Travelers Institute® Consumer Insurance Education Symposium in Rochester, New Hampshire, to Highlight Extreme Weather Preparation

The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), will bring its Consumer Insurance Education series to Rochester, N.H. today. A panel of insurance, financial services, and real estate professionals will provide guidance to help consumers protect assets against extreme weather and mitigate or prevent damage from unexpected events.

According to Travelers claim data from 2012-2014, damage from the combination of hail, windstorms, and sewer and sump pump backups occurs more frequently in the months of March through May than any other time of year.

“Improperly or inadequately protecting assets can have a lasting effect on a family’s finances,” said Joan Woodward, President of the Travelers Institute and Executive Vice President of Public Policy at Travelers. “With the support of our partners, we are pleased to provide consumers with tools and resources that can help them make informed decisions about their insurance and protect their property from common causes of damage.”

Spence & Mathews Insurance, the Greater Somersworth Chamber of Commerce, and the Strafford County Board of Realtors are partnering with the Travelers Institute for the event. Brian Gottlob, Economist and Principal at PolEcon, will discuss the regional economy and current housing market trends in the keynote address.

The panel discussion, moderated by Woodward, will explain different types of insurance, such as auto, home, and umbrella coverage. The panel will feature the following community leaders:

• Brad Scott, President, Spence & Mathews Insurance;
• Ann French, Vice President, Residential Lending, Profile Bank;
• Keith Hoyle, Fire Chief, Somersworth Fire Department; and
• Dale Sprague, Associate Broker, REALTOR®, Avalar Advantage Real Estate.

“One of the responsibilities of an independent insurance agent is to help people who may feel daunted by their insurance options,” Scott said. “We’re proud to partner with the Travelers Institute and help our community take a hands-on approach to protecting what matters most in their daily lives.”

Consumer Insurance Education is part of a broader company-wide consumer education program at Travelers, which draws on the organization’s 160 years of risk management expertise. Other components of this program include the Travelers Institute® Insurance Guide and resources to help prepare for and prevent property damage and common hazards at home and at work.

Visit www.travelersinstitute.org to learn more about the Travelers Institute and its public policy initiatives.

About Spence & Mathews Insurance

Spence & Mathews Insurance has been insuring residents and businesses of Maine and New Hampshire since 1935. In addition to a vast array of business insurance products, including workers compensation, commercial auto, and general liability, the company also offers home, auto, umbrella, and recreational vehicle insurance. Spence & Mathews is an independent agency that represents several top-rated insurance carriers. The company’s 22 staff members serve more than 7,000 clients from their office located at 4 Sullivan Street in Berwick, Maine.

About Strafford County Board of Realtors

Founded in 1960, the Strafford County Board of REALTORS® services Durham, Lee, Madbury, Dover, Rollinsford, Barrington, Rochester, Strafford, Farmington, Milton, Middleton, New Durham, Wakefield (Sanbornville), Brookfield, and the surrounding areas. Its Board Office is located at 130 Central Avenue in Dover, N.H.

About Travelers Institute

The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc., engages in discussion and analysis of public policy topics of importance to the insurance marketplace and the financial services industry more broadly. The Travelers Institute draws upon the industry expertise of Travelers’ senior management and the technical expertise of many of Travelers underwriters, risk managers, and other experts to provide information, analysis, and solutions to public policymakers and regulators. Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home, and business. For more information, visit www.Travelers.com.