Hamilton firm handles Charley claims

A Hamilton call center is handling claims resulting from Hurricane Charley’s devastation in Florida, dealing with thousands of calls per day.ECHO Intake Solutions, a division of Cunningham Lindsey Canada, has been receiving calls from claimants since Charley hit Florida’s Gulf Coast on August 13, packing 145 mph winds and destroying homes, businesses and vehicles.”In the past two weeks we’ve had upwards of 2,000 calls a day we’ve handled on behalf of U.S. insurers,” says Maureen Fraser, ECHO’s assistant vice president. “During peak periods we’ve had up to 50 dedicated employees responding to distressed callers or dispatching claim reports to insurers, adjusters or catastrophe teams.” The team has faced many challenges, including dealing with poor phone connections, and with callers in distress over the loss of their homes and belongings.Charley is being blamed for at least 25 deaths in Florida, and government officials declared disaster areas in 25 counties. Damage estimates range from US$6.8-$7.4 billion.