Declarations

Mind Blowing

“This is blowing my mind away.”

—Denham Springs, La., Fire Chief Melvin Wheat said he is ecstatic about the city’s new, improved fire rating – a Class 2. Ratings range from Class 1, which is the best, to Class 10, and a city’s rating is reviewed every five years. Wheat said the fire department has improved training, equipment and fire prevention plans at businesses, and added a ladder truck that it now sends to every fire alarm. The fire rating change will mean about a $50-a-year reduction in fire insurance premiums for the owner of a $150,000 brick home. The town previously had Class 3 rating. AP

Improper Implementation?

“This fee increase impacts everyone, and I believe it was not properly implemented. … Hopefully, the attorney general will reach the same conclusion.”

—Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak has requested that the state’s attorney general determine whether a 2010 bill increasing the costs of driving records was properly enacted by the Legislature. The bill increased the cost of obtaining a motor vehicle report from the Department of Public Safety from $10 dollars to $25, a 150 percent increase. The bill – Senate Bill 1556 – was approved by the Legislature and signed by then-Gov. Brad Henry in 2010. Doak believes that insurers will pass the increased fee for checking driving records onto consumers.

Another Round for TWIA

It is imperative for coastal Texans that lawmakers address the operation of TWIA during the special session, especially now that we are in the midst of a hurricane season that’s expected to be above average.”

—Texas Gov. Rick Perry added the operation of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association as an issue to be addressed during the special session of the Legislature that began on May 31. TWIA is the primary property insurer for wind and hail for homes and businesses in 14 coastal counties prone to hurricanes. Lawmakers got hung up during the regular session on the issue of whether policyholders whose claims are denied can win punitive damages if they challenge the decision and win.