Archive for March 2016

Maine continues to be among the top states in the nation for most affordable homeowners and personal auto insurance rates, according to a recent announcement by Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa. Recently released reports by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners … Source: Claims Journal

A tool for helping battle Ohio’s deadly addictions epidemic is adding new dimensions to the jobs of pharmacists. A state computerized reporting system gives pharmacists quick access to patients’ prescribing histories as they weigh whether to fill suspicious prescriptions. It’s … Source: Claims Journal

Jurors in the first-degree murder trial of a former Boone, Iowa, man accused in the death of his wife heard from a forensic expert who says the woman’s death was an accident. Lawyers for Alexander Fazzino, who is charged with … Source: Claims Journal

Two high-profile Texas attorneys were sued by a fishing boat captain who said they were involved in a scam to cheat BP Plc out of millions of dollars with false compensation claims for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. She’s … Source: Claims Journal

The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission has determined that the opt-out portion of the state’s 2013 workers’ compensation statute is unconstitutional. Ruling on an appeal under the provisions of the Oklahoma Employee Injury Benefit Act, or Opt-Out Act, the three judge … Source: Claims Journal

Pricing improvements over several years in underwriting portfolios have propelled returns for U.S. regional property and casualty insurers, according to Fitch Ratings. The ability to implement further pricing actions in a more competitive market environment will have a significant influence … Source: Claims Journal

Ed Heinlein surveys the steep mountainside that has repeatedly unleashed tons of mud into the backyard of his Southern California home since a 2014 wildfire and still hopes the drought-stricken state gets more rain. “We have to have the rain,” … Source: Claims Journal

Over the next two years, many property/casualty insurers expect to advance their use of predictive analytics to both improve business performance and leverage big data, according to Willis Towers Watson, a global advisory, broking and solutions company. This seemingly makes … Source: Claims Journal

Unprecedented planning by state and local authorities, law enforcement and the insurance industry established what is being called a national model for protecting the public from fly-by-night contractors in the aftermath of a natural disaster. According to the National Insurance … Source: Claims Journal

After hugging family members of victims killed in drunken driving-related accidents, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez signed a bill Tuesday aimed at toughening penalties for drunken driving offenses. Martinez signed the measure during a ceremony at New Mexico State Police … Source: Claims Journal