Claims settlements due to Typhoon Odette accelerated by CARD microinsurance group

Posted on January 26, 2021

CARD MRI microinsurance group confirms the acceleration of insurance claims for the affected members of the disaster-stricken communities caused by Super Typhoon Odette.

One with the call of Insurance Commissioner Dennis Funa to quickly process claims payment, the CARD microinsurance group directly responded to the affected members to provide them immediate relief and help them recover from the impact of the super typhoon.

Despite the massive destruction of the typhoon, with CARD MRI staff already on the ground level, following the real situation of its clients become more direct and efficient. Thus, the group is quick and ready to respond to the needs of vulnerable families.

The strong winds and rains of Odette also downed the power supply and telecommunication lines in the hardly hit areas. Communication also became a challenge, but CARD MRI goes beyond its services. Loved ones of staff and clients sent messages to the social media page of CARD MRI concerning their relatives who are residing or working in these areas. CARD MRI, through its officers present on the ground, reconnects them to their loved ones.

CARD MRI Managing Director Aristeo A. Dequito shared that the organization remains solid in its mission of assisting people, especially in times of need. “CARD MRI will continue to meet the recovery needs of the people. Our workforce is working hard to assess and provide what is immediately needed,” said Dequito.

Way to recovery

From the initial report from CARD MRI operations, there are 441,024 members affected by the wrath of super typhoon Odette. The CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), the microinsurance MBA of CARD MRI, is continually providing cash assistance to its validated affected members and their families. As of December 24, 2021, the Association has disbursed a total amount of PHP 6,324,600 to 52,705 affected members.

“We closely monitored the movement of Odette to prepare ourselves on how we can immediately help the areas that will be hard hit. Through our cash relief assistance, the affected members and their families can prioritize their basic needs,” shared CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn Dequito. “Providing cash assistance is faster than distributing traditional in-kind aid and enables our members to meet their different needs in times like this,” she added.

In addition, CARD Pioneer Microinsurance Inc. (CPMI), together with CARD MRI Insurance Agency (CaMIA), are also continually validating the affected SAGIP Plan policyholders. SAGIP plan is a family insurance package, which covers death due to accidents, and damaged houses due to natural calamities. As of December 24, 2021, a total of 5,301 SAGIP Plan affected policyholders were reported. Among the validated 1,186 clients, 666 policyholders have been paid amounting to PHP 1,137,075.

“Our workforce is untiringly working to validate the damages and pay the insurance claims of our clients. As promised, CPMI and CaMIA will go above and beyond the call of duty to speed up our client’s recovery from the impact of the typhoon,” said CaMIA President and General Manager Vener S. Abellera.

CARD’s microinsurance group is more assertive in its 8-24 settlement strategy. Members and policyholders can assure their claims payment is processed within 8 to 24 hours after their complete filing of necessary documents. CARD MBA’s digital innovation called Panatag Ka App strengthened this settlement strategy, wherein its members can now view, file, and process their claims.

As microinsurance becomes more accessible to marginalized households, more Filipino families can withstand the impact of the catastrophic events.

According to CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, “Poor households are highly vulnerable to natural calamities. When we constantly neglect equality and inclusivity, the cycle of poverty will continue.”

Dr. Alip also shared that aside from financial inclusion, CARD MRI advocates inclusive insurance to reach the unserved, underserved, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals with appropriate and affordable insurance products.

Microinsurance provides financial security and protection to low-income families. Becoming more resilient, they are now gradually breaking the poverty barrier. They can eventually improve their quality of life.

Bringing more assistance

CARD MRI started a donation drive to extend financial help to the families affected. The proceeds of the donation drive will be used for the relief operation and rehabilitation of CARD clients’ businesses.

To know more about this donation drive, you can message the official Facebook page of CARD MRI @CARDMRIOfficial.