Government News

US Sees Progress in Easing Climate Change Row with China

Washington claimed progress Monday in easing rifts with Beijing on ways to fight global warming as U.N. climate talks got under way in Mexico with warnings about the rising costs of inaction. The United States and China, the world’s largest …

Auto, Homeowners Insurance Costs in Ohio Well Below National Average

Ohio consumers pay $226 less for homeowners insurance than the U.S. average and nearly $167 less for auto insurance than the U.S. average, according to a report updated by the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII). The homeowners insurance average for Ohio …

Mississippi Judge Asks Court to Restore His Immunity

A Mississippi judge is asking a federal appeals court to restore his immunity from being sued over claims that he knowingly making false claims to authorities. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals scheduled arguments for Dec. 6 in New …

Calif. State Fund Names Clark Chief Operating Officer

California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund has named Tom D. Clark as its chief operating officer. Clark, who assumes his new role on December 1, will replace Harrison D. Jerome, who retires at the end of the year. Clark, a 30-year …

Washington Regulator Wants to Review Health Insurer Surpluses

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is asking state lawmakers to preserve his authority to scrutinize health insurance rates, boost transparency, and to let him — for the first time — consider some insurers’ surpluses when reviewing rates. “Some non-profit insurers …

Feds Say Loren-Maltese Insurance Fraud Conviction Should Stand

Federal prosecutors say the fraud conviction of former Cicero, Ill., president Betty Loren-Maltese should stand, even after a U.S. Supreme Court decision on “honest services” laws. Loren-Maltese served 6 1/2 years in prison for fleecing taxpayers of more than $12 …

Farmers Insurance Files for Homeowners Rate Hike in Texas

Farmers Insurance has filed for a 3.9 percent rate increase for homeowners policies in Texas. The Dallas Morning News reports that Farmers’ filing with the Texas Department of Insurance will affect about half the company’s customers in Texas. Farmers’ spokesman …

Medical Liability Market Faces Challenges from Health Care Changes

The medical professional liability insurance industry faces new challenges from both health reform and increased competition. A new industry study by Conning Research & Consulting claims that both health care reform and heightened competition will slow growth and profitability for …

Ohio Insurance Department Unveils New Premium Comparisons

Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson announced a new online tool designed to educate and assist Ohioans in finding auto insurance that fits their needs. The Auto Insurance Sample Premium Calculator, available at www.insurance.ohio.gov, can be used to …

France, Germany Say Euro Saved; Investors Remain Skeptical

Germany and France declared on Monday that Europe had taken decisive action to save the euro by rescuing Ireland and laying the foundations of a permanent debt resolution system, but investors were not convinced. Under pressure to arrest the threat …