Bethel General Insurance and Surety Corporation has released more than ₱12 million in payouts to policyholders whose vehicles were declared total losses after Typhoon Tino. The Cebu regional office processed the first claims, with additional releases scheduled in the coming weeks.
Floodwaters rose unexpectedly in many areas, submerging cars past dashboard level. At that point, repairs are no longer practical. “Once water reaches the dashboard, the engine and systems are compromised. Repair costs exceed the car’s value,” said Regional Head Jecelyn Casquejo.
A resident in Consolacion town recalled crying as her nearly paid-off car was towed away. “I did not expect floodwaters to rise so high,” she said. Having insurance allowed her to recover its value. Friends without coverage, she added, “sold severely damaged vehicles at rock-bottom prices—one pick-up for as low as ₱20,000.” The experience also prompted her to consider insuring her home, which also sustained flood damage.
A housewife in Pit-os, Talamban said she felt relieved having renewed comprehensive insurance just weeks before the typhoon. When their motorcar insurance expired in July this year, they wanted to avail of the compulsory third-party liability (CTPL) to reduce costs, she explained. But after the September 30 earthquake, she decided to reinstate full coverage—a decision that proved timely.
Another policyholder from Liloan, whose home sits beside a river, said floodwaters rose rapidly and submerged both their car and the ground floor of their house. He only salvaged two appliances. Since the family car was insured the vehicle for loss or damage, Bethel General Insurance released a check equivalent to fair market value.
Insurance as a Safety Net
Casquejo had spoken to the Talisay Chamber of Commerce a few days before the typhoon, sharing lessons from Typhoon Yolanda. “During Yolanda, I was processing claims,” she recalled. “I had clients who chose CTPL only or lower coverage to save money. But those who had full coverage recovered fast. They rebuilt their businesses or ordered new vehicles.”
She emphasized the role of insurance in recovery: “You can build a business over many years and lose it in just a wink of an eye. (The) insurance (sector) may be very small because there are only a few players, but we are the backbone of the economy. Without insurance, many businesses collapse after disasters. With it, they can recover right away.”
Licensed by the Insurance Commission, Bethel offers motor, fire, property, marine, casualty, engineering insurance, and bonds. The company, marking its 65th anniversary next April, started its Cebu presence in 2017 and now operates five branches across the province.
For Casquejo, the contrast between insured and uninsured losses remains stark. “I always encourage people to learn from experience,” she said. “But you don’t want that experience to be your own business collapsing. Learn from what happened to others.”
In the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, Bethel’s swift payouts highlight insurance as a vital force—helping households and businesses absorb shocks, recover faster, and rebuild with confidence.
For more information, visit company’s FB page – https://www.facebook.com/people/Bethel-General-Insurance-and-Surety-Corp-Cebu/61553794344406/.
