Through initial research conducted in 2008 and field surveys recently completed C.A.R. has determined that most local associations and members are unaware or unfamiliar with C.A.R. Insurance programs (other than health) and are not aware of the Strategic Defense Program.  It was also suggested that C.A.R. develop insurance programs to meet the needs of the local associations.

Mid year 2008, Costello and Sons Insurance Brokers (CSI) became the exclusive endorsed broker for C.A.R. offering all commercial lines and Home and Auto Insurance Products.  Health, Life and Disability are offered through an exclusive relationship with RealCare Insurance Products, Inc.

C.A.R.’s Strategic Defense Program, developed in 2003, provides members with a powerful assembly of experienced defense attorneys joined together with C.A.R. to focus on improving the current real estate litigation climate for REALTORS® in California, as well as addressing the Errors and Omission Insurance dilemma in the state. This powerful team of attorneys also provides free educational Risk Management Seminars for our membership.

The Local Association Initiative has three main components:

• Education for members of the local associations covering topics such as risk management.

Work with local association staff, the Strategic Defense Panel and CSI to calendar topic appropriate sessions.  These can be stand alone or offered as part of a regularly scheduled program series.  Please contact C.A.R. Strategic Defense Counsel at nicoleb@car.org or 213-739-8379 to organize a seminar or webinar for your local association.

• Product introduction that can benefit members in their business and with their clients.

Working with the local association staff ,CSI and/or RealCare, plan on product spotlights or new member introductions as part of the regular monthly meetings. Contact Mike Grant at mgrant@costelloandsons.com or 949-679-2128 for commercial lines & home and auto.  Contact Tom Henry at thenry@realcare.biz

or 707-931-7170 for personal lines including health, life and disability.

• Analysis of local association’s current insurance policies.

Provide CSI or RealCare with copies of the association’s current insurance policies to allow them to provide a no obligation risk/exposure cost comparison analysis.  Contact Mike Grant at mgrant@costelloandsons.com or 949-679-2128 and Tom Henry at thenry@realcare.biz or 707-931-7170.