Always Here To Help Hawaii
By John Schapperle, CPCU
President & COO of Island Insurance
Many younger residents have never experienced a time when it was difficult to obtain insurance for their property or business, but prior to 1940 that was the norm for many local families. Realizing the need for affordable insurance options and fair access, Masayuki Tokioka and a group of dedicated local businessmen established Island Insurance to help Hawaii families and aspiring entrepreneurs pursue their dreams.
Our founding value of being “Always Here to Help” continues to be the heart of our organization, and whether it is through our numerous community-supported endeavors or when unexpected disaster strikes, our mission of helping others guides our company decisions.
During the recent Tropical Storm Iselle, with the looming possibility of widespread damage throughout the state, it was decided that having our entire Claims department available when the storm made landfall was the best way to serve our policyholders. Our dedicated Claims employees wholeheartedly agreed to work that Friday, and we were the only insurance company in the state to have a fully staffed Claims department. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have such dedicated employees committed to living our brand promise each and every day.
Although most of the islands escaped without damage, we want to remind everyone to be sympathetic to those still dealing with the aftermath and to prepare for the next storm.
We would like all residents to remain proactive in their preparations and encourage everyone to review their insurance coverages, especially within homeowners policies. If it has been a while since you’ve reviewed your policy limits, you may be underinsured. Labor and building material costs have risen steadily, and home improvements you have made throughout the years could add a significant amount to your home’s replacement cost. Your insurance agent will be able to assess your situation and advise you of the proper policy coverages.
There have been many disasters in our 70-plus years of serving Hawaii, and when the next disaster strikes, our policyholders have our commitment that we will continue to be Always Here to Help.
