Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/13098
Member benefits add value to membership, including new summer savings purchases are just a few of the many benefits CTA mem- bers have at their disposal with association member- ship. With a wide selection of quality products and dis- counts available on everyday purchas es, members can accumulate savings greater than the cost of their associ- ation dues. While many members enjoy the savings and value provided by prod- ucts endorsed by CTA and administered through the Member Benefits Depart- ment, some members are not aware of the programs that are available and the many savings they could enjoy. CTA programs include vol- S untary life and disability plans, the automatic death and dis- memberment plan, automobile and home insurance, credit card services, credit union member- ship, and travel and entertain- ment discounts. CTA members also have access to a wide array of attractive benefits and dis- counts through NEA Member Benefits which leverages the pur- chasing power of over 3 million members. Money in your pocket A recent key upgrade avail- able to CTA members is the en- hancement of CTA’s automobile insurance program — the result of CTA leaders and Member Benefits working with the CTA- endorsed vendor California Ca- sualty. The improvement result- ed in both a decrease in rates of almost 12 percent for CTA mem- bers and the upgrading of unique 26 California Educator | JUNE 2010 avings on auto and life insurance, travel, fitness programs and appliance benefit provisions especially de- signed for educators who use the program, including a provision for no deductible for vandalism or collision damage to vehicles parked on school property or while attending a school-spon- sored event. “After learning that many of my fellow educators had good things to say about Cali- fornia Casualty, including the fact that they had just lowered their auto insurance rates, I switched coverage for my three vehicles from my carrier of over 20 years to California Casualty,” said Robin Wil- liams, a member of the Hart District Teachers Association. “I saved about $1,800 a year, and I’m thrilled!” Thorough endorsement practice CTA’s rigorous endorsement process ensures that the high- est-quality products and ser- vices are available for members. CTA vendor requirements are stringent and include thorough due diligence in the selection process, careful oversight and management, and special pro- visions benefiting members. The endorsement process is overseen by the Vendor Evalu- ation and Screening Commit- tee, made up of CTA members, and the Member Benefits and Risk Management/Business Initiatives and Development departments. CTA endorsement also pro- vides channels of recourse for members. The endorsed ven- dors are expected to provide quality products and excep- tional service at reasonable rates. They work with CTA members to resolve issues — a process monitored by Member Benefits. Additionally, the CTA Member Benefits staff will advocate on the member’s behalf and attempt to resolve any concerns with a CTA-en- “I’ve been using California Casualty A+ auto and home insurance for over 10 years. The service has been great; I’ve shopped around, and couldn’t find a better deal.” Philip Oiler, Lakeport Classified Employees Association Photo by Scott Buschman