To better serve the needs of its policyholders following a catastrophe, Unitrin's property and casualty insurance business Kemper has added a customized 32-foot class-a motor coach Winnebago to its claim department. The company's spacious claim response vehicle can accommodate nine adjusters and their equipment so as to operate as a catastrophe field base or mobile response unit. It is affectionately referred to as the "CATMobile," and it will allow Kemper to bring its claim response operations and communication capabilities to the core of a catastrophe zone.

"We learned many lessons in responding to the hurricanes several years ago," said Brian Delfino, vice president of claims. "We are building our response program around creating a lift in service for our insureds and agency customers during a difficult time."

Featuring the ability to transmit a digital cellular signal at an extended range in excess of 50 miles, the CATMobile has GPS technology and transports a 50-amp generator that can be used to provide power to an agency in addition to itself. The vehicle also can transport valuable items, such as ladders and specialized safety and security equipment to catastrophe zones. In addition, it can function as a temporary work location if an agent's office is destroyed. By parking the CATMobile in a centralized public area, Kemper claim personnel will be available for insureds to report claims and issues.