California Department of Insurance Wants to be ‘Liked’

April 26, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and the California Department of Insurance really want you to like them.

CDI now has a Facebook page. The page was launched on Thursday, and had about a dozen

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Solution for Disaster Recovery? House in a Box, Maybe

April 23, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticle3 Comments

In one of the New Orleans neighborhoods hit hardest by flooding in Hurricane Katrina‘s aftermath, developers have built a prototype house that’s aimed at providing a quick housing solution for areas blown away by hurricanes and tornadoes or knocked down by earthquakes.

The dwelling in the Lakeview sectionof New Orleans is somewhat box-like, with a roof that slants inward and an arched structure in front that forms a covered front porch.

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Federal Disaster Assistance Denied for Oklahoma

April 23, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

Gov. Mary Fallin’s office says her request for federal assistance to individuals and businesses affected by a tornado that killed six in Woodward has been denied.

A news release said that Fallin will now ask the U.S. Small Business Administration for a disaster declaration for Woodward County.

The early morning tornado on April 15 left three girls 10 and younger and three men dead.

Preliminary damage assessments found the storm affected 224 homes and businesses in the county. Of those, 73 were destroyed, 22 had major damage and 21 had minor damage.

An SBA disaster declaration would provide for low interest disaster loans for renters, homeowners and business owners to repair or replace property damaged by the severe weather if it is not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

 

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: Texas / South Central NewsTopics: assistance, Disaster (Flood,Coastal,EQ,W-Fire,etc.), fallin, tornado, woodwardHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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Hurricane Recovery Money Redirected to Superdome Upgrades

April 23, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

The Jindal administration has gotten permission to redirect federal hurricane recovery money from housing aid programs to Superdome upgrades.

Federal approval was discussed on April 19 in the Senate Finance Committee and was confirmed by Christina Stephens, a spokeswoman for the governor’s Division of Administration.

Nearly $7 million is being moved from recovery programs, including fisheries assistance, small business loans and housing aid, to another program that will help pay for improvements to the Superdome, where the New Orleans Saints play.

The proposal needed approval from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, which oversees the spending of the billions of dollars in block grant aid allocated to Louisiana after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.

U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Democrat from New Orleans, had asked for the money shift to be scrapped, saying the plan was ill-advised because people still are struggling to rebuild more than six years after Katrina.

Gov. Bobby Jindal’s commissioner of administration, Paul Rainwater, said the Disaster Recovery Unit was shifting unused dollars returned after several parishes said they weren’t needed for the programs to which they had been divvied up.

The money is being sent to a local government infrastructure program, and from there, will be used for Superdome repairs and improvements that didn’t qualify for FEMA aid after Katrina. More than $40 million from the fund already has been used on the domed stadium.

 

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Progressive Expands Commercial Auto Coverage Limits

April 23, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

Progressive Insurance has doubled the available liability limits of its commercial auto policies. It now offers options for $1.5 or $2 million. The expanded limits mean business owners won’t need to buy a separate umbrella policy to meet the liability requirements for large projects.

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California State Fund Cancels Layoffs

April 23, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund is cancelling plans to lay off hundreds of workers, the Sacramento Bee is reporting.

State Fund President and CEO Tom Rowe issued a message to staff that stated 1,300 workers have left since the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurer announced last year it would axe up to 1,800 jobs, according to the Sacramento Bee story, which stated the number of employees remaining is small enough for State Fund to cancel the layoff.

Established in 1914 by the state legislature, State Fund is California’s largest provider of workers’ compensation insurance.

Rowe briefly addressed the attrition when State Fund released its annual report two weeks ago showing just over $1 billion dollars in net premiums earned, a drop from 2010’s figures.

It was in October of last year the entity announced a restructuring of State Fund to be implemented this year, resulting in a reduction in workforce of from 1,500 and 1,800 positions. The restructuring is expected to save the State Fund $200 million a year. Rowe had said following State Fund’s earnings release that many of those workers already took buyouts and voluntarily quit.

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Fireman’s Fund Names Tobias Southern California Territory Sales Director

April 13, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

Linda Tobias has been named territory sales director in Southern California at Novato, Calif.-based Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co.

Tobias will assume the position for personal insurance with responsibility for agencies in the San Diego and the Los Angeles areas. She will be responsible for working with partner agencies to manage relationships and develop new business opportunities.

Tobias has 25 years’ experience in insurance, including experience on the agency/broker side of the business having worked with both PLI Brokerage and an independent regional firm in Southern California. She previously worked at Fireman’s Fund from 2002 to 2005.

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Central Valley Calif. Grape Grower Sued By Workers

April 12, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

A Hispanic advocacy group is suing a Central Valley grape grower to recover wages for Latino employees it claims were forced to work extra hours without pay.

The Mexican American Legal Defense Fund filed the class-action lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Fresno against Castlerock Farming and Transport Inc.

The suit seeks a court order stopping the alleged illegal practice and the payment of wages and other benefits denied to more than 5,000 workers over the past 11 years.

The suit also alleges Castlerock failed to properly pay minimum wage to hourly workers, refused to provide paid rest breaks and failed to provide meal breaks to employees who work at least five hours.

A Castlerock spokeswoman says the company has not yet seen the suit and could not comment.

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Fireman’s Fund Partners with Allianz to Expand Entertainment into Canada

April 12, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

Novato, Calif.-based  Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. in partnership with Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty have created an experienced underwriting team to further expand its entertainment division and capabilities in North America.

With the addition of this team, Fireman’s Fund has more than 90 entertainment underwriters, customer service, claims and risk services experts in Burbank, Santa Monica, Dallas, Minneapolis, New York City, London, and now Toronto.

The team will be led by Lynne Pepper, an entertainment underwriter with more than 20 years of experience, and will focus on expanding Fireman’s Fund entertainment business across a variety of segments, including film, television, D.I.C.E., special events, music, and contingency coverages. The team will also include entertainment underwriting veteran Natalie Reynolds and customer service specialist Robyn McMahon. The team previously worked at Travelers Canada.

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty will handle all aspects of Canadian entertainment business through appointed entertainment agents and brokers.

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Warm Weather, Dry Conditions Could Mean More Wildfires in Northeast

April 12, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

Northeastern states are not known for frequent wildfires and brushfires. But that could be changing this spring as the region faces record-high temperatures and unusually dry conditions.

“With more than 15,000 temperature records broken in the U.S. in March 2012 alone, combined with low precipitation and little or no snowpack across much of the nation’s lower 48 states, this year could be very active one for wildfires and brushfires, including parts of the Northeast where such events are relatively uncommon,” said Robert Hartwig, president of the Insurance Information Institute in New York.

In 2011, wildfires scorched more than 8 million acres across the United States, damaging thousands of homes, businesses and vehicles and causing $855 million in insured losses, according to the I.I.I.

The Institute offers resources online that explain what types of losses are generally covered under a standard homeowners or business property insurance policy.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety in Tampa, Fla., also noted this week that dry and windy conditions are triggering wildfire in the Northeast region. The group offers wildfire resources online for homeowners, including how to create defensible space zones to keep wildfires from spreading.

Also, the American Red Cross offers online a wildfire safety checklist, including a list of essential supplies to prepare in case of evacuation.

“More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings, rural areas or remote mountain sites. There, residents enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfires,” according to the American Red Cross. “Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. In a wildfire, every second counts.”

 

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California State Fund Reports Drop in Net Premiums

April 12, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund released its annual report on Thursday showing just over $1 billion dollars in net premiums earned, a drop from 2010’s figures.

State Fund reported adjusted actual net premiums earned of $1.002 billion for the year. That’s down from 2010’s reported $1.136 billion. Losses incurred fell from $850 million in 2010 to $752 million in 2011, and loss adjustment expenses incurred fell from $521 million in 2010 to $393 million last year.

Despite the drop in premiums earned, State Fund President and CEO Tom Rowe said California’s government-controlled workers’ comp insurer of last resort was showing improved results and was starting to reap the benefits of cost-cutting measures implemented late last year.

“Our financial summary reveals well-executed pricing disciplines, and improving results from the most experienced claims team in the marketplace,

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Insurance to Cost $10K per Bus Annually for Private Detroit Bus Line

April 9, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

A young entrepreneur from the suburbs is planning to start a private bus line in downtown Detroit, Mich.

The Detroit News reports Andy Didorosi is set to open the Detroit Bus Co., a private company with three full-size school buses.

The 25-year-old Ferndale resident says he’s invested $10,000, and insurance will cost another $10,000 per bus per year.

His plan comes as frustrations linger over city buses running late or not at all.

Didorosi’s first bus will launch the last week of April, and the other two will follow.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26 President Henry Gaffney says city service could be better, but he’s not a fan of a private citizen tackling the issue.

Gaffney says Didorosi doesn’t really know what he’s doing.

 

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: Midwest NewsTopics: Commercial Auto, Detroit, Michigan, private busHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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FEMA: More than $2M in Indiana Disaster Aid Approved

April 9, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

More than $2 million in federal aid has been approved for homeowners, businesses and others affected by southern Indiana tornadoes and other storms earlier this year.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says that through April 4 nearly $1.2 million has been approved to pay for expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. That includes temporary rental assistance, repairing and replacing household items, and disaster-related medical costs.

FEMA also says the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $990,000 in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits.

Storms caused extensive damage Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

 

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: Midwest NewsTopics: Disaster (Flood,Coastal,EQ,W-Fire,etc.), FEMA, Indiana, tornado recovery, tornadoesHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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Navy Jet Crash in Virginia Beach, Va., Fiery, Not Deadly

April 8, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

Zooming along at 170 mph (275 kph) in a fighter jet carrying thousands of pounds (kilograms) of volatile fuel, two Navy pilots faced nothing but bad choices when their aircraft malfunctioned over Virginia’s most populated city on Friday, April 6.

“Catastrophic engine system failure right after takeoff, which is always the most critical phase of flying, leaves very, very few options,” said aviation safety expert and decorated pilot J.F. Joseph. “You literally run out of altitude, air speed and ideas all at the same time,” he said.

Somehow, however, the student pilot and his instructor and everyone on the ground survived on Friday, when the men ejected from their F/A-18D jet moments before it crashed in a fireball in an apartment complex courtyard. The pilots and five on the ground were hurt, but all have been released from the hospital.

Crews had carefully checked the apartments, and all residents had been accounted for early Saturday, fire department Capt. Tim Riley said Saturday. No deaths were reported.

That could change if, for instance, authorities did not know about a guest that had been staying in an apartment, Riley said.

Still, Navy Adm. John C. Harvey, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces, said Saturday during a news conference that he was surprised the crash had not claimed any lives and that he hoped to “keep this amazing miracle going.”

Investigators will work from the outside of the site toward the center to gather parts from the jet and examine them, as well as check out the flight data recorders, Harvey said. The entire investigation could take weeks.

The airmen were from Naval Air Station Oceana, less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) away. They were able to safely escape the aircraft, which weighs up to 50,000 pounds (22,680 kilograms) fully fueled and armed, before it careened into the apartment complex, demolishing sections of some buildings and engulfing others in flames. Some 40 apartment units were damaged or destroyed. Military authorities are investigating what happened.

The two-seat jet had dumped loads of fuel before crashing, though it wasn’t clear if that was because of a malfunction or an intentional maneuver by the pilots, said Capt. Mark Weisgerber with U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Service division chief Bruce Nedelka said witnesses saw fuel being dumped from the jet before it went down, and that fuel was found on buildings and vehicles in the area.

The plane not having as much fuel on board “mitigated what could have been an absolute massive, massive fireball and fire,” Nedelka said. “With all of that jet fuel dumped, it was much less than what it could have been.”

While Joseph agreed the fuel loss could have been tied to the malfunction, he added, “I would say every action they took was an attempt to mitigate damage on the ground, up to and including the loss of life.”

The aircraft can carry up to 8,000 pounds (3,630 kilograms) of jet fuel, Joseph said.

The crash happened in the Hampton Roads area, which has a large concentration of military bases, including Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world. Naval Air Station Oceana, where the F/A-18D that crashed was assigned, is located in Virginia Beach. Both pilots were from Virginia Beach, Weisgerber said.

Weisgerber said he did not know how many times the student pilot had been in the air, but the instructor was “extremely experienced.”

Joseph said the airman being trained would have had 1 1/2 years of intensive training before taking flight from Oceana.

“This is not a student naval aviator. They are well-trained,” he said. “The mitigating factor in this is there was an eminently well-trained and qualified trainer in the back seat.”

Dozens of police cars, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles filled the densely populated neighborhood where the plane crashed. Yellow fire hoses snaked through side streets as fire crews poured water on the charred rooftops of brick apartment houses. By late afternoon, the fire had been put out.

Residents of the apartment complex described a confusing scene and an apologetic pilot.

Colby Smith said his house started shaking and then the power went out, as he saw a red and orange blaze outside his window. He ran outside, where he saw billowing black smoke and then came upon the pilot as he ran to a friend’s home.

“I saw the parachute on the house and he was still connected to it, and he was laying on the ground with his face full of blood,” Smith told WVEC-TV.

“The pilot said,

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N.J. Crew Members Sentenced in Failed Bid to Sink Ship, Collect $400K

April 5, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

Two men who admitted roles in a botched attempt to sink a fishing boat to collect insurance money are now headed to federal prison.

Erik James of Goshen and Christopher Martin of Wildwood both received 30-month terms when they were sentenced Tuesday. The men, who are both 40 years old, were former crew members on the Alexander II fishing boat.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has said the pair and three other defendants — including the ship’s owner — sought $400,000 in insurance money. They took the boat to a point about 86 miles southeast of Cape May and tried unsuccessfully to sink it, after falsifying the ship’s log.

James and Martin had both pleaded guilty to complaints charging them with conspiracy to destroy the boat on the high seas.

 

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N.Y. Attorney General Warns Homeowners About New Mortgage Scams

April 5, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

New York’s attorney general is warning homeowners to be alert for phone calls from people posing as bank or government officials to get personal information through bogus offers of help with their mortgages.

Eric Schneiderman says the calls are connected to the recent national settlement of loan management and foreclosure abuses by banks.

He says some of the scammers are offering help making a loan payment and asking for a borrower’s bank account routing information. Others may ask for an upfront fee for help with a mortgage modification.

In any case, Schneiderman says the best defense is refusing to provide personal and financial information that their actual banks will already have. And charging the upfront fees is illegal in New York.

Suspicious calls should be reported to Schneiderman’s office.

 

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: East NewsTopics: Fraud, home foreclosureHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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Trucker Harassment Class-Action Suit Backfires

April 5, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

They were learning to become truck drivers but wound up in a nightmare. In detailed accounts to a federal agency, dozens of female employees of an Iowa-based trucking company, one of the largest in the nation, told of being propositioned, groped and even assaulted by male drivers during cross-country training rides.

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Tornado-Wrecked Dallas Begins Assessing Damage

April 5, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

The tornado hurtled toward the North Texas nursing home. Physical therapist Patti Gilroy said she saw the swirling mass barreling down through the back door, after she herded patients into the hallway in the order trained: walkers, wheelchairs, then beds.

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Trayvon Martin March to Happen After Tallahassee Waives Insurance Requirement

April 4, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticle14 Comments

A march in Florida’s state capital to protest the shooting death of Trayvon Martin is being held today after city officials relented and allowed the march to precede despite a lack of liability coverage.

Tallahassee officials had told the march organizer, the National Christian League of Councils, that it needed to show proof it could self-insure against any liability claim, after the NCLC said it could not obtain a $1 million liability policy as required by a city ordinance.

The NCLC said its application was rejected by 12 insurance companies due to the march’s controversial nature and security concerns.

Tallahassee City Attorney Jim English said the city decided to reverse itself and remove the insurance requirements citing concerns over the NCLC’s First Amendment rights.

He said the decision does not eliminate the risk of a claim and does not indemnify the NCLC against any possible claim. However, he said, in such event the city would consider any claims to be a private matter.

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Western Security Surplus Insurance Brokers Announces Staff Changes

April 4, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

Kyle Stevens, president and CEO of Western Security Surplus Insurance, announced organizational changes in the Dallas office and a new hire for WSS’ Roseville, Calif., office.

Jennie Reed has been promoted to senior broker, regional vice president and will be responsible for the Texas territory. Reed will oversee marketing all of WSS’ products in Texas and will be the primary point person for Texas’ agents in alignment with WSS’ territory plan.

Ron Klimek moves into a marketing role as West-Pro Marketing vice president with a focus on MGA and program products. His primary responsibility will be to work alongside brokers educating agents across the country on WSS programs and MGA offerings. Working closely with Stevens, Klimek will be tasked to stay current on WSS’ expanding products and programs and will be responsible for promoting all products written through West-Pro.

The Northern California office welcomes Ann Macomber as WSS’ newest broker and office manager in the Roseville, Calif., office. A Bay-area native, Macomber comes to WSS with a wealth of experience in the retail industry and is enthusiastic about returning to California from the Dallas area.

West-Pro Insurance Services is WSS’ MGA facility and is located in Dallas. WSS has additional brokerage facilities in Roseville, Calif.; Dallas, Texas; and Fullerton, Calif.

Source: Western Security Surplus Insurance Brokers

 

 

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Play sport, will travel

From fencing to football, a growing number of sports people want to compete at an international level. But losing a game on a team tour is not the only risk

Sport at every level has an international aspect these days, with teams and individuals travelling far and wide to compete in tournaments.

Global broadcast rights and big brand sponsorship may have turned international events like rugby’s RBS 6 Nations into massive media events, but amateurs are willing to go the extra mile to test themselves as well.

Murray Anderson, Syndicate Underwriter at Lloyd’s specialist Sportscover, says amateur teams from right across the sporting spectrum have caught the travel bug.

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Science of Risk 2012 to focus on climate and hazards

As Climate Week places the spotlight on key environmental issues, Lloyd’s new-look Science of Risk prize is also turning its attention to climate change and natural catastrophes.

From March 12, Climate Week will see thousands of events take place across the UK as businesses and organisations look to raise awareness of ways to combat climate change.

Tackling climate change

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Calls Show Residents Panicked Over Colorado Wildfire

April 4, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

A man who was found dead in his burned home was among the confused and panicked residents who called Colorado authorities as a wildfire raged near them.

Police tapes obtained by KMGH-TV show that Sam Lucas expressed surprise after responders told him the fire was a controlled burn, despite winds that reached 80 mph. Lucas and his wife were found dead at their home last week.

Another resident urged authorities to rescue a woman who apparently died in the fire. A friend of Ann Appel was concerned for her safety because she was being treated for cancer.

The Colorado State Forest Service has accepted responsibility for the fire, which charred 6 square miles in a mostly rural, mountainous area southwest of Denver.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: West NewsTopics: Colorado State Forest Service, safety, wildfireHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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CEA and Red Cross Combine Forces to Raise Awareness

April 4, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

In what those involved say may bring about many more such pairings, the California Earthquake Authority and the American Red Cross have joined forces to try to boost preparedness and recovery when California’s next damaging earthquake strikes.

The two groups are pairing up on an auction they believe will help raise awareness of the need for earthquak preparedness, and insurance. And both groups say more such partnerships are likely in the future.

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State Auto Companies Name New Officers

April 3, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

State Automobile Mutual and State Auto Property & Casualty Insurance Cos. have named a number of associates officers of the companies.

Scott Jones, vice president, chief investment officer, started with State Auto in 1989 and previously served as a portfolio manager and senior financial accountant with State Auto.

Karen Longshore, vice president, chief technology officer, joined State Auto earlier this year to drive alignment of the company’s technology vision with overall business strategy. Longshore previously held senior level IT positions with BP Solar in Frederick, Md., and Crump Group.

Charlie McShane, vice president of business insurance, joined State Auto in 2006 to build the company’s middle market presence. He was named regional president of State Auto’s Eastern Region in 2009. Prior to joining State Auto, McShane had extensive insurance experience with Zurich, St Paul, USF&G and Aetna Life and Casualty. He holds both the Associate in Risk Management and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designations.

The following individuals have also been named officers by the boards of directors of State Automobile Mutual and State Auto Property & Casualty Insurance Cos.

Kevin Kelly, regional president, Midwestern regionSteven Moehl, regional financial officer, Central regionChris Steer, regional financial officer, Eastern regionAlita A. Burke, assistant vice president, dean, State Auto UniversityMark Roso, assistant vice president, business insuranceNathan W. Santamaria, assistant vice president, product manager IIClay Jenkins, assistant secretary

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Broker Admits Funneling Over $1M in Bribes to N.J. School Official

April 3, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

A Maryland insurance broker has admitted making more than $1 million in bribes to a former school superintendent in southern New Jersey.

Seventy-year-old Francis X. Gartland of Baltimore pleaded guilty Monday to charges of mail fraud, conspiracy to defraud the IRS and perjury.

Gartland admitted paying Toms River Regional Superintendent Michael Ritacco between $1 million and $2 million from 2002 to 2010 as part of a scheme to keep his contract as the district’s insurance broker. He also admitted using straw donors in 2007 to make illegal campaign contributions to Joseph Vas, the former Perth Amboy mayor who was running for Congress at the time.

Gartland could get more than 20 years in prison when he’s sentenced July 9.

Ritacco’s trial is scheduled to begin April 9.

 

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: East NewsTopics: Fraud, insurance fraudHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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Nationwide speaks out on N.C. automobile insurance rate modernization

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2012

Contacts:
Elizabeth Stelzer 614-249-1025
stelzee

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Sweepstakes/ Lottery scams

Consumer alert regarding sweepstakes and lottery prizes. 20 November 2011

Sweepstakes/lottery scams use the promise of big money payouts to defraud unsuspecting victims out of large sums of money. Lloyd’s is aware that members of the public may receive telephone calls and/or correspondence telling them they have won a sweepstakes/lottery prize and that to collect the prize they must first pay a premium, often by wire transfer, for alleged Lloyd’s insurance on the delivery of the prize.

Anyone receiving such a communication should not send any payments or enter into correspondence. Lloyd’s and/or interested underwriters at Lloyd’s would never contact any person directly asking them to pay a premium to collect any

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Politics and marine pollution

Political pressure following marine oil spills can undermine international conventions that limit liability

In March 2009, a Hong Kong flagged general cargo vessel named the Pacific Adventurer was damaged during a cyclone off Australia’s ecologically rich Queensland coast. As a result of the damage it spilled around 270 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the waters, which affected a large stretch of coastline.

Elections were taking place in Queensland at the time and there was intense media interest surrounding the incident. The state's premier called for the owners of Pacific Adventurer to pay for all the costs of the clean-up operation, to which they agreed after further pressure.

"In the future for high-profile cases like that it may be that courts might take a flexible attitude to the right to limit if they are able to identify any grey areas," says Jonathan Hare, senior vice president and counsel at Skuld, a marine insurer providing Protection and Indemnity (P&I) and Defence cover to shipowners. "On top of that, regardless of the legality, there's going to be great commercial pressure."

"Countries without efficient legal systems create a bigger risk but it really can happen anywhere," he continues. "If you look at Australia, it's got a perfectly good legal system. There the problem wasn't the application of the law

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Online shopping delivers greater retailer risk

The growth in internet shopping brings new risks for retailers, but cyber and payment fraud insurance can protect companies during critical trading periods like Christmas

Millions of us have been flocking to high streets and shopping centres over the last few weeks, but an increasing number are choosing to shop from the comfort of their homes

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Insurance prescription for clinical trials

Trials involving human patients are crucial to the advancement of clinical science. But they’re not without risk. Fortunately, insurers are willing to cover them

As you read this there are probably as many as 100,000 people taking part in clinical trials in 165 countries around the world. Such trials, involving pharmaceuticals or medical devices, can last for years and are necessary if products are to be used safely to treat illnesses or alleviate medical conditions.

While clinical trials are almost always completed without incident, thanks to the strict controls in place, a major incident sometimes grabs the headlines. In 2006, for example, six men became critically ill with multiple organ failure while taking part in the trial of a drug dubbed TGN1412, intended by its maker TeGenero for use in treating rheumatoid arthritis and leukaemia.

The drug had been developed in line with all regulatory and clinical guidelines, and had been shown to be safe in earlier non-human studies.

Compensation protection

Not surprisingly, pharmaceutical manufacturers and companies that conduct clinical trials all need to purchase insurance to cover themselves against the risk of a study going wrong and being subject to massive compensation payouts.

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Travelers’ event cancellation cover extended

Travelers has announced that it is rolling out its Lloyd's event cancellation cover to regional brokers through its company operation so that more clients around the UK can access this bespoke cover.

The product is designed for businesses staging events such as annual general meetings, conferences, trade shows and corporate entertainment.

The cover was developed after the syndicate saw increasing demand for their product from around the country. 

Growing demand

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Electronic endorsements extend across the market

The London Market Group (LMG) has announced that the electronic endorsements initiative will extend to all classes of business from 5 March 2012

The development marks a substantial move forward in the modernisation of the London market

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New terrorism consortium to protect under-insured

A new insurance consortium, Xin, has been launched by Lloyd’s syndicates, specialising in helping businesses protect against the on-going threat of a terrorist attack in Asia.

Four Lloyd’s syndicates

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Spending Your Income Tax Refund

Tax time is here. You’ve probably filed your income tax return and maybe you’ve even received a refund. Assuming you don’t have outstanding bills to pay, you now have a little windfall.

Since a tax refund is usually “found” money and not part of your regular budget, why don’t you spend it on something that’s not part of your regular budget? Here are some ideas.

Vacation fund

It’s the perfect time of year to plan for a vacation. Use your refund for a quick getaway, or add it to your existing vacation fund to upgrade a trip you’re already planning.

Home improvements

Your home is probably your biggest investment. It’s actually pretty responsible to spend your refund on things that will increase its value, like repairs or upgrades. Think about the little home projects you’ve been meaning to start but didn’t have the cash for during the year.

New vehicle

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, consider using your tax refund towards a down payment. What better way to enjoy the open road this spring than cruising in your new car or motorcycle?

Then protect it

Now comes the fun part – deciding how to use it. Whatever you choose to spend your tax refund, keep it protected with trip insurance, property insurance or auto insurance from Nationwide.

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Nationwide Responds to Storms in the South

In response to the severe storms that affected the South at the end of April, Nationwide Insurance has set up several relief stations.

Nationwide knows that when an event like this happens, you want to get your life back to normal as soon as possible. Read about our efforts to repair the damage, our donation to the Red Cross, and how to report a claim if you’re a policyholder with storm damage.

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Before You Spring Clean, Get Organized

After a cold winter, you’re ready to open all the windows in your house on the first warm day. Before you start your spring cleaning this year, take some time to get rid of the clutter. You’ll make some extra space in your home and cut down on your cleaning time just by reducing the amount of stuff you have.

Follow these tips to get started:

1. Create a plan.

Decide what area or areas you want to tackle and try to get through a couple each day. Do you need to make space in your garage? Have some boxes of mementoes in your closet that you’ve been meaning to sort through? This is your chance.

2. Make sorting easy.

Gather storage tubs or garbage bags and label them with categories like “Keep,” “Throw Away,” “Recycle,” “Sell” and “Donate.” As you go through your stuff, decide what you want to do with each item.

3. Decide what to donate, recycle and hand down.

Find a new home for your old stuff:

Clothes – Unless you wear it regularly, give it away.
Electronics – Cell phones, laptops and other devices have batteries that are toxic, so don’t throw them in the trash. If you can’t give them away, check a local electronics store to see if they will recycle them for you.
Stuffed animals – Call fire departments, children’s hospitals and women’s shelters to see if they accept gently used toys.
Towels and blankets – If they’re in good shape, donate them to a homeless shelter. If they’re worn, give them to an animal rescue group.
Furniture and other large items – Post an item on a website like Freecycle or Freeshare. People who want it will email you to arrange a pickup time. 4. Follow through.

Now that you’ve sorted it’s time to take the last step – actually selling, donating, or recycling your stuff. Throw the bags in your car and recycle or donate those items. Make sure you get a receipt for donations since you can write them off on your taxes. Set a date for a garage sale, or list items you want to sell on Craigslist or Ebay.

5. Reward yourself.

After a day spent decluttering, meet a friend for coffee or a movie and congratulate yourself for a job well done.

After you’ve organized your home, make sure you have enough property insurance to protect the stuff in your “Keep” pile. Find out more from Nationwide.

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Protect your Money While on Vacation

Your suitcase isn’t the only thing you need to pack for a trip. You should also make sure you have the right things in your wallet before you leave. Use these tips to keep your money protected while you’re traveling.

Clean out your wallet

Remove your Social Security card and any extra credit cards you won’t need while traveling. Just take the essentials for your trip.

Leave a Copy

Make photocopies of the back and front of the credit cards you’re taking and leave the copies with a friend or family member. If your wallet is lost or stolen, it will be easier for you to contact your credit card company and bank.

Look into travelers check cards

A traveler’s check card is a more convenient version of traveler’s checks. It works like a prepaid credit card and can be replaced quickly in an emergency. Carry it in your wallet instead of a stack of traveler’s checks.

Protect your passport

If you’re traveling internationally, know what to do if your passport is lost or stolen. You’ll need to report the loss to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible, so look up the address and contact information and take it with you.

Keep your cash close

If you’re traveling internationally, know what to do if your passport is lost or stolen. You’ll need to report the loss to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible, so look up the address and contact information and take it with you.

Enjoy your vacation

You’ll be able to relax on your vacation once you’ve taken these steps to protect your money. Get even more peace of mind by protecting your trip with Trip Cancellation Insurance from Nationwide.

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5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home. After a long winter, chances are that your car could use a makeover, too. Follow these five tips to get your car ready for spring.

Wash under pressure

A high-pressure carwash is very effective at blasting away winter road grime from your car. Be sure to pay extra attention to your vehicle’s undercarriage, especially if you drive in an area where winter roads are salted.

Straighten out the interior

Now is the perfect time to throw out any trash that accumulated over winter. Be sure to shred anything with personal information. If you have a vinyl dashboard, apply a protectant to help block damaging UV rays – it’s like sunscreen for your car.

Clear the air

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, a cabin air filter change might be in the works. These filters are inexpensive and only take a few minutes to swap out. Refer to your owner’s manual for details.

De-junk the trunk

Take a minute straighten up the trunk. Be sure to check the condition of your jack and spare tire. If you have a pressure gauge, ensure that your spare is properly inflated.

Clean the glass

Dirty automobile glass can affect a driver’s road vision. Use wadded up newspaper for a streak-free finish inside and out. Also, inspect your windshield glass for chips. If you find any, consider making a window glass claim.

These tips will help you prepare your car for spring. If you haven’t spoken to your Nationwide agent recently, it might be time for an annual On Your Side® Review to ensure that your auto insurance policy is ready for the season, too.

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Riding Your Motorcycle in a Storm

Its storm season and a surprise shower can pop up any time. Make sure you know what to do if you’re riding your motorcycle in the rain.

Keep your visor clean

Keep the surface of your visor polished to reduce the interference of rain on your vision. A clean visor allows raindrops to form a single film which is easier to see through than a sprinkling of separate drops.

Handle aquaplaning

Aquaplaning happens when there is so much water on the road that your tires don’t have contact with the road and just ride on the water. If this happens to you, reduce your speed until you regain control of the bike. Keep in mind that broader tires are more likely to aquaplane than narrow tires, so shop accordingly.

Relax your body

It may seem counterintuitive, but if you relax your muscles when riding in a storm your motorcycle will be easier to steer. Tense muscles cause more resistance that you have to compensate for, while loose muscles allow your body to function as a sail and glide through the wind. So, try to relax if you’re caught in a storm.

Stay at home

Be smart when deciding when to ride your bike: if you wouldn’t go out walking or in a car, just stay home.

Keep protected

Even when you take precautions, accidents can happen. Make sure you’re covered with motorcycle insurance from a trusted company like Nationwide.

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Prepare Your Boat for Boating Season

The temperature is rising and it’s time to get your boat on the water. Make sure you perform these checks before you go out to avoid preventable issues.

Oil check

If you didn’t change the oil and filter when you put your boat away in the fall, do it now. It’s also a good idea to check the oil in the outdrive.

Battery inspection

First, reconnect the battery and clean away any corrosion. If you have a traditional battery with vent caps, fill it up. Test the power with a battery tester.

Cooling system

Refill the cooling system, rinse out the strainer and check the hoses for cracks.

Fuel system

Top off your tank if it isn’t already full. Change the fuel filter and make sure the fuel line is attached. Check for cracks in the fuel line.

Belts and hoses

Check all belts and hoses for cracks and brittleness. Belts should be tight over the pulleys so they don’t slip, which can also make them wear faster. A black soot-like substance near the pulley is a sign the belt is worn and needs replaced.

Propeller and hull assessment

Check your propeller for dings or cracks, and make sure it’s attached properly. Check rudders, shafts, and boat trim.

Onboard inspection

Test your horn and VHF radio (if you have one). Inspect your life jackets and make sure your fire extinguisher isn’t expired. Make sure your anchor is on board.

Check the manual

Make sure you read your owner’s manual for any other safety checks specific to your boat.

Keep it covered

Even when you take every precaution, accidents can happen. Keep your boat protected with boat insurance from Nationwide.

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Nationwide protects home computers from hackers

Software makes text unreadable to data thieves

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

Contacts:
Nancy Smeltzer (614) 249.4491
smeltzn

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Santa Fe Sues Aeropostale For Not Paying Living Wage

April 3, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticle2 Comments

The city of Santa Fe is suing retailer Aeropostale, accusing the teen-centric store of not complying with a city ordinance that requires employers to pay a minimum wage.

Santa Fe’s

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Colorado Wildfire Victims Returning to Homes

April 3, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

The Lower North Fork wildfire in Jefferson County, Colo. is nearly 100 percent contained, and with all remaining evacuation and pre-evacuation orders lifted on Tuesday residents were returning to their homes.

The fire, believed to have been started by a prescribed burn by Colorado State Forest Service and fanned by high winds on Monday, consumed 4,140 acres and destroyed 25 structures. It also killed three people.

At one point the fire had forced the evacuation of 900 homes, and required more than 700 firefighting personnel, plus numerous aircraft and helicopters to drop fire retardants and water.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been assisting with funding and firefighting activities. FEMA Urban Search and Rescue had been conducting a search for one person still missing in the area. That person was later found dead in a burned down residence.

There are no estimates available yet on insured losses.

If the Forest Service is found to be responsible for starting the fire, under a Colorado law, which limits liability for the state and its taxpayers, the state would only be liable to pay up to $600,000 total.

Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: West NewsTopics: Colorado State Forest Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Liability, Lower North Fork wildfire, wildfireHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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Willis North America Adds Three to Personal Lines in California

April 3, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

Willis North America, a unit of Willis Group Holdings, made three key appointments in its personal lines practice in Califfornia.

The Willis’ personal lines practice provides personal risk solutions and placement services to individuals and families with complex risks.

Tyler Banks has been appointed Western Region Leader of the personal lines practice. He will lead Willis’ personal lines teams in Arizona, California and Washington.  He will be based in Irvine. Prior to Willis, Banks was the Southern California Sales Leader at Marsh Private Client Services in Los Angeles.

Eric Massi was named Personal Risk Advisor in the personal lines practice.  He will focus on driving growth and aligning resources to provide service to clients in the affluent and high net worth space. He will be based in Santa Monica. Prior to Willis, Massi was a sales and risk consultant at Marsh’ private client services in Los Angeles.

Valerie Soubra was named personal risk advisor of the persona lines practice, where she will also focus on provide service to clients in the affluent and high net worth space. Prior to Willis, Soubra served as Sales and Risk Consultant at Marsh Private Client Services in Irvine.

Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: West NewsTopics: Eric Massi, People, Tyler Banks, Valerie Soubra, Willis Group Holdings, Willis Personal Lines PracticeHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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Pit road confusion costs Ky. Busch

Victory Lane: Ryan Newman BrowseSPRINT CUPNATIONWIDETRUCK SERIES201220112010200920082007Select an event06 - Martinsville05 - Fontana04 - Bristol03 - Las Vegas02 - Phoenix01 - DaytonaDuelsShootoutCategoryLatestHighlightsFeaturesFeaturedFantasy ShowdownNSC Final LapsGarage ExpertGarageCam ReplayGreen-White-CheckeredHall of FameInside NASCAR30 Minutes ReplayMiss Sprint Cup VideosNASCAR Preview ShowNASCAR on SPEEDThe 10Best of Race HubNASCAR RaceDayNASCAR Victory LaneTracksideVictory Lane Fan FinishNationwide SeriesChat ReplayNNS Final LapsHighlightsPreviewSpotlightNNS Victory LaneOut Front Pole VideoPress PassRace RewindSights and SoundsSound OffNSC Victory LaneWeekend Top 5ArchivedAll Access with JJCAt The TrackBeyond Pit RoadNAPA Know HowNASCAR 101Race ChatterZero to 60

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Logano gives JGR eighth consecutive ACS win

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FONTANA, Calif. -- Joey Logano kept the Joe Gibbs Racing streak intact.

Fighting off challenges from a succession of rivals, Logano gave JGR its eighth consecutive Nationwide Series victory at Auto Club Speedway in winning the Royal Purple 300 by 1.066 seconds over Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Auto ClubResults Pos. Driver Make 1. Joey Logano Toyota 2. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Ford 3. Brad Keselowski Dodge 4. Brian Scott Toyota

Results

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Final Laps: Logano continues streak for JGR

Joey Logano gets a push from Keselowski on the final restart, and holds on to capture the eighth consecutive NNS victory at Fontana for JGR. Editor's Picks

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Post-Race Reactions: Royal Purple 300

Victory Lane: Ryan Newman BrowseSPRINT CUPNATIONWIDETRUCK SERIES201220112010200920082007Select an event06 - Martinsville05 - Fontana04 - Bristol03 - Las Vegas02 - Phoenix01 - DaytonaDuelsShootoutCategoryLatestHighlightsFeaturesFeaturedFantasy ShowdownNSC Final LapsGarage ExpertGarageCam ReplayGreen-White-CheckeredHall of FameInside NASCAR30 Minutes ReplayMiss Sprint Cup VideosNASCAR Preview ShowNASCAR on SPEEDThe 10Best of Race HubNASCAR RaceDayNASCAR Victory LaneTracksideVictory Lane Fan FinishNationwide SeriesChat ReplayNNS Final LapsHighlightsPreviewSpotlightNNS Victory LaneOut Front Pole VideoPress PassRace RewindSights and SoundsSound OffNSC Victory LaneWeekend Top 5ArchivedAll Access with JJCAt The TrackBeyond Pit RoadNAPA Know HowNASCAR 101Race ChatterZero to 60

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Victory Lane: Joey Logano

Victory Lane: Ryan Newman BrowseSPRINT CUPNATIONWIDETRUCK SERIES201220112010200920082007Select an event06 - Martinsville05 - Fontana04 - Bristol03 - Las Vegas02 - Phoenix01 - DaytonaDuelsShootoutCategoryLatestHighlightsFeaturesFeaturedFantasy ShowdownNSC Final LapsGarage ExpertGarageCam ReplayGreen-White-CheckeredHall of FameInside NASCAR30 Minutes ReplayMiss Sprint Cup VideosNASCAR Preview ShowNASCAR on SPEEDThe 10Best of Race HubNASCAR RaceDayNASCAR Victory LaneTracksideVictory Lane Fan FinishNationwide SeriesChat ReplayNNS Final LapsHighlightsPreviewSpotlightNNS Victory LaneOut Front Pole VideoPress PassRace RewindSights and SoundsSound OffNSC Victory LaneWeekend Top 5ArchivedAll Access with JJCAt The TrackBeyond Pit RoadNAPA Know HowNASCAR 101Race ChatterZero to 60

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