Declarations
Mississippi freethinker “I have been a freethinker for a long time. I haven’t a clue why they did this.” Mississippi Insurance Commissioner George Dale, who has run as a Democrat eight times in his political career, but who this year …
Tenn. bill seeks certification to reduce med-mal claims
Tennessee lawmakers are working on a compromise medical malpractice reform bill that wouldn’t set a cap on damages but would create a way to penalize lawyers who bring frivolous lawsuits. The compromise being hammered out by House Judiciary Chairman Rob …
It Figures
$47.5 million The total damages ordered to be paid by Merck & Co. after an Atlantic City, N.J., jury found its painkiller Vioxx contributed to an Idaho postal worker’s heart attack, reversing the verdict in the man’s first trial. It …
McCarran repeal: Beware of negative unintended consequences
The McCarran-Ferguson Act enacted in 1945 provides for the continued regulation of insurance by the states and a narrow exemption from the general federal antitrust laws. The exemption is limited to activities that constitute the “business of insurance,” are “regulated …
Handle customer data with care — it’s the law
Insurance agents and brokers constantly deal with customers’ personal information. Yet many in the industry may not be aware of the legal requirements for handling or storing this information. How should agents and brokers collect and handle sensitive information? The …
New insurer caters PUREly to Florida’s wealthiest residents
Florida’s wealthy residents have a new personal lines insurer promising to save them money on premiums. The company will sell property/casualty insurance for high value homes, cars, jewelry, art, and personal excess liability coverage. It will offer windstorm deductibles from …
My New Markets
Social Service Organizations Nuts & Bolts: Riverport Insurance Co. provides property, general liability, professional liability, automobile, crime, and excess liability coverages for social service and nonprofit organizations with flexible premium payment plans. Riverport is a Berkley company. Limits vary. Carrier: …
FDA says cloned food safe, but could lead to non-covered claims
Products from cloned animals, such as milk and meat, may be safe to eat, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t insurance risks. The problem is that it’s somewhat too soon to tell what claims could arise, and potentially no coverages …
The Commissioners: Jane Cline
Jane L. Cline was first appointed West Virginia Insurance Commissioner in January 2001 and reappointed by current Gov. Joe Manchin. In addition to her responsibilities as Insurance Commissioner, Cline serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, as …
People and Places
Willis Group Holdings Limited has amended the employment agreement with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Joseph J. Plumeri to extend its term for an additional year. The employment agreement, which was scheduled to expire Oct. 15, 2008, will now expire …
