Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Pelosi, Senior Democrats' Remarks at News Conference on Repealing Health Insurance Industry Anti-Trust Exemption

24 Feb 2010 00:20 Africa/Lagos

Pelosi, Senior Democrats' Remarks at News Conference on Repealing Health Insurance Industry Anti-Trust Exemption

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Chairwoman Louise Slaughter, Congressman Peter DeFazio, and Wendell Potter, senior fellow on health care at the Center for Media and Democracy and a former insurance industry executive, held a news conference this afternoon in the Capitol to discuss the Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act that will end the unfair anti-trust protection for the health insurance industry. The legislation will be on the House floor tomorrow. Below are opening statements from the press conference:


Speaker Pelosi. Good afternoon. I am absolutely delighted to be here this afternoon with Leader Hoyer, with the distinguished Chair of the Rules Committee, Louise Slaughter, with Representative Peter DeFazio of Oregon, and our very special guest, Wendell Potter who is a senior fellow on health care, Center for Media and Democracy, and former head of communications at Cigna and Humana.


Tomorrow will be a very special day in the Congress of the United States because tomorrow we will make real change. We will change from the American people having to operate on the field of the insurance companies for over 60 years to the insurance companies having to operate on the field of the American people. We would not be here today without Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, without Peter DeFazio's work, Chairman Conyers who can't be with us right now, and also the leadership of our new Members of Congress, Congressman Perriello of Virginia, Congresswoman Markey of Colorado to name two who have been pushing this issue.


This bill is about restoring competition, fairness, and choice to the health insurance industry. After 65 years, it is now time for the unfair advantage insurance companies have held over America's families and small businesses to end. As we continue the fight for comprehensive reform, this marks another critical step. As you know, we will be taking up comprehensive health insurance reform shortly but we wanted to make sure that in paving the way for that legislation we paved the way for fairness, for competition, for better care, better quality, better affordability for the American people.


I think you have probably seen recently the enormous profits of the insurance industry, and we think the time has come to end insurance companies with enormous profits, CEOs of insurance companies with enormous salaries telling America's families that they have to pay more for their insurance. Over the past decade, insurance rates have doubled, more than doubled, 100, what is it? 151 percent and that is again, as you saw in California, just the beginning.


So as we have said about our legislation, it is about affordability for the middle class; it is about accessibility of many more people to health care and affordability is central to that; and it is about accountability of the insurance companies. If we have the AAA rating for our insurance policies as we go forward, our insurance public policies as we go forward, then we will improve quality of care, lower cost, and make health care more available to many more people.


It is now my pleasure to yield to a leader on this issue in the Congress, a champion for affordability for the middle class, for whom this issue is central, our distinguished Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.


Majority Leader Hoyer. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I thank the Chair of the Rules Committee Slaughter for her leadership on this issue, Mr. DeFazio for his strong advocacy of this legislation and Mr. Potter, we thank you for being here and for your expertise.


Republicans and Democrats throughout the last year and talking about health care have talked about the importance of competition. And they may have a different perspective about how they get there but the free market and competition. We hear our Republican friends talking about that and very frankly, we wanted to set up a greater competition as well to make sure that consumers were getting the best price which would be determined in a free market, acting in a way that free markets were unconstrained and brought prices down. When I say unconstrained, not constrained by any collusive or cooperative behavior. That's what anti-trust is all about. We believe in a free market. We believe in competition. But we know that if we do not preclude people from colluding that prices will be improperly higher than they ought to be. So we want to open competition. That's what this bill is about.


This bill is about making sure that everyone who wants to offer health insurance in America will do so in a free, open market. That will be subject as every other business is, to anti-trust provisions which say you cannot, in effect, make a deal with somebody that you take that part of the market, I'll take this part of the market, and we'll both charge this price. Because then there is not a free and open market to determine the lowest, best price for the best product.


So I am very pleased to be here. I want to congratulate Tom Perriello and Betsey Markey of Colorado, who have been so involved with Ms. Slaughter, Mr. DeFazio, and others, and John Conyers, the Chairman of our committee. And coming to a point where we will place this bill on the floor tomorrow. I am confident it will pass. And I surely hope it passes with a very significant, bipartisan vote. Because there is certainly bipartisan agreement that the free market and competition are clearly in the best interest in all consumers. That's what this bill is about.


Thank you very much.


Speaker Pelosi. A person who has been involved in this issue, removing the exemption to anti-trust laws from the health insurance industry, Chairwoman Louise Slaughter, has been working on this issue since her days in the state legislature in New York and probably even before then. So she came to this Congress determined to make this change and tomorrow her determination will pay off. Madam Chair.


Chairwoman Slaughter. Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is because of you and the Majority Leader that we have reached this point, and it is a very important point for us to have reached. It is totally appropriate that the Congress of the United States lift this exemption because they created it. In 1945, both the Senate and the House passed legislation following a Supreme Court ruling that anti-trust should indeed govern the insurance industry. Each house passed legislation that gave a three-year transition period at which point they would be covered by anti-trust. By the time the bill got to conference and came out of the conference, the exemption had been made permanent, which did not in any way follow what each house had voted but it was ratified then by each house. It was a bad day as far as I am concerned because I know of no industry in the United States which should be exempt from anti-trust, which and their sole purpose is to protect consumers and heaven knows when it comes to insurance we need it.


I am here today to introduce somebody that I have grown so fond of, Wendell Potter. He and I are from the same part of the country, so I was not surprised that Wendell would stand up to insurance industries. All of us can tell anecdotal stories and tell about what people would say to us, but only Wendell Potter who was on the inside--he was the executive at an insurance company--could really give us the true story of what was going on there and he did. He has been so generous with his time, with his expertise, with his friendship and he got started in this because he knew that chicanery was going on in the insurance industry, that phony studies were being made, that people were being denied on the flimsiest of excuses. We are so lucky that we have Wendell Potter and the Wendell Potters of this world, who will stand up when they see a wrong and help to right it. It is a great pleasure for me to introduce to you one of the great Americans of this time, Wendell Potter.


Mr. Potter. Thank you very much, Chairwoman and Madam Speaker. As someone who spent 20 years in the insurance industry, I can attest that this is very important legislation and I can say that it is both substantive and symbolic legislation. The insurance industry has enjoyed an exemption, as everyone has said, for 65 years. And that has contributed to a health care system that has become one of the most dysfunctional and one of the most expensive in the world. And this is time that the health insurance industry begins to abide by the same rules and regulations that every other industry in this country has to abide by.


And it is symbolic in that, I believe this in my view is the beginning of comprehensive reform that will benefit average Americans, working individuals and families more than the big insurance companies and their partners and their allies. And over the 20 years that I was in the industry, I saw competition vanish. We have seen so many mergers and acquisitions over the years that industry now is dominated by a cartel of about seven very large health insurance companies, all of them for profit. So the landscape has changed remarkably in the time that I was in the industry, and I think I have seen also blatant disregard for regulation, particularly at the state level, insurance companies recognize that in many states the insurance departments are not resourced adequately so there is a blatant disregard for regulation.


So I see this as a very important piece of legislation and one that is the beginning of much-needed


reform. Thank you.


Speaker Pelosi. Thank you very much, Mr. Potter. Thank you very much. We are honored by your presence, very informed by your information and you too have made a tremendous difference and when we have that victory tomorrow it will be in large measure because of your courage. Wendell Potter, thank you.


The relentless, that word is identified with Peter DeFazio on this and other issues in the Congress, but he has been indeed relentless in pushing for removing this exemption which health insurance companies have from anti-trust laws of our land. Imagine that they have an exemption, an industry so closely related to cost and well being of the American people with this exemption. This drama has been beaten by Peter DeFazio for a very long time. Tomorrow, we will have a victory and he will be one of our drum majors.


Congressman DeFazio. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thanks for your support and thanks for making this day possible. Louise, thank you for your tremendous support as we move through this. I would like to give some credit to someone who preceded us here, Senator William Proxmire. He first brought this issue to my attention when I was a freshman Member of Congress and that's as you can tell from my age, sometime ago, almost more than two decades ago. And I have been pursuing this for quite some time like Louise in the interest of fairness and protecting consumers.


Now we have heard a lot in this debate that we should listen. Congress should listen, we have heard that. Well, I went home and listened in August, 14 town hall meetings in the more conservative parts of my district, attended by about 8,000 people in the end. We had to rent fairgrounds and other things. And there was one point of consensus. One. Between those who represented the interests of the group called the Tea Party and those who represented the interests of those called single payer advocates. And that was that this unfair exemption from anti-trust law should not exist for the insurance industry. The whole auditorium would stand up at that point. There was consensus on this issue. So we are listening. We are listening to the American people.


The American people want this reform, and we are going to deliver it tomorrow. This should be bipartisan. I cannot understand how any Republican who is advocating national plans and advocating for free market solutions could be against allowing the free market to work by stopping collusion among these multi-state, multi-national companies that are derogatory to the interests of consumers.


One last point. You know, these, some say, "Well it is the job of the states." This is beyond the capability than even the most sophisticated and well-resourced Justice Departments among the states. When Andrew Cuomo was pursuing the industry with some success, there were other issues he wished to pursue, but they were beyond the scope and jurisdiction of his capabilities. When these multi-state, multi-national companies choose to collude through setting up rating shelves or other things outside this jurisdiction and individual state and import the results of those, you know independent studies or rate settings there is little even the most sophisticated and aggressive state Attorney General can do there beyond their reach. But the federal government should be able to protect consumers in those instances and this would be a beginning of that protection by repealing this exemption.


Speaker Pelosi. Thank you very much. The choice will be very clear tomorrow. Are you on the side of the insurance company and maintaining the stranglehold that they have on America's consumers, impeding progress to be made in their good health and for a healthier America? Or are you on the side of the people? Are you on the side of the consumer? I hope that we have a very strong, bipartisan vote on the side of the consumer tomorrow and we are working toward that end.


Again, I just want to say that this is part of one year ago when we began with the Recovery Package, which now CBO has told us just now has created over 2 million jobs that we had in that legislation -- health IT, billions of dollars for health IT, health information technology, billions of dollars for investment in the National Institutes of Health for bio-medical research to make America healthier -- to name two -- but other initiatives as well. And around the same time, we passed the SCHIP, the State Children's Health Insurance Program -- insuring 11 million children.


So we've got a running start on making America healthier at the beginning of last year and in the course of the appropriations process. We will finish our work -- one stage of it when we pass the comprehensive bill. Continuing the work we began last year and along the path toward comprehensive care, tomorrow is a very important day for us. So we're looking forward to it with great enthusiasm for fairness for the American people.


Source: Office of the Speaker of the House

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill of the Office of the
Speaker of the House, +1-202-226-7616

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Pelosi, Senior Democrats' Remarks at News Conference on Repealing Health Insurance Industry Anti-Trust Exemption
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Insurance.com Lists Top 10 Most Dangerous Drivers by Profession

17 Feb 2010 14:00 Africa/Lagos

Insurance.com Lists Top 10 Most Dangerous Drivers by Profession

Considering one of these careers? Better consider some great car insurance, too

CLEVELAND, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- If you're both an expert at the law and an expert at getting stopped by the law, you might be a dangerous driver. So says a recent insurance.com study listing the Top 10 Most Dangerous Drivers by Profession.


Attorneys topped the list at No 1. with 44 percent claiming a prior accident when receiving a car insurance comparison quote from insurance.com. (We bet 44 percent of them talked their way out of a ticket, too.) Findings were based on accident claims as a percentage of quotes.


The least dangerous drivers? Athletes (17 percent) and homemakers (24 percent).


"Professions that demand multi-tasking - being on the phone, moving fast on a tight schedule - are prone to more distractions and, from there, more accidents," says Sam Belden, insurance.com VP, all joking aside. "On the other hand, though the job of a homemaker demands multi-tasking, young children are often along for any car ride. And when children are involved, people tend to take their time and use greater caution." Homemakers and athletes also tend to be off the road during rush hour.


Top 10 Most Dangerous Drivers by Profession*:

1. Attorney/Judge
2. Financial professionals
3. Government worker (GS6)
4. Bartender or Waiter
5. Business Professionals
6. Dog Groomer
7. Marketing/Advertising professionals
8. Barber/Stylist
9. Coach
10. Nurse


Happen to be one of those folks? Then you'll want to keep in mind that an accident could raise your insurance rate. The chance of a rate increase is more likely based on factors such as accident severity, if you're at fault, the value of your insurance claim, type of violation, and if the accident appears on your motor vehicle or comprehensive loss underwriting exchange report.


About Insurance.com


Insurance.com, the premier destination to shop for and buy insurance, is also the leading online independent auto insurance agency in the United States. Innovative technology allows consumers to link directly to the rating systems of more than a dozen top insurance companies that then compete for the consumer's business. Insurance.com empowers consumers to instantly compare rates, make smart decisions, and buy the policy that fits them best. Since 2000, millions of drivers have saved both time and money by shopping for and buying through insurance.com or speaking by phone with its expert, licensed agents. Insurance.com is headquartered in Solon, Ohio.


*While the information in this article is based on proprietary insurance.com data, insurance.com does not guarantee the accuracy of such information and has not validated it with any third party insurance providers. Data based on single driver, single vehicle.


Media Contact:
Thomas Tennant
Insurance.com
440.715.0075, ext 1114

Source: Insurance.com

CONTACT: Thomas Tennant, Insurance.com, +1-440-715-0075, ext 1114


Web Site: Insurance.com


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Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Five Insurance Mistakes to Avoid!




Five Insurance Mistakes to Avoid!

The Insurance Information Institute says you can save money on insurance if you avoid five big insurance mistakes:


New York (December 2009) /PRNewswire/ — The Insurance Information Institute says you can save


money on insurance if you avoid five big insurance mistakes:

Mistake #1: Insuring a home for its real estate value rather than the cost of rebuilding.

When real estate prices go down, homeowners may think they can reduce the amount of coverage on their home. But insurance covers the cost of rebuilding, not the sales price.

A better way to save: Raise your deductible. An increase from $500 to $1,000, could save up to 25%.

Mistake #2: Selecting an insurance company by price alone.

It's important to choose a company with competitive prices, but also one that is financially sound with good customer service.

A better way to save: Check the financial health of a company with independent rating agencies and ask friends and family for recommendations.

Mistake #3: Dropping flood insurance.

Many homeowners are unaware they are at risk for flooding, but 25% of all flood losses are in low risk areas.

A better way to save: Before purchasing a home, check with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to see if it is in a flood zone; if so, consider a less risky area. FEMA recommends all homeowners consider flood insurance, available from the NFIP.

Mistake #4: Only purchasing the legally required amount of liability for your car.

In today's litigious society, buying only the minimum amount of liability means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket.

A better way to save: Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $1,000.

Mistake #5: Neglecting to purchase renters insurance.

A renters policy covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to a disaster. Equally important, it also provides liability protection.

A better way to save: Look into multi-policy discounts. Buying several policies with the same insurer, such as renters, auto and life will generally provide savings.
About the Insurance Information Institute
The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) is an educational, research and communications organization funded by the insurance industry to explain what insurance is and how it works.

Each year, the I.I.I. works on more than 3,700 news stories, handles more than 6,000 requests for information and answers nearly 50,000 questions from consumers.



For the media:
For spokesperson for in-studio interview, b-roll of
5 mistakes or more information:
Jeanne Salvatore, 212-346-5550
Jeannes@iii.org


Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Auto Insurance Requirements Expected to Increase in 2010

23 Dec 2009 12:00 Africa/Lagos


Auto Insurance Requirements Expected to Increase in 2010

MADISON, Wis., Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The states of Wisconsin and Louisiana will be raising minimum liability limit requirements which may cause a raise in current premiums. As of January 1, 2010, these states will require that all new policies written meet these new requirements and consumers may want to compare their current carrier's rates with those of others to ensure that their policy remains competitive.


As of the 1st of the year, liability coverage will become a requirement in Wisconsin and the limits will increase to $50,000 for the injury or death of one person, $100,000 for the injury or death of more than one person and $15,000 for property damage. In addition to the new limit increase, beginning June 1, 2010, drivers and owners will be required to provide proof of such coverage when requested by law enforcement; caught operating a vehicle without insurance may result in a fine up $500, failure to have proof on hand may be subject to a $10 fine and providing fraudulent proof of coverage can end in a fine of up to $5,000.


Source: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/vehicles/ins-req.htm


Residents of Louisiana currently pay some of the highest premiums in the nation and the new increased limits are expected to push these rates even higher. Although some have expected the rate increase to be in the 20 percent range, insurance commissioner Jim Donelon stated, "I would not be surprised to see it go to 15 percent." The limits for bodily injury liability to one person will increase to $15,000, $35,000 for more than one person and $25,000 for property damage liability.


For those who will be up for policy renewal after the New Year, it may be wise to shop around before renewing their policy. Websites such as OnlineAutoInsurance.com allows visitors to complete an auto insurance comparison online to help ensure that their current rate is still the most affordable. In order to avoid policy lapse while shopping around, rates should be compared well in advance of policy expiration dates.


Consumers can visit http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/compare/ for a free quote comparison and assistance in keeping the new coverage requirements affordable.


Source: Online Auto Insurance, LLC

CONTACT: PR Division of Online Auto Insurance, LLC, +1-909- 912-1855


Web Site: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/

VITAL LINKS:
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Monday, December 21, 2009

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Hagerty Announces The 2010 Hot List: A Decade in Review


Hagerty selects the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 as a "collector car of tomorrow" on the 2010 Hagerty Hot List: A Decade in Review. (PRNewsFoto/Hagerty) TRAVERSE CITY, MI UNITED STATES

21 Dec 2009 12:01 Africa/Lagos

Hagerty Announces The 2010 Hot List: A Decade in Review

New List Presents Top Ten Future Collectibles of the Past Decade

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- With the decade coming to a close, Hagerty, the leading insurer of collector cars, has expanded its annual Hot List of the "Collector Cars of Tomorrow." The 2010 Hot List: A Decade in Review presents Hagerty's top picks from 2000 to 2009 of the most influential cars of the past decade with the highest probability of becoming collector cars in the future.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091221/LA28751)


"Over the past decade and even the past year, the automotive industry has seen immense change. But one thing that has not wavered is America's passion for interesting and unique cars," said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance Agency. "Since our first Hot List in 2007, we've chosen cars that have peaked the interest of Americans and that we anticipate will be collectible in the future. This year we sifted through the good, the bad and the ugly of the past 10 years to present one new car from each year that you can bet your money on will be collectible 15 to 20 years from now."


For this year's Hot List: A Decade in Review, Hagerty reviewed mass produced cars from 2000 to 2009 with an MSRP of $100,000 or lower that valuation experts at the company predict will have collector appeal within the next 15 to 20 years. One car was selected from each year based on factors including how influential it was in the automotive industry, its "cool or unique factor" and its potential value in the collector car market.


Hagerty presents the Hagerty Hot List: A Decade in Review:

1. 2000 BMW M Roadster - The four-cylinder Z3 was a bit of a snooze, but
the M Roadster with 240 hp and a 0-60 time of around five seconds is a
Gen-X Shelby Cobra. Quad chrome pipes out the back, fat tires, special
side grilles and M badges identify this very special Z3. We believe in
the years to come this car will be highly desired by collectors for its
gracious curves and powerful engine.
2. 2001 Corvette ZO6 - While the 2001 ZO6's 385 horsepower is less than
the current base model Corvette, it did mark the return of the vaunted
ZO6 for the first time since 1963. The enthusiast publications were
shocked by GM's willingness to sell essentially a race-ready Corvette
straight from the factory.
3. 2002 Pontiac Firebird WS-6 "Ram-Air" - The Firebird burned bright in
its last year-- this was the most powerful Firebird ever produced (and
with the death of Pontiac, almost certainly the last). GM claimed it
was rated at 325 horsepower, but many Firebird enthusiasts claim they
were underrated by up to 40 horsepower. Not bad considering the most
powerful Mustang offered in 2002 had nearly 65 horsepower less.
4. 2003 Mini Cooper S "JCW" - In 2003 the Detroit Auto Show awarded this
Mini "North American Car of the Year". This car made our list not only
because it was the first year the "John Cooper Works" Tuning Kit was
available, but more importantly because anyone who drives one of these
cars walks away with a silly grin. It just begs to be driven hard and
often.
5. 2004 Cadillac CTS-V - This is the Cadillac for the Corvette enthusiast
who has to haul around kids and their gear. After decades of Cadillac
catering exclusively to the to those buying their last or second to
last cars, the new CTS-V with its 400 horsepower Z06 Corvette engine
will surely earn the respect of car collectors down the road as the
most memorable Caddy from this past decade.
6. 2005 Acura NSX - The NSX was the first production car to feature an
all-aluminum chassis, suspension and body, and was produced from
1990-2005 with very little changes throughout its 15 year run. The
breakthrough design influenced other supercars including the McLaren
F-1. It isn't uncommon to see an NSX on the auction bill at collector
car auctions often selling for nearly what they cost new.
7. 2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10 (viper powered pick-up) - Unlike any other Ram
pick-up, this one was produced solely for the purpose of speed. With
500 horsepower and even more torque straight from the factory, these
trucks would run less than a 14 second quarter-mile and easy
modifications put them into the 12 second category.
8. 2007 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500 - Following the introduction of the
fifth-generation Ford Mustang, the Shelby nameplate was revived in 2007
for the first time since 1970. This new high performance version of the
Mustang as a way to pay tribute to the legendary Carroll Shelby. With
its retro looks, 500 horsepower, and Shelby's autograph on the dash,
this car introduced the younger generation to the glorious racing days
of the 1960s.
9. 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - Mopar enthusiasts waited a long time for
this much anticipated tribute to one of the icons of the muscle car
era. When compared to all the retro inspired muscle cars of this
decade, our vote is for the Challenger as it most closely resembles its
first generation ancestor.
10. 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe - With the death of Pontiac announced
toward the end of this decade, their last true sports car was the
Solstice GXP. The convertible version sold respectably for several
years, but this Coupe version was only produced for half a year. This
rare model will certainly be desirable in the years to come.



Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc. is the leading insurance agency for collector vehicles in the world and host to the largest network of collector car owners. Hagerty offers insurance for collector cars, motorcycles and motorcycle safety equipment, tractors, automotive tools and spare parts, and even "automobilia" (any historic or collectible item linked with motor vehicles). Hagerty also offers overseas shipping/touring insurance coverage, commercial coverage and club liability coverage. For more information, call (800) 922-4050 or visit www.hagerty.com.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091221/LA28751
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Hagerty

CONTACT: Esther Richardson of Luxe Communications, +1-323-951-0529,
esther@luxecommunications.com, for Hagerty; or Jonathan Klinger of Hagerty,
+1-231-922-8822, jklinger@hagerty.com


Web Site: http://www.hagerty.com/


Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Citizens Insurance Announces 2008 Community Scholarship Program

8 Oct 2008 15:14 Africa/Lagos

Citizens Insurance Announces 2008 Community Scholarship Program

College scholarships to be awarded based on Academic achievement and commitment to community service

HOWELL, Mich., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Citizens Insurance Company of America today announced the launch of its 2008 community scholarship program. Students at public high schools in Brighton, Fowlerville, Hartland, Howell and Pinckney, as well as children of Citizens employees, are eligible to apply.


The scholarship program recognizes and rewards students who have excelled in academic achievement, leadership and community service. Over the past three years, Citizens Insurance has awarded $172,000 in college scholarships to 138 students.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051031/NEM023LOGO )


"At Citizens, we believe that a college education should be accessible and available to all who want to pursue it. We are excited to be able to help ease the financial burden of higher education for those students who have demonstrated excellence in school and in the community," said Paul Mueller, Citizens Insurance regional president.


Students interested in applying for a scholarship may download and print an application at the company's Web site: http://www.citizensinsurance.com/scholarships. Applications must be postmarked by Saturday, November 29. Scholarship winners for 2008 will be announced in January 2009. Awards are made through The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Inc., the charitable giving arm of Citizens' parent, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., based in Worcester, Mass.


The scholarship program is managed by Scholarship Management Services, a division of Scholarship America, the nation's leading scholarship program administrator.


About The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation


The mission of The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Inc. is to improve the quality of life in communities where The Hanover Insurance Group companies have a major presence, placing a special emphasis on helping to build world class public education systems and inspiring and empowering youth to achieve their full potential.


The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG) , based in Worcester, Mass. is a leading provider of auto, home and business insurance in Massachusetts.


The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, also based in Worcester; Citizens Insurance Company of America, headquartered in Howell, Mich., and their affiliates. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to individuals, families and businesses through an extensive network of independent agents, and has been meeting its obligations to its agent partners and their customers for more than 150 years. Taken as a group, The Hanover ranks among the top 40 property and casualty insurers in the United States. For more information, please visit http://www.hanover.com/.


CONTACTS:
Media Relations
Amy Lynn Banek
abanek@hanover.com
(508) 855-4486

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051031/NEM023LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Citizens Insurance Company of America

CONTACT: Amy Lynn Banek, Media Relations of The Hanover Insurance Group,
Inc., +1-508-855-4486, abanek@hanover.com


Web site: http://www.citizensinsurance.com/scholarships
http://www.hanover.com/



Monday, April 14, 2008

How To Be a Great Insurance Lawyer

14 Apr 2008 10:06 Africa/Lagos


How To Be a Great Insurance Lawyer

ONTARIO, Calif., April 14 /PRNewswire/ --

It is hard enough just getting into law school and keeping pace with core requirements, says Frank N. Darras, the nation's leading disability and long-term care insurance lawyer. Darras worked selling medical equipment while attending law school and fell in love with the idea of helping the disabled fight for their insurance rights. See http://darrasnews.mediaroom.com/.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070717/NYFNSC02 )

Have you thought about taking an insurance law course in law school?

"Elective insurance law courses cover everything from property, life, disability and health to auto, mortgage and long-term care. Whether you ultimately want to defend corporate insurance companies or represent the insured, it's a course that will reap real benefits. Insurance is everywhere and it is often hard to understand and difficult to square what you thought you bought with what you actually received," says Darras.


In his case, Darras says he wanted to be the voice of the disabled, so no matter whether they were rich or poor, they would know his name meant real protection when they needed it most. An insurance law elective, would have been a wonderful way for him to hit the ground running after graduation but it wasn't available.


"Twenty years later, Frank N. Darras is famous for setting the standard to which insurance lawyers are held. He has been a hero for the sick, the elderly and he really is a modern day David fighting Goliath," says James A. Hayes, Jr., Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and Associate Professor at Western State University College of Law. See http://www.wsulaw.edu/.


"Last month, at WSU, we held the first annual Frank N. Darras Disability Law Moot Court Competition, at the school's Fullerton campus. As far as we can tell, it is the only moot court competition in the country that focuses exclusively on disability law," says Hayes. "For tomorrow's lawyers to compete in this unique competition opens opportunities for their futures, but also for everyday Americans who buy insurance to protect them from the unthinkable."


"This competition affords law students the opportunity to understand insurance law and determine if this is the field they want to explore and master as a career. We sure could use some great insurance lawyers to stand up for everyday people," says Darras.


See http://darrasnews.mediaroom.com/ or call 800-458-4577.


Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Frank N. Darras http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=39767


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070717/NYFNSC02
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Frank N. Darras

CONTACT: Robin Nolan, +1-650-279-9512, robin@mcdavidpr.com, for Frank N.
Darras


Web site: Darras News


NOTE TO EDITORS: Darras available for interviews.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Airline Insurance Market Expected to be Tougher in 2008

26 Feb 2008 20:34 Africa/Lagos


Airline Insurance Market Expected to be Tougher in 2008

Aon's Airline Insurance Market Review 2007 shows less soft market


CHICAGO, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The high level of hull and liability claims, at $1.7 billion, coupled with the lowest amount of lead hull and liability premium since 2000 ($1.5 billion), means that the airline insurance market was broadly unprofitable in 2007. The negotiating process is likely to be tougher in 2008 as a result, according to Aon's Airline Insurance Market Review of 2007.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041215/CGW049LOGO)


This is the key finding of the review that brings together data for the last year and extrapolates its likely effect on the market in 2008 and beyond.


The review's findings include:
-- total recorded lead hull and liability premium for 2007 was
$1.5 billion, a reduction of 30 percent since 2005;
-- total incurred claims, including hull, liability and an estimate for
attritional losses, amounted to $1.7 billion;
-- North American fleet values, at $192 billion, fell below those of
Europe and Asia, both at $193 billion, for the first time in 2007.
North American passenger numbers, however, were still higher than the
other two major aviation regions;
-- the proportion of passengers travelling with flag carriers has fallen
from 66 percent in 2005 to 48 percent in 2007.



Having started the year with average premium reductions of around 20 percent, the airline insurance market became gradually less soft as the year progressed with underwriters recognising the probability that the value of hull claims would outweigh the total lead hull and liability premium.


"After four years of soft markets, it looks like 2007 may well have seen the cost of airline insurance reach something of an equilibrium," says Doug Peterson, Aon Aviation & Aerospace group practice leader. "Despite the relatively high number of hull losses in 2007, there were fewer fatalities compared to the average over the last decade. Capacity continues to be high, but it seems unlikely that providers will continue to offer the high level of reductions witnessed over the last couple of years. As a result, 2008 looks set to be a fascinating year in the airline insurance markets."


Download the report at http://aon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=55.

Media contact:
Alexandra Lewis
020 7882 0541
Alexandra.lewis@aon.co.uk

Rahsaan Johnson
312.381.2684
Rahsaan_Johnson@aon.com


About Aon

Aon Corporation (NYSE:AOC) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting, and specialty insurance underwriting. Through its 43,000 professionals worldwide, Aon readily delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Our industry-leading global resources, technical expertise and industry knowledge are delivered locally through more than 500 offices in more than 120 countries. Aon was ranked by A.M. Best as the number one global insurance brokerage in 2007 based on brokerage revenues, and voted best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary, and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007 by the readers of Business Insurance. For more information on Aon, log onto http://www.aon.com/.


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041215/CGW049LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network:
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Aon Corporation

CONTACT: Alexandra Lewis, 020 7882 0541, Alexandra.lewis@aon.co.uk, or
Rahsaan Johnson, +1-312-381-2684, Rahsaan_Johnson@aon.com, both of Aon
Corporation


Web site: http://www.aon.com/
http://aon.mediaroom.com/


NOTE TO EDITORS: The review looks in detail at data from across the aviation market, breaking it down by region, average fleet value (AFV), sector and month, as well as providing a round up of market and industry activity, a comprehensive loss review and examination of the geographic changes in industry profile. It examines how the industry's evolution during 2006 will impact the market during 2007 and beyond.

Airline Insurance Market Expected to be Tougher in 2008

26 Feb 2008 20:34 Africa/Lagos


Airline Insurance Market Expected to be Tougher in 2008

Aon's Airline Insurance Market Review 2007 shows less soft market


CHICAGO, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The high level of hull and liability claims, at $1.7 billion, coupled with the lowest amount of lead hull and liability premium since 2000 ($1.5 billion), means that the airline insurance market was broadly unprofitable in 2007. The negotiating process is likely to be tougher in 2008 as a result, according to Aon's Airline Insurance Market Review of 2007.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041215/CGW049LOGO)


This is the key finding of the review that brings together data for the last year and extrapolates its likely effect on the market in 2008 and beyond.


The review's findings include:
-- total recorded lead hull and liability premium for 2007 was
$1.5 billion, a reduction of 30 percent since 2005;
-- total incurred claims, including hull, liability and an estimate for
attritional losses, amounted to $1.7 billion;
-- North American fleet values, at $192 billion, fell below those of
Europe and Asia, both at $193 billion, for the first time in 2007.
North American passenger numbers, however, were still higher than the
other two major aviation regions;
-- the proportion of passengers travelling with flag carriers has fallen
from 66 percent in 2005 to 48 percent in 2007.



Having started the year with average premium reductions of around 20 percent, the airline insurance market became gradually less soft as the year progressed with underwriters recognising the probability that the value of hull claims would outweigh the total lead hull and liability premium.


"After four years of soft markets, it looks like 2007 may well have seen the cost of airline insurance reach something of an equilibrium," says Doug Peterson, Aon Aviation & Aerospace group practice leader. "Despite the relatively high number of hull losses in 2007, there were fewer fatalities compared to the average over the last decade. Capacity continues to be high, but it seems unlikely that providers will continue to offer the high level of reductions witnessed over the last couple of years. As a result, 2008 looks set to be a fascinating year in the airline insurance markets."


Download the report at http://aon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=55.

Media contact:
Alexandra Lewis
020 7882 0541
Alexandra.lewis@aon.co.uk

Rahsaan Johnson
312.381.2684
Rahsaan_Johnson@aon.com


About Aon

Aon Corporation (NYSE:AOC) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting, and specialty insurance underwriting. Through its 43,000 professionals worldwide, Aon readily delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Our industry-leading global resources, technical expertise and industry knowledge are delivered locally through more than 500 offices in more than 120 countries. Aon was ranked by A.M. Best as the number one global insurance brokerage in 2007 based on brokerage revenues, and voted best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary, and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007 by the readers of Business Insurance. For more information on Aon, log onto http://www.aon.com/.


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041215/CGW049LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network:
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Aon Corporation

CONTACT: Alexandra Lewis, 020 7882 0541, Alexandra.lewis@aon.co.uk, or
Rahsaan Johnson, +1-312-381-2684, Rahsaan_Johnson@aon.com, both of Aon
Corporation


Web site: http://www.aon.com/
http://aon.mediaroom.com/


NOTE TO EDITORS: The review looks in detail at data from across the aviation market, breaking it down by region, average fleet value (AFV), sector and month, as well as providing a round up of market and industry activity, a comprehensive loss review and examination of the geographic changes in industry profile. It examines how the industry's evolution during 2006 will impact the market during 2007 and beyond.

Airline Insurance Market Expected to be Tougher in 2008

26 Feb 2008 20:34 Africa/Lagos


Airline Insurance Market Expected to be Tougher in 2008

Aon's Airline Insurance Market Review 2007 shows less soft market


CHICAGO, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The high level of hull and liability claims, at $1.7 billion, coupled with the lowest amount of lead hull and liability premium since 2000 ($1.5 billion), means that the airline insurance market was broadly unprofitable in 2007. The negotiating process is likely to be tougher in 2008 as a result, according to Aon's Airline Insurance Market Review of 2007.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041215/CGW049LOGO)


This is the key finding of the review that brings together data for the last year and extrapolates its likely effect on the market in 2008 and beyond.


The review's findings include:
-- total recorded lead hull and liability premium for 2007 was
$1.5 billion, a reduction of 30 percent since 2005;
-- total incurred claims, including hull, liability and an estimate for
attritional losses, amounted to $1.7 billion;
-- North American fleet values, at $192 billion, fell below those of
Europe and Asia, both at $193 billion, for the first time in 2007.
North American passenger numbers, however, were still higher than the
other two major aviation regions;
-- the proportion of passengers travelling with flag carriers has fallen
from 66 percent in 2005 to 48 percent in 2007.



Having started the year with average premium reductions of around 20 percent, the airline insurance market became gradually less soft as the year progressed with underwriters recognising the probability that the value of hull claims would outweigh the total lead hull and liability premium.


"After four years of soft markets, it looks like 2007 may well have seen the cost of airline insurance reach something of an equilibrium," says Doug Peterson, Aon Aviation & Aerospace group practice leader. "Despite the relatively high number of hull losses in 2007, there were fewer fatalities compared to the average over the last decade. Capacity continues to be high, but it seems unlikely that providers will continue to offer the high level of reductions witnessed over the last couple of years. As a result, 2008 looks set to be a fascinating year in the airline insurance markets."


Download the report at http://aon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=55.

Media contact:
Alexandra Lewis
020 7882 0541
Alexandra.lewis@aon.co.uk

Rahsaan Johnson
312.381.2684
Rahsaan_Johnson@aon.com


About Aon

Aon Corporation (NYSE:AOC) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting, and specialty insurance underwriting. Through its 43,000 professionals worldwide, Aon readily delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Our industry-leading global resources, technical expertise and industry knowledge are delivered locally through more than 500 offices in more than 120 countries. Aon was ranked by A.M. Best as the number one global insurance brokerage in 2007 based on brokerage revenues, and voted best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary, and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007 by the readers of Business Insurance. For more information on Aon, log onto http://www.aon.com/.


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041215/CGW049LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network:
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Aon Corporation

CONTACT: Alexandra Lewis, 020 7882 0541, Alexandra.lewis@aon.co.uk, or
Rahsaan Johnson, +1-312-381-2684, Rahsaan_Johnson@aon.com, both of Aon
Corporation


Web site: http://www.aon.com/
http://aon.mediaroom.com/


NOTE TO EDITORS: The review looks in detail at data from across the aviation market, breaking it down by region, average fleet value (AFV), sector and month, as well as providing a round up of market and industry activity, a comprehensive loss review and examination of the geographic changes in industry profile. It examines how the industry's evolution during 2006 will impact the market during 2007 and beyond.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Ernst & Young Issues 2008 US Outlook for the Life Insurance Industry

10 Dec 2007 14:30 Africa/Lagos


Ernst & Young Issues 2008 US Outlook for the Life Insurance Industry

NEW YORK, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ --

In 2008, regulatory issues will confront the insurance industry and put increasing pressure on companies to become more efficient, enhance technology-related processes and alter their business models, according to Ernst & Young's Global Insurance Center. Moreover, in spite of continued financial growth, life insurance companies need to maximize existing opportunities to meet the growing demand for cost-effective products for baby boomers and the underserved middle-market.


"While net operating gains in the insurance sector are expected to increase in 2008, insurers can by no means become complacent next year," said Doug French, Managing Principal of Ernst & Young's Insurance and Actuarial Advisory Services. "The fundamentals of the insurance industry seem to be inevitably shifting, and executives must work constantly to stay ahead of these trends that will affect their product lines, their investment strategies and their corporate infrastructure."


Ernst & Young has identified the seven important issues that may shape the life insurance sector in 2008:


1. Retirement Income: The best prospect for organic growth in the
insurance industry is found in the 35 million middle-wealth baby
boomers facing the realities of retirement. As they shift their
defined contribution plans, they may seek predictable, low-cost,
income-producing financial products. That said, insurance companies
could be more aggressive in competing with other financial services
institutions that target this segment.

2. Financial Events: Over the past five years, insurers have increased
their investments in alternative asset classes, which has led to
greater credit risk exposure. Now is the time to take action and
focus on building risk infrastructure and creating more transparency
commensurate with the nature of these important investments.
Organizations that embrace the people, systems and processes to
accurately comprehend and manage the risks of these asset classes may
gain an edge.

3. Technology: Insurers could take a comprehensive view of data
governance and management as they attempt to create a more efficient,
interconnected technology environment. In 2008, many insurers may
still be forced to expend resources integrating data from disparate
systems, but they could quickly move ahead of the trend toward
centralizing IT infrastructure (data centers, servers and converged
networks).

4. Offshoring: As insurance companies challenge their growing expenses,
they may become increasingly reliant on alternative sourcing
strategies, especially as outsourcing service providers expand their
offerings. However, insurance companies need to implement risk
management programs for outsourcing/offshoring, because risks from
service interruption, customer data, information security and privacy
exposures could far outweigh any benefits from cost reduction.

5. Solvency II: The implementation of Solvency II (SII) may pose a
considerable challenge with far reaching implications for insurers.
Besides the extensive improvements to systems, processes and data SII
calls for, the convergence of accounting, risk and actuarial
information may also challenge traditional actuarial practitioners to
develop more sophisticated financial and risk management
methodologies and more efficient deployment of capital.

6. International Financial Reporting Standards: Regardless of the
implementation date being delayed, there is no time to waste for
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) preparation.
Companies need to develop a plan that includes steps to assess the
impact of the proposals on their financial statements, educate key
employees and constituents, and evaluate the readiness of their
organization for implementation.

7. Tax Issues and Implications: Debate on tax rules that would require
dividends to again be taxed as ordinary income, raise the capital
gains rate to 20 percent, and change current estate tax regulation is
not expected to heat up until after the 2008 election. Essentially, a
new President and Congress may be forced to deal with many tax
decisions, most of which may require tax increases. Unfortunately,
the impact of future tax legislation on insurers and any implications
this will have on product offerings may remain unclear for some time.


"The life insurance industry seems to be on firm financial ground, which is good news: insurers are doing many things right. But, in some ways, the obstacles for continued growth have never been higher," said French. "To remain competitive, executives must continue to foster innovation in their products, develop new ways to manage and oversee both risk and capital management, and prepare now for a torrent of new regulations that may very well revolutionize this industry in the next decade."


The complete Life Insurance Industry 2008 Outlook report can be found at www.ey.com/insurance.


About the Ernst & Young Global Insurance Center


The Global Insurance Center is the hub of the Ernst & Young network of professionals dedicated to serving the global insurance market. It connects our people around the globe, sharing information and experience on current and emerging industry issues. Our goal is to help global insurance clients address their complex issues by drawing on a broad range of services including: assurance, tax, actuarial and risk management, transaction advisory services, and technology advisory to support these services.


About Ernst & Young


Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 130,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality.


For more information, please visit www.ey.com


Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.


This press release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global Ernst & Young organization that also does not provide any services to clients.


Source: Ernst & Young

CONTACT: Jennifer Kuhl of Peppercom, +1-212-931-6111,
jkuhl@peppercom.com, for Ernst & Young; or Katie Johnston of Ernst & Young,
+1-212-773-7194, katie.johnston@ey.com


Web site: http://www.ey.com/
http://www.ey.com/insurance

Monday, November 05, 2007

Insurance You Can Understand

5 Nov 2007 22:10 Africa/Lagos


Insurance You Can Understand

Access America Launches New Policy with Customer-Friendly Language


RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

Access America, a leading travel insurance provider, today announced the launch of its "customer-friendly" Certificate of Insurance or Policy. This is the document that explains the insurance coverage purchased by the customer. The document has been completely rewritten in language that is easy for a novice to understand.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071105/6397)


This is just the latest innovation for Access America which has recently redesigned its website, brochures and claim forms. "We took a hard look at how we present information to our customers and decided we could do better," said Mark Cipolletti, vice president of marketing communications for Access America. "Unfortunately, many people have a negative view of insurance because they've had difficulty understanding their coverage or interacting with their provider. We're trying to change that perception and build a deeper trust with our customers."


The design of the document has also been improved to make its content more digestible. The new layout makes better use of white space, charts help with navigation and unfamiliar "industry" terms are avoided.


The new certificate, or policy, has been approved by over 30 State Departments of Insurance and officially debuted on November 1. The document will be filed in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, by Access America's new underwriter, Jefferson Insurance Company. Jefferson was purchased by Access America's parent company, World Access, earlier this year.


About Access America


Access America provides travel insurance and assistance to millions of travelers each year and is a division and service mark of World Access Service Corp. A global leader in travel insurance and emergency assistance, Access America uses cutting-edge technology to deliver customized solutions to enhance value for resorts, airlines, travel agents, credit card companies and more. Access America is a division and service mark of World Access Service Corp., which is a member of the Mondial Assistance Group and part of the Allianz family of companies. Visit www.accessamerica.com.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071105/6397
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Access America

CONTACT: Caroline Platt, +1-804-788-1414, cplatt@hodgespart.com, for
Access America


Web Site: http://www.accessamerica.com/

USEFUL LINK:
http://www.allinsuranceprofessionals.com/



Thursday, November 01, 2007

Health Insurance Agents Warn Against Imposing a 'Health Care Reform' Tax in California

Health Insurance Agents Warn Against Imposing a 'Health Care Reform' Tax in California

AGENT ASSOCIATIONS REMIND LAWMAKERS CALIFORNIA PREMIUMS ARE 17 PERCENT BELOW NATIONAL AVERAGE

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

At the Assembly Health Committee's hearing on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's health care reform plan, the California Association of Health Underwriters (CAHU) and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors-California (NAIFA-California) urged lawmakers to avoid the mistakes made in New York and New Jersey, mistakes that have resulted in premiums more than 350 percent higher than in California, reminding them that individual health insurance premiums are 17 percent below the national average.


New York and New Jersey's mistakes were in mandating carriers to accept all applicants for coverage without effectively requiring residents to obtain coverage. "Without a requirement to both buy and to sell coverage, the cost of health insurance will skyrocket," warned Alan Katz, an independent health insurance agent and Vice President of Public Affairs for CAHU who spoke on behalf of both associations. "New York and New Jersey have demonstrated that if done wrong, the result is a health care reform tax on citizens who play by the rules. This tax is substantial and it's grossly unfair."


The agent groups noted that requiring Californians to obtain coverage means helping those for whom premiums are too expensive and called for premium subsidies, on a sliding scale, for residents in households earning up to 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($82,600 for a family of four).


The associations also urged legislators to deliver on the promises it has made to the people of California before making new ones. "Nearly one million Californians are eligible for, but are not enrolled in, Healthy Families and Medi-Cal. The state needs to prove it can fix this travesty before promising to expand these programs or creating new ones. Yet the most recent budget cut roughly $66 million targeted for this purpose. Making promises is easy. Delivering on them is tough, but making those promises real is what Californians deserve," Katz declared.


The associations' testimony identified several areas where reform is needed, including achieving universal coverage and controlling skyrocketing medical costs. Katz noted that "health insurance premiums directly reflect the cost of medical care" and commended the Governor for proposing ways of reigning in these costs by seeking to leverage technology, improve medical outcomes, promote best practices and expand wellness and prevention programs.


The agent associations took issue with other aspects of the Administration's health care reform plan. "We believe regulators need to have the flexibility to assure a mandated Medical Loss Ratio does not have the unintended consequences of increasing premiums, discouraging competition in the individual market and limiting consumer choice. We believe those receiving state subsidies should not be driven into a state-run purchasing pool, but instead should have the same choices as their non-subsidized neighbors. We believe a minimum benefit package needs to be defined in legislation in order to determine the financial and market impact of the reform package," said Katz.


Katz urged Health Committee members to consider the Healthy Solutions health care reform package developed by CAHU, much of which is supported by NAIFA-California as a way to "improve today's system without destroying what works for so many of your constituents. You'll hear a great deal today about what's wrong with our health care system. We agree with some of these observations, but we also want to point out that Californians enjoy lower premiums and more coverage choices than most Americans."


CAHU and NAIFA-California represent, health and life insurance agents and brokers as well as financial advisors. Their combined memberships include over 7,500 insurance professionals who serve as counselors and advocates for millions of Californians.


Healthy Solutions may be downloaded at http://www.cahuhealthysolutions.org/. For more information, or to arrange an interview with CAHU industry experts, please contact Cynthia Downing at 800/322-5934.


Source: California Association of Health Underwriters

CONTACT: Cynthia Downing, Executive Director of CAHU, 1-800-322-5934


Web site: http://www.cahuhealthysolutions.org/

Friday, October 19, 2007

Free Books On Insurance and Other Subjects

Browse Free Online Books and eBooks:
A career in consumer economics and social insurance : oral history transcript / and related material, 1969-1971 by Huntington
America's Children: Health Insurance And Access To Care by Margaret Edmunds And Molly Joel Coye
An essay on probabilities : and on their application to life contingencies and insurance offices by De Morgan
Coverage Matters: Insurance And Health Care by Committee On The Consequences Of Uninsurance
Cutting Taxes For Insuring: Options And Effects Of Tax Credits For Health Insurance by Mark V. Pauly And Bradley Herring Mirror
Data Needs For The State Children's Health Insurance Program by Panel For The Workshop On The State Children`s Health Insurance Program
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Earl Warren and health insurance : 1943-1949 : transcripts, 1970 by Earl Warren Oral History Project Bancroft Library
Health Insurance Among Children Of Unemployed Parents by Jacob A. Klerman Mirror
Health Insurance Is A Family Matter by Committee On The Consequences Of Uninsurance
Information Warehouse in the Insurance Industry by Ibm
Insurance by K.t. Shah
Insurance Deregulation And The Public Interest by Scott E. Harrington
Insurance In The General Agreement On Trade In Services by Harold D. Skipper Mirror
Manual of compensation and liability insurance ; rules and rates by National Workmen`s Compensation Service Bureau
Manual of liability and workmen's compensation insurance. Rules and rates for the State of California. Issue of September, 1911 by Fidelity And Casualty Company Of New York
Mr. Honey's Insurance Dictionary English-German by Honig
Mr. Honey's Insurance Dictionary German-English by Honig
Notes on life insurance, the theory of life insurance practically explained; an elementary treatise on the principles governing life insurance, and their technical application. Designed especially for the use of colleges, students and all persons interested in the subject by Fackler
Paying The Price: The Status And Role Of Insurance Against Natural Disasters In The United States by Howard Kunreuther And Richard J. Roth Mirror
Proceedings (revised) of the Special Committee appointed to consider questions relating to the pensions, insurance and re-establishment of returned soldiers by Canada. Parliament. House Of Commons. Special Committee On Pensions
Responsible Tax Credits For Health Insurance by Mark V. Pauly And John S. Hoff Mirror
Slavery Era Insurance Registry by California Department Of Insurance
Social Insurance: A Program Of Social Reform by Henry R. Seager
Special Committee on Pensions, Insurance and Re-establishment of Returned Soldiers by Canada. Parliament. House Of Commons. Special Committee On Pensions Mirror
Systems Of Accountability: Implementing Children's Health Insurance Programs by Margaret Edmunds And Molly Joel Coye
Third party insurance by Batten
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