Currents

Ore. Senate committee to allow preteens on ATVs

All-terrain vehicle riders and those concerned about their safety have reached a compromise that would keep preteen children on the popular machines. An Oregon Senate committee announced a plan that would require riders to take a safety class. Moreover, a …

N.H. weighs seat belt savings vs. freedom

When New Hampshire House lawmakers recently passed a seat belt bill, supporters emphasized that buckling up would save lives. But the issue also has financial ramifications, and not just because changing the law would net the state $3.7 million in …

Oregon bill could increase maximum allowable liability limits

The Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee is considering increasing the maximum liability limits that may be awarded for damage claims against government agencies. Meanwhile, the state Supreme Court is evaluating arguments on whether the Oregon Legislature can constitutionally limit the amount …

N.Y. City puts foot down on pedicabs

New York City’s hordes of unregulated bicycle taxis will have to meet licensing, insurance and safety standards, and only 325 will be allowed to operate at one time, thanks to a City Council’s recent override of a mayoral veto. The …

Nationwide to readjust 500 Miss. Katrina claims

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. will readjust claims for about 500 Mississippi policyholders whose homes were reduced to foundations by Hurricane Katrina, state Insurance Commissioner George Dale said. The so-called “slab cases” on the Gulf Coast have been the most contentious …

Study questions insurance cost effect on Pa. doctor supply

Spiraling-malpractice insurance costs appeared to have little effect on the number of doctors in high-risk specialties practicing in Pennsylvania over a 10-year period, according to a new study. Opponents of efforts to limit pain-and-suffering awards in malpractice lawsuits said the …

Allstate wins 29% statewide rate hike in Miss.; resumes coastal writings excluding wind coverage

Mississippi insurance regulators have approved a statewide rate increase of 29 percent for Allstate homeowner policyholders, the Northbrook, Ill.-based insurer reported. The company, in a written statement, attributed the hike to the “increased costs of doing business in Mississippi due …

Dog daze: pet food case raises product recall, ‘special’ property claims

The tragedy could even lead to some new coverage opportunities for the insurance industry if lawyers are successful While the manufacturer of the contaminated multi-brand pet foods that have caused an unknown number of pet deaths and illnesses wants to …

Freeing streams of debris could stem flooding in W. Va., other states

When streams and rivers throughout West Virginia surged over their banks last week, causing millions of dollars of damage, Garrett Fork in Logan County was virtually alone in not flooding. That’s no anomaly: county officials say Garrett Fork is the …

Sullivan confirmed as Conn. commissioner

The Connecticut House of Representatives has confirmed the nomination of a former claims executive with The Hartford, Thomas R. Sullivan, to be the state’s insurance commissioner. The confirmation, a voice vote on a resolution offered by Rep. Claire L. Janowski, …

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