[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 131 (Monday, October 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE COLONIAL LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY OF 
                        COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 17, 2005

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in the aftermath of 
hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Colonial Life and Accident Insurance 
Company of Columbia, South Carolina has provided tremendous support to 
our neighbors in the Gulf Coast region.
  Colonial recently provided the following description of the company's 
relief and recovery efforts. As Colonial continues to respond to this 
crisis, I am proud to recognize the company's generosity and service:

   Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company Response to Hurricanes

       Like millions of others across the country, Colonial Life & 
     Accident Insurance Company was shocked by the suffering and 
     devastation caused by the recent Gulf Coast hurricanes, one 
     of the greatest natural disasters in U.S. History. The 
     company was concerned both for its several hundred contracted 
     sales agents in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas, 
     and for its many thousands of customers who lost possessions, 
     homes, jobs, and even loved ones.
       In response, Colonial quickly announced that customers in 
     affected areas will receive a grace period for premium 
     payment through year-end 2005. Colonial took this action 
     proactively before the states mandated grace periods and went 
     well beyond the minimum state requirements. The company 
     continues to work with employer and employee customers on a 
     case-by-case basis to ensure their coverage continues and 
     their claims receive priority attention. Colonial call center 
     representatives have special instructions of supporting 
     telephone calls from plan administrators and policyholders in 
     the disaster areas, and the company has added new options to 
     its automated phone system to ensure these calls are directed 
     to the right places quickly.
       The company also is supporting its sales agents in the 
     affected areas, many of whom not only suffered personally but 
     also have lost their business base for many months or 
     possibly years to come. The company is making financial 
     arrangements to help offset the lost commissions to these 
     independent contractor agents and also is helping many of 
     them find other temporary work opportunities. Colonial also 
     established a special company-matched relief fund at a local 
     bank to provide financial support to these agents in greatest 
     need.
       On a local level, Colonial employees are actively involved 
     in drives to collect food, clothing and other vitally needed 
     supplies for hurricane victims. The company is matching two-
     for-one employee donations to the American Red Cross and 
     Salvation Army.
       Colonial is committed to helping its producers and 
     customers during this difficult time.

                          ____________________