Steven Herrick has spent 22 years in private practice as a psychologist. During that time, he has helped plenty of patients through crisis. He did not expect to endure his own crisis in October 2007 and – least of all – receive support from his insurance adjuster.
But that’s where he and his wife, Ann, found themselves after a 30-foot wall of flames burned their home and all of their possessions. The series of fires that ravaged Southern California destroyed approximately 2,000 homes and 500,000 acres. Some 640,000 residents were evacuated, and 10 people died.
Herrick, who lives and works in Fallbrook, Calif., purchased his homeowners insurance 12 years ago through AARP, The Hartford’s exclusive partner in providing auto and homeowners protection. He credits insurance adjuster Ivan Yount with beginning the rebuilding – and healing – process with speed, knowledge, and empathy. “He turned out to be our lifeline,” Herrick said. “It was reassuring to know that our insurance was going to be there.
“As a psychologist, I realized the dependency I had when talking to Ivan, which is the same dependency people have when they call me,” he said. “They want someone who will listen, respond, and be there for them.”