Monthly Archives: <span>February 2005</span>

Ala., N.C. Agents Join Assurex Global Network

Cobbs Allen & Hall Inc. of Birmingham, Ala., and Senn Dunn, of Greensboro, N.C. have been accepted as members of Assurex Global of Columbus, Ohio, the world’s largest insurance association designed specifically to meet the needs of independent agents and …

Ark. House Approves Bill to Ban Credit as Factor in Rating Auto Premiums

Auto insurance companies would be barred from using credit ratings as a factor in setting auto insurance premiums under a bill passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives, the Associated Press reported. Rep. Rick Green, R-Van Buren, said he drafted …

‘Any Willing Provider’ Bill Passes Ark. House

Following emotional speeches about a lack of treatment options offered by managed health plans, the Arkansas House of Representatives voted to resurrect the state’s “any willing provider” law and open the plans to hospitals and doctors throughout Arkansas. The Associated …

Okla. Governor’s Workers’ Comp Proposal Passes Senate Committee

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry’s workers’ compensation reform bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 5 to 4 vote, according to the Senate Communications Office. The vote split upon party lines with Republican members voting against the bill. The GOP …

Demotech Assigns Financial Stability Ratings to Encompass Floridian Insurers

Demotech Inc. has announced the assignment of Financial Stability Ratings of “A” (Exceptional) to Encompass Floridian Insurance Company (EFIC) and Encompass Floridian Indemnity Company (EFI). The assignment of these Financial Stability Ratings® was a critical component to the positioning and …

Auto Insurance Tracking Bill Clears Okla. House

The Oklahoma House of Representatives Media Services Division reported a bill that would allow law enforcement officials to instantly determine if a car is insured has cleared the House by a vote of 74-26. House Bill 1351, by Rep. John …

Willis Expands Pittsburgh Office with Key Hires

Deneen Schmitt and Jim Cottone are among two of the newest additions to the expanding Pittsburgh, Pa. operations of Willis Group Holdings. Schmitt has joined Willis from Aon to serve as a senior vice president for the Executive Risk Practice. …

N.Y. Court Rules ‘No Pay, No Protection’ from Suits Under Workers’ Comp Law for Scofflaw Employers

New York State’s highest court has ruled that employers that fail to purchase workers compensation coverage cannot hide behind the workers’ compensation protection against being sued by employees. In reversing a lower court ruling, the New York Court of Appeals …

N.Y. Equity Firm Buys Insurance Auto Auctions

Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. in Westchester, Ill. has signed an agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Kelso & Company, a New York based private equity investment firm. The aggregate value of the merger transaction is approximately $385 million. ValueAct …

Insurers Concerned With ‘Burdensome’ N.Y. Credit Score Regulations

Insurance companies are concerned that new regulations adopted by the New York Insurance Department regarding the use of credit information for personal lines coverage could be more burdensome than necessary. The department’s Feb. 17 promulgation of rules dealing with Article …