Articles by Patricia-Anne Tom

The sinking subprime market: Creating woes for Countrywide and Balboa?

Many in the financial industry are speculating what could happen to insurance companies as a result of the subprime mortgage mess, but the truth is it may be too soon to tell. One of the hardest-hit lenders, Countrywide Financial Corp. …

The sinking subprime market: Creating woes for Countrywide and Balboa?

Many in the financial industry are speculating what could happen to insurance companies as a result of the subprime mortgage mess, but the truth is it may be too soon to tell. One of the hardest-hit lenders, Countrywide Financial Corp. …

Insurers oppose proposed Calif. workers’ comp deductible

Some California insurers are asking the Legislature to reconsider a proposal that they say will dramatically boost workers’ compensation temporary disability payments to injured workers. The American Insurance Association (AIA) submitted comments to the California Department of Insurance (CDI) on …

Calif. court rules workers’ comp costs can be tallied in incentive plans

The California Supreme Court has ruled that incentive compensation plans, calculated on profits, can subtract out costs for workers’ compensation costs from profits, even if it discourages employees from reporting workplace injuries. In Eddy Korkiat Prachasaisoradej v. Ralphs Grocery Co. …

Will the sinking subprime market create woes for Countrywide and Balboa?

Many in the financial industry are speculating what could happen to insurance companies as a result of the subprime mortgage mess, but the truth is it may be too soon to tell. One of the hardest-hit companies, Countrywide Financial Corp., …

Calif. State Fund names Frank new president

The California State Compensation Insurance Fund has selected Janet Frank to be its new president. Frank, currently executive vice president of North American Field Operations for CNA Financial, is scheduled to begin working at SCIF in October. SCIF noted it …

Swett & Crawford helps provide housing

Insurance companies may be known for helping to restore and rebuild homes after catastrophes or accidents, but Atlanta-based Swett & Crawford may soon be known as an insurance company that helps build homes before a claim has even been made. …

Calif. High Court Rules Discovery Does Not Apply to Reinsurance Documents

The California Supreme Court has ruled that a statute authorizing limited discovery of a defendant’s insurance coverage does not include authorization to look into reinsurance agreements as part of facilitating a pretrial settlement. In Catholic Mutual Relief Society et al. …

Court Rules Workers’ Comp Costs Can Be Tallied in Incentive Compensation

The California Supreme Court has ruled that incentive compensation plans, calculated on profits, can subtract out costs for workers’ compensation costs from profits, even if it discourages employees from reporting workplace injuries. In Eddy Korkiat Prachasaisoradej v. Ralphs Grocery Co. …

Insurers Say Alaska Court Decision Could Lead to Uneven Rates

A ruling by the Alaska State Supreme Court requiring insurers to re-rate all policies at the very first renewal as if credit information was never considered will have the unintended result of forcing good insurance risks to pay more – …