready to serve The Hartford’s customers even when other areas of the country are experiencing the impact of a disaster.”

The Hartford created the catastrophe office as part of its analysis of trends from the past two hurricane seasons. The company anticipates that this new unit will help The Hartford in preparation for the 2006 storm season and beyond.

“The last two storm seasons were two of the worst on record,” said Bob Wilkey, assistant vice president of catastrophe management. “The Hartford will now be even better equipped for disasters that lie ahead. Our focus continues to be on delivering exceptional service to customers that experience the emotional trauma and property loss caused by a catastrophic event.”

The Hartford helped policyholders through some of this country’s worst natural disasters, including the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 and the devastating hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005.

Additional information is also available by clicking the Catastrophe Information Center link located on The Hartford’s website at httpwww.thehartford.com/catinfo.The web site also provides advice to prepare for and deal with the impact of a catastrophic event.

The Hartford identifies itself as one of the nation’s largest financial services and insurance companies, with 2005 revenues of $27.1 billion. The Hartford is a provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits, automobile and homeowners products, and business property and casualty insurance.

Source: The Hartford