Time for Barry and Shenise

Astute observers of recent political history may recall the story of Harry and Louise — the fictional couple created by a health insurance industry lobbying group in 1994. In political television ads at the time, the couple railed against then-President Clinton’s plan for universal health care, urging viewers to voice their concerns to their running-for-re-election congressmen.

During the Democratic and Republican conventions earlier this summer, the couple was brought back to TV — this time by a coalition of business and health care advocates. This time around, Harry and Louise urged voters that the next president — whomever it is — should be someone who puts health care “at the top of his agenda” and can “bring everyone to the table and make it happen.”

With that in mind, as the country navigates it annual hurricane season and even stormier election one, here’s a suggestion for the property/casualty industry: Take a cue from the ads – the industry needs a Barry and Shenise.

The last few months has been prime season for companies like Allstate, The Hartford and others to introduce different — though largely similar — plans to help rein in the problematic market for insuring properties against catastrophes. Most plans call for the support and backing of the federal and state governments. Barry and Shenise could help.

Perhaps it’s Barry and Shenise of Long Island, New York, or anywhere on Cape Cod — middle-class homeowners struggling with rising premiums from insurers whose underwriters tell them they must price to the risk on coastal homes. Or they’re having trouble getting coverage with any insurers except the FAIR Plan since so many insurers have been direcetd by their modelrs to pull back from of the coastal market. Similar to their neighbors, Harry and Louise, the couple could urge voters and Congress that the next president should put fixing the country’s system for insuring against catastrophes “at the top of his agenda.”

Alternate version: Meet Barry and Shenise from coastal North Carolina or Florida — retirees who headed south for their golden years, only to discover that insurance costs are threatening their nest eggs.

Or maybe Barry and Shenise of New Orleans, whose homes were destroyed three years ago by Hurricane Katrina, and rebuilt by insurers. But now, as a new round of hurricanes bears down on their hometown, the couple has to evacuate, and worries about what will happen to their home. “Catastrophes are part of life,” Shenise will say, imploringly, to the camera, as her solemn husband looks on. “We need to know we’re being protected.”

Whichever fictional Barry and Shenise they choose, this would be a prime time for insurers to start their public lobbying efforts, and try to put a face on a very important debate.

Between Fay, Ike, Hanna, Gustav and the range of storms predicted for the remainder of the year, hurricanes and floods are at the top of everyone’s minds. With the election less than two months away, political winds are blowing. Why not ride them?

Topics Catastrophe Hurricane