News Currents

Judge rules in favor of plaintiffs in New Orleans canal case In a decision that could cost insurers billions of dollars more than they have already paid out in Hurricane Katrina claims, a federal judge in New Orleans ruled that …

Texas commissioner approves TWIA rate hike Although not as substantial as those sought by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Associa-tion, Texas Insurance Commis-sioner Mike Geeslin signed an order on Nov. 15 giving TWIA rate hikes of 3.7 percent for commercial property …

Employers offering health coverage in California declining California has the most number of people without insurance coverage compared to any other state – and the number of employers offering health insurance plans is declining. According to a recent “Snapshot of …

Deceased employee’s estate not entitled to workers’ comp benefits, appeals court rules The Second Appellate Court of California has ruled in Six Flags Inc. vs. Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, et. al. that it is unconstitutional to award a $250,000 worker’s …

Safeco lists on NYSE, hopes to grow by improving agent incentives Seattle-based Safeco said it is expecting independent agents, in part, will help the company grow organically and provide predictable returns for investors. In a question and answer session following …

Political furor arises over proposed SW Idaho flood map expansion As local officials work to boost southwestern Idaho’s economy, the National Flood Insurance Program may expand its flood-plain maps — which could cost residents and business owners millions in additional …

National company dumps jockey insurance in Montana A national company that arranged insurance for race jockeys in Montana this year has dropped all four of the state’s race tracks for 2007, leaving the tracks scrambling to find another insurance provider. …

CA State Fund files rate decrease California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund is calling for a 9 percent average decrease in collectible premium its latest filing of workers’ compensation rates for 2007. The new rate will affect new and renewal workers’ …

Mass. employee smoking over firing A Massachusetts man has filed a lawsuit against The Scotts Co., alleging the lawn and garden company violated his privacy and civil rights when it fired him because he smokes. Scott Rodrigues, of Bourne, claims …

Insurers urge Supreme Court to overturn 9th Circuit ruling on credit scoring A national insurance trade group has filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the cases of Safeco Insurance v. Burr and Geico General Insurance …