Monthly Archives: <span>April 2020</span>

Louisiana ExxonMobil Refinery Releases Findings from Fire Investigation

A February blaze inside ExxonMobil’s refinery in Louisiana’s capital city was caused by air getting into a line containing hydrocarbon material and igniting, the company said, releasing the results of an internal investigation. ExxonMobil said it will ensure the valves …

Despite Insurance Industry Concerns, More States Introduce COVID-19 BI Bills

New Jersey was the first state to propose a bill that would mandate insurers cover COVID-19-related losses under their business interruption policies, and the insurance industry was quick to express its concern. But that hasn’t stopped some states from rolling …

Montana Seeking $43M in Disputed Tobacco Settlement Payments

Montana is asking a judge to force a group of tobacco companies to make more than $43 million in payments to the state that they have disputed over the past 15 years, Attorney General Tim Fox said this week. The …

After All These Years, States Still Don’t Understand Credit Scoring

You may have missed it, as some bigger events have been dominating the headlines in recent weeks, but the West Virginia Legislature and Maryland General Assembly both recently adjourned after having considered bills (SB 659 and SB 17, respectively) that …

MAPFRE Launches Staying Home Refund for Policyholders During Pandemic

MAPFRE Insurance has announced its Staying Home Refund program, which will return 15 percent of April and May premium to its voluntary personal auto policyholders in Massachusetts, totaling more than $30 million. On average, most policyholders will receive a credit …

Massachusetts’ Safety Insurance to Reduce Auto Premiums During COVID-19 Pandemic

Safety Insurance has announced a premium reduction plan and several other steps to meet policyholder and community needs during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Safety Personal Auto Relief Credit offers eligible Safety Insurance personal auto policyholders that have a policy …

Vandal on Backhoes Causes Damage at New Jersey Construction Site

A vandal used a backhoe to damage numerous items at a southern New Jersey construction site, including the backhoe. Bridgeton police responded to the site around 8:30 p.m. Saturday after someone called 911, authorities said. They were told a man …

Many Insurance Policies Bought by Small UK Firms Don’t Cover Pandemic: Regulator

Most insurance policies bought by smaller UK companies do not cover disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but those that do should make interim pay-outs quickly, a watchdog said on Wednesday, as insurers come under fire for being slow to …

OSHA Inspectors to Prioritize Health Facilities Over Other Sites During Coronavirus Crisis

The U.S. agency that enforces workplace safety laws has said it will prioritize work site inspections of healthcare facilities over other “essential” businesses that remain open during the coronavirus outbreak. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said in guidance …

Guest Post: The Insurance Professional’s Guide to Giving Depositions Part 4: Preparing to Testify as a Corporate Representative

Today’s post is the fourth in a series of posts by friend of the Academy, Crystal M. Uebelher, J.D., CPCU. Crystal is an insurance professional and a lawyer. Crystal loves teaching non-lawyers about the law and lawyers about insurance. If …