Celebrating 60 Years: Katie Peterson’s Impact on the Lives of Mercury Policyholders

For six decades, Mercury Insurance has been consistently making a meaningful difference in the lives of its customers, ensuring their families and possessions are safeguarded and aiding them in rebuilding after unforeseen events disrupt their lives.

Kelly Butler, Vice President of Underwriting at Mercury Insurance, explained, “Mercury Insurance serves as a guide during the unpredictable. Recovering from a loss is more than mere restoration; it’s about regaining one’s footing. Our agents and team members are acknowledged for their daily contributions to our customers, and their efforts are truly valued.”

Frequently, policyholders express their gratitude when a member of the Mercury team goes above and beyond. One such individual is Katie Peterson, formerly a General Adjuster at Mercury Insurance, who has left an indelible mark on numerous families throughout her career. Two families share their stories of how Katie played a pivotal role following the devastation caused by the 2018 Carr Fire, the 7th largest fire in California’s history.

The Carr Fire led to 38,000 evacuations, destroyed 536 structures, damaged 117 structures, and tragically resulted in multiple fatalities. On July 26, 2018, an unusual and immensely powerful fire phenomenon, dubbed the “firenado,” with winds exceeding 143 mph comparable to an EF-3 tornado made of fire, razed many homes. Among those affected were the Lloyd family of California, who fled their home with only the clothes on their backs due to the lack of warning about this unique fire behavior.

Katie Peterson, General Adjuster at Mercury Insurance, played a crucial role in guiding the Lloyd family through the claims process after their home was confirmed as a total loss. The Lloyd family expressed their gratitude, stating, “Katie secured a hotel for us within hours, and as promised, she provided an advance on our personal property funds, which we received the next morning. In this unfamiliar and harrowing situation, we felt genuinely cared for. Katie is a shining example for other adjusters on how to handle such tragic events.”

Similarly, the Gilbert family from Shasta, California, faced a similar loss, but fortunately, they had Katie by their side to assist them throughout the claims process. The Gilberts shared, “This was the most devastating event in our 70-plus years. We could never have imagined recovering from such a loss and finding solace on the other side of it all. Much of this credit goes to Katie. Throughout the two-year process that followed, she exhibited kindness, empathy, and patience. We cannot envision navigating this trying process with anyone else. Our gratitude for everything she did knows no bounds.”

Peterson herself reflected on her role, saying, “Each day, I have the privilege of aiding individuals in overcoming unexpected hardships. While wildfires have sadly become routine in California, they are far from ordinary for our policyholders. Throughout my career, I’ve handled numerous fire claims, and I approach each one with fresh perspective, attentiveness to our policyholders’ needs, and a commitment to fair resolutions for all parties involved. 

“Dealing with a house fire, regardless of its scale, is a heartbreaking loss. As an adjuster, I wear multiple hats during the claims process – a friend, a source of comfort, a liaison for their mortgage company, and an expert in policy matters.”

While losses can sometimes be inevitable, Mercury Insurance consistently remains a pillar of support. The Mercury Claims Hotline, available at (800) 503-3724, operates around the clock, ensuring assistance is accessible whenever needed. For proactive measures, it’s advisable to consult with a local Mercury agent to explore the most suitable coverage options for safeguarding homes against the unexpected.

Source: https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/mercury-news/how-mercury-helps-during-wildfire-season.html