100 Years and going strong. Our Centennial Year approaches and we can trace our roots back to 1908 when the Agency first represented the Hartford Insurance Company.

Many Changes have occurred during the life of this business, but one thing that remains constant is our concern for our clients and friends.  We pledge to continue bringing you solid reputable companies and honest, friendly service. We are proud of our heritage and look forward to the next 100 years. 

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002:  
Effective November 26, 2002, Congress established a program involving the Department of the Treasury and the insurance industry to assure availability of property and casualty insurance protection against certain terrorist acts certified by the Secretary of the Treasury to be an "insured loss".  In order to be an "insured loss", the act of terrorism must cause damage in excess of $5 million dollars; be directed against the United States by foreign interests as a part of on effort to coerce the civilian population of the United States to influence the policy or affect the conduct of the federal government; and be certified by the Secretary of the Treasury.  The statue only applies to commercial property and casualty insurance policies including farm insurance policies, other than those on livestock and growing crops and nullifies terrorism exclusions on those policies as to certified acts of terrorism.

If a loss is certified to be covered under the Statue, the federal government acts as a reinsurer of the loss paying 90% of the amount of the loss in excess of "insured deductibles" established by the statue. In certain cases, the Department of the Treasury may require that insurance companies repay the amount of federal reinsurance payments by imposing surcharges on commercial and farm policies.  This program is designed to be temporary in nature, and expires in three years, unless extended.

Insurance companies are required to mail full disclosure notices to affected policy holders, including new and renewal policies.  The premium cost of this coverage is still under development and when they are finalized, new and renewal quotes on affected policies will identify the charge for the coverage and the insured will have the opportunity to accept or reject the coverage.

February, 2003
Black and Associates adds on-line "quick quote" forms.  Clients can now send important rate request information to Black and Associates via the Internet 24/7.  The request is received immediately by the staff at Black Insurance so that the best coverage can be found at the lowest rate from one of many solid Insurance Companies available to Independent Agencies, such as Black Insurance.  The proposals are then prepared and e-mailed back to the client for review.