So, Mr. Agent, you attempted to coerce me into participating
in unethical behavior?
An associate in an insurance office called yesterday saying
I had done a couple of appraisals for a client, who now needs updates. They also had other articles, which I had not
seen, that had not been appraised or updated in years. She asked if I needed to see the articles,
and if I could update from the appraisals I had not written.
I said I would need to examine the articles because an
appraisal is a legal document, and I am attesting to the existence and
condition of the article. This is
important because it protects the jewelry owner as well and the insurance
company.
Here is why:
What if, upon examination, I found the diamond had become
chipped or fractured since the last appraisal?
The owner may choose to submit a claim to have the diamond
replaced.
What if, upon examination, the setting is no longer
secure? The diamond could drop out of
the mounting and the insurance company would have to pay to have it replaced,
whereas catching it allows the owner to get the setting repaired and avoid an unfortunate
and emotional loss.
I also said I would need to do new appraisals on the
articles I had not seen because I need to determine my opinion, and not assume
that I agree with someone else.
She said she understood…but apparently her boss, an agent,
did not.
He called me back.
He stated he had been using a jeweler (who shall go nameless
here) to refer for appraisals, but would prefer to use me. A shameless, obvious, and insulting attempt
at manipulation.
He stated the clients are unavailable as they are in Europe,
he had seen the articles himself, and he wanted me to update the appraisals
without seeing them.
When I refused, he said he would go to the jeweler he
mentioned who understood and would accommodate him.
So, because he failed to notify his insured in advance of
their trip that they would need updates for their renewal, and because he was
more concerned about collecting his commission than protecting his clients
(although I’m sure he sold it to them as he is the hero saving them time) as
well as protecting the company he works for….
It makes me wonder how he defines personal and business
ethics.
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