At Company InFocus, we believe in researching and understanding the power of social impact. Community partnerships are critical, especially in disaster recovery. But here’s our unique take: Insurance companies are often overlooked as key players in this process. That’s a mistake. Their involvement and partnerships can transform recovery efforts.
When disasters strike, images of emergency responders fill the news. Firefighters, paramedics, and volunteers get much of the attention—and they deserve it. But what about insurance companies and claims investigators? Their role is equally important.
Take Michael Cokins, for example. He’s an insurance claims and investigations adjustor in Houston, Texas. Michael doesn’t just assess damage and process claims. He’s been on the ground volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and HandsOn New Orleans Volunteer Center. He’s seen firsthand devastation and the long, painful process communities endure to rebuild.
It’s easy to think of insurance companies as just businesses. But in times of crisis, they often step up in ways that matter. Sure, they’re there to process claims, but their reach goes further. They have the power to provide financial stability to families and businesses at their most vulnerable. And when partnered with local governments and non-profits, their impact is magnified.
Contrary to popular belief, many insurance professionals care deeply about community welfare. Michael Cokins, a University of Houston graduate with a degree in Business Administration, is a perfect example. His work goes beyond the office. He’s passionate about rebuilding and ensuring communities thrive post-disaster.
Effective disaster recovery often requires collaboration. Partnerships between insurance companies, government agencies, and non-profits create a strong safety net for affected communities. Here’s how some partnerships have made a difference:
We’re not saying everything is perfect. There’s always room for growth. Here are some ideas for strengthening these partnerships:
Disaster recovery isn’t just about money or logistics. It’s about people. Families lose their homes, businesses shut down, and entire neighborhoods suffer. The process of rebuilding isn’t quick or easy. However, with strong community partnerships, recovery is possible.
Our belief at Company InFocus is simple: We should rethink how we view insurance companies in disaster response. They have the resources, data, and human capital to drive real change. And while contrarian, this perspective reveals a new opportunity—one where insurers are celebrated community partners, not just claim handlers.
Michael Cokins embodies this idea. He’s proof that an adjustor can be more than a paper pusher. By volunteering and engaging with local efforts, he’s impacted places like Houston and New Orleans. We need more people like him. And we need more companies willing to think differently about their role in disaster recovery.
The future depends on stronger partnerships. Disaster recovery will always be complex, but collaboration makes it manageable. We should encourage insurance companies to keep innovating and investing in community support. Let’s embrace a new era of recovery—one where no one is left behind.
We invite you to consider this fresh perspective. Sometimes, the most powerful heroes are the ones working quietly behind the scenes—the ones like Michael Cokins, who not only assess damage but actively help rebuild. In disaster recovery, every role matters. And together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities.