2020

Recently one of my dealers opened our conversation with ‘I feel as if I get up in a new
world every day!’ I identified immediately with that thought because lately I have spent a lot of
time studying insurance forms and answering calls regarding virus coverage and now riot and
civil commotion. These are not areas of the insuring contracts that have been front and center
during my first thirty years of working with car dealers! Sometimes, as the world changes, I find
myself running to catch up. In an earlier blog, we talked about Covid19; today, let’s talk about
riot and civil commotion.

Mullen Agency has been associated with and a supporter of Texas Independent Auto Dealers Association for thirty-plus years. TIADA is focused on protecting the industry from over-regulation and provides powerful advocacy and a full-time lobbyist. So, whether a member or not, every independent Texas auto dealer benefits from TIADA’s existence. That alone is enough to make me a fan! After all, Texas used car dealers comprise a majority of Mullen Agency clients and they are who we have worked for and with since our doors opened in 1988.

Business Income and Extra Expense protection is on the mind of many dealers
right now and based on the calls we’ve received, there is confusion as to whether or not
this protection could apply to losses due to COVID 19. The short answer is:

As COVID-19 continues to reek havoc in the business world, it is important that we share with our clients Mullen Agency’s situation. As an ‘essential’ business, our offices remain open.

We are operating during our normal business hours so you can receive the answers and services you need. Although we have a limited staff, all inquiries will receive a response within a reasonable amount of time. We are taking all precautions as advised by local and federal agencies as well as the CDC.

Income tax season often brings ‘audits’ to mind and it occurred to me it might be a good time to talk a little about insurance policy audits. They are rarely as painful as an IRS audit, but they can be a real hassle if you are not prepared. So, let’s cover the basics of getting prepared and knowing what to expect from your next insurance audit.

Confusion runs rampant among insurance buyers when it comes to the differences between admitted and non-admitted markets. When I first became active in the property and casualty insurance business, I was taught that it was always more advantageous to use an admitted market vs. a non-admitted one when seeking to protect my clients’ interests. That certainly sounded logical then, and still does today, but my experience has educated me beyond that simple statement. I’ve learned there are caveats to be considered when choosing a proper insurance carrier.