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Insurance News 11/6/2005

2005-11-06T02:05:00.000-08:00

JPMorgan's insurance biz for sale: source

JPMorgan Chase & Co. has put its life insurance and annuity operations up for sale, a source familiar with the matter said on Saturday, in the latest move by the No. 3 U.S. bank to shed a smaller noncore business.

Companies turn empty lot into 'insurance village' to speed claims process

PLANTATION -- Part insurance adjuster convention, part RV show, a crowded parking lot has become an oasis of customer service.

Divine protection? The popularity and number of `church plans' is rising along with the cost of health insurance

When his wife spent a week in Georgetown University Hospital's intensive care unit last year recovering from life-saving brain surgery, Joe Huff never worried about who would pay her $120,000 hospital bill, even though his family has no health insurance.

‘Easy Way' insurance not the smart way for most

Nov 06, 2005: STUPID INVESTMENT OF THE WEEK: ‘EASY WAY' INSURANCE FROM UNITED OF OMAHA

Gomoa Insurance Scheme signs memorandum

Apam (C/R), Nov. 3, GNA - Ghanaians have been urged to exercise maximum restraint to enable to them cope with the numerous challenges that would be unfolded during the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Qatar insurance firms likely to be merged

DOHA — Studies are underway to assess the feasibility of merging or otherwise linking Qatar’s major insurance companies to help strengthen their position against international competition in the market.

State Workers' Insurance

A break in health insurance costs is welcome news for thousands of state workers. The new rates take effect January 1. The state is also starting a pilot program called Healthy KIDS, which will pay 90 percent of health care premiums for children of low-income employees.

JPMorgan puts life insurance business up for sale-source

JPMorgan, which last year bought Chicago-based rival Bank One Corp. for $58 billion (33 billion pounds), owns a U.S. life insurance and annuity business that Bank One bought from Zurich Financial Services Group in 2003 for $500 million, in addition to its own small operation.

INSURANCE EXECUTIVE BILLY HIBBS DIES AT 67

Billy Earl Hibbs of Tyler, founder of Heartland Security Insurance Group, died Saturday morning at the age of 67. Hibbs died in his home from the effects of Alzheimer's disease, according to family members.

Tripped Up By Trip Insurance

Carol and Mike Gettings of Amherst were very excited about a trip they had booked to Nova Scotia back in February. Since her mom Mary is in poor health, Carol thought it would be a good idea to purchase travel insurance-which she did.

Insurance News 11/5/2005

2005-11-05T02:05:00.000-08:00

Insurance warning over flood risk

UK homes and businesses may become uninsurable unless better flood defences are built, an insurance firm claims.

All parties urge Ont. to cover $25 prostate test under health insurance plan

TORONTO (CP) - The Ontario Health Insurance Plan should cover the $25 cost of PSA prostate tests for men that advocates say is the best tool for early detection of cancer, members of all three parties said Thursday as they threw their support behind a private member's bill.

HCC Insurance subsidiary changes name

ASU International Inc., a specialty underwriting agency unit of HCC Insurance Holdings Inc., has changed its corporate name to HCC SpecialtyUnderwriters Inc.

Two denied bond in insurance scam

Two of 10 Atlanta city employees charged with filing bogus insurance claims have prior felony convictions, prosecutors revealed Friday at a first court appearance hearing.

Mis-selling of insurance exposed

The UK's financial watchdog discovers that some insurance firms are mis-selling payment protection policies.

Rell signs bill to extend health insurance for poor children

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Friday signed legislation designed to help nearly 1,900 children who were at risk of losing their state-sponsored health insurance.

Tax collector’s office discusses fake auto insurance cards, property taxes

Florida is near the top of the list of those states experiencing an increase in the number of unauthorized insurers selling phony insurance. This ranges from health insurance that will leave thousands of people owning many millions in unpaid medical bills.

Higher home-insurance rates are forecast

Odalys Arbelaez and her daughter, Gabrielle, fill out paper work for their claim at the Citizens Insurance area. PLANTATION, Fla. This hurricane season is projected to be the most expensive ever for insurers.

Rell signs bill to extend health insurance for poor children

(Hartford-AP, Nov. 4, 2005 10:38 PM) _ Governor Rell has signed legislation designed to help nearly 1,900 children who were at risk of losing their state-sponsored health insurance.

Research uncovers failures in selling of insurance protection

Companies selling payment protection insurance have been urged to take "urgent action" to comply with regulatory standards after research uncovered evidence of poor selling practices.

Insurance News 10/30/2005

2005-10-30T02:05:00.000-08:00

Insurance agents investigate fires at flooded homes

Some of the New Orleans homes drowned by the flooding that followed Hurricane Katrina have been damaged by a second calamity fire. Investigators suspect some blazes may have been set by desperate people who had no flood insurance but want to collect on their policies.

Foreign-funded insurance firms hike China mkt share

BEIJING, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Assets of foreign-funded insurance firms in China accounted for 12.77 percent of China's insurance industry at the end of August, compared with 2.6 percent a year earlier, the official Xinhua news agency said on Sunday.

Consider insurance and financing

So you’ve found the perfect collector car at the right price. Before you buy, don’t forget to factor in the other two money issues behind any car — insurance and financing.

Many term insurance policies require conversion

Dear Bruce: I am 70 years old and have a small-term insurance policy (not my only coverage) purchased through my credit union. I was recently notified that my term policy would expire when I become 75. I was offered the option of converting a portion or the entire policy amount to whole life.

Insurance Fund has grand plans

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has announced major service improvement plans that come into effect early next year. However, the plans will not in any way involve hiking members’ monthly contributions.

Insurance industry urged to enhance market conduct standards

SINGAPORE : Enhancing market conduct standards is the way forward in the insurance industry.

Insurance Award Raises Eyebrows

(AP) Hibbing, Minn. An unusually large insurance award that a jury gave a Hibbing family is raising eyebrows. This week a jury awarded the Rafinski family more than $720,000 for losing its relationship with Ryan Rafinski. The 27-year-old was killed in a car accident in April 2004.

Insurance award raises eyebrows

HIBBING, Minn. - An unusually large insurance award that a jury gave a Hibbing family is raising eyebrows. This week a jury awarded the Rafinski family more than $720,000 for losing its relationship with Ryan Rafinski. The 27-year-old was killed in a car accident in April 2004.

Insurance: Good Time To Buy?

How has the devastating hurricane season of 2005 -- easily the most expensive in U.S. history -- affected the insurance

Questions for Life Insurance Applicants

These questions might be different depending on which Insurance Company you are requesting a Life Insurance Policy from.

Insurance News 10/28/2005

2005-10-28T02:05:00.000-07:00

SHANGHAI'S INSURANCE SECTOR REALIZES HIGHER INCOME TO SEPT

Statistics The premium income of insurance companies in Shanghai reached 24.838 billion yuan (US$3 billion) by the end of September this year, up 6.24 per cent year-on-year.

Shanghai's Insurance Sector Realizes Higher Income To Sept

The premium income of insurance companies in Shanghai reached 24.838 billion yuan (US$3 billion) by the end of September this year, up 6.24 per cent year-on-year.

Panel Votes for Higher Pension Insurance Fees

With a broad pension reform bill apparently stalled in the Senate, a House committee yesterday voted to boost sharply fees employers pay to the government's pension insurance agency.

In-use insurance fund up 25.8 pct

By the end of September this year, the in-use insurance outstanding volume in China totaled 1.3071 trillion yuan (161.36 billion US dollars), up 25.8 percent from the beginning of this year.

Senate Passes Bill to Require Truck-Insurance Notification

By Christopher Keating, The Hartford Courant, Conn. Oct. 27--The state Senate on Wednesday took the first steps toward closing a loophole in state law, passing a bill that requires the state to be notified when a commercial truck owner drops its insurance.

House OKs All Kids insurance plan Kurt Erickson

SPRINGFIELD -- Calling it an "historic step," Gov. Rod Blagojevich hailed passage Thursday of an initiative aimed at making sure every child in Illinois has health insurance.

Mobile offices help speed homeowners' insurance-claims process

PLANTATION — Amber Filion had waited an hour and a half on the telephone to file a hurricane damage claim with an operator at Citizens Property Insurance only to be thwarted.

All Kids insurance proposal sails through Senate

SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to provide health insurance to all children in Illinois zoomed out of the state Senate on Wednesday and is poised for passage in the Illinois House today.

Denham Springs man indicted in insurance fraud

A Denham Springs lawyer accused of submitting doctored records to get money from an insurance company now faces an insurance fraud charge. An East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury indicted Douglas C. Dorhauer, 31, 39592 Hess Road, on the charge Thursday.

Many term insurance policies require conversion

Insurance News 10/27/2005

2005-10-27T02:05:00.000-07:00

Panel Votes for Higher Pension Insurance Fees

With a broad pension reform bill apparently stalled in the Senate, a House committee yesterday voted to boost sharply fees employers pay to the government's pension insurance agency.

Senate Passes Bill To Require Truck-Insurance Notification

The state Senate on Wednesday took the first steps toward closing a loophole in state law, passing a bill that requires the state to be notified when a commercial truck owner drops its insurance.

Will rate increases buoy insurance brokers Marsh, Aon?

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Intense regulatory scrutiny followed by cutthroat competition has made life tough this year for the world's largest insurance brokers.

Senate passes Avon truck insurance bill

HARTFORD, Conn. -- State lawmakers moved closer Wednesday toward making it a felony for the owner of a commercial vehicle to knowingly operate it without insurance.

State sets up a 'village' for insurance claims in Plantation, West Palm

Hurricane Wilma could deliver another serious financial blow to state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp., already crippled by claims from last year's storms.

Valley's flood insurance rates expected to decrease

And now for some good news about flooding. Kane County residents who have purchased government-backed flood insurance could get a break worth between $65 and $100 a year.

CHINA AIMS TO COLLECT US$12.3 BLN MORE IN SOCIAL INSURANCE FEES

Insurance China will continue to strengthen the collecting of social insurance fees, aiming to draw in 100 billion yuan (US$12.3 billion) more this year than in 2004, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS).

BRITAIN FOR FASTER REFORMS IN BANKING, INSURANCE, LAW IN INDIA

Regulations / Law Britain would like to see faster liberalisation in sectors such as insurance, banking and law in India, its High Commissioner to India Michael Arthur said on Wednesday.

Britain For Faster Reforms In Banking, Insurance, Law In India

Britain would like to see faster liberalisation in sectors such as insurance, banking and law in India, its High Commissioner to India Michael Arthur said on Wednesday.

PHILIPPINES BUSINESS BRIEFS:BPI Insurance Unit OKs Merger

MANILA (Dow Jones)--Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI.PH) said shareholders of its 49.38%-owned insurance company, Universal Malayan Reinsurance Corp., or UMRE, have approved its merger with National Reinsurance Corp. BPI said the merger still needs approval from the Insurance Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Insurance News 10/26/2005

2005-10-26T02:05:00.000-07:00

RAND eyes uninsured in US terror insurance review

Congress should be more concerned about uninsured business losses than taxpayers' potential liability after a terrorist attack because single events are unlikely to trigger a federal payout under the U.S. terrorism insurance program, a RAND Corp. study said Tuesday.

Prudential to Bolster Egg, Move Beyond Life Insurance (Update1)

Oct. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Prudential Plc, Britain's second- largest insurer, will develop Internet bank Egg Plc as part of a wider U.K strategy and consider expanding beyond its focus on life insurance under new plans laid out by Chief Executive Mark Tucker.

Prudential to Bolster Egg, Move Beyond Life Insurance (Update2)

Oct. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Prudential Plc, Britain's second- largest insurer, may expand beyond its focus on life insurance while developing Internet bank Egg Plc under a new strategy laid out by Chief Executive Officer Mark Tucker.

New Type Of Insurance Shifts Responsibility To Consumers

Insurance experts, academics, policy advocates and officials gathered in Hartford Tuesday to discuss a new, but controversial breed of health insurance that shifts responsibility for managing health care expenses to patients.

Doctors get subsidies to offset insurance premiums

TRENTON New Jersey began sending out $11,000 checks to physicians in select categories Tuesday to help offset the premiums they pay to carry malpractice insurance, and maybe prevent them from fleeing to lower-cost states.

San Diego County Medical Society endorses malpractice insurance provider

The Doctors Company, a physician-owned medical malpractice insurance provider and the leading writer of California physicians, announced Tuesday it has received the endorsement of the San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS).

Govt Studying Insurance Coverage For Rural Teachers

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- The Education Ministry is studying a proposal to provide insurance coverage and sponsor fees to institutions of higher learning for teachers serving the rural areas.

Many term insurance policies require conversion

Number of kids relying on government health insurance increases

The number of uninsured children and those who depend on government-sponsored programs is growing, according to a new report. The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families report, released today, found that 93 percent of Wisconsin's children have some form of health insurance coverage.

Report: More Wisconsin kids miss out on health insurance

Statewide statistics released today reinforce the concern of state and local officials that too many Wisconsin children are without health insurance.

Insurance News 10/25/2005

2005-10-25T02:05:00.000-07:00

Barney & Barney recognized as 'Best Practices' insurance brokerage firm

Barney & Barney LLC, one of a group of independent insurance brokerage firms around the United States participating in the 2005 Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) Best Practices Study Group, has been recognized as a Best Practices insurance brokerage firm.

Wal-Mart to offer cheap insurance for its workers

Wal-Mart, which has long been criticized for the benefits it offers to its workers, is introducing a health insurance plan with monthly premiums as low as $11, which the company hopes will increase the number of its employees who can afford coverage.

The Private Sector: Health insurance crisis

Pressure is mounting in the U.S. Senate to schedule a vote soon on legislation (H.R. 525/S. 406) intended to help small businesses with skyrocketing health insurance costs.

Wal-Mart cutting health insurance premiums

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Monday it is launching a plan to lower health-insurance premiums for workers, allowing some to buy coverage for as little as $11 per month.

Insurance Joint Venture To Open New Branch In Beijing

Heng An Standard Life Insurance Co Ltd, China's leading life insurance joint venture, has gained the approval of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission to open a branch in Beijing.

INSURANCE JOINT VENTURE TO OPEN NEW BRANCH IN BEIJING

Joint ventures / investment Heng An Standard Life Insurance Co Ltd, China's leading life insurance joint venture, has gained the approval of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission to open a branch in Beijing.

INSURANCE: Home policies can be expanded

While most homeowners know their insurance policy shelters their house and possessions from many natural disasters, many are unaware the same policy also shields their assets from liability suits.

Dutch Govt Wants India To Open Up Banking, Insurance Further

The Netherlands is seeking to nudge India to further liberalise the banking and insurance sectors by raising the foreign direct investment limits, its Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Economic Affairs Laurens Jan Brinkhorst indicated.

HCC to buy rest of Illium Insurance

HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. on Monday said its bid to buy the remaining 80 percent of the outstanding shares that it does not own in Illium Insurance Group Ltd. has been accepted by Illium's board.

DUTCH GOVT WANTS INDIA TO OPEN UP BANKING, INSURANCE FURTHER

Regulations / Law The Netherlands is seeking to nudge India to further liberalise the banking and insurance sectors by raising the foreign direct investment limits, its Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Economic Affairs Laurens Jan Brinkhorst indicated.

Insurance News 10/24/2005

2005-10-24T02:05:00.000-07:00

Navigating the Individual Health Insurance Market

SUNDAY, Oct. 23 (HealthDay News) -- If you're unemployed or self-employed or if you work for a small business that doesn't offer health insurance benefits, buying a health plan on your own may seem prohibitively expensive.

Beef up your home insurance

As many as three-quarters of U.S. homeowners are carrying insurance policies that don't cover replacement cost if a fire or storm levels their house, according to a study released in 2002 by Wisconsin construction-data firm Marshall & Swift/Boeckh.

Even Those Mainers With Good Coverage Know They're Paying a Price As Health Insurance Costs Rise.

By EDWARD D. MURPHY Staff Writer Rapidly rising health insurance costs are causing workers to worry along with their bosses.

Contractors' self-insurance funds posting solid growth

Safe work sites mean fewer workers' compensation claims. And if a contractor belongs to a group that handles its own workers' comp insurance, that means lower rates. That's the argument that is winning business for companies that set up self-insured groups for various industries in the Golden State.

It Singapore Launches New Risk Insurance Initiative

Today, at the Fullerton Hotel, IE Singapore will launch its latest Insurance for Internationalism Program - which is a brand new initiative to assist Singaporean-based companies to sharpen their competitive edge.

IT SINGAPORE LAUNCHES NEW RISK INSURANCE INITIATIVE

Insurance Today, at the Fullerton Hotel, IE Singapore will launch its latest Insurance for Internationalism Program - which is a brand new initiative to assist Singaporean-based companies to sharpen their competitive edge.

More employees sharing health-insurance costs

Greater numbers of area employees are boning up on their insurance terms.

FEMA classification may lower insurance costs

KINGMAN - Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Mohave County Flood Control District, county homeowners will see a 5 percent decrease in the cost of their flood insurance within special flood-hazard areas.

Insurance firms accused of racism

The South African Automobile Recovery and Salvage Association have accused insurance companies of being racist towards black tow-truckers and panelbeaters.

China Insurance says unit issues $185 mln debt

HONG KONG, Oct 24 (Reuters) - China Insurance International Holdings Co. Ltd. said on Monday its subsidiary Tai Ping Life Insurance Co. Ltd. would issue 1.5 billion yuan ($185.4 million) worth of debt to fund expansion of its life insurance operations in China.

Insurance News 10/23/2005

2005-10-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

When Even Health Insurance Is No Safeguard

Many families, even ones with insurance, do not realize how vulnerable they are to high medical costs until the bills arrive.

Judge: Scott Peterson not entitled to wife's insurance

A judge ruled Friday that proceeds from a $250,000 life insurance policy Scott Peterson took out on his wife, Laci, will go to her mother instead.

Health insurance benefit debated

At 82, Sunnyvale Community Services volunteer Sue Barbieri still pays for part of her health insurance. She doesn't think it's fair that some former Sunnyvale City Council members get free health insurance for life.

More drivers getting insurance

Due to the effects of fines and license suspensions, more S.C. motorists are insured now than two years ago.Since January, the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles has used a new database of uninsured motorists to crack down on drivers who let their insurance lapse.

Hatch: Insurance should pay girls who survived plane crash

Attorney General Mike Hatch will represent Minnesota in federal court in an insurance dispute Monday on behalf of two young girls who survived an airplane crash in August 2003 that killed their mother and uncle near Grand Marais.

Insurance for floods takes some by surprise

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Flabbergasted. That's how Mike Middleton reacted to a letter from his mortgage lender telling him he needs flood insurance for his home.

Readers challenge advice on life insurance

Without a doubt, life insurance should be an important part of many people's financial plan. Having said that, don't be scared into buying insurance you don't need.

MINNESOTA: Hatch represents state in insurance dispute

ST. PAUL - Attorney General Mike Hatch will represent Minnesota in federal court Monday in an insurance dispute involving two girls who survived a plane crash near Grand Marais in 2003.

Kebble took out R10m life insurance policy

Murdered mining magnate Brett Kebble took out life insurance policies worth R10 million weeks before his death. This has emerged amid startling new claims about his shooting.

Kids' health insurance to spotlight session By Kurt Erickson and Matt Adrian

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich's intense, two-week lobbying effort for a children's health insurance initiative is almost over.

Insurance News 10/22/2005

2005-10-22T02:05:00.000-07:00

Laci Peterson's mother to get life insurance money

A judge ruled Friday that proceeds from a $250,000 life insurance policy Scott Peterson took out on his wife, Laci, will go to her mother instead.

SETWrite Gives Safeco Insurance Real-Time Rating Capability in California, Connecticut, Kentucky and Texas

WINDSOR, Conn., Oct. 21, 2005 -- Rackley Solutions Inc. announced today that Safeco Insurance is using its SETWrite(TM) product to deliver real- time access to personal auto rates for independent agents in California, Connecticut, Kentucky and Texas.

Bromwell to Remain Insurance Fund CEO

A former Maryland state senator indicted on public corruption charges will be permitted to remain in his position as the president and chief executive of the Injured Workers' Insurance Fund, the state agency he has led since leaving the legislature three years ago.

Laci Peterson's Mother to Get Insurance Benefit

A judge has ruled that the $250,000 life insurance policy that Scott Peterson took out on his wife will go to her mother.

Self-funded employer groups to get new insurance

Grand Junction-based Rocky Mountain Health Plans has introduced a new insurance product it is offering to self-funded employer groups in Colorado.

Judge rules Laci Peterson's life insurance money goes to mother

FRESNO, 3:52 p.m. Oct. 21 (AP): A judge has ruled that the $250,000 life insurance policy that Scott Peterson had taken out on his wife will go instead to her mother.

Witness claims woman killed for life insurance

STOCKTON -- Michael Simons shot his estranged wife a handful of times with a shotgun in a field west of Stockton as part of a plan to collect on her life insurance policy and buy a house with that money, a man who admitted participating in the crime testified Friday.

Judge rules Laci Peterson's life insurance money goes to mother

A judge has ruled that the $250,000 life insurance policy that Scott Peterson had taken out on his wife will go instead to her mother.

Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Roger Beauchesne said Friday that because Scott...

Lack of car insurance raises questions about accident

I think many Oklahoma motorists are aware that payment of car insurance premiums can sometimes present a financial hardship. Fortunately, responsible, law-abiding owners find a way to satisfy the State law-mandated automobile liability insurance obligation.

Health insurance benefit debated

Insurance News 10/21/2005

2005-10-21T02:05:00.000-07:00

Bromwell to Remain Insurance Fund CEO

Citizens Property Insurance Under Investigation

Morning Edition , October 20, 2005 · Executives at Florida's second biggest insurance company, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, are facing accusations of bribes, kickbacks and insider dealing. Hundreds of disgruntled customers have sued the company for claims from last year's hurricanes.

FSA likely to punish Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance again next week

_ The Financial Services Agency will impose punitive measures on Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co. possibly next week for the second time this year, following the disclosure of an additional 1,000 cases of illegal nonpayment of insurance claims, FSA sources said Friday.

State health insurance premiums likely to go up 22.1 percent

A state protection and safety caseworker did the calculation for Omaha Sen. Gwen Howard. The caseworker’s health insurance costs will go up about $500 a year if the state health insurance premiums rise by 22 percent next year.

Kelly Elected to Board of Depositors Insurance Fund

E. Dennis Kelly Jr., president and chief executive officer of Bristol County Savings Bank and president of Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Depositors Insurance Fund.

County investigates insurance options

FREEPORT - With health insurance costs remaining consistently high, Stephenson County officials are investigating whether they should change the county's health claim administrator in order to possibly cut down on costs.

Citizens Property Insurance Under Investigation

Executives at Florida's second biggest insurance company, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, are facing accusations of bribes, kickbacks and insider dealing. Hundreds of disgruntled customers have sued the company for claims from last year's hurricanes.

Share price 'insurance' launched

An Australian company has launched a product that acts as insurance to help cover losses when share prices fall.

Some insurance rates jump after Katrina: survey

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A survey of risk managers published on Thursday revealed early signs of big increases in property insurance prices immediately after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Life insurance rates could drop 3 percent next year

Life insurance rates could drop 3 percent next year

Insurance News 10/20/2005

2005-10-20T02:05:00.000-07:00

Skandia Insurance stiffens resistance to Old Mutual bid

Skandia Insurance, the Swedish financial group that is the target of a takeover bid by Old Mutual, stiffened its defense on Wednesday and said shareholders with Rjust underR 15 percent of Skandia's equity had rejected the Old Mutual offer.

Woman fights insurance giant and wins

A mild-mannered delivery woman has won her lengthy battle to persuade an insurance company giant to cover injuries she sustained in a massive car accident earlier this year -- but only after dozens of citizens demanded action.

No. Of Insurance Agreements In Uzbekistan Drops 20% In 3q

The number of insurance agreements in force dropped by 20 per cent in the third quarter of 2005, against the same period of the previous year.

Flood Insurance Program Seeks More Money

The acting head of the federal flood insurance program told Congress yesterday that his agency needs to be allowed to borrow $5 billion more just to cover claims it expects to pay by mid- to late November.

NO. OF INSURANCE AGREEMENTS IN UZBEKISTAN DROPS 20% IN 3Q

Statistics The number of insurance agreements in force dropped by 20 per cent in the third quarter of 2005, against the same period of the previous year.

Japan to Cut Medical Insurance for Elderly to Reduce Costs

Oct. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Japan's government said it plans to reduce medical insurance coverage for some elderly citizens to curb ballooning costs that are forecast to reach as much as 40 trillion yen, or $345 billion, in 10 years.

Outrage directed at insurance firm

Consumers are outraged that Farmers Insurance has denied the claim of an Everett woman hurt in a car wreck. And they let state officials and Farmers have it.

Anbang Insurance to Launch Auto Credit Insurance in Anhui

HEFEI, Oct 20 Asia Pulse - Anbang Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Ltd. has been approved by China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) to open a branch in China's eastern Anhui Province to explore auto credit insurance business on the local market.

Wind Insurance Fund Proposed

TALLAHASSEE - -- As the threat of Hurricane Wilma loomed in the Caribbean, House Democrats unveiled a plan Wednesday to create a statewide hurricane pool that would provide homeowner insurance wind coverage for all Florida residents.

Insurance window closes as Wilma nears

Florida insurers began slamming the door on new business Wednesday over the looming threat of Hurricane Wilma. "The majority of our companies are closed down as of today," said Reid Dick, account executive with Dick-Johnson & Jefferson, a Sarasota insurance agency.

Insurance News 10/18/2005

2005-10-18T02:05:00.000-07:00

US surgeon denies performing un-needed operations in insurance scam

A California surgeon pleaded innocent to performing unnecessary operations on patients as part of a scheme to con medical insurance firms of cash.

Lack of flood insurance in New Orleans to hit hard

Many of the thousands of homeowners in the Lower Ninth Ward, one of the hardest-hit areas in the city, lacked flood insurance because the...

U.S. Hurricanes Prompt Insurance Check

Pressure for the U.S. government to increase its role in the insurance industry is likely to increase.

INSURANCE: Life policies getting cheaper

Premium rates for individual life insurance -- both term life and "permanent" insurance -- are expected to drop by 3 percent next year, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Insurance pool scandal triggers ethics measure

TALLAHASSEE � Amid the growing scandal involving the state's insurance pool, Attorney General Charlie Crist unveiled proposed ethics legislation Monday aimed at officials working for such public-private agencies in Florida.

Are ULIPs better than insurance?

Given that ULIPs are relatively new and remain an enigma for a large section of insurance-seekers in this note we compare them to the traditional endowment plans to give you a perspective.

Aviva eyes greater general insurance profit

LONDON (Reuters) - Aviva has set a higher profit target from general insurance as it squeezes greater cost savings and revenue gains from its acquisition of motor services firm RAC, boosting its stock 2 percent.

Aviva targets insurance synergies with RAC

Aviva on Tuesday raised its general insurance targets following the acquisition of RAC, the motoring organisation, for �1.1bn earlier this year.

Huntsman looks for insurance input from local leaders

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. wants to know what business leaders think about how to expand health insurance coverage to the state's 250,000 uninsured residents.More than 10 percent of Utahns have no health insurance. Huntsman wants to cut that number in half by 2010.

Arizonans see auto insurance rates go up

PHOENIX - Auto insurance rates went up an average 16.6 percent over a five-year period in Arizona and remain higher than the national average. Severe collisions occur here more often and the theft

Insurance News 10/17/2005

2005-10-17T02:05:00.000-07:00

WP: Few in 9th Ward had flood insurance

Many of the homeowners in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, one of the hardest-hit areas in the city, lacked flood insurance because the neighborhood was supposed to be relatively safe, local insurance agents and residents said.

Not everyone really needs life insurance

Without a doubt, life insurance should be an important part of many people's financial plan. Having said that, don't be scared into buying insurance you don't need.

Providing specialized insurance underwriting

New position: Corporate vice president of underwriting with New York Life Insurance Co. in Manhattan. Sumakis provides specialized underwriting services in the company's individual policy services department.

Expiring terrorism insurance act threatens to leave businesses exposed

The federal government's agreement to back companies that offer terrorism insurance expires at the end of the year, bringing the prospect of sky-high premiums and scarce coverage for local companies in 2006.

Insurance veteran starts over with a new company

DOWNTOWN -- Though the burgeoning commercial insurance industry grows as Jacksonville grows, the barriers to entry are high.

Insurance alternatives come into view

The rising cost of health insurance has dealt a particularly hefty blow to small and midsize businesses. No question about that.

Business insurance costs to rise

Insurance officials are seeing the first signs of how losses from hurricanes Katrina and Rita will likely lead to higher property insurance rates and a tighter pool of available policies for South Florida businesses.

Legislation would make grocers offer insurance

The workers who bag your groceries, stock shelves and mop up after spills in aisle five often toil away with little or no health insurance, but that might change under legislation labor groups plan to push in several states.

Auto-insurance costs on the rise in Arizona

High gas prices might not be the only thing cramping motorists' driving budgets: Auto-insurance costs in Arizona are on the rise and remain on the high side nationally.

Cincom Cuts Zagreb Insurance Report Production Time From Two Days to 45 Minutes

Cincom Systems and Zagreb Insurance (Osiguranje Zagreb) announced the successful first-stage installation of an integrated data access and analytics program, part of a complete Cincom Sales and Marketing Intelligent Business Application Solution.

Insurance News 10/16/2005

2005-10-16T02:05:00.000-07:00

Edwin Manton, 96, Arts Patron and Insurance Executive, Dies

Sir Edwin A. G. Manton, a longtime executive of the insurance conglomerate A.I.G., was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II of England, for charitable contributions to the Tate Gallery in London.

The Color of Money: Review the facts before getting life insurance

Without a doubt, life insurance should be an important part of many people's financial plan. Having said that, don't be scared into buying insurance you don't need.

Rate hikes of up to 135.5% proposed for hurricane insurance in S. Florida

Palm Beach County homeowners who rely on state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. for hurricane coverage could face major increases in the rates they pay, with premiums more than doubling in some coastal communities.

Low Cost Travel Insurance Online

Travel Insurance - www.travelinsurance.co.uk travelinsurance.co.uk offers convenient high value cover at low prices. Visit us for an online quote and instant cover. Children under 18 insured for free.

GE boosted by increased demand, insurance sale

General Electric Co.'s third-quarter earnings climbed 15 percent, bolstered by demand for products ranging from jet engines to credit cards and the sale of a stake in an insurance company. Net income rose to $4.68 billion, or 44 cents a share, from $4.07 billion, or 38 cents, a year earlier, Fairfield, Conn.-based GE said in a statement Friday.GE is the world's biggest provider of power-plant

UAE insurance claims from building sector stood at $4 billion in 2004

UAE insurance claims from building sector stood at $4 billion in 2004

Insurance claims from building sector top $4b - UAE

Insurance claims from building sector top $4b - UAE

Mid-Missouri insurance company holds open house

St. Thomas-Babbtown Mutual Insurance Company in Meta held an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new office at 106 East 3rd Street. St. Thomas-Babbtown Mutual, now serving over 800 policyholders with nearly $75 million of insurance in force, was founded in 1892 in Babbtown.

Millions worth of insurance, key to city

Dallas County law enforcement officers and firefighters gathered Wednesday at the Selma Mall for an inauguration ceremony of community-sponsored insurance, funded to protect them and their families as they put themselves at risk to protect the populace.

Is paying out for mobile phone insurance really worth it?

Mobile phone owners who take out specialist cover to protect themselves against theft, loss or damage may be wasting their money, insurance brokers are warning.

Insurance News 10/15/2005

2005-10-15T02:05:00.000-07:00

Rate hikes of up to 135.5% proposed for hurricane insurance in S. Florida

Buy only the life insurance you need

Without a doubt, life insurance should be an important part of many people's financial plan. Having heard that, don't be scared into buying insurance you don't need.

Once More, With Feeling: Who Needs Insurance?

Without a doubt, life insurance should be an important part of many people's financial plan. Having said that, don't be scared into buying insurance you don't need.

GE boosted by increased demand, insurance sale

Should Age of Mother Factor in Fertility Insurance Coverage?

As more states mandate insurance coverage for fertility treatments, debate over age limits emerges.

County's Health Insurance Cost Rises

By Jennifer Learn-Andes, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Times Leader Oct. 14--Health insurance costs are estimated to rise 15 percent for Luzerne County government workers in 2006.

Farmers Insurance Group Announces Hybrid/Alternative Fuel Vehicle Discount for California Customers; First Insurance

What: Farmers Insurance announces it will offer a discount to California auto insurance customers who own a hybrid / alternative fuel vehicle. Farmers is the first insurance company in the nation to offer this type of discount.

Governor Backs Plan For Disaster Insurance

TAMPA -- Gov. Jeb Bush expressed support Friday for federal legislation to create a nationwide insurance program for disasters. Speaking at a hurricane preparedness forum, Bush backed a bill in Congress to create the insurance fund, but with some qualifications.

Insurance coverages extended

State Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley has ordered insurance companies to keep covering victims of Hurricane Katrina even if they can't pay their premiums.

Centre plans task force on health insurance

The ministry of health and family welfare is toying with the idea of setting up a Task Force in a bid to evolve innovative and low cost health insurance programme. This will form part of the National Rural Health Mission.

Insurance News 10/14/2005

2005-10-14T02:05:00.000-07:00

Flood insurance doesn't apply to all damage

Q. Last year, you wrote several articles about the requirements of flood insurance. I own a building that is not in a flood classification that requires me to have flood insurance. With the constant hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding, I am considering purchasing this type of insurance. Considering the change in weather, have you received any additional information about this topic since you

John B. Widdup, 86, farmer and insurance broker

John Brampton Widdup, a retired Ellicott City farmer and insurance broker, died of heart disease Sunday at his Chestertown home. He was 86.

Enterprise Financial will buy life insurance wholesaler

Enterprise Financial Services Corp. will buy a life insurance wholesaler, putting the fast-growing Clayton company into a new line of business.

CHINA'S LIFE INSURANCE SECTOR SHOULD TAP RURAL AREAS: MCKINSEY

Agribusiness To strengthen China's emerging life insurance sector the country should make more effort to exploit the huge potential in vast rural regions, suggested a report from McKinsey & Company.

China's Life Insurance Sector Should Tap Rural Areas: McKinsey

To strengthen China's emerging life insurance sector the country should make more effort to exploit the huge potential in vast rural regions, suggested a report from McKinsey & Company.

Calif. Commissioner Praises Signing of New Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program

California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi announced Wednesday that SB 20, designed to expand the geographic availability of the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program, has been signed

County’s health insurance cost rises

Health insurance costs are estimated to rise 15 percent for Luzerne County government workers in 2006. Though it’s not good news, county officials think the scenario would have been much worse if they hadn’t switched to self-insurance in 2004.

Terrorism insurance law to end

T. J. Derella owns an insurance agency in Kingston.

Insurance payout on Armenian deaths

Axa, the French insurance group, is to pay $17m to compensate the descendants of victims of the Armenian killings of 1915. The agreement follows a lengthy class action suit pursued by Armenian groups in the US state of California.

Providing car insurance in English

Insurance can be complicated business in any language, but for many expats who don't speak Japanese, negotiating insurance contracts can be a headache.

Insurance News 10/13/2005

2005-10-13T02:05:00.000-07:00

Insurance Agent Charged With Forging Applications

An insurance agent has been charged with using the personal information of customers, many of whom were elderly, to forge life insurance policy applications and steal more than $22,000 in insurance commissions.

Bush approves notes for hurricane flood insurance

President George W. Bush on Wednesday gave the U.S. Treasury the authority to allow borrowing of up to $3.5 billion to pay claims for Hurricane Katrina under the government's flood insurance program.

COLOR OF MONEY: Life insurance: Who needs it?

Lots of folks aren't clear about who needs life insurance. Lately, I've been compelled to think about life insurance because of the calamitous hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast region. The loss of life has been tremendous. I wonder how many of those killed had life insurance, or of those who did if they had enough to take care of dependents spared by the storms.

State allows insurance company to exploit us

The politicians of this state, led by Gov. Jeb Bush, have allowed the people of Florida to be victimized by Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

Panel Urges Limits on Tax Breaks for Homes, Health Insurance

A presidential advisory panel agreed that changes in the federal income tax should limit popular tax breaks for both homeownership and employer-provided health insurance.

Dillion woman sentenced for insurance fraud

HELENA (AP) — A Dillon woman who pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining dozens of prescriptions for painkillers and filing insurance claims to pay for them received a deferred sentence in Beaverhead County District Court.

Iowa has lowest auto insurance

DES MOINES -- Maybe it’s the uncongested roads or the honest drivers, but whatever the reason, Iowa is once again paying the least for automobile insurance.

TWO DPP LAWMAKERS CLAIM INNOCENCE IN HEALTH INSURANCE SCAM

Taipei, Oct. 13 (CNA) Two ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators who also run hospitals claimed Thursday that they were not involved in reported health insurance frauds, and one of them pledged to resign if he is found to have taken any illicit money from the Bureau of National Health Insurance.

HCC Insurance to Buy GM Insurance Unit

HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. on Wednesday said it will expand its specialty insurance products by acquiring a unit of General Motors Acceptance Corp.

Audit suggest repeal of insurance tax credit

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - State Auditor Claire McCaskill suggested Wednesday that Missouri should consider eliminating a tax credit that helps insurance companies offset their costs of state reviews.

Insurance News 10/12/2005

2005-10-12T02:05:00.000-07:00

Panel Urges Limits on Tax Breaks for Homes, Health Insurance

A presidential advisory panel agreed that changes in the federal income tax should limit popular tax breaks for both homeownership and employer-provided health insurance.

Flood insurance doesn't apply to all damage

Feds OK insurance for three more crops

Three key Hawaii crops -- banana, papaya and coffee -- will next year be eligible for federally-subsidized crop insurance.

Repeat Claims Strain Federal Flood Insurance

As coastal development has increased and more storms have hit the area, properties with repeated losses along the Gulf Coast have been making a growing share of the claims against the government-backed National Flood Insurance program.

Panel backs muting tax breaks for homes, health insurance

WASHINGTON - Tax breaks that promote homeownership and encourage businesses to give workers health insurance should be rewritten to help more middle-income families, a presidential panel concluded Tuesday.

Affirmative Insurance Holdings' Financial Strength Ratings Affirmed by A.M. Best with Outlook Raised to Positive;

ADDISON, Texas--Oct. 1, 20051, 2005--Affirmative Insurance Holdings, Inc. , a producer and provider of personal non-standard automobile insurance, announced today that A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Very Good) for Affirmative Insurance Group.

Md. insurance chief to lead Coventry

ANNAPOLIS -- Maryland Insurance Commissioner Alfred W. Redmer is leaving his state job to become chief executive officer of Coventry Health Care, a Delaware-based health insurance company.

Meadowbrook Insurance Sees No Rita Loss

Meadowbrook Insurance Group Inc., a provider of risk management services, said Tuesday it doesn't expect to take any serious losses from Hurricane Rita.

Chief of Md. insurance agency resigns after 2 years

Redmer takes job leading regional HMO State Insurance Commissioner Alfred W. Redmer Jr., who came to office with a mandate to increase competition in Maryland's insurance industry, has resigned his post to head a Delaware health maintenance organization.

State car insurance premiums high but dropping, group says

ALBANY — While New Yorkers pay the second-highest auto insurance rates in the country, premiums are going down faster here than in the rest of the country, a consumer-watchdog group said Tuesday.

Insurance News 10/11/2005

2005-10-11T02:05:00.000-07:00

Repeat Claims Strain Federal Flood Insurance

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. -- In September 1998, Hurricane Georges swept up a beachfront house along the Gulf of Mexico and tossed it like a bowling ball into John and Gail Leacy's summer home on the western edge of this barrier island. The Leacys collected thousands of dollars in federal flood insurance...

Repeat Claims Strain Federal Flood Insurance

Lincoln National insurance firm buying Jefferson-Pilot

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Insurance provider Lincoln National Corp. agreed Monday to acquire Jefferson-Pilot Corp. for about $7.5 billion in cash and stock. The deal would combine Lincoln's strengths in life and annuities products with Greensboro-based Jefferson Pilot's sizable presence in fixed and variable universal life and fixed annuities, including equity-indexed annuities and other insurance,

Now, a terrorism insurance policy

An insurance company in Thailand has introduced terrorism coverage for individuals amidst concerns that escalating violence in the country's south may spill over to other areas.

Insurers split on health insurance legislation

Small business owners continue to suffer from rising health insurance premiums, but insurers disagree on the effectiveness of bills before the Pennsylvania legislature that might address the problem by changing the way premiums are set.

Survey sees leap in health insurance costs in 2006

Health insurance costs for Houston employers are expected to rise significantly next year, but the rate of increase should begin to level off, according to a national survey released Monday. That means that while employers are still grappling with the rising costs of providing health coverage to workers, the struggle isn't as great as it has been in recent years.

Dillion woman sentenced for insurance fraud

3i Infotech honored with 'Service Provider of the Year' award at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards

3i Infotech, a global provider of IT solutions and services and one of India's largest and fastest growing software product company, has won the 2005 Service Provider of the Year award at the 9th Annual Asia Insurance Awards held in the Ritz Carlton Millenia, Singapore on September 26, 2005.

Life insurance companies to merge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. | Insurance provider Lincoln National Corp. agreed Monday to acquire Jefferson-Pilot Corp. in a $7.5 billion merger deal that would create one of the country's biggest public life insurance companies.

Consumer group release auto insurance report

ALBANY, N.Y. Consumer groups today plan to release a report on auto insurance prices in New York state.

Insurance News 10/10/2005

2005-10-10T02:05:00.000-07:00

More Life Insurance Options for the Ill

In recent years, as the prognosis for cancer and other serious illnesses has improved, so has the availability of competitively priced life insurance.

Proposal cuts insurance rates 20%

Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Democratic lawmakers want to give homeowners and motorists a 20 percent cut in their insurance rates, a move the insurance industry says isn't justified.

COLOR OF MONEY: Life insurance: Who needs it?

Many Americans lack proper life insurance

Does Spider-Man need life insurance? What about Batman?

Man who 'wanted to disappear' jailed for insurance fraud

ST. GEORGE -- A Utah man who was thought to be missing on a southern Utah hiking trip, but turned up halfway around the globe in Australia, was in jail Sunday on charges of insurance fraud.Bryan Butas, 35, was booked into Purgatory Correctional Facility after failing to make $20,000 bail set by a judge at his arraignment Friday.

More Life Insurance Options for the Ill

NEW YORK - In recent years, as the prognosis for cancer and other serious illnesses has improved, so has the availability of competitively priced life insurance. Once unheard of, a growing number of companies now offer "impaired-risk insurance" to people who have had a serious illness.

Texas malpractice insurance rates dropping after Proposition 12 passage

After years of blaming their skyrocketing medical malpractice insurance rates on a medical lawsuit crisis, Texas medical malpractice insurers are clamoring to reduce insurance premiums.

Health insurance hikes ease into single digits

The torrid pace of health insurance cost increases will ease next year in Pennsylvania, rising a projected 8 percent -- down from the double-digit jolts seen in recent years.

Plan would give all kids affordable healthi insurance

October 9, 2005 - Soon, every child living in Illinois could have access to affordable health insurance.

Dillion woman sentenced for insurance fraud

Insurance News 10/9/2005

2005-10-09T02:05:00.000-07:00

Not all superheroes need life insurance

WASHINGTON -- Does Spider-Man need life insurance? What about Batman? Think I'm being silly? Perhaps, but clearly lots of folks aren't so clear about who needs life insurance.

Dillion woman sentenced for insurance fraud

Hurricanes' lesson: Don't blow off flood insurance

NEW YORK — Among the lessons to be learned from Hurricane Katrina is that more Americans need to consider buying flood insurance.

Floodplain maps may change insurance needs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be releasing new flood plain maps in March, and though there won't be changes to the plain, some residents may be required to pick up some additional insurance.

Life Essentials begins accepting insurance

Life Essentials Wellness Center, 210 W. Sunshine, Ste. C, now accepts insurance as payment for its massage services.

Allstate Insurance ordered to cover expenses of Rita evacuees

AUSTIN (AP) - A state judge has ordered Allstate Insurance Co. to cover the living expenses of its Texas policyholders displaced by Hurricane Rita last month.

Health ministry mulls insurance benefits for 2nd opinions

_ The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is considering to offer remuneration to doctors under the medical insurance system for providing data to another doctor on patients seeking a second opinion, ministry sources said Saturday.

Mileage insurance not a good deal

American Express has announced ``Air Miles Protection,'' a new insurance system for frequent-flier miles. Is it a good deal? It almost certainly will be for American Express; it may or may not be good for you.

House insurance rates could jump 25%

Maybe now, state Sen. Robert O'Leary hopes, people will start paying attention to home insurance rates.

Insurance adjuster fights paying $2.5 million claim (Jim McElhatton / THE WASHINGTON TIMES)

The D.C. government has yet to collect a judgment of about $2.5 million from a Bethesda insurance adjuster found to have defrauded residents of insurance money after their homes were damaged or destroyed by fire.

Insurance News 10/8/2005

2005-10-08T02:05:00.000-07:00

Consumers' group to file complaint against insurance industry

OTTAWA (CP) - The Consumers' Association of Canada is complaining to the federal Competition Bureau about "the anti-competitive and anti-consumer activities of the insurance industry."

Flood insurance might not be necessary; check first

A reader writes: "I live in North Seattle near Lake Washington, and given all that's been happening in the news, I now wonder if I need flood insurance..."

Health Insurance Costs to Rise Again for Employers, Workers

By Bruce Japsen, Chicago Tribune Oct. 8--The cost of providing health insurance to workers is expected to go up 9.9 percent in 2006, nearly triple the rate of inflation, to a national average of more than $8,046 per employee.

Gerald F. 'Jerry' Petrik, 70, state insurance official

Gerald F. "Jerry" Petrik, a retired accountant who managed a state health insurance program, died of cancer Tuesday at his Fenwick Island , Del., home. The former Towson resident was 70.

Committee formed to deal with rising insurance costs

BUNNELL -- Concerned by soaring costs to provide employee health insurance, the Flagler County Commission on Monday created a committee to study ways to control future cost increases.

Storm victims are learning harsh truths about insurance

As the homeowner victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are discovering, some homeowner insurance companies are not swift to fully pay even valid claims.

Hurricanes' lesson: Don't blow off flood insurance

NEW YORK — Among the lessons to be learned from Hurricane Katrina is that more Americans need to consider buying flood insurance.

Dillion woman sentenced for insurance fraud

Garamendi calls for national disaster insurance fund

ARCATA -- State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi is speaking out against what he calls an ill-advised bevy of initiatives in November and a state and federal health care system in serious crisis.

Travel insurance company scraps Bali terrorism cover

The country's leading travel insurer for tourists, Mike Henry Travel Insurance, has scrapped its terrorism coverage for Bali.

Insurance News 10/7/2005

2005-10-07T02:06:00.000-07:00

San Diego businessman sentenced, fined for insurance fraud

San Diego County Superior Court Judge David J. Danielson today sentenced Del Mar businessman Kevin Vint to three years formal probation for conspiracy to commit workers' compensation insurance fraud and payroll tax evasion.

Illinois eyes 'All Kids' healthcare insurance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Governor Rod Blagojevich is proposing to make Illinois the first state to offer health insurance coverage for all children, including 250,000 who now lack any such benefits.

Ill. Gov. Proposes Health Insurance Plan

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is proposing to make Illinois the first state to offer health insurance coverage for all children, including 250,000 who now lack any such benefits.

More Missourians Pay to Keep Health Insurance for Their Kids

By Kit Wagar, The Kansas City Star, Mo. Oct. 6--Health insurance payments from 1,745 Missouri families rolled in to the Department of Social Services this week, preserving medical coverage for thousands under the state's Children's Health Insurance Program.

State probes long-term care insurance rate hikes

The Delaware Insurance Department launched an investigation Thursday into whether insurers exceeded set policy rate increases for a type of insurance widely held by senior citizens.

Column: The flip side of health insurance

The CPM is right even though it has yet to point it out. Health insurance doesn't work as made out.

Katrina worst-ever U.S. insurance disaster, study

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Hurricane Katrina may cost the insurance industry $40 billion to $55 billion and commercial insurers will likely be hit hardest by the storm, according to a study published on Thursday by consulting firm Towers Perrin.

Dillion woman sentenced for insurance fraud

Aflac named Life Insurance Company of year in Asia

Aflac was named Life Insurance Company of the Year at the ninth annual Asia Insurance Industry Awards on Sept. 26 in Singapore. The Columbus-based supplemental insurer was selected by over 20 industry experts from 150 qualifying companies.

Insurance broker Hub pockets part of Chubb

Hub International Ltd., one of the nation's largest insurance brokers, has bought Chubb Corp.'s personal lines insurance brokerage, including its 15-person San Francisco outpost.

Insurance News 10/6/2005

2005-10-06T02:05:00.000-07:00

Illinois To Unveil Insurance Program

CHICAGO, Oct. 5 -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) will unveil a proposal Thursday to subsidize health insurance for 253,000 uninsured children in Illinois, a move that specialists describe as more far-reaching than any other program in the country.

Insurance companies sued over Katrina surge coverage

Richard Scruggs, the Mississippi attorney who helped win a $250 billion settlement from the tobacco industry a few years ago, is now taking on insurance companies over Hurricane Katrina flood coverage.

Get life insurance and be a superhero to your family

Does Spider-Man need life insurance? What about Batman? Think I'm being silly? Perhaps, but clearly lots of folks aren't so clear about who needs life insurance.

Flood insurance doesn't apply to all damage

More Missourians pay to keep health insurance for their kids

Health insurance payments from 1,745 Missouri families rolled in to the Department of Social Services this week, preserving medical coverage for thousands under the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Insurance broker Hub pockets part of Chubb

Hub International Ltd., one of the nation's largest insurance brokers, has bought Chubb Corp.'s personal lines insurance business, including its 15-person San Francisco outpost.

Insurance: US pitches for over 50% FDI in India

The United States on Thursday strongly pitched for hiking FDI limit in India's insurance sector to more than 50 per cent and reduction in capital requirement for health insurance companies to below Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion).

Dillion woman sentenced for insurance fraud

Insurance official quits after audit

RALEIGH, N.C. - A senior deputy commissioner of the state Insurance Department is stepping down later this month after an audit questioned spending and decisions related to a trust for insolvent insurance companies.

Golden Rule Insurance returning to Kentucky

Golden Rule Insurance Co., which left the Kentucky health insurance market in 1996, has announced that it will return.

Insurance News 10/5/2005

2005-10-05T02:05:00.000-07:00

Suit Seeks to Nullify Clothier's Liability Insurance

A Los Angeles clothing maker noted for his progressive labor practices — and provocative advertising — has been sued by his insurance company, which says he created a sexually hostile work environment.

Life insurance rates cut for breast cancer

HARTFORD, Connecticut (AP) -- The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. is cutting life insurance rates for some women with breast cancer, citing improved treatment and research that is helping more women survive the disease.

Trafficmaster signs insurance deal

Trafficmaster signed a new 5-year deal today with one of Britain's major insurers to supply 'Pay As You Drive' insurance services to motorists.

12,000 families lose insurance

More than 12,000 Missouri families saw health insurance on their children lapse this week when they failed to pay new premiums required by the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Employers Offer Insurance Incentives

By Diane Levick, The Hartford Courant, Conn. Oct. 4--Many workers who smoke or tip the scales might have to shape up -- or at least try -- if they want the breaks on insurance premiums that employers are increasingly giving to healthier or more proactive employees.

21,500 children dropped from Missouri health insurance

The program covers children in households that make too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance. Missouri has one of the broadest programs in the nation.

Insurance Brokers Bounce on Upgrades

Shares of the nation's top three insurance brokerages surged Tuesday after receiving a positive nod from New York-based investment firm Keefe Bruyette & Woods.

Dillion woman sentenced for insurance fraud

SEOUL GUARANTEE INSURANCE RECEIVES 'A MINUS' RATING FROM S&P

Insurance Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co. said Wednesday it has received an "A minus" credit rating from Standard & Poor's, the seventh-highest investment grade.

Seoul Guarantee Insurance Receives 'A Minus' Rating From S&P

Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co. said Wednesday it has received an "A minus" credit rating from Standard & Poor's, the seventh-highest investment grade.

Insurance News 10/4/2005

2005-10-04T02:05:00.000-07:00

IRS Reaches Agreement With Insurance Co.

An insurance company that sold disability insurance to doctors and drew scrutiny from federal tax auditors has agreed to cease operation and return $500 million to participants, the Internal Revenue Service said Monday.

IRS reaches agreement with bankrupt San Diego insurance firm

An insurance firm that sold disability insurance to doctors and drew scrutiny from federal tax auditors has agreed to cease operations and return $500 million to participants, the Internal Revenue Service announced Monday.

IRS, Insurance Firm Reach Agreement

SAN DIEGO — An insurance firm that sold disability insurance to doctors and drew scrutiny from federal tax auditors has agreed to cease operation and return $500 million to participants, the Internal Revenue Service announced Monday.

Injured kids: no insurance, no chance?

Florida children who are hospitalized without insurance are more that twice as likely to die there, a study shows.

Progressive joins insurance market

TRENTON Another auto insurer is returning to offer coverage in New Jersey, triggering applause from acting Gov. Richard J. Codey, who said Progressive becomes the fifth company to enter the state since insurance reforms adopted in 2003.

Is Cell Phone Insurance Worth It?

By Patricia Sabatini, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Oct. 2--Have you ever thought twice about shelling out a monthly fee for cell phone insurance, worried that the coverage is a bad deal? You're not alone.

ORIENTAL FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE CHANGES NAME TO MERITZ

Insurance Oriental Fire & Marine Insurance Co., South Korea's fifth-largest non-life insurer, changed its name on Tuesday to Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance Co., pledging to boost its image and popularity more aggressively.

Oriental Fire & Marine Insurance Changes Name To Meritz

Oriental Fire & Marine Insurance Co., South Korea's fifth-largest non-life insurer, changed its name on Tuesday to Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance Co., pledging to boost its image and popularity more aggressively.

INDONESIA'S LIFE INSURANCE SECTOR SEES STRONG H1 PREMIUM GROWTH

Insurance The value of premiums recorded by the country's life insurance companies continued to grow in the first half of this year, the Kompas daily reported Tuesday.

Survey gives some comic relief to serious matter of insurance

Batman risks his life almost every day. Fred Flintstone doesn't. So, which one needs life insurance more? In a recent survey, more people chose the unmarried, wealthy Bruce Wayne over the working class, Stone-Age husband and father. And that choice, say insurers, is dead wrong.

Insurance News 10/2/2005

2005-10-02T02:05:00.000-07:00

Is cell phone insurance worth it?

Is cell phone insurance worth it? Have you ever thought twice about shelling out a monthly fee for cell phone insurance, worried that the coverage is a bad deal?

Who's better at selling insurance?

Who's better at selling insurance? Is the gecko grabbing greenbacks from local auto insurers like American Family and General Casualty?

Need for flood insurance has become clear

Among the lessons to be learned from Hurricane Katrina is that more Americans need to consider buying flood insurance. The storm, which struck Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama late last month, caused billions of dollars in damage to houses, not only along the Gulf Coast but also miles inland.

With insurance at work, Medicare comes second

Q. Who is my primary insurance carrier if I have Medicare because I am 65 and I also have insurance through work? A. Generally, if you are 65 and still employed and receiving benefits, then your work insurance is your primary insurance.

Dillion woman sentenced for insurance fraud

HELENA (AP) A Dillon woman who pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining dozens of prescriptions for painkillers and filing insurance claims to pay for them received a deferred sentence in Beaverhead County District Court.

Employees likely to shoulder more of companies’ insurance costs

Businesses in the Grand Valley could see health insurance premiums increase as much as 15 percent next year.

The Peace of Mind of Home Insurance, Unless You Use It

THERE is a saying among consumer advocates regarding homeowner's insurance: "Use it and lose it." It is not a phrase that insurance companies are particularly fond of.

Katrina unlikely to affect Missouri insurance rates

If insurance rates in Missouri increase in Hurricane Katrina s wake, they aren t likely to increase by much, according to local and national insurers.

Gov’t losing millions to car insurance fraud

The government is losing an estimated P270 million in taxes annually because of fake Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL) insurance policies submitted to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as one of the requirements in the registration of motor vehicles each year, the Insurance Commission said yesterday.

Don't take chances; buy flood insurance

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood has taken on the insurance industry by suing insurers to force them to pay billions of dollars in flood damage from Hurricane Katrina, saying standard insurance polices have led homeowners to believe they are covered for all hurricane damage, whether from high winds or storm surges.

Insurance News 10/1/2005

2005-10-01T02:05:00.000-07:00

The Peace of Mind of Home Insurance, Unless You Use It

THERE is a saying among consumer advocates regarding homeowner's insurance: "Use it and lose it." It is not a phrase that insurance companies are particularly fond of.

Insurance for Infertility Treatment Lags

Alyce Robins counts herself among the lucky ones. After seven rounds of infertility treatment, she had a baby girl, and her health insurance paid for nearly everything — costs totaling well over $30,000. The 34-year-old suburban Chicago woman is also one of the rare ones.

Agency calls for 7.8% cut in auto insurance rates

The State Rating Bureau took the middle road on next year's auto insurance rates, calling for average premium levels nearly halfway between those recommended by the industry and Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly. The bureau, a unit inside the Division of Insurance, recommended a 7.8 percent rate cut, which compares to a 0.1 percent reduction sought by the ...

Storms teach lesson in flood insurance

NEW YORK - Among the lessons to be learned from Hurricane Katrina is that more Americans need to consider buying flood insurance.

Insurance for Infertility Treatment Lags

Insurance for Infertility Treatment Lags, Despite Changing Landscape

Vesta completes sale of its life insurance operations

Vesta Insurance Group Inc. has completed the sale of its life insurance operations, American Founders Life, to a U.S. subsidiary of Sagicor Financial Corp., a financial services company headquartered in Barbados.

Insurance for Infertility Treatment Lags

Alyce Robins counts herself among the lucky ones. After seven rounds of infertility treatment, she had a baby girl, and her health insurance paid for nearly everything -- costs totaling well over $30,000.

CNA Insurance to Sponsor Chicago 2006 Gay Games

(Chicago, IL) - Chicago-based CNA insurance companies this week announced its sponsorship of the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago. CNA joins at the "Allstar" level and will be a sponsor of the volleyball competition to take place at Chicago's Navy Pier.

Dillion woman sentenced for insurance fraud

Dillion woman sentenced for insurance fraud

HELENA (AP) A Dillon woman who pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtained dozens of prescriptions for painkillers and filing insurance claims to pay for them received a deferred sentence in Beaverhead County District Court.

Insurance News 9/30/2005

2005-09-30T02:05:00.000-07:00

INSURANCE AUSTRALIA GROUP STILL FOCUSING ON ASIA

Insurance Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX:IAG) continues to be focused on gaining a foothold in Asia.

Australia's QBE Insurance "Always Looking" For Acquisitions

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX:QBE) expects to make further acquisitions following its purchase of specialist marine insurer British Marine Holdings.

AUSTRALIA'S QBE INSURANCE "ALWAYS LOOKING" FOR ACQUISITIONS

Insurance QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX:QBE) expects to make further acquisitions following its purchase of specialist marine insurer British Marine Holdings.

Americans May Need More Flood Insurance

Among the lessons to be learned from Hurricane Katrina is that more Americans need to consider buying flood insurance.

Insurance Australia Group Still Focusing on Asia

NEW YORK, Sept 29 Asia Pulse - Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX:IAG) continues to be focused on gaining a foothold in Asia.

Australia's Qbe Insurance "Always Looking" for Acquisitions

NEW YORK, Sept 29 Asia Pulse - QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX:QBE) expects to make further acquisitions following its purchase of specialist marine insurer British Marine Holdings.

Drive Insurance from Progressive Zooms Past Internet Milestone; One-Millionth Visitor Checks Out driveinsurance.com -

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--Sept. 29, 2005--More than one million consumers have heeded the call of the Drive(R) Insurance from Progressive marketing campaign and visited driveinsurance.com to find out more about the benefits of buying auto insurance through an independent agent or broker, including personal service and advice, competitive rates, and choice.

Scottsdale Insurance inundated with claims from Katrina victims

Scottsdale Insurance Company, which insured historic buildings in Katrina-ravaged New Orleans and elsewhere along the Louisiana and Mississippi coast, expects to pay out claims ''in the millions.''

Insurance needs in focus after hurricanes

NEW YORK – Among the lessons to be learned from Hurricane Katrina is that more Americans need to consider buying flood insurance. The storm caused billions of dollars in damage to houses, not only along the Gulf Coast but also miles inland.

Katrina unlikely to affect Missouri insurance rates

If insurance rates in Missouri increase in Hurricane Katrina s wake, they aren t likely to increase by much, according to local and national insurers.

Insurance News 9/29/2005

2005-09-29T02:05:00.000-07:00

Insurance Commissioner Warns Of Fake Policies

State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi is warning Californians to be on the lookout for fake insurance policies.

Gay partners can share health insurance, judge rules

LANSING, Michigan (AP) -- Public universities and governments can provide health insurance to the partners of gay employees without violating the Michigan Constitution, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Storms Underscore Value Of Flood Insurance

Among the lessons to be learned from Hurricane Katrina is that more Americans need to consider buying flood insurance.

ING launches new life insurance product

ING Australia hopes its latest product will overcome a major hurdle against people taking out life insurance - having to think about death.

Consumer Alert: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Precipitate Insurance Fraud Risk for Pennsylvanians

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 28 -- Don't be a victim! In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, The Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (IFPA) is urging Pennsylvanians to look out for vehicles damaged by flooding along the Gulf Coast.

RBI caps AllBank’s insurance stake

Calcutta, Sept. 28: The Reserve Bank of India has asked Allahabad Bank to keep its stake in the proposed insurance venture below 50 per cent. The regulator has said private partners should have a 51 per cent stake in the company.

Insurance Tips for Cohabiting Couples

A financial expert offers insurance tips for unmarried couples.

Insurance officials against retro third party payments

INSURANCE INDUSTRY officials are predicting that a proposal for insurance companies to make retroactive third party payments to clients will cause severe financial dislocations.

Katrina unlikely to affect Missouri insurance rates

If insurance rates in Missouri increase in Hurricane Katrina s wake, they aren t likely to increase by much, according to local and national insurers.

Reilly to seek 18 percent cut in car insurance

BOSTON Attorney General Thomas Reilly says he will ask for an 18 percent reduction in the state's auto insurance rates for next year. Such a deep rate cut would trim nearly 200 dollars off the average statewide premium -- if approved.

Insurance News 9/28/2005

2005-09-28T02:05:00.000-07:00

Laci Peterson Life Insurance Hearing Set

A judge on Tuesday set an Oct. 21 court date to decide who will collect Laci Peterson's $250,000 life insurance policy.

Judge rules gay couples can receive health insurance benefits

LANSING, Mich. A victory for gay-rights advocates in Michigan. A county judge has ruled that public universities and governments can provide health insurance to the partners of gay employees without violating the Michigan Constitution.

Court strikes down insurance law critics said would hurt poor

SACRAMENTO - A state appeals court has struck down a law that consumer advocates said would result in higher auto insurance rates for many low-income motorists and discourage uninsured drivers from getting coverage.

HCC Insurance to Commute Recoverables

HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. said Tuesday that it reached an agreement with various reinsurers to commute about $145 million of recoverables related to outstanding claims from the 1999 underwriting year of the group's discontinued accident and health reinsurance business.

Blue Cross won't contest loss of insurance contract

Coventry Health Care of Nebraska appears on track to become the next administrator of the City of Omaha's self-insured health insurance plan.

Laci Peterson Life Insurance Hearing Set

MODESTO, Calif. -- A judge on Tuesday set an Oct. 21 court date to decide who will collect Laci Peterson's $250,000 life insurance policy. Sharon Rocha, the mother of the slain pregnant teacher, has petitioned the court for the money.

How much insurance

is enough? Q: How do I reassess the insurance on my home and belongings? A: Images of storm-ravaged homes in Louisiana and Mississippi have stirred up many emotions among Americans, and one is the fear that if that happened to us, we may not be able to recover financially.

Think Outside the Insurance Form

By DeWitt, Maggie A varied product mix creates account longevity THE RESULTS OF a recent survey of insurance companies conducted by In-Plant Graphics magazine should come as no surprise.

Court strikes down insurance law critics said would hurt poor

SACRAMENTO - A state appeals court on Tuesday struck down a law that consumer advocates said would result in higher auto insurance rates for many low-income motorists and discourage uninsured drivers from getting coverage.

Macon leaders delay move on insurance

A new initiative to require proof of a relationship before the city will provide dependent insurance coverage is on hold until Macon picks a new health insurance administrator, City Council members and the head of human resources agreed Tuesday.

Insurance News 9/27/2005

2005-09-27T02:05:00.000-07:00

US insurance stocks rise on Rita relief

Insurance company stocks rose on Monday after Hurricane Rita proved far less damaging than first expected, especially after the billions of dollars of devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Industry groups lock horns over auto insurance revamp

The battle over the future of the state's auto insurance system is going political, complete with dueling industry coalitions, expensive media campaigns, and accusations of deceptive advertising.

Insurance stocks rise on Rita relief

Insurance company stocks rose on Monday after Hurricane Rita proved far less damaging than originally expected, especially after the billions of dollars of devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Strike by 2,000 insurance staff

About 2,000 Co-operative Insurance Society sales staff prepare to strike in protest over new job contracts.

Shinhan Financial Holding To Incorporate Shinhan Life Insurance

Shinhan Financial Holding Co., South Korea's second-largest financial services group, said Tuesday its board decided to put Shinhan Life Insurance Co. under its wing through a stock swap.

Create insurance backstop for natural disasters

http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | I am loath to expand the federal government's role, but common sense dictates Washington make sure insurance is available for catastrophes. After all, insurance is vital for capitalism to thrive.

AUSTRALIA'S QBE TO ACQUIRE UK INSURANCE FIRM

Insurance QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX:QBE) will acquire a specialist marine insurer in Britain for about $A270 million ($US205.5 million) in its biggest purchase for the year so far.

Australia's QBE To Acquire UK Insurance Firm

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX:QBE) will acquire a specialist marine insurer in Britain for about $A270 million ($US205.5 million) in its biggest purchase for the year so far.

Australia's Qbe to Acquire UK Insurance Firm

SYDNEY, Sept 27 Asia Pulse - QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX:QBE) will acquire a specialist marine insurer in Britain for about $A270 million ($US205.5 million) in its biggest purchase for the year so far.

Flooding insurance advised for S.C. homes

nator of South Carolina's flood-mitigation program says people in low-lying areas should consider the insurance even if they are not in an officially designated flood plain.

Insurance News 9/26/2005

2005-09-26T02:05:00.000-07:00

INSURANCE AUSTRALIA GROUP LOOKING FOR ASIAN ACQUISITIONS

Insurance Insurance Australia Group Ltd (IAG) (ASX:IAG) is setting up a regional office in Singapore as it continues to look for acquisitions in Asia.

Insurance Australia Group Looking For Asian Acquisitions

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (IAG) (ASX:IAG) is setting up a regional office in Singapore as it continues to look for acquisitions in Asia.

California Earthquake Authority seeks lower quake insurance in wake of Katrina

SAN FRANCISCO -- As federal, state and local officials grapple with the financial and physical ruin wrought by Hurricane Katrina, momentum is building to make earthquake insurance offered by the semipublic California Earthquake Authority more affordable.

Few insurance options for the self-employed

As costs rise and access becomes more limited, Florida's self-employed have few health insurance options, but recent legislation has created two new options.

Australia's Medibank Expects Slow Rise In Health Insurance Cost

Australia's largest health insurer, Medibank Private, says the cost of health insurance will not come down but the rate of growth in the cost of premiums will ease.

AUSTRALIA'S MEDIBANK EXPECTS SLOW RISE IN HEALTH INSURANCE COST

Health / Pharmaceuticals Australia's largest health insurer, Medibank Private, says the cost of health insurance will not come down but the rate of growth in the cost of premiums will ease.

Survey: Docs leaving D.C. because of insurance woes

One in five D.C. doctors says he or she plans to stop practicing medicine in the city -- or have already stopped -- because of rising medical liability insurance rates.

New owners begin turnaround at Standard Life Insurance

Officials with Capital Assurance Corp. say they have made great strides in improving operations for an Indiana life insurance company they bought earlier this year for about $80 million.

Calif. May Lower Quake Insurance Rates in Wake of Katrina

As federal, state and local officials grapple with the financial and physical ruin wrought by Hurricane Katrina, momentum is building to make earthquake insurance offered by the semipublic California

Deadly Trucking Crash Leads to Calls for Tighter Insurance Rules in Conn.

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has called on the Motor Vehicles Department to demand proof of insurance from all trucking companies in Connecticut. The request came after survivor

Insurance News 9/25/2005

2005-09-25T02:05:00.000-07:00

Insurance losses from Rita could reach five billion dollars: forecast

Insurance losses from Hurricane Rita in parts of Texas and Louisiana will range from 2.5 to five billion dollars, far less than Hurricane Katrina, consultancy AIR Worldwide said.

It Doesn't Pay To Buy Some Types Of Insurance

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, there has been hand-wringing about whether Americans have enough insurance, especially flood insurance. That's mostly a good development, if it prompts consumers to take a critical look at their insurance.

Insurance fight over hurricane losses could extend beyond Gulf Coast

MOSS POINT, Miss. | The insurance adjuster took one look at the mildewed walls and buckled floors in Jerry and Cynthia Wilson's water-logged home and issued an immediate ruling: the wreckage caused by Hurricane Katrina wasn't his company's responsibility.

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE MANAGER Local Insurance Group

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE MANAGER Local Insurance Group headquartered in East Tennessee, with Regional Offices in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Middle TN has a career opening for a Commercial Lines Manager. Minimum Requirements: 5 years experience as a licensed agent.

Insurance companies reassessing fire risks

VALLEY CENTER ---- Since the 2003 Paradise fire, many Valley Center residents have complained that their homeowners' insurance rates have jumped. It's a process that started after the fires and hasn't declined, said Joy Justis, fire marshal for the Valley Center Fire Protection District.

Gulf Coast Insurance Expected to Soar

The cost of insurance for homes and businesses is expected to rise sharply in the Gulf Coast states because of Hurricane Katrina, and even more so with Hurricane Rita, industry experts said yesterday. Policyholders far from the battered coastline are also expected to face higher premiums.

Don't take chances; buy flood insurance

RM557m insurance claims last year for stolen vehicles

PETALING JAYA: Stolen vehicles accounted for about RM557mil worth of insurance claims last year. And the amount is likely to increase a further RM18mil to RM575mil for this year, said General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) executive director Lim Chia Fook.

California Earthquake Authority seeks lower quake insurance in wake of Katrina

Health Insurance Support Expanded for Hurricane Victims

Recent hurricanes sharply increased the demand for affordable temporary health insurance and for policyholder service on these. MedSave.com responds with extended hours, new published guidance and elimination of some fees to help hurricane victims. [PRWEB Sep 25, 2005]

Insurance News 9/24/2005

2005-09-24T02:05:00.000-07:00

Gulf Coast Insurance Expected to Soar

California Earthquake Authority seeks lower quake insurance in wake of Katrina

About flood insurance

Q: How can I tell if I live in a 100-year flood plain? A: Flood plain maps and Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available online through FEMA's Flood Map Store. In Austin, you can submit a request to the Floodplain Information Office or set up an appointment to view the maps by calling 974-3399.

The Advocate - Blumenthal calls on DMV to demand insurance proof from trucking cos.

Blumenthal calls on DMV to demand insurance proof from trucking cos. HARTFORD, Conn. -- State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal called on the Motor Vehicles Department on Friday to demand proof of insurance from all trucking companies in Connecticut.

DPJ to call for privatizing or ending postal savings, insurance

_ The Democratic Party of Japan will propose privatizing or terminating postal savings and insurance at the ongoing special Diet session, DPJ President Seiji Maehara said Saturday.

Hurricanes to push up even inland insurance

The cost of insurance for homes and businesses is expected to rise sharply in the Gulf Coast states because of Hurricane Katrina, and even more so with Hurricane Rita, industry experts said Friday. Policyholders far from the battered coastline are also expected to face higher premiums.

Blumenthal calls on DMV to demand insurance

HARTFORD -- State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal Friday called on the Motor Vehicles Department to demand proof of insurance from all trucking companies in Connecticut.

U.K. Financial Watchdog Plans to Review General Insurance Rules

U.K. Sept. 23 (Bloomberg) -- The Financial Services Authority, Britain's financial watchdog, plans to review the rules governing general insurance to determine whether the nation's consumers are adequately protected.

Hicks Muse Tate & Furst to buy insurance brokerage firm

Hicks Muse Tate & Furst Inc. plans to buy Swett & Crawford, a wholesale insurance brokerage firm, from S & C's parent company Aon Corp.

Insurance broker gets 10-year sentence in $78 million fraud

MORRISTOWN, N.J. -- An insurance broker was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison and fined $225,000 for bilking insurance companies of $78.8 million, state authorities said.

Insurance News 9/23/2005

2005-09-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

HSBC Group Expands Presence In China's Insurance Industry

HSBC Insurance and Hang Seng Insurance under London-based HSBC Group are planning to set up a life insurance joint venture in China.

Insurance ties may be liability

Problems at Citizens Insurance may challenge Tom Gallagher as he runs for governor. TALLAHASSEE - Countless times on television as hurricanes came and went last year, Tom Gallagher appeared.

Insurance fight over hurricane may extend beyond Gulf Coast

MOSS POINT, Miss. -- The insurance adjuster took one look at the mildewed walls and buckled floors in Jerry and Cynthia Wilson's water-logged home and issued an immediate ruling: the wreckage caused by Hurricane Katrina wasn't his company's responsibility.

Take stock of insurance right now

How do I reassess the insurance on my home and belongings? Images of storm-ravaged homes in Louisiana and Mississippi have stirred up many emotions among Americans, and one is the fear that if that happened to us, we may not be able to recover financially.

The Advocate - Can insurance cover hedge fund losses? Panel discusses whether it's possible

Can insurance cover hedge fund losses? As hedge funds come under more scrutiny by regulators and investors, it's time for fund managers to think about financially protecting themselves and their personal assets.

Insurance hike stings backcountry rescuers

The state's three most venerable independent volunteer search-and-rescue teams are scrambling to overcome skyrocketing insurance rates that threaten their existence. At best, Boulder-based Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, the oldest team in the state, and Alpine Search and Rescue, which covers Clear Creek and Jefferson counties, may have to

Blumenthal expands lawsuit against insurance broker

HARTFORD, Conn. -- State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced Thursday that he has expanded a lawsuit against insurance brokerage giant Marsh & McLennan, which he had already accused of bid-rigging and price-fixing.

State Goes After Insurance Broker

Connecticut accused insurance broker Marsh & McLennan Cos. of bid-rigging and price-fixing in an expanded lawsuit filed Thursday that seeks tens of millions of dollars in restitution.

Brooke Franchise buys OP insurance agency

Brooke Franchise Corp., a subsidiary of Brooke Corp., has acquired an Overland Park property and casualty insurance company.

Gazette opinion: Keep working on school health insurance ideas

Employee health insurance ranks as one of the top cost concerns of Montana public schools. That's why it's heartening to hear that Gov. Brian Schweitzer is thinking about how the state can help school districts with insurance costs.

Insurance News 9/22/2005

2005-09-22T02:05:00.000-07:00

Insurance Carriers Stop New Policies As Hurricanes Approach

With the recent activity of storms in Hawaii's vicinity has prompted many homeowners to think about hurricane insurance. However, if you don't have it already, you're too late if one of the storms hits, insurance companies said. As soon as the weather service announces a tropical storm or hurricane carriers suspend new polices.

Questions and answers about flood insurance

Q. Who needs flood insurance? A. Flood insurance is excluded from most homeowners' insurance policies and offered separately through the federal government. In areas that are considered especially high risk, residents are required to buy it to obtain a mortgage.

Sides crunch car-insurance figures

The state insurance commissioner and a state lawmaker released dueling data Wednesday over whether consumers have benefited from the state's switch from no-fault auto insurance to a tort system. Democratic Rep. Morgan Carroll released a report she said showed that 40 percent of Colorado's 200 major car insurance companies raised their rates after the 2003 switch.

Hurricane Katrina Set To Swamp Insurance Industry

Insurance premiums are set to rise as insurers pass on the massive costs of hurricane damage in the United States.

HURRICANE KATRINA SET TO SWAMP INSURANCE INDUSTRY

Insurance Insurance premiums are set to rise as insurers pass on the massive costs of hurricane damage in the United States.

Katrina insurance costs to be passed on

Insurance premiums are set to rise as insurers pass on the massive costs of hurricane damage in the United States. Household budgets are already being squeezed by soaring petrol prices after Hurricane Katrina swept through the oil-rich Gulf of Mexico three weeks ago.

Chinese Insurance Funds Launch Investment Overseas

Following on the heels of China Pingan Insurance Company launching investment overseas, PICC Life Insurance Company and PICC have begun to move, too.

CHINESE INSURANCE FUNDS LAUNCH INVESTMENT OVERSEAS

Insurance Following on the heels of China Pingan Insurance Company launching investment overseas, PICC Life Insurance Company and PICC have begun to move, too.

A.M. Best Affirms Rating of Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

OLDWICK, N.J.--Sept. 21, 2005--A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) of Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company (WMIC) (Winnipeg), including its branch, The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, (United States Branch) (San Diego, CA). In addition, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) of Wawanesa General Insurance Company (WGIC) (San Diego, CA). The

CSFB Upgrades Earnings Forecast For Australia's QBE Insurance

A broker has upgraded its earnings forecasts for QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX:QBE), suggesting the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina could actually boost the Australian-based insurers' profits in the long-run.

Insurance News 9/21/2005

2005-09-21T02:05:00.000-07:00

Bush signs Katrina-related flood insurance bill

President George W. Bush on Tuesday signed legislation to increase the borrowing authority of the government's flood insurance program to $3.5 billion from $1.5 billion to pay claims from Hurricane Katrina.

Lawmakers plan forums to gauge support of auto insurance revamp

The Massachusetts House plans to gauge the public's interest in revamping the state's auto insurance system at five forums over the next month and then to join the Senate in holding legislative hearings.

Government Flood Insurance Program Called into Question

Victims of Hurricane Isabel Say FEMA Flood Insurance Didn't Come Through

Vesta Insurance board: Stockholders to meet Nov. 17

Vesta Insurance Group Inc. announced Tuesday that its board has set Nov. 17 as the date for the company's annual stockholders meeting in Birmingham.

Data cites insurance link with developer

PARKLAND � While the Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues probing Parkland Mayor Robert Marks' business dealings with WCI Communities, records show Marks carried insurance coverage for the developer on a policy for his janitorial business.

General Insurance Agents Face Stiff Competition From Banks

PETALING JAYA, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- The market share of general insurance agents in the country is likely to decline in future due to stiff competition from banks and takaful insurance companies which are fighting for accounts on direct basis.

One Nation, Uninsured: Why the U.S. Has No National Health Insurance/ Your Money or Your Life: Strong Medicine for

One Nation, Uninsured: Why the U.S. Has No National Health Insurance. By Jill Quadagno. Oxford University Press, 288 pp., $28.00. Your Money or Your Life: Strong Medicine for America's Healthcare System. By David M. Cutler. Oxford University Press, 176 pp., $13.95 paperback.

Rise in health-insurance costs slows, but still outpaces inflation

The cost of health insurance for working Americans climbed 9. 2 percent this year, the lowest rate of increase since 2000 but far outpacing...

Crime insurance claims rise by 25%

The number of crime-related insurance claims from companies increased by a quarter in recent months, with many businesses blaming a lack of police presence, according to a new report.

Coastal residents should prepare insurance info

AUSTIN - Texas coastal residents should gather their insurance documents this week and count their belongings in preparation for a possible hit from Hurricane Rita, consumer advocates said....

Insurance News 9/20/2005

2005-09-20T02:05:00.000-07:00

Federal health minister tiptoes around Alberta's study of private insurance

CALGARY (CP) - Canada's health minister refused Monday to be drawn into a debate over Alberta's examination of private health-care insurance.

Life insurance tips after Katrina

In a matter of hours, Hurricane Katrina caused billions of dollars in property damage. Yet at a time when survivors are in the greatest need, the task of filing a claim for life insurance can be a daunting one.

Terror insurance guarantee on hold

As Congress recessed in late July, the insurance industry was confident that upon its return, a hearing would be set to renew the $100 billion safety net the industry wants the U.S. Government to pledge in the event of a costly terrorist attack.

DEPOSIT INSURANCE OF VIETNAM ANNOUNCES REFORMS

Banking / finance The Deposit Insurance of Vietnam organisation (DIV) recently announced a series of regulatory reforms, including new guidelines mandating how it will collect premiums from financial institutions.

Deposit Insurance Of Vietnam Announces Reforms

The Deposit Insurance of Vietnam organisation (DIV) recently announced a series of regulatory reforms, including new guidelines mandating how it will collect premiums from financial institutions.

Kotak eyes Rs 150 cr life insurance business

LUDHIANA: Kotak Mahindra Old Mutual Life Insurance is eyeing life insurance business worth Rs 150 crore from the northern region within next two years, a senior company official has said.

Insurance at a premium

With the devastation of New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and with hurricanes threatening Florida shores, the last thing residents need is uncertainty about the state's insurance company of last resort.

Several minivans fare poorly in insurance industry tests of head restraints

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Head restraints in some minivans inadequately protect people against neck injuries in rear-end crashes, the insurance industry said Sunday. Several automakers took issue with the latest test results.

Federal Holdups Delay OHCA Insurance Program

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has delayed the start of a program to supplement health insurance benefits for employees of small businesses. Federal approval, needed for the state to begin the program, has not been received, said Jo Kilgore, spokesperson for the authority.

Audit alleges mismanagement by insurance agency

N.C. Auditor Les Merritt, in a report released Monday, says the division in the N.C. Department of Insurance that oversees financially strapped insurance companies needs greater oversight and spending controls.

Insurance News 9/19/2005

2005-09-19T02:05:00.000-07:00

Title insurance -- Think of it as a horse of a different color

Title insurance is a product that is both widely used and accepted and often misunderstood in its scope and purpose. The result is a lack of understanding among many who purchase it. This misunderstanding is undoubtedly attributable to the fact that title insurance is quite different from any other commonly purchased insurance.

Several minivans fare poorly in insurance industry tests of head restraints

WASHINGTON Crash tests have found several minivans don't do an adequate job of protecting people against neck injuries in rear-end crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave seven models a "poor" rating.

S.KOREA'S INSURERS INTRODUCE DISABILITY INSURANCE SERVICE

Insurance South Korea's life insurers will introduce new products designed to provide a safety net for people who lost their jobs due to diseases or accidents, the nation's top financial watchdog said Monday.

Several minivans fare poorly in insurance industry tests of head restraints

WASHINGTON (AP) - Head restraints in some minivans inadequately protect people against neck injuries in rear-end crashes, the insurance industry said Sunday. Several automakers took issue with the latest test results.

Adjustable insurance

Which NFL team should Richmond consider the "home" team? Adjustable insurance: A lifelong solution to your financial needs. 4. Providing for emergencies.

ONGC SECURES INSURANCE CLAIM OF US$173 MLN FOR PLATFORM FIRE

Insurance The state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (NSI:ONGC) said it has secured insurance claim of Rs 7.61 billion (US$173.6 million) for its Bombay High North (BHN) platform, where a major fire mishap took place on July 27 this year.

ONGC Secures Insurance Claim Of US$173 MLN For Platform Fire

The state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (NSI:ONGC) said it has secured insurance claim of Rs 7.61 billion (US$173.6 million) for its Bombay High North (BHN) platform, where a major fire mishap took place on July 27 this year.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho employers can learn how changes in the state's unemployment insurance law affect their businesses at a series of unemployment insurance seminars scheduled throughout the state starting July 13.

FindLaw's Writ - Scales: How Will Homeowners Insurance Litigation After Hurricane Katrina Play Out?

How Will Homeowners Insurance Litigation After Hurricane Katrina Play Out? Over a century ago, an insurance executive observed that, "the insurer proposes, but the court disposes."

Allianz Reorganizes German Insurance Units, Separating Sales

Sept. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Allianz AG, Europe's biggest insurer, will reorganize its German insurance businesses, grouping their sales divisions into a separate unit.

Insurance News 9/18/2005

2005-09-18T02:05:00.000-07:00

Editorial: National malady / Health insurance rises drag America down

Health-insurance premiums have risen over 9 percent in 2005, making the cost of health coverage for a family greater than a year's pay for a minimum-wage worker, according to the annual Kaiser Family Foundation report.

Life Insurance Policies Aren't About Death -- They're About Living

Life insurance and wills usually conjure up thoughts of death. Most folks go out of their way to avoid the topics. But in reality, both documents are really for the living.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

Miss. Governor Urges Talks on Insurance

Republican Gov. Haley Barbour said Friday he preferred to negotiate with insurance companies to help homeowners who lacked flood insurance rebuild their property, saying a lawsuit could push the companies out of Mississippi.

FEMA policy could require flood insurance, halt some construction

SACRAMENTO - A new federal policy outlined a week before Hurricane Katrina struck could force residents in hundreds of communities nationwide to buy flood insurance and halt construction in some low-lying areas, including parts of California's Central Valley.

Auto Insurance Discounts

Insurance companies recognize that certain factors regarding an insured or their vehicle can save them money. As a result, they offer a variety of discounts which can decrease your monthly premium.

Department aims to lower number without insurance

The state Insurance Department this month plans to have a contractor in place to work on a plan to lower the number of Pennsylvanians without health insurance.

Alberta promises retreat from private insurance if it hurts public system

EDMONTON (CP) - Alberta will reconsider its plan to expand the use of private health insurance if it finds evidence that the change would hurt the public system, Health Minister Iris Evans said Friday.

Call 11 For Action Alert Katrina Could Be Felt in Insurance Policies

TOLEDo -- Insurance companies and the government will foot much of the cleanup bill down south. All that money has to come from somewhere, so plan on paying up.

09/16/05 Governor Urges Negotiations, Not Litigation, In Insurance Dispute

Gov. Haley Barbour said Friday he preferred negotiation over litigation to help Hurricane Katrina homeowners who lacked flood insurance, saying a lawsuit by the state attorney general to force insurers to pay those claims could drive insurance companies from Mississippi.

Insurance News 9/16/2005

2005-09-16T02:05:00.000-07:00

Mississippi attorney general sues 5 insurance firms

BILOXI, Miss. - The attorney general of Mississippi sued five major insurance companies on Thursday, alleging that they're cheating Hurricane Katrina survivors.

Insurance for terror risk is 'key to Gaza'

Bill Clinton, the former president, called for a terrorism insurance scheme to encourage private investment in Gaza, as entrepreneurs pledged more than $300m of funding for development and environmental projects around the world at the opening on Thursday of the Clinton Global Initiative.

Ex-FEMA Chief Witt Lobbies for Insurance

As ex-federal disaster chief James Lee Witt advises Louisiana's governor on hurricane recovery, he is also working for an insurance company lobbying Congress to create a fund to ease insurers' burdens from disaster claims, records show.

Got traveler's insurance?

Two seasons of unusually high hurricane activity in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico have unleashed a flood of inquiries to travel insurance providers from nervous vacationers who are concerned about protecting their prepaid vacations.

Executives accused of insurance bid rigging

The former executives are accused of colluding with executives at major insurance companies to arrange noncompetitive bids.

Spitzer: 8 former insurance execs indicted

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer on Thursday announced that a grand jury has indicted eight former executives of insurance brokerage Marsh & McLennan on felonies involving bid rigging that cost corporate customers millions of dollars.

Spitzer: 8 Former Insurance Execs Indicted

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer on Thursday announced that a grand jury has indicted eight former executives of insurance brokerage Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc. on felonies involving bid rigging that cost corporate customers millions of dollars.

Bet You Don't Have This Insurance

Insurance has an awful lot of negatives associated with it. It can seem (or be) expensive. To many people, it's stupefyingly boring. It can seem like you're paying lots of money with little to show for it. It can be a pain dealing with some insurance companies. Insurance focuses your thinking on nasty things, such as car crashes, house fires, disabilities, theft, and more. Yet insurance is

Security Vendor Offers Insurance For Timely Fixes

Citadel Security Software has purchased an insurance policy from AIG to back its Hercules software-vulnerability remediation service.

Citizens Insurance seeks homeowner premium increases of up to 68%

Some South Florida customers of state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. could see sharp increases to their homeowner insurance premiums -- up to 32.5 percent in Palm Beach County, 50 percent in Broward and 68 percent in Miami-Dade -- under a plan that the company's board of governors is expected to vote on Friday.

Insurance News 9/15/2005

2005-09-15T02:05:00.000-07:00

Growth of Health Insurance Premiums Slows...

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 14 (HealthDay News) -- The rate of growth of health insurance premiums declined for the second year in a row, slowing to 9.2 percent in 2005.

Alta.'s Klein rejects having private insurance for all medical treatments

EDMONTON (CP) - Alberta Premier Ralph Klein has sharply rebuked his health minister for saying she would like a review into how private insurance might compete with all publicly funded health-care services.

Job-based health insurance premiums rise, but only by single digits

WASHINGTON - Premiums for job-based health insurance increased 9.2 percent on average in 2005, ending four straight years of double-digit growth and offering new optimism that premium inflation may have peaked, according to a survey released Wednesday.

Premier Klein rejects private insurance for all medical treatments

EDMONTON (CP) - Premier Ralph Klein has sharply rebuked his health minister for saying she would like a review into how private insurance might compete with all publicly funded health-care services.

Sorting out your home insurance claim

Insurance companies may have to pay up to $60 billion after Hurricane Katrina left thousands of people homeless. The question is how much will you have to pay?

Health News - Growth of Health Insurance Premiums Slows...

Growth of Health Insurance Premiums Slows... WEDNESDAY, Sept. 14 (HealthDay News) -- The rate of growth of health insurance premiums declined for the second year in a row, slowing to 9.2 percent in 2005.

Growth of Insurance Premiums Slows

The growth rate of health insurance premiums failed to reach double digits this year, the first time that's happened since 2000.

Fewer companies offer health insurance; costs blamed

The number of U.S. employers providing health insurance for their workers fell farther in 2005, mostly among smaller companies that said they could not afford the coverage, according to a study released Wednesday.

You May Need Disability Insurance

Needing disability insurance at some point in your lifetime is not as far-fetched a possibility as you may think. Disability doesn't have to involve a career-ending catastrophe -- it could simply involve a bad accident from which you need several months to recover. If you do find yourself out of work for a relatively short or long period of time, you may find yourself wishing you'd lined up

Insurance issues thwart mobile health clinics

A non-profit health center in Fremont, Ohio, raised money to send a mobile health unit to the Mississippi coast, where a sister facility had been wiped out by Hurricane Katrina. The center learned that its government-provided malpractice insurance would not cover staff if they practiced outside Ohio.

Insurance News 9/14/2005

2005-09-14T02:05:00.000-07:00

Insurance issues thwart mobile health clinics

Alberta considering private insurance for all medicare coverage

EDMONTON (CP) - Alberta will examine the possibility of having private insurance compete with the public health-care system for all medical treatments, Health Minister Iris Evans told The Canadian Press on Tuesday.

Alberta asking private insurance to bid on all medicare coverage

EDMONTON (CP) - Health Minister Iris Evans says she wants Alberta to examine the possibility of having private insurance compete with the public health-care system.

Ill. Senator Blocks Insurance Measure

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, objecting to changing what had been a funding formula favorable to his state, has single-handedly thwarted a bill that promises more than $300 million nationwide for state high-risk health insurance pools.

Canadian banks look to grow via U.S. expansion, insurance, other avenues

TORONTO (CP) - Royal Bank is making progress in growing its insurance business despite government rules prohibiting banks from selling insurance in their branches, CEO Gordon Nixon says.

Government, Insurance Industry Offer Aid

The insurance industry and the government reached out Tuesday to help thousands of hurricane evacuees who had to flee before they could retrieve important documents.

Egypt to ready insurance privatization

Egypt has commissioned an international consortium to restructure its major state-owned insurance companies, opening the way for their privatization, the investment ministry announced.

Katrina may change face of insurance

The head of GE's insurance unit says the damage wrought by Hurricane Katrina could change the face of the insurance industry. MONTE CARLO (Reuters) - Hurricane Katrina could change the face of the insurance industry, a senior industry executive said Tuesday.

Study links insurance, follow-up urgent care

CHICAGO -- It's not how sick you are but whether you have health insurance that often determines how quickly you can get urgently needed follow-up care after emergency room treatment, a study reports.

Ill. Senator Blocks Insurance Measure

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin Blocks Measure for States' High-Risk Health Insurance Bills

Insurance News 9/13/2005

2005-09-13T02:05:00.000-07:00

Senate OKs Flood Insurance Borrowing Bill

Congress agreed Monday to increase the borrowing authority of the federal program overseeing flood insurance to cope with the huge expected costs of claims from Hurricane Katrina.

Debt insurance being 'mis-sold'

Banks and insurers are accused by the Citizens Advice of mis-selling payment protection insurance (PPI).

Troubled insurance firm faces more fines

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marsh & McLennan Cos., the insurance broker that agreed to pay $850 million to settle a bid-rigging probe, said Monday that investigators may seek additional money from the company.

Where to Buy Insurance

Is it better to buy insurance through an agent, through a website, or directly from an insurance company? Well, sometimes you'll find the best prices by skipping the middleman (the agent). But some agents do offer competitive prices, and the best of them will also give you sound advice and guide you through the learning process. That's certainly worth something.

Insurance adjusters tackle Katrina claims

Colleen Walsh is one of thousands of insurance agents putting dollar figures on the losses of Katrina's victims. State Farm has 3,550 agents and employees in Katrina country.

Collecting insurance a headache all its own

Gulf Coast residents whose homes were hammered by Hurricane Katrina have yet another ordeal ahead of them haggling with their insurance companies. Some homeowners living in outlying areas have been able to return home to assess damage.

American Family lowering auto insurance premiums

PEORIA - American Family Mutual Insurance Co. is lowering auto insurance premiums in Illinois an average of 3.6 percent, effective Sept. 17. The Madison, Wis.-based insurer said the change will result in a $9.1 million savings for Illinois customers.

www.AutoInsurancePlanners.com Advises Two Key Steps to Choosing Best Auto Insurance Company

ANNAPOLIS, Md.--Sept. 12, 2005--Shopping for auto insurance can be overwhelming because there are so many companies. Which one provides the best auto insurance rates and service?

India not to be affected by global insurance losses

Insurance costs will not rise, and India will not face any impact on account of the high magnitude of insurance losses across the globe due to natural calamities.

Know Your Insurance Rights

In the continuing series, Rebuilding Your Life, Vera Gibbons of Kiplinger's Personal Finance addresses insurance issues for Katrina survivors. Find out if you are covered and what you need to do to file a claim.

Insurance News 9/12/2005

2005-09-12T02:05:00.000-07:00

Insurance adjusters tackle Katrina claims

Colleen Walsh is one of thousands of insurance agents putting dollar figures on the losses of Katrina's victims. State Farm has 3,550 agents and employees in Katrina country.

Insurance is key to disaster plans

Many small businesses were surprised after hurricanes Frances and Jeanne last year that they had too little business interruption insurance or worse -- they thought they were covered, but were not.

Insurance Australia Says Shareholders Targeted By Opportunist

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX:IAG) says its shareholders are once again being targeted by market opportunist David Tweed.

INSURANCE AUSTRALIA SAYS SHAREHOLDERS TARGETED BY OPPORTUNIST

Insurance Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX:IAG) says its shareholders are once again being targeted by market opportunist David Tweed.

Insurance shopping on the Web

While most insurance companies in the metro area are using the Internet to provide quotes on premium rates, some -- mainly health care insurers -- are using the Web to sell directly to consumers and are seeing growth in business as a result.

Seven Myths About Life Insurance -- ThirdAge

When it comes to life insurance, even smart shoppers can get tripped up by myths and misperceptions. Unfortunately, any mistake you make when buying a life insurance policy can have long-lasting consequences. And if your family is not provided for the way you intended, you won't be around to fix it.

R'ville Council cuts insurance costs

Approximately $8,000 was saved from Russellville's budget recently after council members sat down and tweaked insurance coverage for city-owned structures.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

Watchdog fears Katrina effect on UK insurance firms

Fears that Hurricane Katrina could trigger the collapse of a number of insurance companies have prompted the FSA to investigate the disaster's effect on UK-registered firms.

China allows overseas investment of foreign exchange asset by insurance firms

China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) Sunday promulgated the detailed rules on overseas investment of the foreign exchange capital by the country's insurance companies.

Insurance News 9/11/2005

2005-09-11T02:05:00.000-07:00

Investing via life insurance not worth the gamble

The premise of ''Missed Fortune 101," a popular book, is that we would be better off with no equity in our homes and no money in traditional IRAs or 401(k) plans. We can do a whole lot better, the book asserts, by putting lots of cash into a life insurance policy so we can take it out later, tax-free.

Renters often buy unneeded car insurance

Regular coverage and credit cards mean supplemental policies can be wasted money. Feel run down by aggressive sales pitches for insurance at the car-rental counter?

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

INSURANCE INDUSTRY BLOWS INTO MONTE CARLO, REELING FROM HURRICANE KATRINA

P ARIS, Sept 11 (AFP) - Worldwide leaders in the insurance and reinsurance industry are meeting in Monte Carlo this weekend for their annual September conference, preoccupied more by natural disasters than this year's official theme of terrorism.

Employers must provide health insurance to all

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has issued a law that makes it compulsory for employers and business owners in Abu Dhabi to provide health insurance coverage for their employees.

Pair introduces new insurance coverage to area

A local business duo is offering insurance covering every aspect of a wedding - except the bride or groom's cold feet.

Lex: Hurricane insurance

The more dramatic the headlines, the more sanguine the markets seem to get. The latest estimates for insurance losses jumped from $20bn-$35bn to $40bn-$60bn according to Risk Management Solutions, yet insurance stocks barely quivered.

Take good care of home insurance needs

Know your homeowners insurance coverage. Make sure it would pay enough if your house were damaged and needed to be rebuilt. This is not the same as the cost of your mortgage, which could be less. Nor...

Haaretz - Israel News - Katrina to push up insurance rates

Hurricane Katrina is likely going to have a global impact on insurance rates. "People at Lloyds are still afraid to quote reinsurance prices, but it's clear to everyone that three years of falling insurance prices are over," according to Yitzhak Klein, managing director of Inbal Insurance.

Two sentenced for role in insurance scam

Two Tennessee men have been sentenced to 25 months in prison, four months after pleading guilty to mail fraud related to a scheme to hide employees from workers compensation insurance companies.

Insurance News 9/10/2005

2005-09-10T02:05:00.000-07:00

Lex: Hurricane insurance

State Insurance Plan Off to Slow Start

DAILY MAIL CAPITOL REPORTER Of the thousands of small business owners in West Virginia, only about 100 of them are buying health insurance through the new low- cost plan now offered by the state.

Insurance for Poor Gains in State

Sep. 9--At a time when other states have been tightening their health care insurance programs for the poor, Illinois last year ranked second in the nation in new enrollments of children and led the country in adding working parents to the rolls.

Insurance is key to disaster plans

Many small businesses were surprised after hurricanes Frances and Jeanne last year that they had too little business interruption insurance or worse -- they thought they were covered, but were not.

Small Businesses Urge Staffers to Forego Insurance

As health insurance costs soar, a growing number of small businesses are offering incentives to workers who forgo the company medical plan.

Denn: Know your flood facts; Residents urged to understand their flood insurance

DOVER - Citing the ghastly damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, Delaware Insurance Commissioner Matthew P. Denn urged Delawareans to educate themselves about flood insurance so they will be prepared in case of a large storm.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

IBM Donates Business-Process Knowledge And Code to Insurance-Standards Body

Technology standards could help small insurance companies better compete against the industry giants.

Health Insurance "Unaffordable"

By SEAN WHALEY REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU CARSON CITY -- A panel of lawmakers on Wednesday criticized the administration of the state health insurance plan, saying agency officials were not doing a good enough job of explaining rate increases to participants.

Ill. Adds Families, Kids To Health Insurance Rolls

While other states shrank their health insurance programs for low-income families last year, Illinois expanded enrollment.

Insurance News 9/9/2005

2005-09-09T02:05:00.000-07:00

IBM Donates Business-Process Knowledge And Code to Insurance-Standards Body

Technology standards could help small insurance companies better compete against the industry giants.

CORRECTED - CORRECTED-HK's China Insurance posts H1 loss

In HONG KONG story headlined "HK's China Insurance posts H1 loss on reserves," please read headline as "HK's China Insurance posts H1 loss." (Corrects to delete reference to reserves).

HK's China Insurance posts H1 loss on reserves

HONG KONG, Sept 9 (Reuters) - China Insurance International Holdings Co. said on Friday it posted a first-half loss, compared with a modest gain last year, as it set aside an extra $94 million in life insurance reserves.

Insurance Adjusters Walk An Emotional Line

In a home waterlogged by Hurricane Katrina, a Travelers customer sobbed quietly as she clutched a damaged photo of a family member, recalling the accident that killed him so many years ago. She tried to talk with insurance adjuster Michael Smith.

Aspen Insurance Sees Katrina Losses

Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd. on Thursday said it expects losses linked to Hurricane Katrina will hit $150 million, stemming mostly from the company's property insurance lines.

China's Icbc Plans to Launch Joint-Venture Insurance Co

BEIJING, Sept 9 Asia Pulse - The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, scheduled to become a joint stock company in mid- or late-October, plans to launch a joint venture insurance company, according to an industry insider.

Rising gas prices, insurance, food costs -- S. Fla. is feeling pinch from Katrina

Patricia Johnson has lived in South Florida for 27 years, but she's ready to bid it -- and its escalating cost of living -- goodbye. Her property taxes keep going up. She recently found out her homeowner's insurance will be an extra $1,500 a year.

EEOC sues insurance company over fired pregnant worker

MILWAUKEE - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a discrimination lawsuit against a central Wisconsin insurance company, claiming it fired an employee because she was pregnant.

Flood insurance worth price

The government has made flood insurance available to property owners for nearly 40 years, filling a gap left by private carriers. The program has grown controversial over the years.

Title insurance firm settles kickback case with $1 mil gift

The Arizona Department of Insurance has reached a settlement with a second major title insurance company over the insurer's payouts to real estate-related firms in return for customer referrals.

Insurance News 9/8/2005

2005-09-08T02:05:00.000-07:00

Health Insurance Co. Limits Proposed

A draft order released by Louisiana's insurance commissioner Wednesday would significantly restrict the ability of property and health insurance companies to cancel the policies of Hurricane Katrina victims in that state.

One more woe for Katrina victims: no insurance

To make matters worse for survivors of Hurricane Katrina, a lack of flood insurance for most homeowners may lead to an economic calamity for many.

Colo. consumers to get refund in title insurance case

Nearly 4,000 Colorado consumers will receive partial premium refunds totaling $320,000 as part of a nationwide settlement between Colorado and a Jacksonville, Fla., company over alleged title-insurance kickbacks. Fidelity Financial Co. has agreed to pay up to $2.

Rising gas prices, insurance, food costs -- S. Fla. is feeling pinch from Katrina

DAUM DIRECT AUTO INSURANCE EXPECTS 84-PCT GAIN IN 2005 REVENUE

Insurance The head of Daum Direct Auto Insurance Co., a local non-life insurer, said Thursday the firm targets a 84-percent on-year gain in its revenue this year, helped by an increasing number of policyholders.

Daum Direct Auto Insurance Expects 84-PCT Gain in 2005 Revenue

SEOUL, Sept 8 Asia Pulse - The head of Daum Direct Auto Insurance Co., a local non-life insurer, said Thursday the firm targets a 84-percent on-year gain in its revenue this year, helped by an increasing number of policyholders.

CORRECTED: 4 Meiji Yasuda execs likely to quit over unpaid insurance claims

_ The president of Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co. and three other top executives are considering resigning to take responsibility for the firm's illegal nonpayment of insurance claims, sources said Thursday.

New Life Insurance Office Opens In Nanjing

The AEGON-CNOOC Life Insurance Co., Ltd., a 50-50 joint venture between China National Offshore Oil Corporation and AEGON of the Netherlands, opened a branch in Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu Province, on September 7.

NEW LIFE INSURANCE OFFICE OPENS IN NANJING

Joint ventures / investment The AEGON-CNOOC Life Insurance Co., Ltd., a 50-50 joint venture between China National Offshore Oil Corporation and AEGON of the Netherlands, opened a branch in Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu Province, on September 7.

FEATURE: High incidence of quakes sparks rise in cooperative insurance

_ A growing number of Japanese are buying mutual aid earthquake insurance offered by cooperatives in the wake of the high incidence of quakes in the country in recent years.

Insurance News 9/7/2005

2005-09-07T02:05:00.000-07:00

Flood insurance rates to rise

If homeowners were to take away one lesson from Hurricane Katrina's destruction, it's that flood insurance should be considered a necessity, not a luxury.

Report: Higher insurance rates possible

Homeowners and car owners across the U.S. may see a spike in their insurance premiums following Hurricane Katrina, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

District 150 hikes insurance premiums

PEORIA - District 150 union employees will see a significant increase in their health insurance premiums, despite union objection at a School Board meeting Tuesday.

Term life insurance may not be best buy

Q. My mother is 80 years old, and I have been paying for her term life insurance policy in the amount of $203 a month. Recently, I received a notice from the insurance company indicating that it will increase the premium to $544 this month.

Carlyle, Prudential win China insurance deal nod

HONG KONG, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Buyout firm the Carlyle Group has won approval to buy 25 percent of China Pacific Life Insurance for $400 million, according to people familiar with the deal, ending negotiations that lasted over a year.

Ping An Insurance appoints vice chairmen

HONG KONG, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Ping An Insurance (Group) Co. of China Ltd. on Wednesday announced the appointment of Anthony Philip Hope and Chen Hongbo as vice chairmen.

Infinity Property and Casualty Insurance "outperform," estimates reduced

NEW YORK, September 7 (newratings.com) - Analysts at Morgan Keegan reiterate their "outperform" rating on Infinity Property and Casualty Insurance Company (IPCC.NAS), while reducing their estimates for the company.

Flood disaster puts new light on insurance

For nearly 40 years, the federal government has made flood insurance available to property owners, filling a gap left by private carriers...

A.M. Best Affirms Rating Of Credit & General Insurance

(Full text of statement. Contact details below.) OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 6, 2005--A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) of Credit & General Insurance Limited (CGIL) (New Zealand). The rating outlook is stable. The rating reflects CGIL's excellent and consistent underwriting and operating performance, prudent risk-adjusted capitalization and

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATING OF CREDIT & GENERAL INSURANCE

Insurance

Insurance News 9/4/2005

2005-09-04T02:05:00.000-07:00

Tens of thousands in Gulf Coast may be without flood insurance

WASHINGTON - Six in 10 homeowners and businesses in areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina may lack flood insurance, meaning that tens of thousands of displaced property owners may get little money to cover losses or repairs.

'Under-Bought' Flood Insurance Proves Its Value

For nearly 40 years the federal government has made flood insurance available to property owners, filling a gap left by private carriers, which generally decline to write the coverage.

Auditor touts small-business health insurance program

BUTTE - Small businesses struggling to provide health insurance for workers can now get help from the state.

NPA official nabbed for forgery of health insurance cards

_ Police on Sunday arrested an engineering officer of the National Police Agency and his accomplice on a charge of forging documents such as health insurance certificates to borrow money.

Gulf Coast catastrophe could deal heavy blow to Florida insurance rates

Hurricane Katrina's devastating strike to the Gulf Coast could deliver still another blow -- to Floridians' homeowner insurance rates. That's because Katrina is expected to drive prices up for reinsurance, the coverage that insurance companies buy to help pay their losses after a catastrophe.

Long-term-care insurance

Question: How do I know how muchlong-term care insurance coverage is right for me? Answer from David K. Sebastian, CFP, founder, Physicians WealthManagement Group,Parsippany.

Finding right health insurance for children takes some research

NEW YORK - "Health insurance is just like car insurance. You want to get both before you wreck." So says Robert Hurley, vice president of customer care at eHealthInsurance.com, a company that compares health insurance policies.

Taxpayers likely to foot flood insurance costs Claims predicted to swamp federal insurer

Losses from Hurricane Katrina are expected to be so sweeping the nation's flood insurance program will have to ask taxpayers for money to cover the costs.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

Insurance firms shut down branches at QTIC premises

Doha: Insurance companies have closed down the units they were operating at the Qatar Technical Inspection Company (QTIC), making things difficult for vehicle owners wanting to renew or get new road permits.

Insurance News 9/3/2005

2005-09-03T02:05:00.000-07:00

Hilton:insurance to cover Katrina losses

Hilton Hotels Corp. said on Friday that damage to its hotels and business lost due to Hurricane Katrina will be covered by insurance, although it will be some time before the money is collected.

Seniors face increases in 'Medigap' insurance

Rates will go up for most senior citizens buying insurance to cover the gap between Medicare and the cost of healthcare, under a price structure proposed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Rates for the most popular ''Medigap" insurance, Medex Bronze, will increase 7.6 percent, to $148.61 a month. Rates for Medex Gold, which includes unlimited prescription drug benefits, ...

Term life insurance may not be best buy

Insurance Auto Auctions Fully Operational in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina

WESTCHESTER, Ill.--Sept. 2, 2005--Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc., a leading provider of automotive salvage and claims processing services in the United States, is pleased to report that its facilities in the Gulf states escaped serious damage and avoided the flood waters in spite of catastrophic losses that occurred in surrounding areas.

Workers' comp insurance sure to rise

The state has proposed its annual increase in the cost of workers' compensation insurance, and although this year's 3.8 percent average hike is in line with last year's, agricultural employers aren't happy.

Homeowner's Insurance In Washington Not Effected By Katrina

Your homeowner's insurance may not go immediately up as a result of Hurricane Katrina, but the Insurance Commissioner's office tells us it may increase down the road.

Insurance firms braced for billion in claims

INSURANCE companies are facing a nervy few weeks as the full effects of Hurricane Katrina become known, with the bill for damages expected to take a chunk out of full-year profits.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

George Grawe, Allstate Insurance Company: â€œUrge the federal government to create a national catastrophe fund, because

St. Petersburg, Florida -- If Floridaâ€™s hit by a major hurricane like Katrina, Allstate Insurance experts say there wonâ€™t be enough money to cover losses. Thatâ€™s why theyâ€™re lobbying Congress to support a national catastrophe fund.

For Louisiana insurance chief, survival the priority

SAN FRANCISCO (MarkeWatch) - Louisiana's insurance commissioner isn't thinking about insurance.

Insurance News 9/2/2005

2005-09-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

For Louisiana insurance chief, survival the priority

SAN FRANCISCO (MarkeWatch) - Louisiana's insurance commissioner isn't thinking about insurance.

Flood Insurance Program May Need More Funds

Flood insurance claims from Hurricane Katrina will run into the billions of dollars and probably will require the federal flood insurance program to seek additional funds from the Treasury.

Insurance Adjusters Head to Hurricane Areas

Teams of insurance adjusters are en route to areas hard hit by Hurricane Katrina, with many expected to be in place by the end of the Labor Day weekend, a major insurance trade group said Thursday.

For Louisiana insurance chief, survival the priority

SAN FRANCISCO (MarkeWatch) - Louisiana's insurance commissioner isn't thinking about insurance. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Robert Wooley is just trying to help people survive in flood-stricken New Orleans.

Insurance Adjusters Head to Hurricane Areas

Teams of insurance adjusters are en route to areas hard hit by Hurricane Katrina, with many expected to be in place by the end of the upcoming Labor Day weekend, a major insurance trade group said Thursday.

AIG Seen As Top Pick In Non-Life Insurance

Merrill Lynch maintained a "buy" rating on the insurance company.

Nationwide cuts Florida insurance coverage

The Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. said it would not renew 51,800 insurance policies for homeowners, mobile homes and commercial properties in Florida.

Zurich Life Insurance loses 1,200 pieces of customer data

_ Zurich Life Insurance Co. said Friday its Japanese branch has lost some 1,200 pieces of customers' personal data stored in dossiers and on a CD-ROM disk.

Katrina-related losses to burden non-life insurance industry in 2005

NEW YORK, September 2 (newratings.com) - Analysts at Merrill Lynch say that the losses related to Hurricane Katrina for the non-life insurance industry are likely to be at the high end of the $9-$25 billion estimate.

High gas? Save on insurance

It's a double whammy for consumers: surging oil prices and high auto insurance rates.

Insurance News 9/1/2005

2005-09-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

High gas? Save on insurance

It's a double whammy for consumers: surging oil prices and high auto insurance rates.

Insurance rates expected to increase

Homeowners aren't the only ones likely to face higher insurance premiums in the Southeast. Drivers will probably see auto insurance rates rise because insurers face up to $1 billion in losses for cars damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Home Insurance And Hurricanes

Many of those who have lost their homes to Hurricane Katrina are getting a crash course in the limits of homeowners insurance. Financial adviser Ray Martin drops by The Early Show Thursday with more.

HCC Insurance Sees First Katrina Claims

HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. said Thursday it has received first claims notifications related to Hurricane Katrina but said it is confident its net loss on Katrina will not exceed its self-imposed maximum expected loss.

Vesta Insurance Estimates Katrina Losses

Vesta Insurance Group Inc. said Thursday it expects preliminary gross losses from the first landfall of Hurricane Katrina will range between $500,000 and $1.2 million.

Manitoba Merges Insurance and Credit Corp

WINNIPEG - Sep 1/05 - SNS -- Manitoba has merged the Manitoba Crop Insurance Corporation and Manitoba Agricultural Credit Corporation into the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC).

Did you know you need flood insurance?

As the nation comes to terms with the flood-stricken wake of Hurricane Katrina, CNN/Money answers questions about flood insurance, specifically, what it covers, where it's available, how much it costs and whether you need it -- and yes, you do.

Malaysia Introduces Insurance Plan

Malaysia's central bank said Thursday it has introduced an insurance scheme to safeguard depositors in the event of bank failures, as part of efforts to strengthen the financial system ahead of liberalization in 2007.

Increased life insurance will cost

Service members will have to start paying tomorrow for increased life insurance coverage approved by Congress in May. Premiums for full coverage under the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program will be $26 a month, up from the $16.25 previously charged.

General insurance companies rolling in it

Shareholders in Australian general insurance companies have seen the value of their shares rise by 70 per cent in the past two years, thanks to the most profitable results ever achieved by insurers.

Insurance News 8/31/2005

2005-08-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

Insurance Broker to Pay $30 Million

A Virginia-based insurance broker agreed to pay more than $30 million to settle allegations it steered clients to preferred insurance companies and shared rebates with one of the nation's largest obstetrician and gynecologist management companies.

Gore Mutual chooses Automated Benefits product for mobile insurance claims

WATERLOO, Ont. (CP) - Gore Mutual Insurance Company has signed a five-year deal to use Symbility Solutions Inc.'s mobile property claims insurance system.

Fewer people get insurance through work

Although the overall percentage of people in the USA without health insurance remained steady last year, a smaller percentage were covered by employer-based insurance, even as the economy grew stronger.

Home Insurance And Hurricanes

Many of those who have lost their homes to Hurricane Katrina are getting a crash course in the limits of homeowner's insurance. Financial adviser Ray Martin drops by The Early Show Thursday with more.

Insurance Broker to Pay $30 Million

Insurance Broker Pays More Than $30 Million to Settle Allegations of Steering Clients

Increased life insurance will cost

Insurance umbrella

Labour has thrust its "hidden agenda" claims back into the election limelight by producing an Insurance Council memo that says National deliberately withheld the detail of its policy to revamp ACC.

Insurance Fee Investigation Settled

HARTFORD, Conn. -- A Virginia-based insurance and risk management company will pay $30 million to clients to end an investigation of whether it accepted extra fees from insurance providers in exchange for steering business.

U.S. Census finds more are poor But number lacking health insurance remains steady

More Americans fell into poverty in 2004, but the percentage of people without health insurance coverage was steady between 2003 and 2004 because more people were covered by government programs, according to two reports the U.S. Census Bureau released Tuesday.

Hurricane to whip up cost of insurance ››

Local businesses and homeowners are facing the prospect of insurance premium increases to help cover the enormous clean-up bill for Hurricane Katrina which has ravaged the United States gulf states.

Insurance News 8/30/2005

2005-08-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Rate cut proposed for workers' comp insurance

For the third time since major reform legislation was passed in 2003, the National Council on Compensation Insurance has filed to lower workers' compensation insurance rates in Florida.

Hurricane Katrina could be most damaging ever: insurance industry

Insurance damages from Hurricane Katrina could be the most severe in US history, an industry expert said as the powerful storm slammed into Louisiana.

ABD Insurance opens new Carlsbad office

ABD Insurance and Financial Services, a San Diego-based provider of global risk management and employee benefits solutions, announced Monday the opening of new offices in Carlsbad at the Pacific Ridge Corporate Center.

Tips on Dealing With Insurance Claims

Families who were forced to flee Hurricane Katrina probably want to return to their homes and businesses quickly to assess the damage. But Jeanne M. Salvatore, vice president for consumer affairs with the Insurance Information Institute in New York, says people should put safety first.

Rate cut proposed for workers' comp insurance

For the third time since major reform legislation was passed in 2003, the National Council on Compensation Insurance Inc. has filed to decrease workers' compensation insurance rates in Florida.

Risk and Insurance - SPECIAL REPORT: Reinsurance - Spreading the Risk

The capital markets have acquired a healthy appetite for insurance-linked securities as a supplement to traditional reinsurance. Proponents say tightening spreads will elicit further interest in these products. Others are less sanguine.

Katrina losses could set insurance record

A company that analyzes insurance industry data said insured losses from Hurricane Katrina could range from $12 billion to $25 billion, making it the costliest U.S. hurricane.

Mercer will fund insurance for senior center employees

HARRODSBURG - Employees of the Mercer County Senior Citizens Center will have the same level of health insurance that has been provided by the county in previous years.

High-Deductible Health Plans Loom; Experts See Positives; Insurance plans tied to HSA accounts may aid fight to cut

Coming soon to an employer near you: Health Savings Accounts and high-deductible health insurance coverage. HSAs were introduced 1 1/2 years ago. Account holders contribute a portion of their income tax-free. This year the maximum is $2,650. Withdrawals are used for eligible medical expenses.

Risk and Insurance : CHOICE STORY - When Big Storms Go Bad

CAT adjusters are the insurance industry's frontline against natural and man-made catastrophes. In the aftermath of Hurricane Dennis, Risk & Insurance's Matthew Brodsky traveled with adjusters from Crawford & Company.

Insurance News 8/29/2005

2005-08-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Katrina could be most damaging ever: insurance industry

Insurance damages from Hurricane Katrina could be the most severe in US history, an industry expert said as the powerful storm slammed into Louisiana.

Investors flee insurance stocks

Investor are fleeing from shares of insurance companies Monday as forecasters predict that Hurricane Katrina's path of devastation could cost the industry between $12 and $25 billion.

Katrina may rack up $25 billion US insurance bill

Insurance companies could pay out $25 billion US in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. That would make Katrina the most expensive hurricane ever to hit the United States.

Insurance costs continue rising

There's bad news and good news for New York employers who offer their workers health-insurance benefits.

Individual Health Insurance Plays Important Role in Nation's Health Care System

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- For millions of Americans seeking coverage, individually purchased health insurance is more accessible and affordable, and offers broader benefits, than widely known.

Farmers deserve break on insurance

A kernel of good news about rising health insurance costs sprang up from the farm last week. Dodgeville dairyman George Laufenberg happily reported that his family's annual health insurance premiums had dropped almost in half - from $24,000 to $13,600.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

AUSTRALIA'S QBE INSURANCE LIKELY TO DUCK U.S. HURRICANE

Insurance A major hurricane in the United States is not expected to have a material impact on Australian-based insurer QBE Insurance Ltd (ASX:QBE), but may help boost sales for building products companies Rinker Group Ltd (ASX:RIN) and James Hardie Industries (ASX:JHX) in the longer-term.

Is cancer insurance a good idea?

Is cancer insurance a good idea? Is cancer insurance a good deal? My employer is offering supplemental cancer insurance. Cancer insurance is a type of specified-disease insurance or dread-disease insurance.

Australia's QBE Insurance Likely To Duck U.S. Hurricane

A major hurricane in the United States is not expected to have a material impact on Australian-based insurer QBE Insurance Ltd (ASX:QBE), but may help boost sales for building products companies Rinker Group Ltd (ASX:RIN) and James Hardie Industries (ASX:JHX) in the longer-term.

Insurance News 8/28/2005

2005-08-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

More state youngsters covered by health insurance

BATON ROUGE -- More than 52,000 more children have been insured in the past 18 months under a Medicaid-financed health insurance program for low-income families who cannot afford traditional health coverage, Gov. Kathleen Blanco said Thursday.

Globes [online] - ILD Insurance’s Q2 profit down 54%

ILD Insurance chairman and general manager Ron Weissberg: A number of factors came together, which had a negative effect. Auto theft increased, for example.

Alan Prahl column: Consider buying life insurance

Many people do not want to buy life insurance on their own life. What’s your excuse for not buying enough life insurance? • “It’s too costly.” • “My wife will re-marry.”

Insurance brokers' fees to be revealed

SACRAMENTO - In a move to increase transparency, California's State Compensation Insurance Fund announced plans Friday to reveal broker commissions to policyholders for the first time.

District may buy insurance

Souderton Area School District officials may try to cut the cost of building a new high school by paying for the project's construction insurance.

Panel cuts rates on quake insurance

SACRAMENTO - The California Earthquake Authority has voted to cut insurance rates by more than 22 percent in a proposal that still must be approved by the state Department of Insurance.

Insurance can cover liability of employees

Question: I employ a dozen people. Should I consider employment practices liability insurance? And, what does that cover?

Consider liability insurance to protect your assets

Ask the Fool: How can I determine how much personal liability insurance I need? - F.R., Richmond, Va.

Health insurance firms must follow Saudisation process

JEDDAH — The Ministry of Health officials have rejected health insurance companies that have not applied the Saudisation process in their companies and would not be allowed to be part of the health insurance system, which began earlier this year.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

Insurance News 8/27/2005

2005-08-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

Earthquake Insurance May Get Cheaper

The cost of earthquake insurance is a step closer to becoming cheaper for most property owners, but not for everyone, 10News reported.

Fanteakwa District Health Insurance pay over C80m

Begoro, (E/R) Aug. 27, GNA - The Fanteakwa District Health Insurance Scheme would pay over 80 million cedis as hospital fees to two Health Institutions in the district for the months of June and July this year.

For a proactive general insurance sector

The insurance sector -- developing to the fullest extent -- can contribute enormously to a country's economy. The growth of the insurance business means mobilisation of savings and their investment.

Mercury Insurance Group Is Already Helping Florida's Hurricane Katrina Victims

CLEARWATER, Fla., Aug. 26 -- Mercury Insurance Group emergency response teams have mobilized to support their policyholders and are already processing claims resulting from Hurricane Katrina.

Shake up in quake insurance

SACRAMENTO - When it comes to earthquake insurance rates, it's all about the soil - and that's a dirty shame for the Coachella Valley. Rates for many policyholders in the valley likely will go up by 40 percent next year, the result of a new decision by the state's major earthquake insurer.

New audit norms irk insurance firms

Insurance companies are up in arms against the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority's move restricting auditing firms to carry out audit of only two insurers, and that too on a joint basis.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

State offers help with health insurance

Outreach coordinators with the state's Family Health Insurance Assistance Program have explained how their agency helps people get insurance. Roxanne McAnally and Rosie Baker held two sessions at the Albany Senior Center, where they discussed FHIAP with the community.

Putting the kibosh on private mortgage insurance

Two cost items in the home buying process are generating a growing number of complaints from buyers: title insurance and private mortgage insurance. We've discussed abuses that have recently surfaced in the title insurance industry in past columns.

Is cancer insurance a good idea?

First make sure you have good regular medical insurance, Dr. Don says.

Insurance News 8/26/2005

2005-08-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Is cancer insurance a good idea?

First make sure you have good regular medical insurance, Dr. Don says.

Red alert on under-insurance

T he only life insurance cover many people have is through their superannuation fund. A surprisingly large number of people don't even know their super fund offers them life insurance - with many funds giving cover automatically.

Earthquake Insurance May Become Less Expensive

The California Earthquake Authority took a vote to cut earthquake insurance premiums by more than 22 percent.

Friday, August 26,, 2005 Authority votes to cut Calif. earthquake insurance premiums

SACRAMENTO (AP) - The cost of earthquake insurance is a step closer to becoming less expensive for most property owners. The California Earthquake Authority voted yesterday to cut insurance rates by more than 22 percent.

Understand your insurance policy: General property protection won't cover flooding

When it comes to Hurricane Katrina, it's the rain, not the wind, that is expected to be the biggest peril. That means if your home is damaged by rising water, you won't be covered by your regular homeowner insurance policy.

Earthquake insurance rates could drop

SACRAMENTO Earthquake insurance rates for most California homeowners would drop by an average 22 percent next year under a proposal recommended Thursday by the California Earthquake Authority.

EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE Earthquake insurance is optional; losses are not covered under a standard homeowner's policy.

EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE Earthquake insurance is optional; losses are not covered under a standard homeowner's policy. Earthquake insurance is optional; losses are not covered under a standard homeowner's policy.

Spaht named state insurance agent of the year by association

The Louisiana Association of Professional Insurance Agents recently named H. Dale Spaht Jr. the 2005 Louisiana Agent of the Year. Spaht, vice president of Fife-Spaht Insurance in Gonzales, received the honor earlier this month at a convention held at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Ala.

2 more insurers join online auto liability insurance system in Japan

_ Two more Japanese nonlife insurers will join the online computer system used by 11 others for compulsory automobile liability insurance, Aioi Insurance Co. said Friday.

Is cancer insurance a good idea?

Insurance News 8/25/2005

2005-08-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Allianz loses partner in China life insurance

Allianz, Europe's largest insurer, will lose its life insurance partner in China, hurting its expansion in a $40 billion market growing at 30 percent a year.

GE Insurance COO leaves for Equifax

GE Insurance Solutions COO Richard Smith has left the company to become chairman-elect and CEO of Equifax Inc.

Americans pay more for health insurance

U.S. workers who get health insurance coverage through their employers paid an average of 79 percent more in 2003 than they did in 1996, according to a report.

Americans pay more for health insurance - study

U.S. workers who get health insurance coverage through their employers paid an average of 79 percent more in 2003 than they did in 1996, according to a report published on Wednesday.

Softer insurance margins weigh down Promina

Shares in Australia's second largest home and car insurer, Promina Group, tumbled more than 5 per cent yesterday after it reported a disappointing margin on its insurance products in the first half of 2005.

The Niner Online - New medical insurance plan for a new health center

This Web site was designed using Web standards. Learn more about the benefits of standardized design. For the first time in the school's history, all UNC Charlotte students are now officially covered by some form of health insurance, but not all are happy about it.

Home > Legal issues > Legal news > IT contractors 'neglect insurance'

Nearly two-thirds of IT contractors believe they do not need any insurance cover, according to a new study. Research from accountants JSA found an overwhelming attitude among independent IT contractors that they are never likely to run into trouble with tax authorities.

Spaht named state insurance agent of the year by association

Quake insurance could get cheaper / Schwarzenegger on panel looking at rate reduction

A proposal to reduce earthquake insurance rates in California -- considered prohibitively expensive by many consumers -- will be reviewed today by a panel of the state's most powerful elected officials. The proposal before the California Earthquake...

Consultants’ insurance dilemma highlighted

IPE.com 25/Aug/05: US – The recent case bought against a consultant-owned insurer in the US has highlighted the increasing problems firms face in securing insurance coverage.

Insurance News 8/24/2005

2005-08-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Interstate Insurance Option: Road To Affordable Health Care?

In New Jersey, health insurance for an individual averages $4,080 a year. Yet in neighboring Pennsylvania, the average is only $1,656.

Utah Man Charged With Insurance Fraud

A man accused of faking his disappearance, setting off a search in the area where he had supposedly gone hiking, has been charged with insurance fraud.

UPDATE: India's Bharti Enterp In Insurance JV With AXA

UPDATE: India's Bharti Enterp In Insurance JV With AXA (Updates with more details and quotes from AXA, Bharti executives) NEW DELHI (Dow Jones)--India's Bharti Enterprises has formed a life insurance venture with Australia's AXA Asia Pacific Holdings Ltd. (AXA.AU), a statement issued Wednesday by both companies said. Bharti Enterprises will hold a 74% stake in the insurance venture, while AXA

ING Canada Insurance doles out 180,000 refunds in Ontario after accounting glitch

TORONTO (CP) - Two insurance wings of orange-bannered savings and financial services firm ING Canada Inc. are issuing refunds to about 180,000 customers in Ontario after an accounting error miscalculated insurance premium discounts.

CAR INSURANCE RATES: Agents ask for bigger cut of each policy

BOSTON - A trade group representing auto insurance agents has asked the state to approve an 18 percent increase in their commissions for 2006.

Homeowners may find it difficult to get insurance

If you haven't got your homeowners' policies in order, it may be too late. With Tropical Storm Katrina just a few hundred miles away, most insurance companies have stopped writing policies.

County employees could see extra money for health insurance

Wise County commissioners have tentatively decided on a $75 per paycheck raise for all full-time county employees, which should be just enough to pay for the increase in insurance costs and then some.

Utah Man Charged With Insurance Fraud

Utah Man Accused of Faking His Disappearance Is Charged With Insurance Fraud

TCS opens Insurance Solutions Center in Chennai

CHENNAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has opened their dedicated 'Insurance Solutions Center' in Chennai, an exclusive center for insurance vertical, which would deliver insurance solutions to the global customers.

Impact of insurance system weighed

State legislators have listened to their constituents who have had bad experiences with Colorado's new system for auto insurance. Tuesday, they were reminded of why the changes were made in the first place.

Insurance News 8/23/2005

2005-08-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

ING Canada Insurance doles out 180,000 refunds in Ontario after accounting glitch

Bank of Communications looks to insurance

Bank of Communications, China's fifth-largest lender by assets, said Tuesday that it planned to start selling property and casualty insurance in China to expand sources of revenue and bolster profitability.

Bank of Communications to Start Insurance Venture (Update3)

Aug. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Bank of Communications Ltd., China's fifth-largest lender by assets, plans to start selling property and casualty insurance in the world's most populous nation to add new sources of revenue and boost profitability.

Indiana launches initiative to boost economic growth in the insurance industry

A new initiative focused on economic development in the insurance industry is taking shape in Indiana.

Bank of Communications Plans to Start China Insurance Company

Aug. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Bank of Communications Ltd., China's fifth-largest lender, plans to start a non-life insurance company as it tries to boost profitability by selling more products in the world's fastest-growing major economy.

CAR INSURANCE RATES: Agents ask for bigger cut of each policy

BOSTON - A trade group representing auto insurance agents has asked the state to approve an 18 percent increase in their commissions for 2006.

Man charged with insurance fraud in allegedly staged disappearance

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A St. George man who had been thought missing on a hiking trip until he was traced to Australia has been charged with insurance fraud.

Insurance body: Task force set up

A task force has been set up to fast track the establishment of an Insurance regulatory Authority. The chairman of the Association of Kenya Insurers David Ngugi said lack of a regulator had plunged the sector into a crisis leading to the collapse of several insurance companies.

Keep yourself covered: Where to turn for homeowners insurance

The bad news arrived in June in Al Safron's mailbox: Allstate Floridian Insurance Co., which for two years insured his condo west of Boynton Beach and his car, would drop his condo policy when it came up for renewal in October.

Ssangyong Fire & Marine Insurance Sold To Hawaiian Fund

Ssangyong Fire & Marine Insurance Co., a South Korean non-life insurer, said Tuesday its major shareholders sold their controlling stakes to a Hawaii-based private equity fund.

Insurance News 8/22/2005

2005-08-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

Car insurance rates shift into lower gear, but tiered pricing (and credit checks) may cost some drivers more

Drivers fuming about sky-high gas prices are at least getting good news this year from another nemesis--insurance companies. Annual jumps in auto premiums have cooled, and some drivers are actually seeing cuts.

Keep yourself covered: Where to turn for homeowners insurance

Ping an Insurance: First-Half Earnings Up

China's second-largest life insurer Ping An Insurance Co. said Monday its first-half net profit rose 49 percent despite a drop in gross written premiums.

State insurance commissioner doesn’t have to help, judge rules

Insurance customers who turn to the state insurance commissioner with problems may come away disappointed. Turns out, the state doesn’t have to help. Ask Kathryn Radloff-Francis. When her back started acting up, her troubles were only beginning. The former Des Moines Area Community College employee went to the doctor and found a treatment, but her insurance company wouldn’t pay for it. She

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

Corporate Insurance: An Untapped Treasure

It's time that executives thought differently about this underused asset.

INSURANCE CAPITAL INVESTMENT CONTROL EASED IN CHINA

Regulations / Law China Sunday relaxed its control on the ratio of the sum of investment of insurance capital in corporate bonds to its total assets, according to the revised provisions made public on Sunday.

Insurance Capital Investment Control Eased in China

BEIJING, Aug 22 Asia Pulse - China Sunday relaxed its control on the ratio of the sum of investment of insurance capital in corporate bonds to its total assets, according to the revised provisions made public on Sunday.

Chinese Vice Premier Invites Overseas Financial Insurance Firms

BEIJING, Aug 22 Asia Pulse - Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju said here Saturday that China welcomes overseas financial insurance companies to do business in China.

Japan insurance firms look to India, China

TOKYO - In search of higher returns, Japanese life and non-life insurance companies are planning to significantly expand their stock investments in China, India and other emerging Asian markets.

Insurance News 8/21/2005

2005-08-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Employee medical insurance here is healthy

San Luis Obispo County is one of the few areas in California where job-based medical insurance isn't on the decline, according to a study from UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.

Jury: Man set fire to home for insurance

A jury needed less than 90 minutes Friday to find a man guilty of setting fire to his Lake in the Hills home because he wanted an insurance payout.

Sewer owners use suspect insurance

About two-thirds of the state’s private water and sewer businesses are using a questionable financial tool as insurance to cover the cost of major system failures.

smart Receives Lower Insurance Ratings At Last

smart drivers will pay lower insurance premiums following a reduction in fortwo insurance groups by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). If the ABI ‘s member insurance companies adopt the reduced group ratings, then smart drivers may get a pleasant surprise when their premium renewals arrive.

Goltry's Sidwell Insurance Agency celebrates 25 years in business

Brenda Sidwell and Sidwell Insurance Agency, Goltry, recently celebrated 25 years in business as an insurance agency.

Short-term health insurance requires long consideration

Q. I recently graduated from college and am now on my own and looking for work. My parents said I need to look for temporary health-care insurance. What are some options, and what do they cost?

Insurance teams take the field

TOWN OF PLEASANT SPRINGS - Tommy Taylor is no stranger to disaster areas. As a member of State Farm Insurance's catastrophe team, he has been to the scenes of floods, hailstorms and hurricanes all across the country. But Thursday's tornado near Stoughton hit close to home.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

Chinese vice premier invites overseas financial insurance companies

Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju said in Beijing Saturday that China welcomes overseas financial insurance companies to do business in China.

Election board members keep health insurance, at least for now

LISBON - Columbiana County Board of Elections members will get to keep their health insurance coverage this year following a settlement reached in their lawsuit filed against county commissioners.

Insurance News 8/20/2005

2005-08-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

Jury: Man set fire to home for insurance

A jury needed less than 90 minutes Friday to find a man guilty of setting fire to his Lake in the Hills home because he wanted an insurance payout.

Insurance executive questions BOCs order against him

An insurance agent who engaged District Collector Ma. Lourdes Mangaoang in a legal battle is now barred from doing business with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu.

Insurance commissioner appeals judge's ruling

Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Julianne M. Bowler appealed a judge's ruling that she had exceeded her authority in creating a new method for assigning an estimated 1 million high-risk drivers to auto insurance carriers. The June 20 ruling by Suffolk Superior Court Judge Ralph D. Gants said Bowler needed the Legislature's approval to make her changes. Governor Mitt Romney ...

State trooper indicted on insurance fraud charge

JACKSON, Miss. - A grand jury in DeSoto County has indicted a state trooper on an insurance fraud charge. Sgt. Charlie Hudson was indicted in a scheme to defraud an insurance company, according to a news release Friday from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Gap insurance pays off depreciated, trashed cars

You just totaled your 6-month-old car in an accident. But you have full collision and comprehensive insurance coverage, so you're fully protected and your insurance will replace your vehicle at no cost to you. Right?

Health Insurance and Diabetes: The Lack of Available, Affordable, and Adequate Coverage

Between March 2003 and June 2004, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and researchers at Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute completed a project that examined through individual case studies the availability, affordability, and adequacy of health insurance for people with diabetes.1 Over the course of the project, caseworkers and researchers took calls from 851 people who

Insurance man's house is mauled, too

Stoughton insurance agent Matt Krueger knows exactly what his clients are suffering. Thursday evening, the American Family agent huddled with his wife and children in the basement as a tornado sucked away the roof, garage and shed.

Insurance man's house is mauled, too

Stoughton insurance agent Matt Krueger knows exactly what his clients are suffering.

Insurance Company Needs to Remove Home

Q. We have several homes in our mobile home park that were badly damaged by the hurricanes. They are eyesores. The home owners sold their homes to the insurance company and moved out. Who is responsible for moving the homes out of the park?

Election lawsuit expanded to include insurance companies

AUSTIN (AP) - Several corporate donors, most of them insurance companies, are now defendants in a civil lawsuit filed by three losing Democratic legislative candidates in connection with funding of their opponents' campaigns, which also is under investigation by a grand jury.

Insurance News 8/19/2005

2005-08-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

Election lawsuit expanded to include insurance companies

AUSTIN — Several corporate donors, most of them insurance companies, are now defendants in a civil lawsuit filed by three losing Democratic legislative candidates in connection with funding of their opponents' campaigns, which also is under investigation by a grand jury.

Insurance Australia Earnings Fall on Lower Prices (Update5)

Aug. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Insurance Australia Group Ltd., the nation's largest auto and home insurer, posted a larger-than- expected drop in second-half profit on increased competition. The company's stock had its biggest slump in almost three years.

Insurance Australia Shares Slide After Profit Slumps (Update2)

Aug. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Shares in Insurance Australia Group Ltd., the nation's largest auto and home insurer, had their biggest decline in almost three years after second-half profit dropped more than analysts estimated on increased competition.

Insurance Australia Shares Slide After Profit Slumps (Update1)

Aug. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Shares in Insurance Australia Group Ltd., the nation's largest auto and home insurer, had their biggest decline in almost three years after second-half profit fell 13 percent as increased competition cut policy prices.

Metal-leaning Hellfest canceled in insurance flap

The Hellfest music festival, scheduled for this weekend in Trenton, N.J., has been canceled due to concerns over whether organizers' insurance policy was adequate to cover the event.

Rendell urges Legislature to act on Guard life insurance

HARRISBURG - Gov. Ed Rendell on Thursday urged state legislators to pass a law to have the state pay for the life-insurance premiums for National Guard soldiers and airmen on active duty, and a leading Republican senator said he would push for the measure.

Make Health Insurance More Affordable

If the cost of health insurance is killing you, there are some money-saving strategies you might want to look into. For example, you might combine a high-deductible plan with a tax-sheltered health savings account, or HSA -- more than a million Americans have signed up for such an approach.

Insurance Australia 2nd-Half Net Fell on Lower Prices (Update3)

Aug. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Insurance Australia Group Ltd., the nation's largest auto and home insurer, said second-half profit fell 13 percent as increased competition cut policy prices and storms boosted claims. The company's stock fell 6 percent.

Prevention Insurance Signs LOI With Health Imaging Inc.

Las Vegas - LAS VEGAS -- Prevention Insurance has signed a letter of intent to merge with Health Imaging Inc., a New York Corporation that is a fully integrated provider of Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scanning) used by physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, heart, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Approved for Medicare reimbursements, this type of scanning was Medicare's

Insurance Australia 2nd-Half Net Fell on Lower Prices (Update2)

Insurance News 8/18/2005

2005-08-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Metal-leaning Hellfest canceled in insurance flap

The Hellfest music festival, scheduled for this weekend in Trenton, N.J., has been canceled due to concerns over whether organizers' insurance policy was adequate to cover the event.

Make Health Insurance More Affordable

Fla. Policyholders To Pay Insurance Surcharge

Florida homeowners will pay an average 7 percent surcharge on their property insurance as the state's insurer of last resort moved Wednesday to recover its losses from last year's hurricanes by charging private insurers $516 million, Local 6 News partner Florida Today reported.

Southern Bank Wins Bid for Singapore Insurance Group (Update2)

Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Southern Bank Bhd., Malaysia's ninth- largest lender, said it won a bid to buy Singapore-based life and general insurance group Asia General Holdings Ltd. for S$918.8 million ($552 million).

Southern Bank Wins Bid for Singapore Insurance Group (Update1)

Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Southern Bank Bhd., Malaysia's ninth- largest lender, said it won a bid to buy Singapore's life and general insurance group Asia General Holdings Ltd. for S$918.8 million ($552 million).

Billboard.com -- Metal-Leaning Hellfest Canceled In Insurance Flap

At the eleventh hour, this weekend's massive Hellfest in Trenton, N.J., has been canceled due to concerns over whether organizers' insurance policy was adequate to cover the event.

Citizens OKs 6.8% home insurance hike statewide; State Farm wants 8.6%

JACKSONVILLE – All Floridians will soon see a one-time charge tacked onto their homeowner insurance bills to pay off a $516 million deficit for state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

Guilty of insurance theft

Date published: Friday, August 19, 2005. A FORMER insurance agent was found guilty of stealing from his clients by a Supreme Court jury in Burnie yesterday.

Pa. lawmakers balk at paying Guard life insurance

HARRISBURG -- Nearly 100 Pennsylvania lawmakers have signed on to legislation introduced in January to require the state to underwrite the cost of life insurance for active-duty National Guard soldiers and airmen.

Insurance a tough sell for death-scoffing Mexicans

Selling life insurance is tough in Mexico, where people live for the moment and scoff at death, a bank executive said on Tuesday.

Insurance News 8/17/2005

2005-08-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Insurance a tough sell for death-scoffing Mexicans

Selling life insurance is tough in Mexico, where people live for the moment and scoff at death, a bank executive said on Tuesday.

Acquisitions lift profit at QBE Insurance

QBE Insurance Group, the largest Australian property and casualty insurer, said Wednesday that first-half profit surged 43 percent after acquisitions increased income from policies.

Citizens OKs 6.8% insurance hike to make up 2004 hurricane deficit

JACKSONVILLE – The board of governors for the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. on Wednesday approved a 6.8 percent statewide fee increase to make up a $516 million deficit caused by last year's four hurricanes.

QBE Insurance 1st-Half Net Rises 43% on Acquisitions (Update5)

Aug. 17 (Bloomberg) -- QBE Insurance Group Ltd., Australia's largest property and casualty insurer, said first-half profit surged 43 percent after acquisitions increased income from policies. QBE stock rose to a record.

German organisers take out insurance for World Cup

BERLIN, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Germany's 2006 organising committee is taking out a 158-million euro insurance policy to protect itself against the cancellation of next year's World Cup, a German insurance executive was quoted on Wednesday.

Fred Jenks Insurance receives MACC honor

Since 1985, Fred Jenks Insurance has been providing area residents with the coverage they need to protect their investments. There have been many changes for the local business that has been named as the Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Business of the Month for August.

QBE Insurance 1st-Half Net Rises 43% on Acquisitions (Update4)

Aug. 17 (Bloomberg) -- QBE Insurance Group Ltd., Australia's largest property and casualty insurer, said first-half profit rose 43 percent after acquisitions increased income from policies. QBE stock gained as much as 3 percent to a record.

Affirmative Insurance Holdings, Inc. Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend of Two Cents Per Share

ADDISON, Texas--Aug. 1, 20057, 2005--Affirmative Insurance Holdings, Inc. , a producer and provider of personal non-standard automobile insurance, today announced its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of two cents per share, payable on September 15, 2005 to shareholders of record at the close of business September 1, 2005.

QBE Insurance 1st-Half Net Rises 43% on Acquisitions (Update3)

Aug. 17 (Bloomberg) -- QBE Insurance Group Ltd., Australia's largest property and casualty insurer, said first-half profit rose 43 percent after acquisitions increased policy sales. QBE stock climbed as much as 3 percent to a record.

UPDATE: Citizens OKs statewide insurance hike

JACKSONVILLE All Floridians will soon see a one-time charge tacked onto their homeowner insurance bills to pay off a $516 million deficit for state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

Insurance News 8/16/2005

2005-08-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Limp Bizkit's Insurance Headache

Limp Bizkit could have to cough up some serious bread if the band's insurance company gets its way.

D.C. banking and insurance commissioner leaving post

The commissioner of the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, Larry Mirel, is stepping down at the end of September to join law firm Wiley Rein & Fielding.

Millions Lack Insurance in State

More than 6.5 million Californians under age 65 -- including nearly 1 million children -- lack health insurance, according to a report issued today.

Exporters urged to get insurance coverage

Exporters should consider getting export credit insurance (ECI) to protect themselves from unpaid debts.

AUSTRALIA'S QBE INSURANCE EXPANDS FURTHER INTO UK

Transport QBE Insurance (ASX:QBE) has built on its United Kingdom business with the acquisition of an underwriting agency, which will add around $A100 million ($US76.79 million) of gross premium income to its books.

Australia's Qbe Insurance Expands Further Into UK

PERTH, Aug 16 Asia Pulse - QBE Insurance (ASX:QBE) has built on its United Kingdom business with the acquisition of an underwriting agency, which will add around $A100 million ($US76.79 million) of gross premium income to its books.

Australia's QBE Insurance Expands Further Into UK

QBE Insurance (ASX:QBE) has built on its United Kingdom business with the acquisition of an underwriting agency, which will add around $A100 million ($US76.79 million) of gross premium income to its books.

Tuesday, August 16, 2005 Report: More than 6.5 million Californians lack insurance

LOS ANGELES - A report says more than six and a-half million Californians under age 65, including nearly one million children, lack health insurance.

Gap insurance pays off depreciated, trashed cars

Nat Insurance gets 3000 claims from city

Chennai: The public sector National Insurance Company has received 3,000 claims for Rs 350 crore from its customers in Mumbai for damage to property caused by the recent rains, a top company official said today.

Insurance News 8/15/2005

2005-08-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

QBE Insurance 1st-Half Net May Rise 54% on Purchases (Update2)

Aug. 15 (Bloomberg) -- QBE Insurance Group Ltd., the second- biggest underwriter in the Lloyd's of London insurance market, may say first-half profit rose 54 percent to a record after acquisitions increased policy sales.

Insurance company doesn't want to pay for death at Limp Bizkit show

LOS ANGELES — An insurance company that issued a policy for rock band Limp Bizkit is asking a judge to rule it has no liability for any damages awarded as the result of a teenage fan's death at a 2001 concert.

mtv.com - News - Limp Bizkit Sued By Insurance Company Over Concert Death

Limp Bizkit's insurance broker has filed a lawsuit against the band, alleging that legal fees the group incurred while fighting wrongful-death claims aren't covered by its policy.

Insurance deal makes Forrester look bad

With talk of "captive" insurance companies and a trust-busting state law dating back to Woodrow Wilson's administration, you have to wonder how many voters even understand, much less care about, the questions being raised about Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Forrester's campaign contributions.

MassMutual Life Insurance to pull out of consulting services

_ MassMutual Life Insurance Co. said Monday the Tokyo-based life insurance arm of MassMutual Financial Group of the United States will withdraw from consulting services and dismiss about 100 people working for it.

New flood maps will affect insurance rates

COVINGTON - It has been since 1980 that the city of Covington has received its updated Flood Insurance Rating Maps. The maps are used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and flood insurance agencies to assess flood insurance premiums and claims.

Old-Fashioned Gumshoeing Still Key in the $30 Billion Insurance Fraud Game

Frank Scafidi watched the classic film noir "Double Indemnity" for the first time a few weeks ago. Smooth-talking insurance salesman Walter Neff (played by actor Fred MacMurray) meets attractive Phyllis Dietrichson (played by actress Barbara Stanwyck). The two fall in love.

Don't wait to read the small print on your travel insurance policy

The strikes at Heathrow have highlighted that holidaymakers should check their insurance policies before they travel, writes Paul Farrow.

Gap insurance pays off depreciated, trashed cars

Captive insurance program growing in Wisconsin

Captive insurance programs provide innovative, tax-favored ways of risk financing by sharing the risk among several different sized companies. Many companies are choosing captive insurance, or other methods of alternative risk financing, as an alternative to standard insurance.

Insurance News 8/14/2005

2005-08-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Repeal sought for drunken drivers' medical insurance exclusion

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York would join a growing list of states to repeal laws allowing insurance carriers to deny payment of medical bills for people injured while driving drunk under a measure sent to Gov. George Pataki.

Gap insurance pays off depreciated, trashed cars

Unworried Parents of Well Children: A Look at Uninsured Children Who Reportedly Do Not Need Health Insurance

ABSTRACT. Objectives. We examined the characteristics of uninsured children from low-income households whose parents reported that health insurance coverage was not needed. Methods.

Renters insurance saves tenants money, worry

When she first got married, Paula Klein heeded her parents' advice: Get renters insurance. It was a good thing she listened. After living in their New Milford, N.J., apartment for a few months, the Kleins were robbed.

City officials changing insurance policy

Jacksonville's employee insurance policy is changing, but city officials are trying to make those changes as painless as possible.

County workers face higher insurance rates

RUSK - Cherokee County commissioners voted at their last regular meeting to change the county's insurance provider to insurance offered by the Texas Association of Counties - a move which will result in a significant savings to the county's bank account.

Ford helps honor insurance innovator Pitts

Rep. Harold Ford Jr. made a surprise guest appearance at John Pitts's induction into the Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville.

Dispute over mini bus insurance premiums

VALLETTA, Malta, (di-ve news) -- August 14, 2005 -- 1230CEST -- Apart from the bus strike another issue adding more woes to Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett is the row that involves the red mini buses' insurance premiums.

Dispute over mini bus insurance premiums

VALLETTA, Malta, (di-ve news) -- August 14, 2005 -- 1230CEST -- Apart from the bus strike, another issue adding more woes to Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett is the row that involves the red minibuses' insurance premiums.

Former NH insurance company settles suit

Although the insurance company involved bears the state's name, New Hampshire is not among 27 states where purchasers of automobile insurance may be eligible for refunds in a proposed settlement of a class-action lawsuit.

Insurance News 8/13/2005

2005-08-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

Gap insurance pays off depreciated, trashed cars

Insurance costs still soaring

If a patient's blood pressure kept rising at the rate the state's health insurance costs keep rising, a doctor would be very concerned.

Worker enrollment in health insurance plans offered by large private-sector employers varies widely by industry, USA

Just-released data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), which is conducted by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, show that roughly 64 percent of American workers in large, private-sector companies (50 or more employees) were enrolled in health insurance plans offered by their employers in 2003, but enrollment rates varied substantially by type of industry.

Auto insurance firm hiring 40 agents in Bay area

United Automobile Insurance Group has opened a Tampa office, headed by George Tarsitano, UAIG VP.

Citizens Insurance Sued By Condo Association

The hurricanes hit them hard, and now some Singer Island homeowners are taking another hit from their insurance company.

Wrench thrown into auto insurance debate

Auto insurance rates are headed down and company profits are up, prompting debate among lawmakers and industry officials about whether now is the time to launch an overhaul of the state's auto insurance system.

City looks to contain insurance costs

The Columbia City Common Council held a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss employee health insurance. Don Davis and Rick Quaid of q3 Business Technology Corp. attended the meeting to explain cost comparisons for possible changes to the plan.

Defensive driving seminars may lower insurance rates

Dear Help!: I'm looking for the driving class that insurance companies recognize and give discounts for upon completion. No one I've called has a clue, and I'd appreciate your help.

LIC plans foray into health insurance

The country's largest life insurer, Life Insurance Corporation of India, has set health insurance in its sights.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

Insurance News 8/12/2005

2005-08-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

Auto insurance firm hiring 40 agents in Bay area

United Automobile Insurance Group has opened a Tampa office, headed by George Tarsitano, UAIG VP.

Citizens Insurance Sued By Condo Association

The hurricanes hit them hard, and now some Singer Island homeowners are taking another hit from their insurance company.

Wrench thrown into auto insurance debate

Defensive driving seminars may lower insurance rates

Dear Help!: I'm looking for the driving class that insurance companies recognize and give discounts for upon completion. No one I've called has a clue, and I'd appreciate your help.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

Sun Life Everbright Insurance To Open Hangzhou Subsidiary

Sun Life Everbright Life Insurance Co., Ltd., a Tianjin-based Sino-Canadian insurer, will open a subsidiary in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province.

INSURANCE: Survey: Renters lacking insurance

A survey by the Insurance Research Council found that only about 24 percent of renters have renter's insurance, according to Gannett News Service.

SUN LIFE EVERBRIGHT INSURANCE TO OPEN HANGZHOU SUBSIDIARY

Joint ventures / investment Sun Life Everbright Life Insurance Co., Ltd., a Tianjin-based Sino-Canadian insurer, will open a subsidiary in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province.

State fraud police take aim at insurance cheaters

When the transmission on her 1995 Chevy Lumina conked out in New York City, a Newport News woman came home, told police her car had been stolen outside a sports bar in Denbigh, and filed a claim with her insurance company.

Aberdeen: Insurance agent recognized

Mark Jorgensen, an American Family Insurance agent in Aberdeen, has been recognized for customer satisfaction excellence under the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Insurance Agency Program.

Insurance News 8/11/2005

2005-08-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

Citizens Insurance Sued By Condo Association

The hurricanes hit them hard, and now some Singer Island homeowners are taking another hit from their insurance company.

Quarterly profit at ING hurt by insurance units

ING, the largest financial-services company in the Netherlands, said Thursday that profit fell 6.6 percent in the second quarter, hurt by insurance earnings that lagged behind its consumer and online banking results.

Nationwide to stop writing homeowners’ insurance in Florida this fall

Getting homeowners insurance in the state will become even tougher Sept. 1, when Nationwide Insurance Co. of Florida will no longer offer coverage for new customers.

ING Profit Declines as Insurance Results Lag Banking (Update4)

Aug. 11 (Bloomberg) -- ING Groep NV, the largest Dutch financial-services company, said profit fell 6.6 percent in the second quarter, hurt by insurance earnings that lagged consumer and online banking results.

Aviva, Aegon, ING Earnings Helped by Life Insurance (Update1)

Aug. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Aviva Plc, the U.K.'s biggest insurer, and Aegon NV of the Netherlands reported higher earnings, helped by sales of life insurance in Europe. ING Groep NV's profit decline was cushioned partly by life policy revenue.

ING Second-Quarter Profit Declines on Insurance Earnings

Aug. 11 (Bloomberg) -- ING Groep NV, the largest Dutch financial-services company, said profit fell 6.6 percent in the second quarter, hurt by a decline in insurance earnings.

Life insurance guards against uncertainties

Q: I am 64, and I have a life insurance policy with $80,000 in cash surrender value, of which $50,000 was my original investment.

Insurance against traffic fines

Tired of parking fines and speeding tickets? A Swedish company offers insurance against both, claiming to be the first in the field. Drivers who pay an annual fee of 850 krona ($167) and are covered against three speeding tickets a year, as long as they are no more than 30km/h over the limit.

Nationwide Insurance To Stop Writing Policies

MIAMI - Nationwide Insurance Co. of Florida said it will stop writing new homeowners policies, despite getting approval to charge higher rates in the state.

Unemployment insurance claims spike in July

The Georgia Department of Labor reported 42,591 laid-off workers filed first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits in July, up 24 percent from June.

Insurance News 8/10/2005

2005-08-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Medical Debt Weighs on 49 Mln Americans With Health Insurance

U.S. Aug. 10 (Bloomberg) -- More than 49 million Americans with health insurance are struggling with medical bills they often have to take on debt to pay, according to a Commonwealth Fund report that comes as more employers trim health benefits.

Health insurance costs rising more slowly in New Mexico

Rising company health insurance premiums got you down? Be glad you're in New Mexico, where a research firm says insurance costs are rising more slowly than the rest of the nation.

Insurance investigators continue search for cause of car dealership fire

Insurance investigators are still searching for a cause in a Monday fire that damaged the parts department of the Ben Mynatt Pontiac GM Nissan car dealership on Jake Alexander Blvd.

Old Mutual spurs London life insurance gains

LONDON (MarketWatch) - Life insurance companies gained in London on Wednesday, spearheaded by a rise in Old Mutual shares after it said that its first-half profit more than doubled.

Ketcham receives insurance award

Karen Ketcham of Lamar recently earned the President's Trip award from Life Investors Insurance Company of America. The award recognizes Ketcham's sales and management success with a six-day stay in Dublin, Ireland.

World News: Pay-As-You-Drive insurance schemes not commercially viable

The new Strategy Analytics report: Telematics Development in the Vehicle Insurance Market , reveals that Pay-As-You-Drive insurance will not translate into commercially viable, mainstream offerings in the next three years, despite the growing industry and consumer interest, and continued trials of this system.

Posted by Jennifer Van Vrancken 8/8/05 Insurance Info

Memphis, TN - Being out of work has Keith Bolden out of sorts. He says, "I got kids. School is fixing to start. Bills still coming... and you are going to fire me because I don't want to accept a life insurance policy on me."

Florida keeps limits on insurance profits Rule allowing higher rates withdrawn

TALLAHASSEE Florida insurance regulators Tuesday quietly yanked a proposed rule, in the works for a year, that would have opened the door for bigger insurance profits.

FITCH AFFIRMS RATINGS FOR AUSTRALIA'S SUNCORP METWAY INSURANCE

Insurance International rating agency Fitch Ratings has affirmed its A-plus insurer financial strength rating on Suncorp Metway Insurance Ltd (ASX:SUN).

Man Drops Pursuit Of $1 Million Insurance Payout On Slain Wife

Three years after a woman was found bludgeoned to death in a Miami-Dade warehouse district days after her wedding, her widower has given up his pursuit of the $1 million life insurance payout.

Insurance News 8/9/2005

2005-08-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ford designed Mustang to be more insurance friendly

Here's something you don't hear every day: Insurance rates for this year's hottest sports car could go down in 2007. It's not because insurers think Ford Mustang drivers are going to get into fewer accidents. But when they do, the car should be easier to fix, and that might mean cheaper insurance.

An insurance-friendly Mustang

The new model of the Ford Mustang sports car is likely to see lower insurance rates due to design changes that make it cheaper to repair, according to a published report Tuesday.

Westar reports higher profits on accounting and insurance gains

TOPEKA, Kan. - Westar Energy Inc. on Tuesday said second-quarter earnings doubled on the strength of accounting gains and income from company-owned life insurance.

Insurance rates may be lower on '07 Mustangs

DETROIT - Here's something you don't hear every day: Insurance rates for this year's hottest sports car could go down in 2007. It's not because insurers think Ford Mustang drivers are going to get into fewer accidents.

Senator Blasts All-State Insurance Co.

State Sen. Ron Klein says Floridians are being cheated by an insurance company that has raised rates and canceled policies for Floridians while continuing to reap earnings.

Workers' comp insurance rates have dropped about 26 percent

SACRAMENTO, 12:37 a.m. Aug. 9 (AP): Workers' compensation insurance rates have dropped an average of about 26 percent since California lawmakers instituted a series of cost-cutting bills, but bigger reductions are possible, Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi said.

City to review property insurance

Russellville City Clerk Bob Riggs told the council Tuesday the city could save money if it changed some of its insurance coverage for structures the city owns to market value instead of replacement value.

Berkshire: No new insurance probe

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the company run by billionaire Warren Buffett, Monday said government inquiries into its insurance units' accounting are part of an investigation that began in January, and not the result of any new probe.

New Product for Sizing Up Health Insurance Business: Health Plans USA From Mark Farrah Associates (MFA)

Mark Farrah Associates (MFA), the leading provider of market intelligence solutions for the healthcare industry, is pleased to announce MFA has signed a contract with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to license and distribute health insurance enrollment and market share data.

BNM To Issue Licences For Financial Advisers In Insurance

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will be issuing licences for financial advisers in the Malaysian insurance industry soon to further diversify the distribution system for life insurance, said governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.

Insurance News 8/8/2005

2005-08-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

Berkshire: No new insurance probe

Berkshire fires insurance executive, indicates probes are expanding

WASHINGTON - Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said it fired a London-based insurance executive in connection with ongoing state and federal probes into the holding company's insurance operations.

SeaBright Insurance "outperform," target price raised

NEW YORK, August 8 (newratings.com) - Analysts at Piper Jaffray maintain their "outperform" rating on SeaBright Insurance (ticker: SEAB), while raising their estimates for the company. The target price has been raised from $14 to $15.50.

Adeptia Business Process Management software focuses on Insurance

Chicago - Adeptia improves operational efficiencies, thus profitability. Adeptia helps Insurance companies differentiate themselves and develop competitive advantage versus their competitors. In process of reaching out to more and more insurance industry users Adeptia would be available at The Insurance Summit Fall 2005 Arizona, USA where we would be listening to the problems germane to business

LIFE INSURANCE CORP OF INDIA UNFAZED BY NEW MARKET ENTRANTS

Insurance Life Insurance Corporation of India sees no threat in the entry of additional players like Anil Ambani's Reliance Capital and PNB Principal to its future prospects and has stepped up efforts to attain 50 per cent business growth this fiscal.

HSBC To Sell Ping An Insurance Products At China Branches

DJ HSBC To Sell Ping An Insurance Products At China Branches HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--HSBC Holdings PLC (HBC) said Monday it will start selling some products of its affiliate Ping An Insurance (Group) Co. of China (2318.HK) at its bank branches in mainland China. HSBC's Shanghai branch started offering the life insurance products last week, and its branches in Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are

Life Insurance Corp of India Unfazed by New Market Entrants

NEW DELHI, Aug 8 Asia Pulse - Life Insurance Corporation of India sees no threat in the entry of additional players like Anil Ambani's Reliance Capital and PNB Principal to its future prospects and has stepped up efforts to attain 50 per cent business growth this fiscal.

China's Old-Age Insurance to Cover 170 Million

BEIJING, Aug 8 Asia Pulse - The coverage of China's old-age insurance program will be extended to 170 million by the end of this year, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

HSBC offers Ping An's insurance products in China

HONG KONG, Aug 8 (Reuters) - HSBC Holdings Plc on Monday said it had started offering Ping An Insurance Co.'s products in China through an insurance agency service agreement.

Consumers urged to shop around for home insurance

The Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority has advised consumers that they can save hundreds of euro by shopping around for home insurance. A study published by the regulator today showed that consumers can save several hundred euro depending on their circumstances.

Insurance News 8/7/2005

2005-08-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

Renewal of terror insurance law pressed

WASHINGTON -- New England businesses that buy insurance against terrorist attacks will pay sharply higher premiums or lose their coverage entirely if Congress does not renew a law passed in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, to encourage insurers to write policies that cover terrorism, industry analysts warned.

Company repackages insurance to make it affordable to masses

A MANILA-BASED company has found a way to make insurance more affordable to the masses.

Congress stepping into world of insurance scams

As the chairman of the state Senate Health and Human Services Committee, I have seen a great deal of legislation pertaining to health insurance. There is growing concern with this issue in general and specifically with a piece of legislation currently facing the U.S. Senate.

DMH President and CEO Smithmier named to state panel studying insurance gap

DECATUR - Decatur Memorial Hospital's top administrator is one of 29 appointees working with the state to reduce the health care system's shortcomings, such as the 2 million Illinoisans lacking health insurance this year.

Poinsett justices set to consider insurance issue

HARRISBURG -- Poinsett County justices will have a chance to hear from several city mayors Monday as the group will plead its case for insurance, mileage and retirement benefits being paid to District Judge Steve Inboden.

Markets Statewide unemployment insurance seminars set

Jury awards $20 million to terminated insurance agents

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Five former State Farm Insurance agents were awarded $20 million by a jury that ruled they were improperly terminated for criticizing the way the company treated its policyholders.

Mutual Health Insurance Schemes saddled with huge debts

Koforidua, August 6, GNA- A number of Mutual Health Insurance schemes that have been operating for about five months in the Eastern Region are now saddled with heavy debts, a survey conducted by the Eastern Regional Secretariat of the National Health Insurance Schemes (ERSNHIS) has indicated.

Jury awards $20 million to terminated insurance agents

KANSAS CITY, Mo. Five former State Farm Insurance agents have been awarded 20 (m) million dollars after losing their jobs for criticizing the company.

Money Q&A: Lessons in life insurance

Q: My 54-year-old husband has three life insurance policies with New England Financial: Two $100,000 whole life (purchased 1990 and 1999) and one $330,000 universal life (purchased 1999). He has recently been approached by a New England agent (who now represents several other companies) to convert these policies to one $500,000 universal life insurance policy with another company, TransAmerica

Insurance News 8/6/2005

2005-08-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

Insurance Agent Accused Of Scamming Eldery Clients

An insurance agent faces charges that he sold elderly clients bogus policies that promised more than what actually would be delivered.

New life insurance business dries up Hurt by changing customer behaviour

If the Thai life insurance industry is basing hopes for growth this year on new business, it needs to think again, according to a report by the Kasikorn Research Center which predicts the economic slowdown and rising interest rates mean there is virtually no new business available.

Two women accused of insurance fraud

Two Broward County women face charges of falsifying marriage records in an attempt to collect more than $100,000 in insurance death benefits from a Royal Palm Beach man who died in May 2004, state officials announced Friday.

Floodplain changes could cut insurance

NEWARK -- Some residents of the Jefferson Woods subdivision object to paying flood insurance in an area they say is not subject to flooding. Flooding problems in the area were solved years ago when the Long Pond Run diversion ditch was built, residents say.

Berkshire Profit Rises 13% on Insurance Investments (Update4)

U.S. Aug. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Berkshire Hathaway Inc., controlled by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, said second-quarter profit climbed 13 percent as investment income from its insurance units rose, cushioning a loss on Buffett's bet against the U.S. dollar.

Mutual Health Insurance Schemes saddled with huge debts

NASCAR: A bad insurance policy?

NASCAR: A bad insurance policy? INDIANAPOLIS -- Jamie McMurray was signing autographs for a noisy crowd at Monument Circle in the heart of Indiana's state capitol Thursday night when an impassioned cry cut through the din.

Journalists in Delhi may get life insurance cover

Journalists in Delhi may soon get a life insurance cover, with Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, today promising to look into the demand seriously. "We have learnt that there is an insurance scheme for journalists in Kerala and Gujarat.

Terror risk insurance called vital Stirling CEO makes case to Congress

If Congress fails to renew the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, the mortgages on billions of dollars worth of commercial property could slip into default, eventually devastating the industry, said Stirling Properties Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Maurin, who is so concerned about the issue that he recently testified before a congressional committee.

Spitzer secures insurance pleas

(Albany, NY - AP) — State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer secured five pleas this week in his continuing investigation of bid-rigging in the insurance industry.