QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

• Why did the CVMA change brokers?
• For more than 40 years, the CVMA has offered its membership one of the most successful group insurance programs in the nation. A significant reason for that success is the specific veterinary-focused attention that the CVMA’s program has provided to participants. The CVMA felt that recent acquisitions of the CVMA’s prior broker by larger companies potentially put the CVMA program at risk of losing its focus on the individualized demands of the veterinary profession. The formation of the CVMA’s wholly-owned brokerage firm—Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC)—ensures that the CVMA’s insurance program can be consistently tailored to meet the particularized needs of the CVMA’s membership.

• Why should I sign a “Change of Broker” letter?
• Starting January 1, 2008, the CVMA insurance program will be exclusively managed and serviced by VISC. By transferring your coverage to VISC, you will continue to have your insurance needs serviced by many of the same people you have known and trusted for years. If you don’t sign the letter, your coverage will remain with ABD Insurance & Financial Services, and outside of the CVMA group program.

• Why should I change now?
• Signing the “Change of Broker” form now will ensure continuity of your insurance coverage within the CVMA’s program commencing January 1, 2008. It allows our brokers to contact you and make sure all your insurance needs are addressed.

• Will my coverage or rates change?
• Through VISC, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company will continue to support the CVMA’s highly successful insurance programs. While rates cannot be guaranteed, VISC will strive to provide existing and even better rates and coverage to CVMA members.
• Moving forward, VISC will work closely with the CVMA Insurance Committee to negotiate for the broadest coverage and most competitive rates available to the California veterinary community. VISC will continually explore opportunities to enhance the CVMA’s insurance programs. The proven track record of the CVMA’s insurance program, combined with the size and participation of the CVMA’s membership, provide VISC with significant negotiating strength on behalf of the CVMA and its members.

• How will this affect my insurance?
• It will allow you to continue receiving the same personalized service you have been accustomed to with the CVMA’s insurance programs. When time to renew, VISC will provide all the help you have always received as you decide on your renewals.

• Who will service my account?
• Many of the VISC staff are familiar names within the veterinary community. The staff members include Mark Maeyama, CIC, Art Cruz, CIC, and Kathy Noe, CPCU, ARM, each of whom has had long-term involvement with the CVMA’s insurance program.

• How do I make the change to VISC?
• Making the change to VISC is as simple as signing the “Change of Broker/Broker of Record” letter and returning it to the VISC office in Sacramento. Questions may be directed to our office at 888.762.3143 or info@visc-ins.com.