Coastal unity on windstorm insurance reform is a wise approach
\n(Corpus Christi Caller-Times © 02/01/2012) (Registration Required)\n
CORPUS CHRISTI ?\nIt's reassuring to see coastal lawmakers and business leaders getting together as they did last week in Corpus Christi in search of a unified ");
document.write("approach to windstorm insurance reform. Hurricane Ike taught Texas the shakiness of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and not enough has been done since to address it.\n\nIt behooves lawmakers from the 14 coastal counties to show up at...\n
Top Mobile Auto Insurers Ranked
\n(Insurance Networking News © 02/01/2012)
2012 off to furious start in tornadoes
\n(USA Today &c");
document.write("opy; 02/01/2012)
January has been an unusually violent month for tornadoes in the USA: 70 twisters have been reported. And more could be on the way. The total this month is the third-highest in January since accurate tornado records began in 1950....\n
Protect Holiday Gifts with a Home Inventory and Insurance Smarts
\n(Allst");
document.write("ate © 01/31/2012)
Americans overwhelmingly value home protection, yet many lack the proper knowledge and documentation to protect their possessions, including newly acquired holiday gifts. This comes from new research by Allstate Insurance Company,...\n
Thinking Economically: Tort Reform Working in Texas
\n(Gilmer Mirro");
document.write("r © 01/31/2012)
Musings on Economic Freedom from the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s \n\n Center for Economic Freedom \n\n Civil justice systems fill an important role in society, allowing parties to settle their disputes without violence and without the government turning a civil dispute into a criminal matter. \n\n A well-functioning civil justice system should dispense justice, i.e., to right wrongs as best p...\n
Competition in the U.S. Auto Insurance Market Has Driven Down Premium Costs
\n(Insurance Information Institute © 01/31/2012)
The I.I.I. vigorously contested a Consumer Federation of America (CFA) study which asserted that insurance rating practices were driving up auto insurance prices for low- and moderate-income households....\n
Peers as Passengers Studies Support Graduated Licenses for Teen Drivers
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/31/2012)
Two new studies support the efforts of states in imposing restrictions on teen driving....\n
Commissioner Kitzman's Stat");
document.write("ement Regarding TWIA Actuarial Review
\n(Texas Department of Insurance © 01/27/2012)
Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) issued this statement following the decision today of the TWIA Board to retain a consulting actuary: I believe a fresh set of actuarial eyes will be helpful to TWIA and its policyholders as we seek to ensure that policyholders are protected and that their claims are paid in a timely and appropriate manner. It is my understandi...\n
<");
document.write("A TARGET=\"_new\" HREF=\"http://mediatracking.com/npcapp/bounce.aspx/publisher/33913/9/UHVibGlzaGVyIFVzZXI~/600155774\">Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Review is OK'd
\n(Texas Tribune © 01/27/2012)
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association board today unanimously approved a proposal from a third-party firm to conduct a financial review of the insurer of Texas? coastal residents ? despite avid opposition from state Rep. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, the co-chairman of the Windstorm Insurance Legislative Over");
document.write("sight Board....\n
Storm produces tornado in Northeast Austin, damage from flooding across region
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 01/26/2012)
Surprisingly powerful storms early Wednesday caused a tornado that ravaged an industrial park and parts of a neighborhood in Northeast Austin, as well as floods, power outages, wat");
document.write("er rescues, school closures and destruction across Central Texas and much of the state....\n
Storms produce at least one Houston area tornado
\n(Houston Chronicle © 01/26/2012)
Forecasters said Wednesday?s storm dumped up to three inches of rainfall in some spots in the Houston area and sparked at least one tornado in ");
document.write("Pearland and another in Brenham....\n
Hailstorms, Heat and Wildfires Made 2011 a Rough Year in Texas
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/25/2012)
With weather forecasters issuing severe weather alerts for Texas as a slow moving cold front rolls across the state, many Texans may be reminded of the natural forces in 2011 that dest");
document.write("royed lives and property in all corners of the Lone Star State....\n
Distracted Teen Driving: The Hazards of Having Friends in the Car
\n(Time © 01/25/2012)
It?s a well-known fact that driving with friends can increase a teen?s crash risk, which is why many states have laws restricting the number of passengers that tee");
document.write("n drivers can transport. Now researchers from the Children?s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm insurance have shed light on why teens? driving skills can spin out of control when friends are in the car....\n
Cedar Park cracks down on uninsured drivers
\n(KVUE (ABC Austin) © 01/23/2012)
If someone is pulled over i");
document.write("n Cedar Park, police said there will no longer be any tolerance for uninsured drivers. The City of Cedar Park will start strengthening its enforcement of uninsured motorist laws....\n
Texas? new insurance chief being closely watched by consumers, lawmakers and industry
\n(Dallas Morning News © 01/22/2012) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN — Five months on the job as Texas’ top insurance regulator, Houston native and former insurance executive Eleanor Kitzman is under close scrutiny by consumer groups, lawmakers and insurers as she deals with the first major rate filings of her tenure.\n\n\nAs head of the agency that regulates the\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n ...\n
Bad drivers, busted on the Internet
\n(Fox Business © 01/20/2012)
When it comes to insurance, anyone who files a claim should expect the insurer to conduct at least a cursory check of the claimant's online musings. The bigger the claim, or the brighter the red flag it raises, the more intense the snooping....\n
Texas Ranks Low in Study of Building Codes; Louisiana Fares Better
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/20/2012)
That Texas ranked among the bottom three states in a recently released analysis of residential building codes in the 18 hurricane-prone coastal states does not sit well with the state?s insurance regulators....\n
4 Insurers Make Fortune?s 100 Best Companies to Work For
\n(Insurance Network News © 01/20/2012)
FORTUNE magazine released its 2012 list of \"100 Best Companies to Work For,\" which contained four insurers and a handful of vendors and consultants that play in the insurance space. The top-rated carrier on this year's list is USAA, which provides a full range of financial services to member of the U.S. military and their families....\n
Nationwide hiring reps, new agents in San Antonio
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 01/20/2012)
Nationwide Insurance will hold a job-recruiting event next week to help the company meet the previously announced goal of hiring by 2014 some 800 people in San Antonio, as well as 30 new agents....\n
P/C Insurance Industry Enlisting Veterans in Talent War
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/18/2012)
The property/casualty insurance industry is calling on the military for help in the talent war.\r\nThrough special units, concerted outreach, mentoring programs, job fairs and partnerships with veterans organizations, insurance companies and brokers are letting it be known that the insurance industry has opportunities for more than a few good men and women looking for post-milita");
document.write("ry careers in the pr...\n
Texas Windstorm Insurer Names New Controller and VP of Claims
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/18/2012)
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) recently named Pete Gise as controller and David Williams as vice president of claims....\n
Texas tightens reins on HNTB, which was hired to manage U.S. disaster grants
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 01/16/2012)
The Texas General Land Office has signed a new contract that puts tighter controls on engineering firm HNTB, which ran into trouble last year for overspending money budgeted for managing federal grants to Texas communities stricken by hurricanes Ike and Do");
document.write("lly....\n
Are Texas home insurance rates unfairly high?
\n(Dallas Morning News © 01/14/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Rates could be lower ...\n\n\nRe: \"Texas homeowners again pay nation's highest rates -- Costs rise faster elsewhere, but state still tops average for U.S. by more than $600,\" Tuesd");
document.write("ay news story.\n\n\nThe concerns of many Texans about the high rates they pay for property insurance are legitimate. As the article highlights, the state's overall average premium -- nearly $1,500 per home per year -- is the h...\n
Texas homeowners pay highest insurance premiums for second year in a row
\n(Dallas Morning News © 0");
document.write("1/10/2012) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN — Texas homeowners paid the most expensive insurance premiums in the country for the second year in a row, although average premiums in the state have not been increasing as sharply as in other states, according to new figures from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.\n\n\nThe average annual\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n ...\n
");
document.write("Texas legislators start tackling top issues between sessions
\n(Dallas Morning News © 01/10/2012)
Texas legislators may work part-time, as Gov. Rick Perry frequently points out on the presidential campaign trail, but 2012 isn?t totally a year off. Wildfires, drought, border security, coastal insurance and electricity demand are among issues lawmakers are delving into this year in legislative committee meetings between sessions....\n
<");
document.write("A TARGET=\"_new\" HREF=\"http://mediatracking.com/npcapp/bounce.aspx/publisher/33913/26/UHVibGlzaGVyIFVzZXI~/600153610\">Flash flooding, tornadoes plagued Houston area after heavy storm
\n(Houston Chronicle © 01/10/2012)
The light rain excepted Tuesday is a welcome sight after a powerful storm rumbled through the area Monday, dumping record rainfall, ripping roofs from homes and flooding freeways and streets, according to the National Weather Service....\n
2102 Brings Operational Changes for Texas Windstorm Insurer
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/10/2012)
The New Year ushered in changes to the operation of Texas?s insurance company of last resort for wind and hail along the Texas coast....\n
Nationwide looking to fill positions
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 01/10/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Nationwide Insurance, which announced in October 2009 that it planned to nearly double its workforce in San Antonio, will host an open house Jan. 24 to recruit employees for a variety of positions.\n\nThe open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Marriott Courtyard, 11605 Texas 151, San Antonio. The hotel is near Nationwide's");
document.write(" new Westover Hills facility, which is scheduled to be completed in...\n
Texas Governor Renews Drought Disaster Declaration
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/09/2012)
Gov. Rick Perry has renewed a proclamation declaring Texas a disaster due to the drought.\r\n\r\nPerry renewed the proclamation on Dec. 27, a year after he initially");
document.write(" declared the drought a disaster. The proclamation allows municipalities to apply for state assistance in dealing with the drought?s impacts, including fighting and recovering from wildfires.\r\n\r\nPerry?s proclamation says all counties in th...\n
Drunk Driver Test? There?s an App for That
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/05/2012) <");
document.write("br>A drunken driving test may not seem the likeliest place to come up with a mobile phone app, but that?s when inspiration struck Nashville, Tennessee resident Clay Bradley.\r\n\r\nBradley said he was following a policeman?s pen with his eyes when it dawned on him that a smart phone could be used for the same purpose.\r\n\r\nHe mentioned his idea to some friends, and they came up with BreathalEyes. The 99-ce...\n
Americans expected to buy more cars in 2012
\n(Palestine Herald Press © 01/05/2012)
DETROIT (AP) — Strong sales in December capped off a great year for U.S. carmakers — especially Chrysler — and 2012 should be even better.\n\n \n\n\n\n For their biggest Japanese rivals, a year of natural disasters and other struggles ended on a sour note, with U.S. sales falling and the outlook for next year just as challenging.\n \n\n\n\n Chrysler Group, in the midst of a comeback after...\n
21 percent of county drivers uninsured
\n(Gainesville Daily Register © 01/04/2012)
Cooke County — \n \n\n\n\n The same document released by the Texas Department of Insurance also indicated there were 3.8 million unmatched registrations in the entire state of Texas.\n\n\n\n The Texas Department of Insurance defines unmatched vehicle registrati");
document.write("ons as calculated by matching the vehicle insurance records to vehicle registration records. The unmatched vehicle registration represents uni...\n
Fatal Connecticut Fire Reminds Homeowners of Ash Dangers
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/04/2012)
Fire safety officials are warning homeowners about the dangers of fireplace ashe");
document.write("s after a Christmas morning blaze that killed five people in Connecticut.\r\n\r\nAuthorities say the fire in Stamford was caused by a bag of fireplace ashes left near the back of the home. Seven-year-old twin girls, their 10-year-old sister and their grandparents died....\n
Mike Jackson: The TT Interview
\n(The Texas Tribune © 01/");
document.write("04/2012)
By state Sen. Mike Jackson?s count, he has been the acting governor of the State of Texas for (at least portions of) 15 days in the last year.\r\n\r\nAs president pro tempore of the Texas Senate, the La Porte Republican is second in line for the acting governorship ? behind Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst ? when Gov. Rick Perry is not around.\r\n\r\nThe acting governor of Texas must be in the state. Campaigning f...\n
Allstate Offers Claim Satisfaction Guarantee
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/03/2012)
Allstate has decided to expand a claims guarantee to their auto insurance customers that will provide a credit to their auto policies if they are not satisfied with their auto claims service.\r\n\r\nThe claim satisfaction guarantee was tested last year in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Georgia, where it was added, at no additional cost, to standard auto policies. It is now going to be available in 31 st...\n
\n
State Farm sues Toyota over damages from building collision, claims faulty accelerator was to blame
\n(Victoria Advocate © 12/31/2011)
Two years after a Victoria woman's Toyota Camry crashed into a building, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance is suing Toyota claiming a faulty accelerator pedal was to blame. \n\n\nState Farm file");
document.write("d the lawsuit as a representative of its client Margaret Totah in district court in late October against Toyota Motor Sales, whose principal place of business is in Torrance, Calif.\n\n\nState Farm hopes to ...\n
As San Antonio Grows, So Does Its Confidence
\n(Texas Tribune © 12/30/2011)
SAN ANTONIO — In 2008, after");
document.write(" 15 years as the Alamo City’s largest corporate resident, AT&T announced it was moving its headquarters to Dallas — and taking 700 executives along with it. In the past, that San Antonio’s first Fortune 500 company had outgrown its home might have seemed an insurmountable blow for this city with a pre-existing inferiority complex. But these d...\n
Allstate Foundation awards grants to 5 El Paso-area organizations
\n(El Paso Times © 12/29/2011)
Five organizations in the El Paso area received grants from the Allstate Foundation in 2011. \n\nThe foundation presented grants to organizations that supported three key focus areas:\n\n * Ending domestic violence.\n\n * Promoting teen safe driving.\n\n * Helping to build vital communities.\n\n\"The very fabric of Allstate consists of people who care about their local community,\" said Phil Lawson, ...\n
Auto Insurance Claim Costs Rising Again
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/29/2011)
Auto insurance claim costs countrywide have recently increased, reversing previous trends of declining or relatively stable costs.\r\n\r\nA new report from the Insurance Research Council (IRC), ?Trends in Auto Injury Claims, 2011 Edition,? documents auto injury claim trends, both countrywide a");
document.write("nd by state, using private passenger auto claim data from national and state-level statistical reporting agenc...\n
Insurers Worry 2012 Will Top 2011 for Record Weather Disasters
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/29/2011)
From floods that crippled countries, to mega cyclones, huge blizzards, killer tornadoes to famine-inducing");
document.write(" droughts, 2011 has been another record-breaker for bad weather.\r\n\r\nWhile it is too early to predict what 2012 will be like, insurers and weather prediction agencies point to a clear trend: the world?s weather is becoming more extreme and more costly.\r\n\r\nFollowing are details of major weather...\n
First half of the year starts with snowfall, ends with");
document.write(" drought
\n(Longview News © 12/29/2011)
The new year began with not one, but two snowfalls. Snowmen\ndotted the landscape after 3 inches of snow fell in Camp County\nJan. 8. There was no school the following day.\n \n \n\nThe first snowfall turned into a crime-fighting tool. After a\nburglary was reported on Farm-to-Market Road 3384 on Jan. 11,\nDeputy Tim Baucom was able to track the man responsible in the\nsnow.\n \n\n\nOn...\n
Insurers' profits lowest since '08
\n(St. Petersburg Times © 12/28/2011) (Registration Required)\n
NEW YORK — U.S. property and casualty insurers' profitability fell to the lowest level since 2008 as losses from natural disasters exceeded gains in sales and investment income.\r\n\r\nInsurers posted a 1.9 percent annualized rate of return on policyholders' surplus, or cushion against unexpected claims, in the nin");
document.write("e months through Sept. 30, according to a statement Tuesday from the Property Casu...\n
Catastrophes Erode P/C Insurers? Results for 9 Months of 2011
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/27/2011)
Private U.S. property/casualty insurers? net losses on underwriting grew to $34.9 billion in nine-months 2011 from $6.3 billion in nine");
document.write("-months 2010. The combined ratio deteriorated to 109.9 percent for nine-months 2011 from 101.2 percent for nine-months 2010, according to ISO and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI)....\n
Federal Flood Insurance Reauthorized Until May 2012
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/27/2011)
The federal flood ins");
document.write("urance program has been extended until May 31, 2012 under another short-term consolidated appropriations bill (H.R. 2055) passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by President Obama on Dec. 23....\n
2011: Weather by the Billions
\n(The Weather Channel © 12/27/2011)
The twelve billion-dollar disasters in 2011 ");
document.write("are the most we've seen in one year since records began in 1980. The combined cost exceeds $50 billion!...\n
Allstate Foundation gives $102K to Austin nonprofits
\n(Austin Business Journal © 12/24/2011)
The Allstate Foundation awarded $102,000 to 14 Austin-area nonprofits in 2011.\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n ");
document.write(" \n \n \n Sarah Drake Web Editor - Austin Business Journal\n \n Email\n \n\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\nMore than a dozen Austin area nonprofit organizations...\n
Hurricane Forecaster Delays 2012 Prediction Until Spring<");
document.write("/A>
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/21/2011)
Hurricane forecaster William Gray will wait until spring to predict how many storms will form in the Atlantic.\r\n\r\nGray and his research partner at Colorado State University, Philip Klotzbach, usually start making predictions in December but this month, for the first time in 20 years, they?re holding off on forecasting the number of named storms, including hurricanes.\r\n\r\nKlotzbach says they?ve trie...\n
Johnson Elected to Lead Insurance Council of Texas Board
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/21/2011)
The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) has elected Joe Johnson chairman of the board of directors beginning Jan. 1, 2012.\r\n\r\nJohnson is vice president and regional manager of the United Fire Group. Johnson has served 35 years in the insurance industry in various positions with companies in Texas and Arkansas.\r\n\r\nA word from our sponsor:\r\nCatlin is a specialty i");
document.write("nsurer and reinsurer working in partner...\n
Speed limits going up on area highways
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 12/19/2011)
Signs with an unfamiliar message \"speed limit 75\" have been showing up on major Central Texas roads this fall, the result of a change in state law earlier in the year. And limits on Interstate ");
document.write("35 through Austin, now 55 mph to 70 mph, likewise will be inching up 5 to 10 mph in many sections during the next week or so.\r\n\r\nThe local changes are probably a harbinger of higher speed limits statewide. T...\n
The Next Big Thing in Insurance Coverage Is Here
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/19/2011)
Some in the insurance i");
document.write("ndustry are staking their futures on the reputations of others. That is, they are looking to insure reputational risk.\r\n\r\nWith the boom in social media, interest in reputational risk has itself boomed. The term refers to a company?s risk of having its reputation damaged because of certain events or incidents and the fallout that takes place because of these incidents. In som...\n
Time for distracted drivers to hang it up
\n(Washington Post © 12/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
IT IS DISTURBINGLY commonplace: the driver with eyes cast down as he texts. The teen behind the wheel chatting away on a Bluetooth device in his ear. Cellphones, Blackberrys, electronic tablets and other personal electronic devices have dramatically changed the way most people go about their lives and do their work — and largely for the better. But irresponsible use of these revolutionary in...\n
Distracted Driving Stems From More Than Cell Phone Use, Insurers Say
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/16/2011)
Using a cell phone while driving is not the only distraction leading to automobile crashes today, says a group of insurance carriers.\r\n\r\nWhile the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board?s (NTSB) call for a national ban ");
document.write("on cell phone use while driving brings needed attention to the issue, the discussion should focus on how to reduce all forms of distracted driving, according to the Property Casu...\n
FEMA: Texas Wildfire Survivors Should Consider Flood Insurance
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/16/2011)
Flood protection might be the last con");
document.write("cern of Texas wildfire survivors these days. Yet Texans ? even those who live in areas not rated at high risk of flooding ? should consider purchasing a flood insurance policy now, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).\r\n\r\nFlood risk is higher as a direct consequence of the wildfires that denuded thousands of acres in Texas this year, FEM...\n
Share the Wheel Without Paying for Additional Drivers
\n(Fox News © 12/15/2011)
* \n \n \n \n\nSo you're about to hit the road on your big vacation --and you're at the rental car counter trying to figure out who is going to drive. \n\nYou want to share the driving but don't want to pay the $10-$13 per-day fee. After all, these charges can add up quickly, and are often overlooked when calculating the cost of renting the car.\n\nHaving the flexibility of a...\n
Gov?t Says Holiday Decorating Injuries on the Rise
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/15/2011)
`Tis the season for dancing sugar plums, goodwill toward all ? and sometimes emergency-room trips from holiday decorating injuries.\r\n\r\nThe Consumer Product Safety Commission says injuries involving falls from ladders while stringing lights, cuts from broken glass ornaments and other decorating activ");
document.write("ities are on the rise. The government estimates that more than 13,000 people were treated in emergen...\n
National Transportation Board Recommends Ban on Driver Cell Phone Use
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/15/2011)
States should ban all driver use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices, except in emergencies,");
document.write(" the National Transportation Board said Tuesday.\r\n\r\nThe recommendation, unanimously agreed to by the five-member board, applies to both hands-free and hand-held phones and significantly exceeds any existing state laws restricting texting and cellphone use behind the wheel.\r\n\r\nThe board made...\n
Insurers Rattled by U.S. Storms in 2011 Beyond Tornado A");
document.write("lley
\n(Washington Post © 12/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Insurers Rattled by U.S. Storms in 2011 Beyond Tornado AlleyNoah BuhayarDec 14, 2011 9:37 am ET(Updates with U.S. flood costs in the seventh paragraph.) Dec. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Insurers are being forced to re- think their models after tornadoes killed more than 550 people in the U.S. this year, data provider CoreLogic Inc. said. More than 1,550 confirmed tornadoes had been reported in the U...\n
<");
document.write("b>Innovation arrives in insurance
\n(Nashville Tennessean © 12/14/2011)
CHICAGO — The insurance industry hasn?t been known for innovation.\n\nBut imagine if you could file a claim after an auto accident by simply snapping a photo of the damage with your smartphone. Or buy coverage for your boat or motorcycle by the mile or for just a weekend.\n\nEarlier this year, Allstate Corp.?s headquart");
document.write("ers officially opened what?s known as its Insight, Design & Innovation Center...\n
More Texas teens die in traffic wrecks
\n(Austin KXAN (NBC) 36 © 12/13/2011)
AUSTIN (KXAN) - More teenagers in Texas die in traffic accidents than in any other state. \n\nAccording to a report just released by Allstate, 556 teens lost thei");
document.write("r lives on Texas roadways in 2009. \n\nThe report also said Texas needs to strengthen its teen driving laws. A lot has changed throughout the last 10 years when it comes to teen driving laws in Texas. \n\nSarina Walden, who has a 17-year-old so...\n
Homeowner claims roofer lied about certification
\n(South East Texas Record © 12/1");
document.write("3/2011)
News > Galveston County\n \n \n Homeowner claims roofer lied about certification\n \n \n\n 12/12/2011 1:00 PM By John Suayan, Galveston Bureau \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ...\n
Beaman Floyd: Weather and insurance
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 12/11/2011)
Weather-related disasters are the biggest cost driver today in the insurance marketplace, as a columnist recently pointed out. Especially in Texas.\r\n\r\nWe might have dodged a hurricane this year, but Texans have filed claims for losses from windstorms, freezing temperatures, pounding hailstorms, tornadoes and, of course, the terrible record wildfires in Central Texas and throughout the state.\r\n\r\nMe...\n
Texas Man Accused of Drowning $1.2M Sports Car for Insurance
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/06/2011)
The insurer of a $1.2 million sports car that plunged into a Galveston Bay lagoon two years ago says the owner deliberately drove into the marsh to collect on a $2.2 million insurance policy.\r\n\r\nNo trial date has been set in the federal ");
document.write("lawsuit that Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co. filed against Lufkin auto dealer Andy House, the Houston Chronicle reported. The lawsuit accuses House of intenti...\n
U.S. P/C Insurers? Catastrophe Losses Top $38 Billion
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/06/2011)
Catastrophe-related losses experienced by the U.S. property/ca");
document.write("sualty (P/C) industry through the first nine months of 2011 have nearly doubled total year-end 2010 losses, according to the latest estimates from A.M. Best Co.\r\n\r\nThe estimated total net pretax accident-year catastrophe-related losses during the first nine months of 2011 were $38.6 billion, up $22.5 billion, or 140 percent, from an est...\n
Study: Ph");
document.write("ased-in teen driving privileges could save 2,000
\n(USA Today © 12/06/2011)
The USA could save 2,000 lives a year if all 50 states instituted comprehensive programs of phased-in driving privileges for teens, according to a report out today.\"We knew that when states pass good laws, lives are saved and a lot of money is saved. We'd just never done the analysis,\" says John Ulczycki of the National Safety Council, which researched the issue for the Allstate Foundation.The re...\n
Brown to chair windstorm insurance coalition
\n(Galveston Daily News © 12/03/2011)
GALVESTON — Attorney Anthony “Tony” Brown has been elected to succeed Lee Otis “Otie” Zapp as chair of the Coastal Windstorm Insurance Coalition and its parent organization, the Galveston Windstorm Action Committee Inc.\n\nZapp, who has chaired the group for 25 years, will continue as vice cha");
document.write("ir of the nonprofit organization established in 1986 to ensure Galveston prope...\n
Insured Loss Estimate from Hurricane Irene Rises to $4.3 Billion
\n(Insurance Journal © 11/28/2011)
An insurance industry service that tracks catastrophe losses has sharply raised its estimates for August?s Hurricane Irene, projecting i");
document.write("nsured property damage of $4.3 billion from the first hurricane to hit the United States in three years.\r\n\r\nProperty Claim Services, which bases its estimates on confidential insurer surveys and its own database of houses across the country, raised its estimate by...\n
Insured Loss Estimate from Hurricane Irene Rises to $4.3 Billion
");
document.write("\n(Unknown © 11/28/2011)
......\n
Beware of the unlicensed contractor
\n(Unknown © 11/17/2011)
......\n
Red alert: Shatner warns of flaming turkey fryers
\n(St. Louis Post-Dispatch © 11/16/2011)
State Farm insurance has recruited actor William Shatner to warn\nthe public before Thanksgiving about the dangers of turkey\nfryers.\n \n \n \n \n\nThe Bloomington-based insurance company says Shatner, best known\nas Capt. Kirk from TV's original \"Star Trek\" series, brings fun to\na serious matter. In a video on the company's YouTube channel,\nShatner stands near a fr...\n
Insurance Executives Turn Pessimistic Over Business Outlook: Survey
\n(Insurance Journal © 11/11/2011)
Many U.S. insurance executives believe that business conditions have worsened compared to a year ago. Faced with continuing economic sluggishness and a changing regulatory environment, they remain guarded about their company?s performance an");
document.write("d the industry?s ability to generate underwriting profit, according to a survey by KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm.\r\n\r\nAt KPMG?s annual Insurance In...\n
Insurance Executives Turn Pessimistic Over Business Outlook: Survey
\n(Unknown © 11/11/2011)
......\n
Tis the season to fireproof homes
\n(Murphy Monitor © 11/10/2011)
From Staff Reports\n\nnews@murphymonitor.com\n\nAs temperatures drop, the dial on the thermostat seems to inch higher or the fireplace starts to look quite inviting. While staying snug in the home is great, folks need to make sure warmth doesn’t come with a devastating price. Fireproofing the home is wor");
document.write("thwhile and could save time and money in the long haul.\n\nAcross the nation and right here in ...\n
P/C Market to See Only Moderate Changes in Rates in 2012: Willis
\n(Unknown © 11/07/2011)
......\n
Texas Insurance Regulator Wins Top National Award
\n(Unknown © 11/04/2011)
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Wildfires, drought will plague Texas economy
\n(Amarillo Globe-News © 11/02/2011) ");
document.write("
AUSTIN ? Two Texas Senate committees on Tuesday got a sobering reminder about the devastating impact the ongoing drought and this year?s wildfires have had on the entire state.\n\nMore than 27,000 fires have destroyed 2,800 homes and most of those blazes ? 81 percent ? occurred within two miles of a community, which means that in nine out of 10 cases, someone started the blazes, the members of the S...\n
Voters, approve all 10 constitutional changes
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 11/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Yes, there is an election Tuesday.\n\n\n\n\nTen proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution are on the ballot for your \napproval or disapproval. We recommend you vote for all 10.\n\n\n\n\nTwo Travis County bond packages also are on the ballot. Our explanation for \nwhy you should support those proposals may be read online at \nstatesman.com/opinion.\n\n\n\n\nEarly voting is under way");
document.write("; it ends Friday.\n\n\n\n\nAs is o...\n
Prop. 2 could help water woes
\n(Brazoria County Facts © 11/02/2011)
Texas voters have been asked to amend the state constitution so\nmany times most voters tend to tune out when it comes to another\namendment on yet another ballot. One particular amendment on the\nNov. 8 ballot demands ");
document.write("attention, though, as it could help fund\nBrazoria County water projects.\n \n \n\nIf passed, Proposition 2 on the Nov. 8 ballot would increase the\nTexas Water Development...\n
AUSTIN, Texas — The historic drought punishing Texas has forced about a fifth of the state's water systems to ask or compel customers to follow water restric");
document.write("tions, while leaving 23 systems with
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 11/02/2011)
AUSTIN, Texas — The historic drought punishing Texas has forced about a fifth of the state's water systems to ask or compel customers to follow water restrictions, while leaving 23 systems with either unknown supply levels or within six months of completely running out, a top expert told state senators Tuesday. -->\nAUSTIN, Texas ? The historic drought punishing Texas has forced about a fifth...\n
Water a constant concern in state
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 11/02/2011)
AUSTIN ? Two Texas Senate committees Tuesday received a sobering reminder about the devastating impact the drought and wildfires have had on the state.\n\nMore than 27,000 fires have destroyed 2,800 homes and most of those blazes ? 81 percent ? occurred within two miles of a community. Those figures mean in nine out of 10 ca");
document.write("ses, someone started the blazes, the members of the Senate Agriculture and N...\n
Voters should take the time to vote for Propositions 2 and 8
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 11/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
When Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus issued their interim charge");
document.write("s to lawmakers in their respective houses last month, drought and the state's water needs made both lists.\n\nDewhurst instructed the Senate Natural Resources Committee to review the state water plan and evaluate ways ?to enhance existing water resources and promote water conservation across the state at all times, ...\n
Water measures deserve support
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 11/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
When Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus issued their interim charges to lawmakers in their respective houses last month, drought and the state's water needs made both lists.\n\nDewhurst instructed the Senate Natural Resources Committee to review the state water plan and evaluate ways ?to enhance existing water resources and promote water conservation across the state at all times, ...\n
Allstate 3Q profit down 55 pct. on disaster claims
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 11/01/2011) (Registration Required)\n
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) ? Allstate Corp. said its third-quarter net income fell 55 percent after natural disasters cost the insurer $1.08 billion.But Allstate said improved investment results and profit in its auto insurance segment helped offset so");
document.write("me of the increased storm losses. Its net income was $165 million, or 32 cents per share, compared with $367 million, or 68 cents per share, a year ago.T...\n
Allstate Tailgate Tour to make a stop at Texas A&M - Missouri game
\n(Bryan KBTX (CBS) 3 © 10/28/2011)
WHAT: The Allstate Tailgate Tour, a unique and interactiv");
document.write("e fan experience visiting college football stadiums across the country, is heading to College Station this week as the Texas A&M Aggies take on the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, October 29.\n \n \n \n\nThe Allstate Tailgate Tour features a variety of family-friendly activities, including the College Football Legacy Mu...\n
Texas");
document.write(" still faces significant number of uninsured motorists (subscription required)
\n(Dallas Morning News © 10/27/2011)
he worse the economy gets, the riskier it is to drive on Texas roads. That?s because as the economy tanks, more motorists eschew liability insurance, rolling the dice with their lives and property ? and yours...\n
P/C Industry Gave $500M to Charity in 2010, But More Can Be Done
\n(Insurance Journal © 10/25/2011)
Here is something some people might not know about the property/casualty insurance professionals: they are very generous folks.\r\n\r\nProperty/casualty insurance industry?s charitable giving reached $500 million in 2010. That amount is comparable with other major industries, according to a report from consulting firm McKinsey & Co. As a percent of pre-tax earnings, the contributions are above average...\n
P/C Industry Gave $500M to Charity in 2010, But More Can Be Done
\n(Unknown © 10/25/2011)
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Leaders help insurers ju");
document.write("mp start fire recovery
\n(Unknown © 10/24/2011)
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Allstate?s Q3 Disaster Losses Top $1 Billion
\n(Insurance Journal © 10/21/2011)
Allstate Corp. suffered nearly $1.1 billion in catastrophe losses in the third quarter, the country?s largest publicly traded home and auto insurer sa");
document.write("id Thursday.\r\n\r\nThat is half of what Allstate lost in the second quarter, when parts of the United States were ravaged by record-breaking tornadoes, but nearly three times what it lost on disasters in the third quarter of 2010.\r\n\r\nOf Allstate?s $1.08...\n
Nationwide's new HQ is putting safety first
\n(San Antonio Express-News ©");
document.write("; 10/21/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Neither wind nor hail nor wildfire nor gloom of rain will stay the workers in this building from the swift completion of insurance claims.\n\nThe new Nationwide Insurance campus under construction at Texas 151 and Hyatt Resort Drive will be the first commercial building in the United States completed under the Fortified for Safer Business program.\n\nIt's a new designation that aims to beef up design ...\n
Straus Releases Interim Charges for House Committees
\n(Texas Tribune © 10/21/2011)
House Speaker Joe Straus has released the interim charges that will direct the work of the lower chamber's legislative committees for the next 11 months — and lawmakers will be busy. \n\nIn addition to each committee's individual directives, Straus asked each committee to consider ways to improve the state's manufacturing capability and increase t");
document.write("he \"transparency, accountability, and effi...\n
Nationwide builds a ?fortified? campus
\n(Unknown © 10/21/2011)
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Chubb Third-Quarter Profit Plunges 48% on Catastrophe Claims
\n(Washington Post © 10/21/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Chubb Third-Quarter Profit Plunges 48% on Catastrophe ClaimsMaryellen Tighe and Noah BuhayarOct 20, 2011 7:04 pm ET(Updates with comment in eighth, ninth paragraphs, accounting change in 13th, 14th.) Oct. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Chubb Corp., the insurer of commercial property and high-end homes, said quarterly profit fell 48 percent on costs from catastrophes including Hurri");
document.write("cane Irene. The insurer t...\n
Leaders help insurers jump start fire recovery
\n(Bastrop Advertiser © 10/19/2011)
That Bastrop residents have so quickly started the rebuilding process after such a devastating wildfire is a testament not only to their fortitude, but to the extraordinary assistance Bastrop city and count");
document.write("y leaders provided to insurance company catastrophe response teams.\r\nWhen disaster strikes ? whether fire, tornado, hurricane or flood ? major insurance companies dispatch specially trained team...\n
2,100 Jobs Lost in Insurance Industry in August
\n(Insurance Journal © 10/17/2011)
The latest U.S. jobs data show the in");
document.write("surance industry lost 2,100 jobs overall in August. The industry employs some 2,211,000 workers according to the latest numbers.\r\n\r\nThe Insurance Information Institute reported that most of the sub-sectors had gained some jobs in August. But they were outnumbered by big losses from property/casualty insurance carriers and agents/brokers. The Institute said the...\n
Top 10 Excuses From Drivers Caught Using Phones
\n(Insurance Journal © 10/17/2011)
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, a Canadian auto insurer, released last week a list of top excuses from local motorists when they were caught using handheld cellphones while driving.\r\n\r\nThe insurer compiled the information with help from the local police department, which went on a month-long crackdown in September on distracted driving. Police estimate they issued more than 3,500 ti...\n
2,100 Jobs Lost in Insurance Industry in August
\n(Unknown © 10/17/2011)
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Top 10 Excuses From Drivers Caught Using Phones");
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\n(Unknown © 10/17/2011)
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Father: My son died while texting
\n(Austin KXAN (NBC) 36 © 10/13/2011)
LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) - Parent of teenagers should hear this number: Allstate Insurance said texting while driving kills an average of 11 teens every day. \n\nA student at Vista Ridge High ");
document.write("School in the Leander School District died in a car crash last year after he was texting while driving, and his father wants his classmates to not make the same mistake. \n\nLouis Neill has a message he wants Vista ...\n
U.S. Insurers Have Deepest Catastrophe Losses Since 2001
\n(Washington Post © 10/08/2011) (Registration Required)\n
U.S. Insurers Have Deepest Catastrophe Losses Since 2001Maryellen TigheOct 07, 2011 4:07 pm ET(Updates with sales, Chubb, earlier report starting in the sixth paragraph.) Oct. 7 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. property and casualty insurance providers reported their worst six months of losses tied to catastrophes since the first half of 2001 as claims costs climbed to $23.9 billion. The combined ratio ...\n
St. Rep. Larry Taylor: ?1,000 more lawsuits filed just since 2 year annivesary of Hurricane Ike?
\n(Unknown © 10/07/2011)
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Federal Flood Insurance Program Extended Until Nov. 18
\n(Unknown © 10");
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Federal Flood Insurance Program Extended Until Nov. 18
\n(Insurance Journal © 10/05/2011)
The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation that keeps the government ? and the federal flood insurance program? running until Nov. 18, 2011.\r\n\r\nThe House vote (352-66) extends the Nation");
document.write("al Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until Nov. 18. The Senate passed the budget funding legislation last week.\r\n\r\nPresident Barack Obama is expected to sign it today.\r\n\r\nThe Independent Insurance Agen...\n
2011 Sets New Record for Federal Disaster Declarations
\n(Insurance Journal © 10/04/2011)
The year 2011 will go dow");
document.write("n as a record-setting year when it comes to federal disaster declarations, industry analysts say.\r\n\r\nWith another three months left in 2011, and hurricane season continues until November 30, the number of federal disaster declarations already exceeds 2010?s record, according to the Insurance Information Institute.\r\n\r\n?The federal government issued 86 disaster declarations...\n
TCAIS Insider Newsletter
\n(Unknown © 10/04/2011)
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The Watchdog: Spend a few minutes to learn about the repairman coming to your house
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 09/30/2011) (Registration Required)\n
When I told Barry Board");
document.write("man that the appliance repairman he let into his house to fix his refrigerator, the one who took his $175 deposit check and never returned, had a criminal record for theft, everything suddenly made sense to him.All summer, he kept calling Michael Stoneham asking for a refund of his deposit since he never got the new motor Stoneham promised.\"He kept giving me excuses,\" Boardm...\n
TCAIS Insider Newsletter
\n(Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions © 09/30/2011)
Central Texas Wildfires Underscore Importance of Insurance Coverage & Preparation\r\nWith more than 1500 homes detroyed by the wildfires in Central Texas this month, our hearts go out to residents who have been affected as they work to rebuild their lives. TCAIS member companies and other insurers have worked hard to employ every available resource to take care of customers as quickly as possible a...\n
Insurance agents encourage taking property inventory
\n(Unknown © 09/30/2011)
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Cut car insurance cos");
document.write("ts with data tracking
\n(El Paso Inc © 09/27/2011)
A new report by Kiplinger has a good tip on how to cut your car\ninsurance costs: use data-tracking technology to trim the price\ntag.\n\nUser-based insurance has been talked about for decades, but until\nrecently there was no easy way to monitor things such as mileage.\nNow technology lets you get a break on insurance premiums based on\nhow you actually drive.\n\n\n\n\nA study by the Brookings Institution st...\n
State Farm: Weather Claims This Year Reach $5 Billion
\n(Insurance Journal © 09/26/2011)
State Farm Insurance has paid $5 billion to its customers for weather-related catastrophes ? damage to cars, homes and other property so far this year ? the largest U.S. insurer of homes and cars said Sunday.\r\n\r\nThat payout has been increased by wildfires, tropical storms and hurricanes during the summer, which came after last spring?s sp");
document.write("ate of tornadoes and hail storms....\n
Workman shares helpful information with fire victims
\n(Lake Travis View © 09/26/2011)
Sunday, September 25, 2011\n |\n Special to the View\n \n \n \n \n \n\nIn the wake of the Central Texas wildfires that have tens of thousands of acres of Texas wilderness scorche");
document.write("d and hundreds of Texans temporarily homeless, it is important to have an understanding of how to reclaim what has been destroyed.\n\n\nThese wildfires are the costliest in our great state?s history. According ...\n
State Farm: Weather Claims This Year Reach $5 Billion
\n(Unknown © 09/26/2011)
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Prepare yourself, natural disasters will only get worse
\n(Washington Post © 09/16/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The world has entered a new era of catastrophes. Economic losses from hurricanes, earthquakes and resulting tsunamis, floods, wildfires and other natural disasters increased from $528 billion (1981-");
document.write("1990) to more than $1.2 trillion over the period 2001-2010. The 9.0 earthquake and massive tsunami in Japan this past spring caused hundreds of billions of dollars of direct and indirect costs. It has a...\n
Texas Agents Donate $200K to Texas Volunteer Fire Departments
\n(Insurance Journal © 09/15/2011)
Independent In");
document.write("surance Agents of Texas (IIAT) and its Trusted Choice agents have donated a total of $200,000 to the State Firemen?s and Fire Marshals? Association (SFFMA) to assist volunteer fire departments.\r\n\r\nThe entire donation will go to a special fund created to purchase fire retardant clothing for volunteer firefighters who battle the numerous wildfires across the state. An original $100,000...\n
Parents Still Struggle With Proper Child-Seat Use, Study Finds
\n(Unknown © 09/15/2011)
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Recent fires could cost insurance $250M
\n(Unknown © 09/15/2011)
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");
document.write("State Farm Presents Check to the Red Cross
\n(Unknown © 09/15/2011)
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September wildfires are costliest in state's history
BASTROP -- Brandon Bunker knew there would be nothing left. He knew from videos he had seen online that the home he and his wife shared with his father was a total loss and that his Jeep Grand Cherokee had been reduced to a burned-out shell.That didn't make actually seeing the pile of gray ash, dotted only with aluminum tubing from the air conditioning ducts, any easier.\"Nothing on the property su...\n
Recent fires could cost insurance $250M
\n(KXAN TV - Austin © 09/14/2011)
Recent fires in Texas could cost insurance companies $250 million.\r\n\r\nTexas has had more than 180 wildfires since Labor Day weekend.\r\n\r\nInsured losses in Bastrop County could reach $150 million. That's the estimate from the Insurance Council of Texas.\r\n\r\n?To think what you would do if you didn't have insurance in this situation,");
document.write(" I wouldn't even know where to start. Where would a person start? Y...\n
Fire-weary Central Texas residents look to insurance
\n(Longview News © 09/14/2011)
BASTROP (AP) ? Brandon Bunker knew there would be nothing left.\nHe knew from videos he watched online that the home he and his wife\nshared with his father was a t");
document.write("otal loss. That didn?t make actually\nseeing the pile of gray ash any easier.\n \n \n\nWildfires that have burned in Central and East Texas since Labor\nDay have created losses estimated at $250 million, making them the\ncostli...\n
Insurance Adjusters Flock to Bastrop
\n(Unknown © 09/14/2011)
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<");
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Nationwide Insurance to Provide Humanitarian Aid for Wildfire Victims at Mobile Claims Unit
\n(Press Release © 09/13/2011)
Today, representatives from Nationwide Insurance will begin distributing humanitarian aid to victims of central Texas wildfires from a mobile catastrophe unit in the Austin area.\r\n\r\nThe mobile unit is");
document.write(" located in the parking lot of Home Depot, 712 Hwy 71, Bastrop, TX. Victims of the wildfire can pick up free water, toiletries and other necessary items from 10 am -- 6 pm today through most of this w...\n
Nationwide Insurance to Provide Humanitarian Aid for Wildfire Victims at Mobile Claims Unit
\n(Unknown © 09/13/2011) ");
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Texas wildfire losses expected to hit record
\n(Unknown © 09/13/2011)
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Moody?s: Texas Wildfires To Pressure Insurers' Earnings
\n(Moody's © 09/12/2011)
As wildfires continue to flare throughout Texas consuming more homes and creating more losses for insurers, Moody?s Rating Service says the blazes will have a negative impact on insurer?s third quarter results when combined with other losses they?ve experienced during the third quarter.\r\n\r\nMoody?s says even if the losses were three times more than the 1,600 homes Texas officials say...\n
\n(Unknown © 09/12/2011)
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USAA Holds Ceremony To Mark Tenth Anniversary Of 9/11
\n");
document.write("(San Antonio KSAT (ABC) 12 © 09/11/2011)
SAN ANTONIO -- A ceremony at USAA marked the decade that has passed since 9/11 by honoring first responders and military.\n\nA former Air Force One pilot and a Naval captain shared their stories from the day.\n\nUSAA marked the decade that has passed since Sept. 11, 2001, with a Patriot Day ceremony, where they honored first responders and military.\n\nRetired U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Tillman had a uniq...\n
With firefighters, insurance carriers mobilize to aid victims
\n(Unknown © 09/09/2011)
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Austin drivers among nation's least safe
\n(Austin Business Journal © 09/08/2011)
");
document.write("Austin drivers are among the least safe in the United States, according to a report by Allstate Corp. that ranked major metro areas from best to worst.\n\n\nAustin ranked 150, just ahead of Atlanta and Pittsburgh, on the seventh annual Allstate America?s Best Drivers Report, which ranked America?s largest 200 cities in terms of the frequency of vehicular collisions. Last year, Austin ranked even lowe...\n
");
document.write("Teens get real-world lesson on distracted driving
\n(Dallas KDAF (WB) 33 © 09/08/2011)
Arlington, Texas—\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nAbout 20 teens from Arlington High School were chosen to put their driving skills to the test. But this is a test to see how well they can react to obstacles outside their cars while dealing with distractions inside.\n\nThe ...\n
Insurance offers hope for fire victims
\n(KTRK 13 News © 09/08/2011)
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- \n The fast moving fires that have engulfed Texas are leaving behind a trail of destruction. But even those who have lost everything may find some good news when it comes to insurance. \n\n\nRelated Content\n\nblog: Houston Consumer Blog\n\nblog: SuperSaver b");
document.write("log \n\n These fires are moving so fast some homeowners only had a few minutes to get out. Even in cases where everything was lef...\n
Insurance tips given on fire damage
\n(Sherman-Denison Herald Democrat © 09/08/2011)
Wildfires are affecting dozens of communities in Texas, the most recent being the loss of 1,000 or");
document.write(" more homes and 25,000 acres around Bastrop.\n\n\nThousands of people have been displaced or evacuated. In Grayson County, a Whitewright home was destroyed by fire Tuesday afternoon, as were two businesses last weekend in Gainesville and Whitesboro. Wildfires continue to break out all across the Lone Sta...\n
USAA homeowners insurance earns high marks
\n(Unknown © 09/02/2011)
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Irene Insured Losses in U.S. at $3-$6 Billion; P/C Pricing Unlikely to Turn
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/30/2011)
Hurricane Irene caused $3 billion to $6 billion in insured losses, catastrophe modeling company AIR Worldwide said Monday, affirming the insur");
document.write("ance industry?s suspicion the impact was not as bad as feared.\r\n\r\nIn the days leading up to Irene, some had expected a $10 billion hit, though as Irene actually made land it appeared the storm was not doing the damage it was expected to do. AIR, whose estima...\n
Irene Insured Losses in U.S. at $3-$6 Billion; P/C Pricing Unlikely to Turn
\n(Unknown © 08/30/2011)
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Irene?s Estimated U.S. Cost for Insurers Falls on Weaker Storm
\n(Washington Post © 08/29/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Irene?s Estimated U.S. Cost for Insurers Falls on Weaker StormNoah BuhayarAug 28, 2011 6:57 pm ET(For more on the hurr");
document.write("icane, EXT5 <GO>.) Aug. 29 (Bloomberg) -- Hurricane Irene?s estimated cost to insurers fell to about $2.6 billion in the U.S. as the storm lost strength en route to New York, according to Kinetic Analysis Corp., a firm that predicts the effects of disasters. That comp...\n
Irene Adds to a Bad Year for Insurance Industry
The total damage inflicted by Hurricane Irene may reach $7 billion by the time the storm dissipates in the coming days, making one of the insurance industry’s worst years even tougher, according to an early estimate by the Kinetic Analysis Corporation in Silver Spring, Md. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nMost of the loss will very likely come from property in New York and New Jersey, according to industry ex...\n
Editorial: Broad strategy needed to win insurance Whac-A-Mole
\n(Dallas Morning News © 08/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The look in their eyes is the tip-off after they plow into your car.\n\nThe look says, ?Sorry, my bad. And, shoot ? my insurance expired.?\n\nMany of us have had the rotten luck of meeting these drivers. They?re everywhere in Texas, more than 4 million ");
document.write("of them, always wearing that hapless look on their face after they wreck people?s property ? or worse ? with no way to pay for the damage.\n\nThe state h...\n
6 insurance tips to prepare for Hurricane Irene
\n(Houston Chronicle © 08/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Hurricane Irene is bearing do");
document.write("wn on the East Coast. In its path are cities that haven't taken direct hits from a hurricane in years, and in some cases decades.It's a good time to review how much hurricane damage coverage you can expect from standard homeowners, renters and automobile policies. Here are six insurance tips as the East Coast braces for Irene:1. Take a property inventory: It's easier t...\n
Top 10 Most, Least Stolen Vehicles and Loss Payments
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/26/2011)
The Cadillac Escalade luxury SUV is the vehicle most likely to be targeted by thieves, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute, an insurance-funded group. Here are the vehicles most and least likely to be targets, and the average loss payment per claim:\r\n\r\nMOST LIKELY\r\nCadillac Escalade ? four versions ($10,555)\r\nFord F-250 crew cab 4WD ($9,496)\r\nChevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab ($4,948)\r\nFo...\n
Top 10 Most, Least Stolen Vehicles and Loss Payments
\n(Unknown © 08/26/2011)
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Insurance is a necessary part of");
document.write(" life
\n(Borger News Herald © 08/25/2011)
Having insurance is a necessary part of life, according to one of Borger?s insurance agents.\n\n\nJud Price, agent for Upshaw and Brown Insurance, spoke at the Borger Rotary Club Tuesday about keeping the important things in life insured.\n\n\nHe said one of the benefits of working for Upshaw and Brown is being able to work with various companies.\n\n\nCompanies are changing on a daily basis with their und...\n
Back to school: Put down phones and pay attention to road
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 08/21/2011) (Registration Required)\n
About 20,000 children will be going to school Monday.\n\nThe Abilene Independent School District is expecting more than 16,000 students, and Wylie is looking at something in the 3,375-student range.\n\nAbilene Christian Schools started classes last week with 330 students, while Premier, an alte");
document.write("rnative high school, expects 157. Even more students will be in school Tuesday as St. John's Episcopal School...\n
Allstate: Austin?s texting-while-driving fines among highest
\n(Austin Business Journal © 08/18/2011)
Average Texas fines for texting while driving in a school zone are $235, according to Allstate Insuran");
document.write("ce Co.\n\n\nBut in Austin, the fine averages to $326. That makes Austin the fifth-most expensive place to get caught messaging others while in a school zone. Most Austin-area schools start classes next week.\n\n\nCorpus Christi, Frisco, New Braunfels and Pearland were slightly more costly on the penalti...\n
Interactive: The Cost of Hurricane Damage");
document.write("
\n(Texas Tribune © 08/15/2011)
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, a quasi-public insurer of last resort for Texas coastal residents, has been at the center of a political disaster zone since Hurricane Ike hit the Texas coast in 2008. During the special session earlier this year, Texas lawmakers passed legislation to cut the costs of lawsuits following future storms and crack down on corruption at TWIA.\r\n\r\nAs TWIA prepar...\n
Interactive: The Cost of Hurricane Damage
\n(Unknown © 08/15/2011)
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April Set U.S. Record for Tornadoes
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/08/2011)
The U.S. set a record for t");
document.write("he most tornadoes within a month with April?s deadly storms.\r\n\r\nThe final report for the month shows there were 753 twisters across the country, including a super outbreak on April 25-28 that killed more than 300 people in the South and Midwest.\r\n\r\nWhile final death statistics are still being studied, the toll on April 27, being called the Dixie Outbreak, set a one-day r...\n
Insurer Group Taking Hurricane Tour of Texas
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/04/2011)
The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) will take its message of preparing for a hurricane down the Texas coast for its annual media tour in late August. The ICT team will consist of company personnel, insurance agents, National Weather Service meteorologists and the chief engineer for the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS).\r\n\r\n?This will be the sixth year in a row where we have...\n
Survey: Americans Think They Are Great Drivers; Habits Show Otherwise
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/04/2011)
The majority of Americans consider themselves to be good drivers but their habits on the road tell a different story.\r\n\r\nAmerican drivers believe their own driving knowledge, ability and safe driving habits are well above other drivers on the road, according to a recen");
document.write("t study by Allstate Corp.\r\n\r\nNearly two-thirds, 64 percent, of American drivers rate themselves as ?excellent? or ?very good? drive...\n
Insurer Group Taking Hurricane Tour of Texas
\n(Unknown © 08/04/2011)
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Allstate agency owners plan to hire 30 licensed sales professionals in El Paso
\n(El Paso Times © 08/02/2011)
Allstate insurance agency owners in the El Paso area are planning to hire at least 30 licensed sales professionals by the end of the year. \n\n Licensed sales professionals play a pivotal role in driving business for Allstate agencies in growing states like Texas. They work side by side with agency owners, educa");
document.write("tion and assisting customers with their insurance needs.\n\n\"These positions present such ...\n
How Debt Ceiling Politics Impact P/C Insurance Industry
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/02/2011)
As they watched Congress struggle to put a debt deal in place by Aug. 2, U.S. insurers worried about their companies? portfolios, shor");
document.write("t- and long-term interest rates and a decline in equity markets.\r\n\r\nThe leading concern among insurers in the July 28 ? 29 survey was a possible decline in capital (37%), followed by a lack of market liquidity and stock market volatility (both at 26%) should Congres...\n
State Farm Unveils In-Drive, Offers Discounts To Good Drivers
");
document.write("\n(The Wall Street Journal © 08/02/2011)
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. is offering a new device that will measure how well and how often its policyholders drive, and give discounts of as much as 50% to the drivers deemed the least likely to get into an accident. \r\n\r\nThe device, dubbed In-Drive, plugs into a car's diagnostic port. An optional second piece of equipment can be used to summon roadside assis...\n
How Debt Ceiling Politics Impact P/C Insurance Industry
\n(Unknown © 08/02/2011)
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Honda?s 1994 Accord Most Popular for Thieves in 2010, NICB Says
\n(Washington Post © 08/02/201");
document.write("1) (Registration Required)\n
Honda?s 1994 Accord Most Popular for Thieves in 2010, NICB SaysBrooke SutherlandAug 02, 2011 12:00 am ETAug. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co.?s 1994 Accord was the most-frequently stolen car in the U.S. in 2010 for the third straight year as weak security systems and a demand for parts drew thieves, the National Insurance Crime Bureau said. Almost 52,000 Honda Accords were stolen in 2010, the ...\n
Allstate Swings To 2Q Loss As Catastrophe Losses Soar
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 08/01/2011)
DOW JONES NEWSWIRES \n\nAllstate Corp. (ALL) swung to a second-quarter loss as the company's bottom line took a sharp hit from a wave of severe storms that swept the nation this spring. \n\nAmong publicly traded home and auto insurers, Allstate had the biggest exposure to a string of deadly tornadoes that plagued the country this spring. Allstate had previous");
document.write("ly estimated catastrophe costs of $2.3 bill...\n
Drought means cracking foundations under houses
\n(Colleyville Courier © 07/30/2011)
House foundations are cracking across North Texas.Cracks an inch or more wide have appeared in brick exteriors and drywall interiors. Exterior and interior doors are sticking in their w");
document.write("arped frames. Frames around windows have gaps as wide as 2 inches.And calls to foundation repair companies continue to soar, as the drought and oppressive heat linger, causing the soil to shift and wreck foundations...\n
How To Protect Your Home From Flooding Damage
\n(KFOXTV.com © 07/28/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- Flood ");
document.write("damage is an issue some El Paso residents are faced with after storms hit the Borderland Tuesday.\n\nKFOX14 went to a professional to see how one should deal with a flooded home?\n\nJimmy Garza runs an emergency removal service, a company specializing exclusively in professional water removal and drying service with more than 30 years of experience.\n\n\"We've been getting a lot o...\n
Allstate is looking for agents
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 07/28/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Allstate Insurance agency owners in San Antonio plan to hire at least 50 licensed sales agents by the end of the year.\n\nAllstate has more than 350 openings around the state. The company has more than 1,000 agency owners in Texas.\n\nCandidates can apply for licensed sales positions by calling their local Allstate agency owner, the company said in a statement. Allstate agents are independent contract...\n
");
document.write("
Allstate hiring 350 in Texas
\n(Austin Business Journal © 07/27/2011)
Allstate Insurance Co. plans to hire 350 licensed sales professionals this year, including at least 25 in Austin.\n\n\nThe announcement comes a few months after the insurance carrier said it would open 15 new offices in the Central Texas region. The Northbrook");
document.write(", Ill.-based company already operates 63 here.\n\n\nInterested candidates should have customer service experience, a high school diploma and the a...\n
Disasters hurt USAA's bottom line
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 07/26/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The worst spring for weather-related catastr");
document.write("ophes in decades put a dent in insurer USAA's bottom line in the first half of the year.\n\nUSAA's net income fell to $841 million from nearly $1.34 billion in the first six months of last year, a 37 percent plunge.\n\nIn its midyear financial update released Monday, USAA reported receiving nearly 100,000 claims for damages caused by tornados in Joplin, Mo.,...\n
Texas Gov. Signs Windstorm Bill, Measure Affecting Surplus Lines
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/22/2011)
Legislative measures passed during the special session of the 82nd Legislature that impact the insurance industry in Texas have been signed by the governor. On July 19, Gov. Rick Perry signed Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill 2, which finalize a balanced budget for the 2012-13 biennium, and House Bill 3, which reforms the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).\r\n\r\nSB 1 contains several articles...\n
Texas Gov. Signs Windstorm Bill, Measure Affecting Surplus Lines
\n(Unknown © 07/22/2011)
......\n
Kitzman is Perrys New In");
document.write("surance Commissioner
\n(Unknown © 07/21/2011)
......\n
Insurance Keywords Add Big to Google Profits
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/20/2011)
Insurance is adding big bucks to Google?s profitability, according to new research released today.\r\n\r\nAfter Google posted impressive profits for the se");
document.write("cond quarter 2011, almost $7 billion, Word Stream, a Boston, Mass.-based provider of search marketing software, embarked on a study to find out what keyword categories fetched the highest costs per click in Google AdWords pay per click advertising (...\n
Texas Troopers: Special Enforcement Gets Drunk Drivers Off Roads
\n(Insurance");
document.write(" Journal © 07/20/2011)
Texas Highway Patrol troopers arrested 1,406 intoxicated drivers during a special July 4 holiday enforcement program from June 27 through July 6 across the state.\r\n\r\nOf the 1406 arrests, 575 were made by troopers whose patrols were funded through a special Texas Department of Transportation grant. Troopers focused on looking for intoxicated drivers in high-risk locations during the times when alco...\n
Volvo Technology Prevents 27% of Low-Speed Crashes: Insurance Study
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/20/2011)
Vehicles are doing a better job of protecting people in crashes, but a new crop of advanced technology aims to prevent many crashes from happening altogether. A new study by the insurance industry?s Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) finds that one kind of advanced forward collision avoidance system developed by Volvo is prevents about a quarter of the common low-speed cr");
document.write("ashes that happen in every...\n
Texas Troopers: Special Enforcement Gets Drunk Drivers Off Roads
\n(Unknown © 07/20/2011)
......\n
Children in cars safer if riding with grandparent, study indicates
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 07/18/2011) (Registration Required)\n
CHICAGO -- Kids may be safest in cars when Grandma or Grandpa are driving instead of Mom or Dad, according to study results that even made the researchers do a double take.\"We were surprised to discover that the injury rate was considerably lower in crashes where grandparents were the drivers,\" said Dr. Fred Henretig, an emergency medicine specia");
document.write("list at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the ...\n
Windstorm insurance reform will benefit public
\n(Unknown © 07/18/2011)
......\n
Remarks:
By Representative Larry Taylor\n
Allstate Pegs June Disaster Costs At $300 Million
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 07/14/2011)
Combined with previously announced losses from April and May, the insurer is now estimating catastrophe costs of $2.3 billion before taxes for the second quarter, the largest disaster tally for the company since Hurricane Katrina struck the U.S. in 2005. \r\n\r\nThe quarterly spike in claims comes primarily from a series of tornadoes that killed hundreds o");
document.write("f people and caused extensive damage in Alabam...\n
General Land Office taking over hurricane-cleanup responsibility
\n(Unknown © 07/13/2011)
......\n
'Impaired' driving is still dangerous driving
\n(USA Today © 07/13/2011)
The ridiculous defense offered by his agent in response to the drunken driving charge lodged against Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward in Georgia is that Ward was not impaired, to which reasonable people must say, \"So what?\" (\"Georgia police: Hines Ward impaired prior to DUI arrest\"). \n\n\n\nIt could be difficult to demonstrate whether or not Ward was impaired, but assuming for the moment that he was not...\n
");
document.write("
U.S. Hurricane Season Could Be Market Tipping Point: Marsh
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/11/2011)
Reacting to the recent spate of major natural catastrophes, insurers are being more selective in the capital they deploy and have in some cases withdrawn from catastrophe affected regions and loss-making sectors of business, accordin");
document.write("g to leading insurance broker Marsh.\r\n\r\nAlso, the expectation of an active U.S. hurricane season, combined with greater insurer discipline, is increasing the potential...\n
U.S. Hurricane Season Could Be Market Tipping Point: Marsh
\n(Unknown © 07/11/2011)
......\n
General Land Office taking over hurricane-cleanup responsibility
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 07/08/2011)
Gov. Rick Perry informed federal officials that, effective July 1, the Texas General Land Office will now be the lead agency for managing hurricane disaster recovery efforts.\r\nOfficials say the Land Office will administer disaster recovery grants furnished thro");
document.write("ugh the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development . The move should bring more accountability to the state?s multi-billion dollar hu...\n
Wind insurer faces quandary in covering $200 million shortfall
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 07/08/2011) (Registration Required)\n
HOUSTON ? The state");
document.write(" windstorm insurer of last resort is short $200 million to cover Hurricane Ike claims ? and its choices for raising the money present new problems. \r\n\r\nOne approach could tighten the state's general revenue and the home insurance market for up to five years. The other could reduce the windstorm insurer's reserves for paying future hurricane claims.\r\n\r\nHurricane Ike, which struck...\n
Remarks:
Article includes comments from Beaman Floyd.\n
Certificates of Insurance, Staff Leasing Bills Signed by Texas Governor
\n(Unknown © 07/08/2011)
......\n
Keep closer watch on your car during summer, police advise
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram &co");
document.write("py; 07/07/2011) (Registration Required)\n
ARLINGTON -- During the summer, with everyone at picnics, amusement parks and shopping malls, a crucial question pops up: Who's watching the car?Police have a pretty good idea.Area auto burglary and theft task forces kicked off \"Watch Your Car Month\" Wednesday to warn that thieves now are shadowing the frolicking herds like at no other time of the year.\"They window shop like anyone else does,\" sai...\n
Shepard Installed as President of Independent Insurance Agents of Texas
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/07/2011)
Bob Shepard, board chairman of Shepard Walton King Insurance Group in Harlingen, was installed as IIAT president for 2011-2012 during the association?s annual business meeting in Houston on June 24.\r\n\r\nPatrick Watkins, president of Watkins Insurance Group, Austin, was installed as president-elect. Installed as vice president was D");
document.write("on Whitaker, president and owner of Whitaker Insurance Associates, I...\n
Shepard Installed as President of Independent Insurance Agents of Texas
\n(Unknown © 07/07/2011)
......\n
10 Worst Regulatory States for P&C Insurers
\n(Property Casualty 360 © 07/06/2011)
Last week, we offered you the top 10 states ranked friendliest to P&C insurers and consumers when it comes to the state's regulatory environment. As with all things, though, with the good comes the bad.\r\n\r\nThis week, we revisit the Heartland Institute's report to take a look at the 10 states deemed to have the worst insurance regulatory environments based on two factors: h");
document.write("ow free consumers are t...\n
Perry's TWIA Nemesis Promises to Continue His Fight
\n(The Texas Tribune © 07/06/2011)
He?s the trial lawyer Republican Gov. Rick Perry loves to hate: Steve Mostyn, from the small East Texas town of Whitehouse, founder of one of the state?s largest plaintiffs? firms, single biggest politic");
document.write("al donor in the 2010 state elections, top financier of lost Democratic causes.\r\n\r\nMostyn gave about $10 million in 2010, much of it aimed at defeating Perry and nearly all of it going to Democrats....\n
Analysis: Reinsurers at Risk If Hurricane Season Is Big
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/05/2011)
A major hurricane landfal");
document.write("l in Florida could strain leading global reinsurers that have already been buffeted by brutal tornadoes in the United States and earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand.\r\n\r\nThe biggest reinsurers, companies like Munich Re and Swiss Re and Bermudan heavyweights like ACE and XL , could be forced to stop returning money to shareholders, and might even look to raise new capital....\n
Eqecat Set to Release 3 Revised Catastrophe Models
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/05/2011)
Catastrophe risk modeler Eqecat has scheduled July 15 as the date to release three significant revisions to its Worldcatenterprise 3.16 platform. The updates cover Eqecat?s North Atlantic hurricane model, its Canada earthquake model and its Asia typhoon model.\r\n\r\nThese updates by Eqecat are the latest in a series of revisions by the cat modeling industry to the models the insurance industry uses...\n
Totals: U.S. Spring Tornado Losses for P/C Carriers
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/05/2011)
Record-breaking tornadoes devastated parts of the United States in April and May, generating substantial losses for insurance companies. Following is a list of maximum losses reported by some insurers and reinsurers for those events, ranked by size of loss. Where insurers have re");
document.write("ported separate totals for April and May, those totals have been added together. Figures converted to dollars where appl...\n
State Farm signs new marketing deal with \"Cars 2\" cast
\n(Chicago Tribune © 07/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Lightning McQueen wants to win the World Grand Prix, an");
document.write("d Mater gets caught up in a super-secret spy mission.\n\nIn the midst of those adventures, State Farm Insurance Cos. also hopes the pals from \"Cars 2\" will help it build its business in an increasingly competitive industry.\n\nThe Bloomington-based insurance giant inked another marketing deal with Disney/Pixar in conjunction with the sequel, which...\n
T");
document.write("he Top States, Cities for Questionable Insurance Claims
\n(Unknown © 06/29/2011)
......\n
P/C Insurers? Profits Fell in Q1 as Underwriting Losses Grew
\n(Insurance Journal © 06/23/2011)
Private U.S. property/casualty insurers? net income after taxes dropped to $7.8 billion in first-qua");
document.write("rter 2011 from $8.9 billion in first-quarter 2010, with insurers? annualized rate of return on average policyholders? surplus decreasing to 5.6 percent from 6.8 percent.\r\n\r\nReflecting insurers? $7.8 billion in net income after taxes, policyholders? surplus rose $7.8 billion, or 1.4 percent, to a rec...\n
Importance Of Renter's Insurance 06/22/11
\n(Odessa KOSA (CBS) 7 © 06/23/2011)
CBS 7 News\nRobert Guaderrama\nrguaderrama@cbs7.com\nJune 22, 2011\n\nWest Texas - As wildfires continue to threaten west Texas. It's important for homeowners and renters to have the right kind of insurance, just in case. Renters insurance is the only way to insure your personal property for wildfire damage.\n\nWeidner Properties, which manages complexes in Midland and Odessa, say it's very simple and in...\n
Laredo no longer worst for auto theft
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 06/23/2011)
The NICB this week ranked Laredo 11th in the country for auto thefts in 2010, the first time it's been off the list since at least 2007, when the city ranked No. 6. It was the only Texas city on the list in 2010.\r\n\r\nLaredo Police Chief Carlos Maldonado said the department has implemented programs such as mapping areas where theft is most likely to occur and watchin");
document.write("g international crossings in an...\n
Insurers Post Biggest Underwriting Loss Since 2008 Storms
\n(Washington Post © 06/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
(Updates with USAA executive?s comment in 10th paragraph.) June 22 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. property and casualty insurers posted the biggest ");
document.write("underwriting loss since 2008 as carriers with business outside the country paid claims tied to natural disasters such as the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Net underwriting losses widened to $4.46 billion in the first quarter from $1.78 billion a ...\n
Area officials urge preparedness for hurricane season
\n(Ultimate P");
document.write("asadena © 06/22/2011)
With weather authorities saying that water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are already hotter than usual, area officials urge residents to act now to prepare for the possibility of tropical storms or hurricanes.\n\n\n\"We're right here in hurricane season; we want our families to be prepared,\" said Phoebe Conerly, service director with the South Bay Area Branch Office of the American Red Cross. \"Ha...\n
U.S. Auto Thefts Fall to Lowest Since 1967 on 7.2% Drop in 2010
\n(Washington Post © 06/22/2011) (Registration Required)\n
June 21 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. vehicle thefts dropped to the lowest since 1967, falling for a seventh straight year as more cars were equipped with security devices and police tactics helped deter thieves, an insurance industry group said. Thefts probably declined 7.2 percent last year from 794,616 in 2009, according to prelimin");
document.write("ary figures released today by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Th...\n
Perry vetoes texting while driving ban, 22 other bills
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 06/20/2011)
A statewide ban on texting while driving was among 23 bills that Gov. Rick Perry killed with vetoes on Friday, the second-smallest number for a le");
document.write("gislative session in the decade he has served as Texas' governor....\n
Diana Washington Valdez: Texas teens should know risks of driving
\n(El Paso Times © 06/19/2011)
The summer is a good time for teenagers to learn how to drive safely and consider the trends that may save their lives.\n\nThe period between Memorial Da");
document.write("y and Labor Day are known as the \"100 Deadliest Days\" for teenage drivers, according to a May 27 report by Allstate. More teens die in car crashes during this time than at any other time of the year.\n\nData from the Texas Department of Public Safety ...\n
Better Business Bureau issues ?bad roofer? list
\n(Waxahachie Daily Light &c");
document.write("opy; 06/19/2011)
DALLAS – Thousands of homeowners in Dallas and Northeast Texas are facing roof repairs and replacements after storms and hail pounded the area this spring.The Insurance Council of Texas says an April storm caused $100 million in insured losses and in May as many as 350,000 homes in the area were hit with 1¾-inch hail or larger....\n
Letter: Summer is the deadliest time for teen drivers
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 06/17/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Jay Hansen, Abilene\n\nSummer is here, and while car crashes can happen at any time, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the \"100 Deadliest Days\" for teen drivers. On average, 15 teens die in traffic accidents every day during this time.\n\nWhile accidents can also happen any place, Winters Freeway has more car crashes involving teen drivers than any other roadway in the Abilen");
document.write("e ...\n
Senator files bill to kill TWIA
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 06/17/2011) (Registration Required)\n
State Sen. Troy Fraser has a new idea for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association: kill it.\n\n\nFraser today filed Senate Bill 44 today to abolish the troubled organization. \n\n\n“Th");
document.write("e Texas Legislature has spent the previous three sessions working on legislation to correct the association and its inherent funding problems,” Fraser said in a statement. “I think after three sessions...\n
Allstate?s April-May Catastrophe Losses Top $2 Billion
\n(Insurance Journal © 06/17/2011)
Allstate ");
document.write("Corp., the largest publicly traded U.S. home and auto insurer, said it lost $2 billion in April and May from severe tornadoes and thunderstorms, nearly equaling its catastrophe losses for all of 2010....\n
TALKS ARE CONTINUING BUT TWIA BILL COULD BE ON SENATE FLOOR AS EARLY AS MONDAY (Beaman quotes)
\n(Quorum Report (Subscription ");
document.write("Required) © 06/17/2011)
EDITOR'S NOTE: This post has been expanded from the original version to include comment from Beaman Floyd of the Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions....\n
State Farm pays out more than a billion in storm claims
\n(San Antonio WOAI (NBC) © 06/17/2011)
BLOOMINGTON, Il");
document.write("l. (AP) — State Farm Insurance Cos. says it has paid $1.75 billion in claims generated by catastrophic storms around the country this spring. \n\nThe company expects that figure to grow. The Bloomington-based insurance company has paid out more than $3.3 billion in all claims so far this year. An Illinois newspaper reports that State Farm is nearing the average $3.8 b...\n
Texas' unprecedented wildfire season gets even worse
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 06/15/2011)
The record drought that is worsening with the onset of August-like temperatures is ratcheting up the wildfire danger in what has already been an unprecedented fire season in Texas.\r\n\r\nLarge fires were burning across the state Tuesday, including a 2,500-acre blaze in Palo Pinto County about 60 miles west of Fort Worth.\r\n\r\nFire crews across the state are confronting record high fire danger ratings a...\n
Texplainer: Does TWIA Have Enough Money?
\n(Texas Tribune © 06/15/2011)
Hey, Texplainer: Does the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) have enough money for this year’s hurricane season?\n\nGov. Rick Perry and some state lawmakers have said Texas can't afford to go through another hurricane season without changes to the way the TWIA");
document.write(" works. In fact, the as-yet-unresolved battle over proposed TWIA reforms is one of the main reasons lawmakers are now in the m...\n
Texas' unprecedented wildfire season gets even worse
\n(Unknown © 06/15/2011)
......\n
Beaman Floyd, guest columnist: Lawmakers debate claim funding for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association
\n(Unknown © 06/13/2011)
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Letter: Fix windstorm insurance p");
document.write("roblems (Beaman Floyd)
\n(Unknown © 06/13/2011)
......\n
Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Purchases Reinsurance
\n(Unknown © 06/13/2011)
......\n
Car Insurance Rates Increase with Every Ticket
\n(Dallas KDAF (WB) 33 © 06/12/2011)
Dallas, Texas—\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nTens of thousands of motorists hit the roadways in North Texas every day. And because there is so much road way, it's tempting to lie on the gas pedal a little more to get where you’re goin");
document.write("g even if it means breaking th...\n
Spring hailstorms bring roof damage and, just as bad for owners, unscrupulous roofers
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 06/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
After spring hail hit North Texas in nine different storms last month, many homeowners are assessing the ");
document.write("damage.More than 350,000 houses in the Metroplex were hit by hail at least 13/4 inches in diameter, according to the Insurance Council of Texas.\"Everybody got some hail,\" said Greg Fawcett, owner of City Roofing Co. in Fort Worth. \"Whether your roof was damaged depends on the age of the shingle...\n
Beaman Floyd: TWIA Problems Need Proper Solutions
\n(Unknown © 06/10/2011)
......\n
Late May Storms to Cost Insurers Up to $7 Billion: AIR
\n(Insurance Journal © 06/08/2011)
The severe thunderstorms that struck the United States from May 20 to the 27 will result in insured losses to residential, commercial, and industrial properties an");
document.write("d their contents, and to automobiles of between $4 billion and $7 billion, according to catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide.\r\n\r\n?The month of May, normally the most active month for tornadoes, began quietly,? said Dr. Tim Doggett, pr...\n
Top 5 Economic Changes by Consumers That Affect Their Car Insurance
\n(Insurance Journal ");
document.write("© 06/08/2011)
From changing jobs to moving to a different house to downsizing vehicles, Americans have made decisions during the recent economic downturn that impact unexpected areas of their life ? like car insurance. In fact, in the past year 53 percent of Americans have made an economic-driven change that could impact the cost of their car insurance, according to a survey by state insurance commissioners....\n
Late May Storms to Cost Insurers Up to $7 Billion: AIR
\n(Unknown © 06/08/2011)
......\n
Perry adds windstorm insurance reform to special session call
\n(Lone Star Report © 06/04/2011)
\nGov. Rick Perry ");
document.write("added legislation relating to the operation of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association to the special session call this afternoon.\n \nLt. Gov. David Dewhurst said house and senate leaders are close to an agreement on reforms to the association. ?In the conference committee last Saturday night, Chairman [John] Smithee and Chairman [John] Carona both seemed to thin...\n
Windstorm insurance fight more geographical than political
\n(Houston Chronicle © 06/02/2011)
While legislative rules make it easier for Gov. Rick Perry to pass his agenda in a special session with the help of fellow Republicans, he may not enjoy the advantage of normal political alliances in his bid to overhaul the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. On that issue, lawmakers are divided, not on party lines, but geographical ones....\n
Use of Credit-based Insurance Scores Upheld in Texas
\n(Insurance Journal © 06/02/2011)
Texas law permits an insurer to use race-neutral factors in credit scoring to price personal lines of insurance. That?s the conclusion the Texas Supreme Court came to in considering a certified question from the Ninth Circuit court in a class action suit over the use of credit scores in pricing insurance coverage....\n
");
document.write("
Use of Credit-based Insurance Scores Upheld in Texas
\n(Unknown © 06/02/2011)
......\n
Windstorm insurance fight more geographical than political
\n(Unknown © 06/02/2011)
......\n
Perry's office's statement on TWIA
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 05/29/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The following quote comes from Mark Miner, the commu");
document.write("nications director for Gov. Rick Perry, on the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association talks breaking down Saturday night. \n\n\nThere is no direct comment on the possibility of a special session, but here is the statement:\n\n\n“The death of the windstorm insurance bill is bad for Texas taxpayers, insurance customers and coastal residents. By unde...\n
Updated: Windstorm Negotiations Fail
\n(Texas Tribune © 05/29/2011)
Updated Sunday, 8:50 a.m.\n\nThe marathon negotiations over the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association failed to produce a bill, probably prompting a special session later this summer over that issue. The insurer of last resort is short of funds and lawmakers are trying to reform the quasi-government agency and get it on sound financial footing. The last sticking points were over when and how much to...\n
Perry Hits Trial Lawyers On Windstorm Insurance
\n(Unknown © 05/29/2011)
......\n
Most teen car crashes happen on the Loop
\n(Lubbock KJTV (FO");
document.write("X) 34 © 05/28/2011)
Of all the traffic crashes in Lubbock involving teen aged drivers, \n\nThat's according to a report by Allstate, based on data from the Texas Department of TransporTation from 2006 to 2010.\n\nThe study found 712 wrecks on the Loop in that five-year period involving drivers aged 15 to 19. \n\nThe report also notes on average in Texas, more teens die in car crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day than...\n
North Texas storms caused $300 million in damage, one death
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 05/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The powerful storms that unleashed large hail and small tornadoes on parts of North Texas on Tuesday night caused an estimated $300 million in damage, insurance officials said Thursday.In Dallas, the death of a 35-year-old man was ruled accidental electrocution attributed to the storm.The National Weather Service readjusted it");
document.write("s tornado count, saying that eight tornadoes, not nine, touched down. Da...\n
Multiple Storms Pound North Texas with Large Hail
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/27/2011)
The Dallas Fort Worth area was once again ground zero for a series of severe thunderstorms that pounded the area with baseball size hail on May 24. Four inc");
document.write("h hail was reported in several cities including Irving, Carrolton, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine and Avondale. As many as 350,000 homes were hit by 1.75 inch hail or larger, the Insurance Council of Texas reported.\r\n\r\nThe extent of damage from t...\n
Repeat Tornadoes Unusual But Not Unknown; Threat Continues
\n(Insurance Journal &c");
document.write("opy; 05/27/2011)
Weather experts said it?s unusual for deadly tornadoes to develop a few weeks apart in the U.S. But what made the two storm systems that barreled through a Missouri city and the South within the last month so rare is that tornadoes took direct aim at populated areas.\r\n\r\nThe tornado that hit Joplin, Mo., on Sunday killed more than 100 people and marked the nation?s deadliest single tornado in almos...\n
Texas governor appeals fire disaster declaration
\n(Reuters © 05/27/2011)
Texas Governor Rick Perry on Thursday appealed the federal government's denial of a major disaster declaration for wildfires in the Lone Star State.\r\n\r\nBattling the fires has cost the state more than $107 million, Perry said in a letter to President Barack Obama via the Federal Emergency Management Agency.\r\n\r\nDrought conditions and high winds have fueled the wildfires that since November have bur...\n
<");
document.write("/p>\n
Multiple Storms Pound North Texas with Large Hail
\n(Unknown © 05/27/2011)
......\n
Repeat Tornadoes Unusual But Not Unknown; Threat Continues
\n(Unknown © 05/27/2011)
......\n
Texas governor appeals fire disaster declaration
\n(Unknown © 05/27/2011)
......\n
Insurance Companies Busy Day After Storm
\n(Dallas KDAF (WB) 33 © 05/26/2011)
IRVING, Texas—\n \n \n \n \n \n Many Metroplex residents spent much of Wednesday talking to their insurance companies. State Farm Insurance officials tell The 33 News they're working on about 2,400 ho");
document.write("meowner claims and 4,200 auto claims after Tuesday ni...\n
Texas Senate passes TWIA revamp bill
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 05/24/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The Texas Senate has passed its version of a bill to revamp the state's windstorm fund that insures coastal properties against hur");
document.write("ricane damage.\n\nThe move sends the bill back to the House.\n\nKey provisions for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association include creating a panel to determine if claim damage was caused by wind or water.\n\nSome property owners would also be required to carry flood insura...\n
Hurricane preparedness guide
\n(Brownsville Herald ©");
document.write("; 05/24/2011)
The following action should be taken now in preparation for hurricane season:\n\n \n\nCompile a family disaster plan.\n\n \n\nKnow where you can shelter safely if ordered to evacuate; learn your evacuation zone.\n\n \n\nArrange to keep in contact with family and friends.\n\n \n\nSign up with the Texas Transportation Assistance Registry if you or a loved one needs evacuation assistance. D...\n
GULF COAST RESIDENTS BRACE FOR AN ACTIVE STORM SEASON DURING NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK
\n(Cypress Times © 05/24/2011)
HOUSTON, TX ? Experts predict heavy storm activity in the Gulf of Mexico this year, and with Hurricane Preparedness Week upon us (May 22-28), Verizon Wireless encourages Houstonians to plan now for the storm season ahead.\n\nVerizon Wireless is working to ensure Houstonians have comprehensive, reliable wireless coverage in the case of severe weather, investing $");
document.write("413 million in the state of Texas and ...\n
P/C Insurers Facing Record Losses from Weather
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/24/2011)
Devastating tornadoes, floods, earthquakes overseas and a busier-than-usual hurricane season have U.S. insurance companies bracing for record losses in 2011.\r\n\r\nInsurers could suffer as much as");
document.write(" $10 billion from weather-related losses in the United States in 2011, which is up from the average of $2 billion to $4 billion, according to EQECAT Inc, which provides disaster and risk models to insurance...\n
Chevy led the list of the 10 different models that made Insure.com's 2011 list of the 30 cheapest vehicles to insure in Florida.<");
document.write("/b>
\n(Orlando Sentinel © 05/24/2011) (Registration Required)\n
* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n * \n \n \n \n \n \n \n * \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n * \n \n \n \n \n * \n Tweet\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (0)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n ...\n
How La Nina Might Affect Storm Season
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/23/2011)
One major factor in whether the Atlantic Ocean will experience an active 2011 hurricane season is fluctuating thousands of miles away in the Pacific.\r\n\r\nThe La Nina weather phenomenon, which is linked to above average hurricane seasons in the Atlantic, appears to be weakening and it is unclear as the season begins June 1 whether it ");
document.write("will exacerbate or have no effect on this year?s storms.\r\n\r\nLa Nin...\n
Late April Tornadoes Likely to Affect P/C Insurers? Earnings, Not Capital
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/23/2011)
The deadly outbreak of tornadoes in late April, which generated insured losses estimated at as much as $6 billion, is unlikely to have an ");
document.write("immediate impact on property/casualty insurers? Best?s ratings.\r\n\r\nThe ratings agency said that capital remains generally robust, and primary insurance companies are positioned to absorb this loss. Where reinsurance programs have been attached, covers are expect...\n
Facebook posts are barred in accident case
\n(Pittsburgh Post Ga");
document.write("zette © 05/23/2011)
Helpful legal hint: If you're suing somebody, don't accept a Facebook friend request from the defendant's attorneys.\n\nThe plaintiff in a car accident case does not have to accept a \"friend request\" on Facebook from the defendant so that the defendant can have full access to the plaintiff's postings and photos, a Bucks County Common Pleas Court judge has ruled.\n\nIn Piccolo v. Paterson, Judge Albert...\n
How La Nina Might Affect Storm Season
\n(Unknown © 05/23/2011)
......\n
Late April Tornadoes Likely to Affect P/C Insurers? Earnings, Not Capital
\n(Unknown © 05/23/2011)
......\n
Agents? Group Gives $100K to Texas Volunteer Fire Departments
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/19/2011)
Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) and its Trusted Choice agents are donating more than $100,000 to the State Firemen?s and Fire Marshals? Association (SFFMA) to assist volunteer fire departments.\r\n\r\nThe money will go to a special ");
document.write("fund created to purchase fire retardant clothing for volunteer firefighters who battle the numerous wildfires across the state.\r\n\r\nCurrently, 70 to 80 percent...\n
Preparation key to being ready for hurricane season
\n(South Florida Sun-Sentinel © 05/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Another y");
document.write("ear went by without a major hurricane striking Florida's coast, and though analysts continue to predict a busy season, it is easy (even human nature) to become complacent and think, \"It won't happen to us.\"\n\nBut at some point, it will. And when it does, you need to be prepared.\n\nPreparing in advance for a storm is one of the most important things a Floridian can do, and this includes not ...\n
Nationwide Insurance to host job open house
\n(San Antonio WOAI (NBC) © 05/18/2011)
SAN ANTONIO -- Nationwide Insurance will host a job open house on Wednesday, May 18th to recruit employees.\n\nNationwide plans to create 800 new jobs in San Antonio. The company is recruiting qualified individuals for the following positions: \n\n * Property and casualty customer service representatives ? Associates who provide service to Nationwide Insurance customers. \n * Claims customer serv...\n
Allstate buys Esurance, Answer Financial for $1B
\n(San Francisco Chronicle © 05/18/2011)
(05-18) 07:03 PDT NEW YORK, (AP) --\n\n\nHome and auto insurer Allstate is buying Esurance and Answer Financial from White Mountains Insurance for about $1 billion.\n\n\nAllstate Corp. says the deal will help it tap consumers who prefer certain brands along with con");
document.write("sumers who want choices among insurance carriers.\n\n\nWhite Mountains Insurance Group Ltd., based in Hanover, N.H., says the sale will increas...\n
Time running out for driver texting ban
\n(Austin KXAN (NBC) 36 © 05/17/2011)
AUSTIN (KXAN) - A bill to ban texting while driving statewide is still slowly working its way t");
document.write("hrough the Legislature, but its Senate sponsor has doubts it will make it through the last two weeks of the session. \n\nSen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, said the fact that House Bill 243 has yet to gain approval from the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee is not a good sign. She autho...\n
P/C Insurers Take Hit in Q1 as Hurricane ");
document.write("Season Approaches
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/17/2011)
The U.S. property/casualty (P/C) industry took a beating from record first quarter 2011 catastrophe losses, and recent earnings announcements from global reinsurers illustrate the damage those losses did to earnings and operating results.\r\n\r\nInsured losses from winter storms and severe thunderstorm and tornado events through April? including one outbreak that could represent the industry?s costlie...\n
P/C Insurers Take Hit in Q1 as Hurricane Season Approaches
\n(Unknown © 05/17/2011)
......\n
State Farm to offer same-sex benefits
\n(Chicago Tribune © 05");
document.write("/14/2011) (Registration Required)\n
BLOOMINGTON -- State Farm Insurance Cos. said Friday it will begin offering health care and other benefits to legally recognized same-sex partners of its employees, a response to an Illinois law that will soon let gay and lesbian couples enter into civil unions.\n\nThe eligibility changes for the Bloomington-based insurer's group health and welfare plans affect all employees, retirees, agents and ag...\n
TDI Sunset bill clears Senate Committee, full House
\n(Lone Star Report © 05/14/2011)
\nWhat a difference a session makes. In 2009, with the House nearly evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, House members likely would have carved the Texas Department of Insurance Sunset bill up something awful. And industry wouldn?t like the changes. In the end, the sunset bill died in the end-of-session pileup (created by Democratic filibu");
document.write("sters), and Republicans were quite gratef...\n
Allstate estimates $1.4B April catastrophe losses
\n(Houston Chronicle © 05/12/2011) (Registration Required)\n
NORTHBROOK, Ill.\n — Allstate says tornadoes and other disasters last month led to $1.4 billion in estimated catastrophe losses.\n");
document.write(" \n\nThe Northbrook, Ill., home and auto insurer said Thursday those losses included 13 natural disasters in the U.S. and Canada. The largest losses came from tornadoes in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Virginia in the last week of April. Catastrophes include ev...\n
Dog-bite claim costs see biggest jump since 2007, group says
\n");
document.write("(Houston Chronicle © 05/12/2011) (Registration Required)\n
U.S. home insurers paid 5.3 percent more for the average dog-bite claim last year, the biggest jump since 2007, as medical expenses and jury awards increased, a trade group said. \n\nThe average cost per claim climbed to $26,166 last year from $24,840 in 2009, the Insurance Information Institute said today in a statement. The injuries cost $412.6 million in 2010, little changed from the previous yea...\n
Program teaches young drivers how to be safe
\n(Smithville Times © 05/12/2011)
The Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting an Alive @ 25 class at the sheriff’s office on Saturday, May 21 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\n\nAlive @ 25 is a highly successful defensive driving program that has resulted in its graduates experiencing an over 70 percent decrease in crash fatalities in the areas it has been o");
document.write("ffered.\n\n\nThe purpose of Alive @ 25 program is to educate youn...\n
Five Reasons the Drought is Worse Than A Hurricane (i.e., Rick Perry Doesn't Mkae Us Pray About Hurricanes) (Yet)
\n(Houston Press © 05/11/2011)
Categories: Hurricanes, Weather Some storms are just more fearsome than others. ???Hurricane season open");
document.write("s June 1 -- unlike deer season, you don't get to hunt so much as be hunted by nature's version of Bambi on steroids -- and the collective hand-wringing from local news, nervous nellies and weather nerds will soon commence. But, for the moment, Texas remains trapped in another, seemingly less t...\n
P/C Insurers Cautious About Adopting New RMS Hurrica");
document.write("ne Model
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/11/2011)
Property/casualty insurers appear to be in no rush to adopt a controversial revised catastrophe model that dramatically raises certain estimates of potential hurricane losses in the country.\r\n\r\nCalifornia-based modeling firm RMS released its revised hurricane model, version 11, in February. Some in the industry have predicted that it will lead reinsurers and insurers to revise rates and underwriti...\n
Risky Business: Insurance Industry Entering ?New Era? of Catastrophes
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/11/2011)
Given the recent flooding, hurricanes and earthquakes, it appears the number of catastrophic events that inflict mass casualties and severe economic losses has increased ? so much so that Dr. Erwann Michel-Kerjan, managing director of the Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center in Pennsylvania, says the world has en");
document.write("tered into a ?new era of catastrophes? that will redefine the insuran...\n
Nationwide planning open house for San Antonio job seekers
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 05/10/2011)
Nationwide Insurance will host a job open house to recruit employees for a number of positions for its local operations.\n\n\nThe Columbus, Oh");
document.write("io-based insurer previously announced plans to create 800 new jobs in San Antonio. The company also announced last month that it planned to hire 30 agents in San Antonio by 2014. This recruitment event will support these hiring efforts.\n\n\nAs such, Nationwide lo...\n
Letter: Be cautious choosing roofers
\n(Abilene Reporter-News &co");
document.write("py; 05/06/2011) (Registration Required)\n
David Ballard\n\nAfter the recent hailstorm, one of the first things that occurs is that you have out-of-town roofers coming into town and wanting to help you out with your roof. My stance to my customers has always been to hire someone local, someone who is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Better Business Bureau and not someone who just joined April 25, 2011!\n\nMy reasoning behin...\n
HB 272 (TWIA) Placed on Major State Calendar Today
\n(Texas Legislature © 05/06/2011)
Placed on Major State Calendar - 05/06/2011...\n
Urge Senate B&C Committee to Pass Roofing Bill
\n(Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions © 05/03/2011)
Hurricane Ike and smaller yet costly hailstorms have underscored the importance of ensuring Texans are protected from opportunistic roofers.\r\n\r\nSB 1274 provides consumer protections against fraudulent actions by a small number of roofers - and out-state-roofers in particular. Click here to contact members of the Senate Business & Commerce Committee TODAY and urge them to support this important le...\n
Property Rates to Rise From Catastrophes, Revised Cat Model
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/02/2011)
Property insurance rates could be on the rise thanks to first quarter catastrophe losses, including the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and a revised catastrophe model. \r\n\r\nDuring the second quarter, rates for North American catastrophe-exposed property risks are expected to increase up to 5 percent, while non-catastrophe e");
document.write("xposed property risks could still experience rate declines, Willis Group H...\n
Property Rates to Rise From Catastrophes, Revised Cat Model
\n(Unknown © 05/02/2011)
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Study: High Gas Prices Lead to Fewer Auto Accidents
\n(Unknown © 05/02/2011)
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Study: High Gas Prices Lead to Fewer Auto Accidents
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/28/2011)
As gasolin");
document.write("e prices reach $4 a gallon throughout the nation, pain at the pump seems to have at least one silver lining for drivers and insurers.\r\n\r\nThe rising cost of gas also drives a decline in all traffic accidents, including drunk-driving crashes, according to a new study by Mississippi State?s Social Science Research Center.\r\n\r\nResearcher Guangqing Chi, an assistant professor of sociology at t...\n
Natural disasters re-created at insurance industry lab
\n(MSNBC © 04/25/2011)
As wildfires rage through Texas and the U.S. braces for hailstorm season, engineer Tim Reinhold and his team at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety are intentionally burning down houses and preparing to pelt others with golfball-size hail.\r\nIt's the latest disaster simulation inside the IBHS's massive new laboratory in Richburg, S.C., a $40 million research center set on 90 acres...\n
Natural disasters re-created at insurance industry lab
\n(Unknown © 04/25/2011)
......\n
New lessons to pave a ro");
document.write("ad to safety for young drivers
\n(St. Paul Pioneer Press © 04/24/2011)
Teenagers are notoriously bad drivers, accounting for 10 times as many crashes as middle-aged ones. But short of keeping them off the road entirely, is there a way to make their driving safer — for them and for the rest of us? \n\n\nNew research suggests that there is. A nationally representative sample of more than 800 crashes involving teenage drivers shows that almost two-thirds were due no...\n
Odessa Builds First Home Using Energy Efficient Technology 04/22/11
\n(Odessa KOSA (CBS) 7 © 04/23/2011)
CBS 7 News\r\nRobert Guaderrama\r\nrguaderrama@cbs7.com\r\nApril 22, 2011\r\n\r\nOdessa, Texas- With a rising cost of energy we are always looking for ways to save and the City of Odessa is trying to help homeowners by bringing in a new cutting edge form of construction\r\n\r\nIt's called Insulated Concrete Form. Bel");
document.write("ieve it or not, construction begins with a framework of Styrofoam.\r\n\r\n\"The normal way to build, ...\n
Home Insurers Caught Up in a Tornado
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 04/22/2011)
RALEIGH, N.C.?When tornadoes coursed through a string of Southern states last week, medical personnel and local fire departments were quick");
document.write("ly on the scene, picking through debris and tending to the injured. Not far behind them came a group which has also played a critical role in bringing relief to stricken homeowners?insurers. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nView Full ImageRaul R. Rubiera/Associated Press \r\nA house is i...\n
Austin, Texas, Fire Contained; 18 Homes Damaged
\n(Insurance Jour");
document.write("nal © 04/21/2011)
A wildfire in Austin, Texas, believed to have been sparked by a homeless man?s campfire, has burned 100 acres and damaged at least 18 homes.\r\n\r\nAustin Fire Department spokesman Chayer Smith said he expected the damage estimates to move ?substantially upward? once firefighters finished going through the affected area.\r\n\r\nAuthorities believe a homeless man started the fire by lighting a campfire to...\n
Third Hailstorm in Two Weeks Pounds North Texas Area
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/21/2011)
A severe line of thunderstorms extending 100 miles pounded portions of north central Texas this week producing hail as large as tennis balls. The line extended from Denton to Hillsboro.\r\n\r\nThe communities of Itasca and Covington located north of Hillsboro were hit with tennis ball size hail. Residents reported damage to homes and automobiles. Golf ball size hail was reported in cities along I");
document.write("nters...\n
Wildfires Continue in Texas; More than 1.8M Acres Burned This Year
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/21/2011)
As wildfires continue to rage in almost every region of the state, the Texas Forest Service reports that 6,061 fires and more than 1.8 million acres have burned since the beginning of the year.\r\n\r\nMuch of t");
document.write("he burned acreage has comprised vast stretches of unoccupied rangeland but rural towns and urban areas have been affected as well.\r\n\r\nFirefighting teams from all over the United States are being...\n
Austin, Texas, Fire Contained; 18 Homes Damaged
\n(Unknown © 04/21/2011)
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Farmers Insurance Claims Teams Assist Victims of Texas Wildfires
\n(Unknown © 04/21/2011)
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Fires rag");
document.write("e through much of Texas; more than 1 million acres burned
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 04/20/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Several massive wildfires in North and West Texas continued to rage Tuesday, racing through parched fields and woods and adding to a sweeping acreage toll that has reached almost 1.2 million in less than two weeks.\n\nA wildfire spanning four counties west of Fort Worth near Possum Kingdom Lake has consumed nearly 150,000 acres, destroyed 150 homes and a church, and forced hundreds to flee since it ...\n
\n
Farmers Insurance Claims Teams Assist Victims of Texas Wildfires
\n(Farmers Insurance © 04/20/2011)
Farmers Insurance Group of Companies asks its customers suffering damage or ordered to evacuate because of the widespread wildfires, to immediately contact their agent or call Farmers? 24 hour claims hotline at:\r\n\r\n800-HelpPoint ");
document.write("(800-435-7764) for immediate assistance.\r\n\r\nSpanish-language claims assistance is available to Farmers customers by calling 877-RECLAMO (877-732-5266).\r\n\r\nForemost Insuran...\n
Mobile-Home Deaths Raise Issue of Safety
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 04/20/2011)
Last week's outbreak of tornadoes in the southern U.S. prove");
document.write("d particularly deadly for mobile-home residents, prompting lawmakers and emergency-management officials to renew their focus on the contentious issue of the structures' safety in storms.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nView Full ImageAssociated Press \r\nA man removed debris Tuesday from the remnants of a Dunn, N.C., mobile-home community hit by a twister.\r\n\r\n\r\n\"Ce...\n
TCAIS ");
document.write("Insider Newsletter - Understanding Insurance Profit and Loss
\n(Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions © 04/18/2011)
According to recently released data by the Texas Department of Insurance, insurers writing homeowners policies in the Texas marketplace had a combined loss ratio of 84.4 percent in 2010. That means that for every dollar in premium collected, insurers paid out just over 84 cents in consumer claims and policy expenses. This profitable year ? the first since 2007 ? is largely a factor of fewer bad we...\n
Floyd: Reforms needed to stablize hurricane insurance
\n(Unknown © 04/18/2011)
......\n
Floyd: Reforms ");
document.write("needed to stablize hurricane insurance
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 04/16/2011)
The Texas Capitol is never short on headlines, drama and controversy during a legislative session, and the issue of windstorm insurance, which covers hurricane, other wind and hail damage along the coast, has contributed its share in 2011.\r\n\r\nDebate over the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, or TWIA, is typically tedious and unexciting. But this session it has inspired some colorful and explo...\n
Floyd: Don't let conflict bury needed windstorm insurance reforms
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 04/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The Texas Capitol is never short on headlines, drama and controversy during a legislative session, and the issue of windstorm insurance, which covers hurricane, other wind and hail damage along the coast, has contributed its share in 2011.\n");
document.write("\nDebate over the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is typically tedious and unexciting, at best. But this session it has inspired some colorful and e...\n
Wind insurer hires interim executive
\n(Houston Chronicle © 04/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The board of the troubled Texas");
document.write(" Windstorm Insurance Association voted Thursday to hire John Polak, former vice president of National Interstate Insurance Co. in Ohio, as interim general manager to replace the one ousted earlier this year.\nTWIA will pay Polak annual salary of $295,000 and a $5,000 monthly living stipend for up to three months to cover commuting expenses until he moves to Texas.\nThe...\n
Strong Storms, Tornadoes Cause Estimated $100M in Damages
\n(NBC DFW © 04/14/2011)
The line of strong thunderstorms early Monday morning that spun off four tornadoes caused at least $100 million in damages to thousands of homes and cars, according to an Insurance Council of Texas preliminary estimate obtained Wednesday by NBCDFW.\r\n\r\nState Farm said Wednesday they?ve had at least 3,389 home claims, and 1,648 automobile claims alone.\r\n\r\n?Most of these claims are hail and wind clai...\n
Strong Storms, Tornadoes Cause Estimated $100M in Damages
\n(Unknown © 04/14/2011)
......\n
Wind insurance reform bill gains s");
document.write("team
\n(Amarillo Globe-News © 04/13/2011)
AUSTIN - An insurance reform bill state Rep. John Smithee filed last month is moving fast in the legislative process. On Tuesday, the House Insurance Committee, which the Amarillo Republican chairs, voted 7-2 to send House Bill 272 to the House floor for a debate and a vote.\r\n\r\nThe proposed legislation aims to reform the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, the state-run insurance of last resort...\n
National Weather Service Confirms 4 Tornadoes Hit North Texas
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/13/2011)
A National Weather Service storm survey team has confirmed that at least four tornadoes struck rural areas south and east of Dallas and Fort Worth on April 11. A line of savage thunderstorms packing damaging winds and spawning the tornadoes caused scattered but severe destruction around North Texas.\r\n\r\nThe American Red Cross said the storm");
document.write("s destroyed or heavily damaged 15 homes. An additional 188...\n
North Texas Residents Assessing Storm Damage
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/13/2011)
The Dallas/Fort Worth area is cleaning up after storms rocked the area with major wind and hail damage. The National Weather Service Regional Office in Fort Worth said there w");
document.write("ere four general areas of damage with the hardest hit regions believed east of Dallas and several counties south and southeast of Fort Worth.\r\n\r\nStorm teams were sent to the hardest hit areas to determine what damage was caus...\n
House Insurance panel passes windstorm reform, insurance regulator sunset bills
\n(Lone Star Report &");
document.write("copy; 04/13/2011)
The House Insurance Committee today passed Texas Windstorm Insurance Association reform, and sunset bills for the Texas Department of Insurance and the Office of Public Insurance Council.\n\nThose last two have gotten through committee with relatively few fireworks, and so have seen few permutations. No big fights on credit scoring or prior approval versus file-and-use have broken out.\n\nBut TWIA ref...\n
USAA named a good employer for working moms
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 04/13/2011)
Working Mother magazine has named financial services company USAA one of the best places for hourly employees to work in America.\n\n\nThe publication highlighted 12 U.S. employers for offering benefits to hourly workers. About 69 percent of USAA?s employees are hourly. However, USAA is among the handful of employers that offer health and wellness benefits, flexible spending accounts for children,");
document.write(" ca...\n
USAA among best workplaces for hourly workers
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 04/13/2011) (Registration Required)\n
San Antonio's USAA was named one of the best companies for hourly workers by Working Mother magazine.\n\nThe financial services company was the only Texas-based company selec");
document.write("ted by the publication. Other companies chosen included Best Buy, Capital One Financial, Cricket Communications, Marriott International and McDonald's.\n\nThe companies offer a variety of benefits, including health and wellness be...\n
Texas Governor to View Wildfire Damage
\n(The New York Times © 04/13/2011)
Gov. Rick ");
document.write("Perry of Texas is scheduled on Tuesday to take an aerial tour of areas damaged by wildfires that continue to burn hundreds of thousands of acres across the state, while rivers in North Dakota and Minnesota are generally receding, officials said, though the risk of flooding is expected to increase again by the end of the week.\r\n\r\nIn Texas, 78 fires have scarred 385,000 acres during the pa...\n
Wildfires in West Texas Could Creep Eastward
\n(The Texas Tribune © 04/13/2011)
Wildfire rages along a mountaintop outside of Alpine early in the morning of April 10, 2011\r\n \r\nA string of wildfires has charred about 400,000 acres in drought-stricken West Texas. But as Erika Aguilar of KUT News reports, areas further east, also thirsting for water, may be just as vulnerable as the west.\r\n\r\nDownload audio file...\n
National Weather Service Confirms 4 Tornadoes Hit North Texas
\n(Unknown © 04/13/2011)
......\n
North Texas Residents Assessing Storm Damage
\n(Unknown ©");
document.write("; 04/13/2011)
......\n
Texas Governor to View Wildfire Damage
\n(Unknown © 04/13/2011)
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Wildfires in West Texas Could Creep Eastward
\n(Unknown © 04/13/2011)
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Texas wildfires: why this season is one of the worst in state history
\n(Christian Science Monitor © 04/12/2011)
Drought conditions across west Texas are only part of a compl");
document.write("ex series of weather events that have produced the worst wildfire conditions in Lone Star State history.\r\n\r\nAdded to the driest March in state history, those factors set up a massive tinderbox that has exploded with devastating effect, as firefighters and smoke jumpers from 25 states have had to turn back hundreds of aggressive blazes. N...\n
3 Most ");
document.write("Common Errors That Lead to Teen Drivers? Crashes
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/12/2011)
Teen drivers get into serious accidents at a high rate because they fail to scan for possible hazards, go too fast for road conditions, or become distracted by something inside or outside their cars.\r\n\r\nA recent study by The Children?s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance Companies hones in on the most common errors teen drivers make that lead to a serious crash.\r\n\r\nTeen drivers are i...\n
\n(Unknown © 04/12/2011)
......\n
Texas lawmakers consider 85-mph speed limit");
document.write("
\n(USA Today © 04/12/2011)
In Texas, which already has some of the nation's highest speed limits, the state House passed a bill last week allowing a speed limit of 85 mph on some highways. A similar bill is being considered in the Senate. The Kansas Legislature on April 1 raised the limit to 75 on more than 1,000 miles of roads. The measure awaits GOP Gov. Sam Brownback's signature.\r\nHighway-safety advocates are not speed...\n
More than a dozen big wildfires scorch West Texas
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 04/11/2011)
Firefighters from 25 states battled more than a dozen blazes across much of West Texas on Sunday in what state forest service officials called the single worst fire day the state has ever seen.\r\n\r\nIn North Texas, a wildfire burned about 21,000 acres in Eastland, Stephens and Palo Pinto counties, but about 75 percent of it was contained Sunday. The counties are about 70 miles");
document.write(" west of Fort Worth....\n
More than a dozen big wildfires scorch West Texas
\n(Unknown © 04/11/2011)
......\n
Shivers: Stop lawyers from exploiting hurricanes
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 04/08/2011) (Registration Required)\n
In 2008, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) was hit by three hurricanes -- Dolly, Ike and personal injury trial lawyers. Claims arising out of the hurricanes have resulted in millions of dollars in legal fees paid by TWIA to plaintiff lawyers. Texas taxpayers could be on the hook for part of these inflated legal fees from Dolly and Ike because state tax credits must cov");
document.write("er the shortfa...\n
?Above Average? 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/08/2011)
The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season will be above average with nine hurricanes, five of them major, with a more than 70 percent chance that at least one of them will hit the U.S. coastline, Colorado State Univ");
document.write("ersity forecasters predicted Wednesday.\r\n\r\nSlightly reducing an early December forecast, the CSU team forecast an active June 1-Nov. 30 season, predicting 16 named storms.\r\n\r\nOf these, nine we...\n
Insurer recruiting agents in San Antonio
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 04/08/2011)
Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide In");
document.write("surance plans to hire 32 exclusive agents in the San Antonio area by 2014.\n\n\nThese hiring plans are part of the insurer?s larger, statewide initiative ? called the Grow Texas Strategy ? which calls for hiring more than 100 agents across the state by 2014.\n\n\nTerrance Williams, regional vice president of the Central Plains and Southern regions for Nationwide, says S...\n
?Above Average? 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast
\n(Unknown © 04/08/2011)
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Texting ban softened, then OK'd by House
\n(Unknown © 04/08/2011)
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Wildfire Danger Critical in Oklahoma, Texas
\n(Unknown © 04/08/2011)
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Cruising Without Coverage: 16% of Drivers Have Lacked Auto Insurance, InsuranceQuotes.com Poll");
document.write(" Shows
\n(Denison KTEN (NBC) 10 © 04/06/2011)
Information contained on this page is provided by companies via press release distributed through PR Newswire, an independent third-party content provider. PR Newswire, WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.\n\nSOURCE InsuranceQuotes.com\n\nAUSTIN, Texas, April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sixteen percent of American drivers have driven a car without auto...\n
Japan Quake Reveals Cracks in Insurance System ? Part I
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/06/2011)
Michael Korn is a popular person these days, which is perhaps not too surprising considering what he does for a living and where he lives. Korn is an insurance broker in earthquake-prone San Francisco.\r\n\r\n?We?re pretty busy,? he said of the period since Japan?s devastating earthquake on March 11. ?I?d say everybody is really still trying to ");
document.write("figure out what the heck is going on,? said Korn, who is...\n
Japan Quake Reveals Cracks in Insurance System ? Part I
\n(Unknown © 04/06/2011)
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USAA chooses ?best value? vehicles
\n(Dallas Morning News © 04/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
USAA, one of the 10 largest auto insurers in the U.S., recently compiled its first ?best value? list of vehicles, measuring 2011 cars and trucks in 16 categories for best overall value. The selections were:\n\nLarge sedan: Dodge Charger\n\nMidsize sedan: Hyundai Sonata\n\nSmall sedan: Chevrolet Cruze\n\nLarge luxury sedan: Hyundai Genesis\n\nMidsize luxury sedan: Audi A4\n");
document.write("\nLarge SUV: Chevrolet Traverse\n\nMids...\n
Nationwide hiring as work starts on facility
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 03/30/2011) (Registration Required)\n
While its state-of-the-art campus is just breaking ground in Northwest San Antonio, Nationwide Insurance already is in hiring mode with plan");
document.write("s to nearly double its local staff.\n\nNationwide officials said Tuesday that job applicants need not wait for the 300,000-square-foot customer sales and service center to be completed in Westover Hills to pursue employment with the financial services firm.\n\n?We...\n
USAA selects best vehicles
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 03/3");
document.write("0/2011) (Registration Required)\n
USAA has compiled a list of ?best? vehicles for overall value, the first time the financial-services giant has unveiled such a list.\n\n\nHere is the complete list for all 16 categories:\n\n\nLarge Sedan: Dodge Charger\n\n\nMidsize Sedan: Hyundai Sonata\n\n\nSmall Sedan: Chevrolet Cruze\n\n\nLarge Luxury Sedan: Hyundai Genesis\n\n\nMidsize Luxury Sedan: Audi A4\n\n\nLarge SUV: Chevrolet Traverse\n\n\nMidsize SUV: Toyota ...\n
Nationwide bringing 800 bilingual jobs to San Antonio
\n(San Antonio WOAI (NBC) © 03/30/2011)
SAN ANTONIO - Nationwide Insurance is expanding, and that means 800 new jobs are coming to town.\n\nCity and county leaders joined Nationwide executives Tuesday for the groundbreaking. The beginning of construction started with a tree planting ceremony. The building will be located in the Westover Hills area on the west side of the city.\n\nNationwide wi");
document.write("ll be focusing on bilingual applicants - t...\n
Nationwide breaking ground on Westover Hills campus
\n(Unknown © 03/29/2011)
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Allstate Foundation lends a hand
\n(Detroit Free Press © 03/20/2011)
TODAY'S SUBJECT: The Allstate Foundation in Michigan\n\nTHE CAUSE: The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of Allstate. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, the Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's we...\n
USAA posts another strong year
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 03/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Financial-services giant USAA appears to be firing on all cylinders.\n\nFinancial results for 2010 released by the San Antonio-based company show improvements in all categories save for a 12 percent drop in net income to");
document.write(" $2.64 billion.\n\nDespite the decrease, USAA managed to boost its net worth by $1.71 billion, or 10 percent, to a record $18.71 billion at the end of last year.\n\n?USAA grew stronger i...\n
57 homes destroyed in fires
\n(Bryan-College Station Eagle © 03/13/2011)
HARRAH, Okla. -- People who live in and around Oklahoma Ci");
document.write("ty returned to their fire-ravaged neighborhoods Saturday to assess the damage and begin cleaning up.\n\nGov. Mary Fallin and U.S. Rep. James Lankford, R-Okla., toured Harrah, where 30 homes were destroyed Friday. Fallin told homeowners Saturday to contact relief organizations and use other emergency services while they wait for their insuranc...\n
Alls");
document.write("tate Hails Renewed Push to Pass Stronger Teen Driving Laws
\n(Amarillo KFDA (CBS) 10 © 03/08/2011)
Information contained on this page is provided by companies via press release distributed through PR Newswire, an independent third-party content provider. PR Newswire, WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.\n\nSOURCE Allstate Insurance Company\n\nSTANDUP Act would empower states, parents to save lives; teens strongly agree\n\nNORTHBROOK, Ill., March 8...\n
USAA contributed $250,000 to Veterans of Foreign Wars
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 03/08/2011)
Retired Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Speakes presented a $250,000 check on behalf of USAA to VFW National Commander Richard Eubank in support of the VFW Foundation?s ?Return the Favor? campaign.\n\n\nUSAA is now an official co-sponsor of the campaign.\n\n\n?Return the Favor? provides assistanc");
document.write("e to military personnel and their families. Help could come in the form of financial assistance grants for housing, med...\n
Texas Legislature may end driver surcharge program
\n(Unknown © 03/08/2011)
......\n
Controversy at TWIA Prompts Outside Oversight
\n(Texas Tribune © 03/02/2011)
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association has been placed under administrative oversight for questions surrounding its ethical conduct. Gretch Sanders of KUT News reports on what the future may hold for the association, an insurer of last resort for homeowners along the Texas coast.\n Download audio file\n\n \n \n\n ");
document.write(" \n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n ...\n
Undewriting Losses Mount at State Farm's Auto Business
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 03/02/2011)
NEW YORK?Underwriting losses at the huge car-insurance business operated by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. widened in 2010, even as the biggest home and aut");
document.write("o insurer in the U.S. raised prices. \n\nState Farm's auto business spent $2.8 billion more on claims and expenses than it collected from policyholders in premiums, the company said Tuesday, marking at least the third straight year th...\n
New Hurricane Model Will Broaden Who's at Risk
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 02/28/2011)
A hurricane-modeling company that helps insurers predict the cost of megastorms will launch a new, more sophisticated model on Monday that shows some homeowners living hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean are at greater risk than previously thought.\n\nWhile the homes closest to the coast are clearly the most likely to suffer serious damage, the model from Risk Management Solutions Inc. increase...\n
Insurers Report 24% Rise in Suspicious Claims Since 2008
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/24/2011)
There has been a 24 percent rise in what insurance companies consider suspicious claims since 2008.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, a total of 74,146 so-called questionable claims, or QCs, were referred to the National Insurance Crime Bureau from its member insurance companies compared to 91,797 received in 2010 ?a 24 percent increase. In 2009, a total of 84,407 QCs were referred. The difference between 2009 and 2010...\n
");
document.write("
Allstate plans statewide expansion
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 02/24/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Allstate Insurance Co. plans this year to add 140 agencies in Texas, including at least 15 in San Antonio.\n\nThe expansion plans follow a 20 percent jump in the state's population over the last decade.");
document.write("\n\n?More Texans mean more homes and cars to protect,? Allstate official Tom Caunitz said in a statement. The company currently has about 1,000 agencies in Texas, including 85 in San Antonio.\n\nAllstate ...\n
Texas Insurer Group Releases Motorists? Accident Brochure
\n(Unknown © 02/23/2011)
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Texas Insurer Group Releases Motorists? Accident Brochure
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/22/2011)
The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) has released its newest brochure, ?Holy Fender Bender! What Do We Do Next?? which provides simple, useful information for motorists dealing with the aftermath of a traffic accident. The brochure details what st");
document.write("eps to take immediately following an automobile accident and offers advice on obtaining information from other drivers involved.\r\n\r\n?Holy Fender Bender?...\n
High auto insurance premiums blamed on staged accidents
\n(Orlando Sentinel © 02/22/2011) (Registration Required)\n
South Florida Sun-Sen");
document.write("tinel\n \n \n \n \n\n11:31 AM EST, February 21Several business groups urged Florida legislators Monday to change the state's no-fault automobile insurance laws to reduce fraudulent claims.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida said they want to beef up the state's fraud investi...\n
TWIA seeks reforms
\n(Galveston Daily News © 02/20/2011)
Coastal consumers of windstorm insurance will see some fundamental changes, including a requirement to buy flood coverage, if the legislature approves a slate of recommendations from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.\n\nConsumers would get new payment options and a slicker renewal process and those who canceled coverage after 90 days would get a bigger chunk of their premiums back under the...\n
Brochure gives info on auto wrecks
\n(Wichita Times Record © 02/19/2011)
The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) has released its newest brochure, \"Holy Fender Bender! What Do We Do Next?\" which provides simple, useful information for motorists dealing with the aftermath of a traffic accident.\n\nThe brochure details what steps to take immediately following an automobile accident and offers a");
document.write("dvice on obtaining information from other drivers involved.\n\n\"Holy Fender Bender\" a...\n
USAA honored for customer satisfaction
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 02/18/2011)
J.D. Power and Associates presented USAA with two major honors this week for providing exemplary customer service to its members.\n\n\nThe global re");
document.write("search firm recognized San Antonio-based USAA for offering 10 years of consistently high-level customer satisfaction.\n\n\n?When we look across the many syndicated studies we conduct based on the voice of the customer, there are certain brands that stand out...\n
Damages from Winter Storm in the Millions
\n(El Paso KTSM (NBC) 9 ©");
document.write("; 02/15/2011)
EL PASO - Damages from this month's winter storm are estimated to be in the millions. \n\n\n\n\n The storm caused rolling blackouts, water shortages and forced schools and offices to close.\n\n\n\n\n The city estimates that between the closings and damages, costs could be at least $700 thousand. State Farm said so far, they've paid out over $2 million in claims, in Texas alone. Allstate said the dis...\n
Giant 3-D billboard to launch social networking effort from Nationwide Children's Hospital
\n(Columbus Dispatch © 02/14/2011)
Downtown commuters and residents will be greeted today by a 12-story \"miracle\" on High.\n\n\nThe north side of the historic Atlas Building at High and Long streets - former site of large\nbillboards depicting spilled paint and giant hail - has been transformed into a\nplayground-in-the-sky showcasing seven children whose lives were saved or affected by Nationwide\nChil");
document.write("dren's Hospital.\n\n\nThe 14-ton, thre...\n
State considers $100 surcharge on gas-guzzlers
\n(Unknown © 02/14/2011)
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State considers $100 surcharge on gas-guzzlers
\n(The Associated Press © 02/13/2011)
State officials are considering levying a $100 surcharge o");
document.write("n some new vehicles that fall short of federal fuel efficiency standards. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram says no legislation has been filed to add the surcharge, but it's among several recommendations in a recent Legislative Budget Board to cover an anticipated massive budget shortfall. The board is a joint committee of top Teas House and Se...\n
Valen");
document.write("tines Alert: Steer Clear of Romance Behind the Wheel
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/11/2011)
Nearly one-third of American drivers smooch or engage in other romantic contact while they?re behind the wheel. That?s throughout the year, not just on Valentine?s Day, according to a new poll.\r\n\r\nTwenty-nine percent of drivers surveyed for the InsuranceQuotes.com poll acknowledge they?ve been amorous behind the wheel. That number climbs to 39 percent for highly educated drivers (at least a bachel...\n
<");
document.write("b>SPECIAL REPORT: Extreme Weather Batters Insurance Industry
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/10/2011)
Orange County, Texas was a tired place in Sept. 2008 when Hurricane Ike blew through. The hardscrabble region on the Louisiana border was already rattled from a false-alarm storm evacuation two weeks earlier, and the memory of harboring Hurricane Katrina evacuees in church gymnasiums in 2005 was s");
document.write("till fresh.\r\n\r\nThat Ike ended up being the third-costliest Atlantic hurricane to make landfall in the...\n
Weather Related Loss Estimates in Texas Reaching to $100M
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/10/2011)
Preliminary estimates of insured losses from recent winter storms in Texas range between $51 million and $100 million s");
document.write("tatewide according to two insurance industry trade groups.\r\n\r\nSouthwestern Insurance Information Service said estimated preliminary statewide losses from high winds and freezing temperatures during the first few days of February had reached $51 million, cautioning that the number...\n
House Speaker Joe Straus Names Committees
\n(T");
document.write("exas Tribune © 02/10/2011)
Speaker Joe Straus appointed members to committees today, shuffling the assignments in a Texas House where one in four members is a freshman and where Republicans have a two-to-one numerical advantage.\n\nWith the panels named, he can start assigning legislation to various committees for consideration, and that will get under way quickly, with the House Appropriations Committee diving into the bu...\n
Allstate's net income falls on catastrophe losses - KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |
\n(Tyler KLTV (ABC) 7 © 02/10/2011)
NEW YORK (AP) - Auto and home insurer Allstate Corp. said Wednesday its net income fell 43 percent in the fourth quarter as an Arizona hailstorm in October caused its catastrophe losses to soar.\n \n\nThe results fell well short of Wall Street expectations and Allstate's shares tumbled 5 percent in extended trading.\n ");
document.write(" \n\nIn the final three months of last year, the ...\n
SPECIAL REPORT: Extreme Weather Batters Insurance Industry
\n(Unknown © 02/10/2011)
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Drivers warned about scams
\n(Wichita Times Record © 02/10/2011)
When a car breaks down, drivers are anxious to have their vehicle towed quickly to a safe place. Increasingly, stranded drivers are finding themselves at the mercy of potential scam artist tow truck operators, Allstate Insurance cautions.\n\nAccording to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, reported claims of inflated towing or storage bills increased 103 percent during the first nine months of 2010...\n
<");
document.write("/p>\n
Insurance Agents Working Overtime Due To Weather Damage
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 02/09/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- As the weather warms up and pipes begin to thaw, property owners are assessing the damage caused by last weekend's freezing temperatures.\n\nMany of them are placing calls to their insurance agents.\n\nMany knew the snow");
document.write(" and cold temperatures were headed our way. Most took what they called preventative measures, but in many cases it just wasn't enough.\n\n\"Nothing compares to this. It'...\n
TCAIS Insider Newsletter
\n(Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions © 02/09/2011)
Building on the national momentum to curtail distracte");
document.write("d driving (which injures more than 500,000 people each year), a number of the 1,700 bills filed by Texas legislators so far aim to increase driver safety - including bans on texting, limiting cell phone usage and increased fines for reckless driving. Stay tuned for updates as legislation to prevent distracted driving in Texas moves through the...\n
");
document.write("TxDOT 'Teen Click It or Ticket' Campaign Launches Statewide Urging Teens to 'Love Yourself, Buckle Up'
\n(Denison KTEN (NBC) 10 © 02/08/2011)
Information contained on this page is provided by companies via press release distributed through PR Newswire, an independent third-party content provider. PR Newswire, WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.\n\nSOURCE Texas Department of Transportation\n\nPilot Program Aimed at Teens Showed More Buckled Up\n\nAUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --...\n
Insurance Industry Can Help Pizzerias Avoid Losses on Super Bowl Sunday
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/07/2011)
Americans will consumer 30 million slices of pizza on Sunday, making Super Bowl Sunday one of the busiest day of the year for pizza chains. Papa Johns, the official pizza sponsor for Super Bowl XL, expects to have its single larges");
document.write("t sale day ever, selling more than 900,000 pizzas at its 2,800 U.S. restaurants. Pizza Today magazine says a typical pizzeria will experience a 35 percent sales increase...\n
Follow TCAIS on Facebook!
\n(Unknown © 02/07/2011)
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Insurance Industry Can Help Pizzerias Avoid Losses on Super Bowl Sunday
\n(Unknown © 02/07/2011)
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Insured Losses from Recent U.S. Storm Could Top $");
document.write("1 Billion
\n(Unknown © 02/07/2011)
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Insured Losses from Recent U.S. Storm Could Top $1 Billion
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/06/2011)
Insurers stand to pay between $790 million and $1.4 billion for insured losses to residential, commercial and industrial properties and to automobil");
document.write("es stemming from the winter storm that struck the U.S. on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2.\r\n\r\nCatastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide estimates that the winter storm, one of the largest since the 1950s, affected nearly 100 million people across 30 states. The storm...\n
Insurance claims expected to rise as people discover leaking pipes
\n(Austi");
document.write("n American-Statesman © 02/05/2011) (Registration Required)\n
\"The claims are pouring in right now for the entire state, for every insurance company,\" Mark Hanna, a spokesman for the Insurance Council of Texas, said Friday.\n\nBy midafternoon, insurance companies had received 5,000 weather-related claims from this week's storm that ravaged the state.\n\nThat number \"could easily double in the next 24 hours,\" Hanna said.\n\nSome of the claims are from winds that ba...\n
Hundreds Of Insurance Claims Filed After Winter Storm
\n(KFOXTV.com © 02/05/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- Many El Pasoans will need to call their insurance company in the next few days for damage claims.\n\nState Farm Insurance alone is dealing with more than 500 homeowner's claims and expects many more to be filed as frozen pipes begin to thaw in the next few days.\n\nThe hum of fans at Ascension Lutheran Church would ce");
document.write("rtainly drown out any church choir. They've been running non-stop s...\n
Local agents see spike in weather-related insurance claims
\n(Sherman KXII (CBS) 12 © 02/04/2011)
The wintry mix hovering over Texoma has insurance agents bracing for a spike in weather-related claims.\n \n \n \n\n\"State F");
document.write("arm has already had around 600 claims on auto and home. I expect that number to grow especially from pipes as they start to thaw out,\"Jim McClure, State Farm Insurance Agent.\n \n \n \n \n \n\nMcCl...\n
Freezing temperatures cause spike in insurance claims
\n(Austin KEYE (CBS)");
document.write(" 42 © 02/03/2011)
Many homeowners are already reporting damage from the winter storm that's brought high winds, frigid temperatures, and the threat of ice to Central Texas. According to State Farm Insurance company, there have been more than 460 new insurance claims throughout Texas. A good concentration of these are coming from the Hill Country. \n\nAustin has had 91 claims, the Burnet/Kingsland area has had 85 and ...\n
Predictive Modeling Improving Insurers? Bottom Lines, Market Share
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/03/2011)
Property/casualty insurance carriers currently utilizing predictive modeling continue to see their bottom lines improve and almost 4 out of 10 say it has helped them increase market share.\r\n\r\nFor this and other reasons, predictive modeling also continues to gain momentum among North American insurers, with most carriers either expanding current implementations or planning new o");
document.write("r additional predict...\n
Why Elderly Are Bad Drivers
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/03/2011)
When elderly drivers get behind the wheel, they often confront the harrowing reality that they cannot easily see other cars, pedestrians, or cyclists moving around them. This frightening effect of aging, it turns out, is not neces");
document.write("sarily a result of a reduced ability to perceive moving objects, as one might suspect, but a heightened awareness of the backdrop against which these objects move.\r\n\r\nA t...\n
Insurance co. claims catastrophe in Texas
\n(KENS5 San Antonio © 02/03/2011)
Just last weekend we had sunny days in the upper 80s. Now look at ");
document.write("us. For at least one insurance company, the extreme cold is adding up to extreme claims. So, Allstate has pulled in some extra resources from its national catastrophe team.\r\nThose speciallists will help local customers with a myriad of winter-related claims. Allstate says most of the claims in San Antonio are from pipes freezing and...\n
Follow TCAIS");
document.write(" on Facebook!
\n(Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions © 02/03/2011)
Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions Interesting debate on the use of social media in court cases...including insurance related events. http://ht.ly/3Nndh\r\n\r\nCourts Allowing Private Facebook Posts As Evidence in Lawsuits\r\nIt's the latest litigation tactic in the online age: U.S. lawyers are trying to mine the private zones of Facebook and other social-media sites for photos,\r\n26 Imp...\n
Follow TCAIS on Twitter!
\n(Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions © 02/03/2011)
Interesting debate on the use of social media in court cases...including insurance related events. http://ht.ly/3Nndh\r\n8:22 AM Jan 31st via HootSuite\r\nWell hello Ms. Lexus! Cars talking to each other? Maybe not like that but in ways that could prevent crashes & save lives http://ht.ly/3Niuy\r\n7:07 AM Jan 3");
document.write("1st via HootSuite\r\nReport helps policymakers promote teen driving safety (in 2008, 600k+ peopl...\n
Insurance co. claims catastrophe in Texas
\n(Unknown © 02/03/2011)
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Predictive Modeling Improving Insurers? Bottom Lines, Market Share
\n(Unknown © 02/03/2011)
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Why Elderly Are Bad Drivers
\n(Unknown © 02/03/2011)
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Car safety legislation should be in everyone's self-interest
\n(Atlanta Journal-Constitution © 02/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
America’s once-vigorous commitment to stopping death and injury on our roads — one of the nation’s most severe public health problems — has become dangerous");
document.write("ly weak.\n\n\n\n\nWith the failure of auto safety legislation in the last Congress, it appears that the public and its policymakers may no longer be interested in supporting tough measures to substantially reduce bloodshed on...\n
Study: Red Light Cameras Reduce Fatal Crashes
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/02/2011)
Red light ca");
document.write("meras saved 159 lives between 2004 to 2008 in 14 of the biggest U.S. cities, a new analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. Had cameras been operating during that period in all large cities, a total of 815 deaths would have been prevented, the Institute predicted.\r\n\r\n?The cities that have the courage to use red light cameras despite the political backlash are savin...\n
USAA introduces iPad app
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 02/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
USAA customers now can manage their banking, insurance and investment accounts from Apple's iPad.\n\nIts new app is the first iPad application that integrates all three services, according to USAA. The app is free to download via USAA's website at www.usaa.com/ipad. The app has been downloaded 12,000 times in the first three days it's been available, USAA said in a statement Tuesday.\n\nThe app allows...\n
Texas Lawmakers Propose Raiding Auto Theft Fund
\n(Unknown © 02/02/2011)
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Texas Lawmakers Propose Raiding Auto Theft Fund
\n(The Texas Tribune © 02/01/2011)
A little-known state agency could be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year by closing its doors. But you might still be paying for it.\r\n\r\nUnder the House and Senate initial budget proposals, funding is nixed for the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority, a five-person shop that lawmakers created in 1991 and awards grants to police agencies to help prevent and investigate th...\n
Courts Allowing Private Facebook Posts As Evidence in Lawsuits
\n(Unknown © 01/31/2011)
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Lt. Gov. Dewhurst's Senate Committee Appoin");
document.write("tments
\n(Unknown © 01/31/2011)
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What Did One Car Say to the Other Car?
\n(Unknown © 01/31/2011)
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Lt. Gov. Dewhurst's Senate Committee Appointments
\n(The Texas Tribune © 01/28/2011)
BUSINESS & COMMERCE\r\n\r\nCarona, Chair\r\n\r\nHarris, Vice-Chair\r\n\r\nEltife\r\n\r\nEstes\r\n\r\nJackson\r\n\r\nLucio\r\n\r\nVan de Putte\r\n\r\nWatson\r\n\r\nWhitmire...\n
Courts Allowing P");
document.write("rivate Facebook Posts As Evidence in Lawsuits
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/27/2011)
It?s the latest litigation tactic in the online age: U.S. lawyers are trying to mine the private zones of Facebook and other social-media sites for photos, comments, status updates and other tidbits that might contradict what their opponents are saying in court. And increasingly, judges in civil cases are granting access to online caches that had formerly been considered off-limits.\r\n\r\nDefense law...\n
What Did One Car Say to the Other Car?
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/27/2011)
?Hey, Honda Civic, my friend, stay in your lane. This is a friendly message from the Ford Focus to your right.?\r\n\r\n?Well hello there, Ms. Lexus. How about letting up on the gas a bit? It?s dark and the roads are icy and, heck, what?s the rush? This is just a caring note from the Cadillac in front of you.?\r\n\r\nCars talking t");
document.write("o each other? It could happen. Maybe not exactly like that but in ways that...\n
CHOP study finds crashes involving teen drivers
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 01/26/2011) (Registration Required)\n
PHILADELPHIA ? Nearly one-third of the people killed as a result of car wrecks involving teen driv");
document.write("ers aren?t even in the teenagers? cars, according to a national study conducted by medical and insurance researchers.Cyclists, pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles comprise 30 percent of the people killed in crashes involving teen drivers, according to the study conducted by Children?s Hospital...\n
Measuring the Full Impact of Teen Driver Cra");
document.write("shes
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/25/2011)
The impact of teen driver crashes extends far beyond teen drivers? families and friends, according to a new report.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, more than half a million (681,000) people were involved in crashes where a teen driver was behind the wheel. More than 40,000 were injured, and nearly 30 percent of those who died in these crashes were not in cars driven by teens. The teen driving report is from The Child...\n
South Carolina Court Says Insurer Off the Hook for Shoddy Construction
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/25/2011)
The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that insurers are not liable for damages caused by faulty workmanship under a contractor?s commercial general liability policy.\r\n\r\nIn a recent ruling, the high court found that a builder?s insurance company, the Pennsylvania-based Harleysville Mutual Insurance Co., was not on the hook for $");
document.write("16.8 million in damages based on the builder?s negligence when con...\n
NAIC NAMES 2011 COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP
\n(National Association of Insurance Commissioners © 01/25/2011)
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has named its 2011 committee chairs and vice chairs.\r\n\r\n\"The diverse expertise of our ");
document.write("membership is evident in this year?s committee leadership,\" said Susan E. Voss, NAIC President and Iowa Insurance Commissioner. \"I look forward to working with our members this year on the critical issues that will shape and improve the system of state-ba...\n
USAA employees to get big bonuses
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 01");
document.write("/25/2011) (Registration Required)\n
USAA employees once again will receive hefty bonuses.\n\nThe financial and insurance company has awarded employees a bonus equal to 18.4 percent of their annual base salary.\n\nThat's the second-highest bonus ever given by USAA. The highest bonus, 18.8 percent, was awarded last year.\n\n USAA's financial performance last year also enabled it to return about $1.33 billion in dividends, rebates and reward...\n
Amnesty offered to 650,000 Texas drivers who owe surcharges for violations
\n(The Dallas Morning News © 01/25/2011)
Nearly 650,000 Texans who haven?t paid surcharge penalties for drunken driving, no insurance and other violations are being offered a one-time amnesty by the state.\r\nSignaling what may be the end of the troubled Driver Responsibility Program, motorists who owe surcharges of $750 to $3,000 ? even more for multiple offenses ? can");
document.write(" apply to have most of the fees forgiven and their suspended licenses r...\n
Amnesty offered to 650,000 Texas drivers who owe surcharges for violations
\n(Unknown © 01/25/2011)
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NAIC NAMES 2011 COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP
\n(Unknown © 01/25/2011)
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South Carolina Court Says Insurer Off the Hook for Shoddy Construction
\n(Unknown © 01/25/2011)
....");
document.write("..\n
AIA: How November Elections Changed Insurance Power in Washington
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/24/2011)
The November elections brought change to Washington as Republicans took control of the House of Representatives from Democrats. Leigh Ann Pusey, president and CEO of the industry?s American Insurance Association, ");
document.write("discusses what the November elections may mean for the key Congressional committees that deal with insurance issues in this talk with Insurance Journal?s Andy Simpson....\n
AIA: How November Elections Changed Insurance Power in Washington
\n(Unknown © 01/24/2011)
......\n
Op Ed (Mark Hanna): Ambulance chasing alive and well
\n(Unknown © 01/24/2011)
......\n
Florida lawmakers hunting ways");
document.write(" to reduce costly courtroom battles over auto insurance
\n(South Florida Sun-Sentinel © 01/22/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Key state lawmakers say lawsuits over auto insurance disputes must be reined in and they will consider ways to cut back on the costly courtroom battles when they meet in March.\n\nAuto premiums are going up in Florida, and one reason is the lawsuits, insurance regulators say.\n\n\"We've got to do something,'' said state Rep. Bryan Nelson, R-Apopka, chairman of the House insurance and banking subcommitt...\n
\n
Op Ed (Mark Hanna): Ambulance chasing alive and well
\n(Austin Business Journal © 01/21/2011)
Imagine being involved in an automobile accident, and the next day someone calls asking if you?re ready to sue the insurance company for no reason other than to make money off of your accident. Even worse would be having that individual");
document.write(" approach you at the hospital or the funeral home. Is this a thing of the past? No. It?s happening every day in every major city in Texas.\r\nWhen you are involved in...\n
Ryan Specialty Intros New CAT/Construction Risk Facility in Texas
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/20/2011)
Chicago-based Ryan Specialty Group LLC (RSG) has");
document.write(" launched Technical Risk Underwriters (TRU), a specialty managing general underwriter (MGU) focused on providing best in class underwriting for complex construction and property risks. TRU is headquartered in Austin, Texas.\r\n\r\nThe MGU is led by an experienced group of underwriters, engineers and construction specialists dedicated to developing and de...\n
Several San Antonio companies make Fortune?s best workplaces list
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 01/20/2011)
Three San Antonio corporations have been named to Fortune Magazine?s 100 Best Companies to Work For list.\n\n\nInsurance and financial services company USAA jumped to 17th from 45th on the list due, in large part, to its decision to extend employee health benefits to domestic partners in the last year, according to the magazine.\n\n\nThe company?s 31-acre campus also has walking trails, jogging trails a...\n
Ryan Specialty Intros New CAT/Construction Risk Facility in Texas
\n(Unknown © 01/20/2011)
......\n
Nationwide Ins");
document.write("urance Enhances Mobile Platforms
\n(Columbus Dispatch © 01/19/2011)
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nationwide Insurance, the company that created the insurance industry?s \n first mobile auto insurance claims app, has introduced enhanced \n offerings for consumers using mobile devices. The Nationwide? \n Mobile app for iPhone ? and iPod touch? \n is now available for Android TM users, and a new and \n improved mobile Web \n site will make...\n
Texting Bans, Teen Driver Safety Top AAA's State Legislative Priorities for 2011
\n(Denison KTEN (NBC) 10 © 01/19/2011)
Information contained on this page is provided by companies via press release distributed through PR Newswire, an independent third-party content provider. PR Newswire, WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.\n\nSOURCE AAA\n\nWASHINGTON, Jan. 19");
document.write(", 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Laws that ban texting while driving and that improve safety for teen drive...\n
Texas Lawmaker Proposes Bill Aimed at Reducing Drunk Driving
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/19/2011)
Texas state Rep. Bill Callegari (District 132, Katy) has introduced House Bill 506 to require that all person");
document.write("s convicted of driving while intoxicated have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. The bill is entitled the Todd Levin Memorial Act.\r\n\r\nTodd Levin and his girlfriend were struck by a drunk driver on Sept. 26, 2006. Levin died instantly. His girlfriend died shortly afterw...\n
Nonprofit tackling home repairs in Super Bowl host city");
document.write("
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 01/18/2011) (Registration Required)\n
ARLINGTON -- Yolanda Alcorta listened to the thumping and scraping on the exterior walls of her aging home and to the murmuring of a growing crowd in her yard.She couldn't help smiling.Her house was in the midst of a maintenance makeover at the hands of some of the 300 volunteers who created a bustling scene Monday on Drummond Drive in Arlington, the two-block beneficiary of a venture to improve t...\n
Save at home: 10 straight-forward steps to better save your money
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 01/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The economy's officially in recovery, the stock market has stabilized, the unemployment rate is dropping. But what's that? You still don't feel flush? Well, that may have something to do with the holiday spending binge you just w");
document.write("ent on. Or it may be that you just haven't buckled down and tightened up your budget as much as you could. To help, we've consulted some money experts for their best ideas...\n
Renters insurance vs. pizza
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 01/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
NEW YORK ? Renters ins");
document.write("urance may seem expensive or even esoteric if you're among the more than two-thirds of tenants who lack it. But it's the best way to avoid losing thousands of dollars if you're robbed or your apartment is damaged by water or fire.\n\nNew York apartment dweller Rose Lichter-Marck, 28, had to pay cash to replace all her furniture, housewares and books after a fire in her old buil...\n
2010 Was Year of 20 Million Recalls for Car Makers
\n(Unknown © 01/10/2011)
......\n
Texas insurance commissioner to step down
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 01/06/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Commissioner Mike Geeslin , 41, sa");
document.write("id in a letter to Gov. Rick Perry that his decision was based on many considerations, but mostly it had to do with his family and a \"simple realization that it is time for someone else to lead.\"\n\nGeeslin's announcement comes just six days before the beginning of the legislative session.\n\n\"I wanted to wait until after the first of the year,\" he said. \"With the new...\n
Year-End Storms Cloud P/C Insurers' Profit Picture
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/06/2011)
U.S. property insurers like Travelers Cos. Inc. and Chubb Corp. were expecting a relatively mild fourth quarter for catastrophe losses, but a series of punishing storms across the country in December may have blown away those estimates.\r\n\r\nThat could add more reason for investors to sell property insurance shares, already under pressure from a weak market, limited pricing power and depressed valua...\n
2010 Was Year of 20 Million Recalls for Car Makers
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/03/2011)
Automakers recalled about 20 million vehicles in 2010, led by high-profile recalls by Toyota that prompted new scrutiny of the auto industry's safety record.\r\n\r\nThe number of recalls this year was the largest in the United States since 2004, according to an analysis of federal data by Th");
document.write("e Associated Press. The auto industry set a record with 30.8 million recalled vehicles that year.\r\n\r\nToyota Mot...\n
Home price is down, so why not insurance? The cost of your home, and the cost to rebuild it, are two different things...
\n(MSNBC © 01/03/2011)
If you?re a homeowner, chances are your house is worth les");
document.write("s than it was five years ago. But you could still be paying more to insure it. Despite the deep housing bust of the last few years, the cost of rebuilding a damaged home ? in other words, what you pay insurance for ? has not changed much, according to industry experts.\r\nThat means that unless you have reduced coverage or increased your dedu...\n
Home");
document.write(" price is down, so why not insurance? The cost of your home, and the cost to rebuild it, are two different things...
\n(Unknown © 01/03/2011)
......\n
Allstate donates to 3 local organizations
\n(El Paso Times © 01/02/2011)
Three El Paso organizations are among more than 100 groups in ");
document.write("Texas that received grants from the Allstate Foundation in 2010, officials said Tuesday.\n\nThe Agency Hands in the Community grant program donated $1,000 to organizations where Allstate agents volunteer. The local agents and groups were Raul Mondragon at the Boys and Girls Clubs of El Paso, Ericka Leon at the El Paso Youth Symphony Orche...\n
Police p");
document.write("lan crackdown on uninsured drivers
\n(Corpus Christi Caller-Times © 12/31/2010) (Registration Required)\n
CORPUS CHRISTI ?\nIf Corpus Christi drivers make one New Year?s resolution, they may consider getting car insurance.\n\nCorpus Christi police will step up enforcement of laws against uninsured drivers beginning today.\n\n?People are very frustrated,? Police Chief Troy Riggs said. ?Uninsured drivers is the No. 2 complaint I hear, behind speeding. We want to address that.?\n\nPolice plan to conduct checkpo...\n
Allstate Foundation contributes to San Antonio charities
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 12/29/2010)
The Allstate Foundation awarded $627,000 in grants to more than 100 nonprofit organizations in Texas in 2010 ? including 10 in the San Antonio area.\n\r\n\r\nAllstate Foundation awarded $20,000 to the Bexar County Family Justice Center Foundation to su");
document.write("pport efforts to end domestic violence. The foundation also awarded $1,000 grants to the Down Syndrome Association of San Antonio, Juvenile Outreach and ...\n
Allstate tracks, then rewards safe drivers
\n(Chicago Tribune © 12/28/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Slamming on the brakes? Doing 100 ");
document.write("mph on the highway? Maybe you won't — if your car insurance company is watching you.\n\nAllstate Corp. has launched a voluntary program that uses a device installed in a car to reward safe and low-mileage Illinois drivers with savings of up to 30 percent.\n\nThe Northbrook-based auto insurer plans to expand the program, called Drive Wise, to other states as earl...\n
New Year's Day Top Holiday for Car Thieves
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/28/2010)
While Americans are enjoying the holidays and most have time off from work, holidays are just another day at the shop for vehicle thieves.\r\n\r\nNew Year's Day was once again the leading holiday for reported vehicle thefts in 2009, while Christmas Day repeated as the holiday with the fewest reported vehicle thefts.\r\n\r\nFor the 11 holidays reviewed in 2009, a total of 22,991 vehicles were reported sto...\n
New Year's Day Top Holiday for Car Thieves
\n(Unknown © 12/28/2010)
......\n
A.M. Best affirms USAA ratings
\n(San ");
document.write("Antonio Express-News © 12/24/2010) (Registration Required)\n
A.M. Best Co. once again affirmed its highest financial-strength rating for San Antonio-based USAA and its insurance subsidiaries.\n\nThe New Jersey-based insurance rating agency cited USAA's ?superior capitalization and strong operating results? for affirming USAA's A++, or ?superior,? financial-strength rating. A.M. Best also affirmed the issuer-credit rating of ?exceptional,? or ?aaa,? for USAA.\n...\n
New Year Brings New Insurance Requirements For Texas Drivers
\n(Corpus Christi KRIS (NBC) 6 © 12/23/2010)
Drivers across the lone star state may want to stash away some of their holiday spending money until after the first of the year, to pay for an increase in auto insurance.\n\n\"It's broken down into bodily injury limits and property damage limits, and they're increasing both of the minimum limits,\" said Michael");
document.write(" Morgan, an agent with State Farm Insurance.\n\nUnder the state's current minimum liability l...\n
2 Years After Ike Texas Coastal Residents Still Filing Claims
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/23/2010)
Windstorm claims from Hurricane Ike continue to be reported more than two years after the storm made landfall. The Texas Wind");
document.write("storm Insurance Association (TWIA) continues to average receiving at least one new claim every day from the victims of the costliest storm to ever hit the Texas coast. Some of the state's largest insurance companies say they are also still seeing new Ike claims....\n
Catastrophes Top 2010 List of Major Events
\n(Insurance Journal ");
document.write("© 12/23/2010)
Natural and man-made catastrophes topped the list of the most significant events in 2010, with three major earthquakes, a near record number of hurricanes, some serious typhoons and windstorms, a volcanic eruption and a calamitous oil spill that blighted the Louisiana coast....\n
2 Years After Ike Texas Coastal Residents St");
document.write("ill Filing Claims
\n(Unknown © 12/23/2010)
......\n
Drunken-driving surcharges faces challenges in court, Texas Legislature
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 12/06/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Mimi Coffey wants to scrap Texas' Driver Responsibility Program.If she");
document.write(" doesn't accomplish the task first, the Texas Legislature appears poised to do so.The Fort Worth defense attorney has filed a federal lawsuit asserting that the surcharges assessed through the program are unconstitutional under the Fifth Amendment.The act, established in 2003, violates the double-jeopardy clause in the U.S. Cons...\n
Mismatched Bumpe");
document.write("rs on Cars, SUVs Drive Up Repair Bills
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/03/2010)
Mismatched bumpers on cars and SUVs produce far more costly damage in low speed collisions than bumpers that do line up, new car safety research shows.\r\n\r\nBumpers on cars are designed to match up with each other in collisions, but a long-standing gap in federal regulations exempts SUVs from the same rules, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. New IIHS crash tests demonstrate th...\n
Nearly 20% of Drivers in Fatal Crashes Test Positive for Drugs: Report
\n(Insurance Journal © 12/01/2010)
About 1 in 5 drivers who were killed last year in car crashes tested positive for drugs, raising concerns about the impact of drugs on auto safety, according to a new government report.\r\n\r\nResearchers with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the new data underscored a growing pro");
document.write("blem of people driving with drugs in their systems. But they cautioned that it was not clear that dr...\n
USAA, American Legion become partners
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 11/30/2010) (Registration Required)\n
San Antonio-based USAA and the American Legion have become partners, giving 2.6 mil");
document.write("lion Legionnaires access to USAA's insurance and financial services, USAA announced Monday. \r\n\r\nThe agreement makes USAA the preferred provider of financial services, including insurance, banking, investments, brokerage services and financial guidance to Legionnaires.\r\n\r\nLegionnaires who establish USAA membership ca...\n
Teen's death a reminder of de");
document.write("er's threat to motorists
\n(USA Today © 11/30/2010)
The crash was horrific, all the more so for its freak nature: A 17-year-old girl was killed last week in Lowell, Mich., when a deer that had been struck by another vehicle was flung into her minivan, causing it to swerve, leave the road and strike a tree.\nBarbara Barnick died at the scene. Three passengers in her Chrysler minivan and the driver of the other vehicle survived; Barnick and the others...\n
Teen pickup drivers double risks of severe injury in crash, UT study finds
\n(Unknown © 11/29/2010)
......\n
USAA forms alliance with Navy association
\n(San An");
document.write("tonio Business Journal © 11/24/2010)
USAA has joined forces with the Association of the U.S. Navy (AUSN) to offer a credit card that will give AUSN members access to many of USAA?s financial services.\n\n\nThe alliance allows AUSN?s more than 18,500 members to carry the Association of the U.S. Navy USAA Rewards World MasterCard, which will help support AUSN activities and programs.\n\n\nEligible AUSN members will also gain access to a vari...\n
State Farm donates holiday turkeys to needy San Antonio families
\n(Unknown © 11/24/2010)
......\n
KHS emphasizes dangers of distracted driving
\n(Humble Tribune © 11/23/2010)
NASCAR");
document.write(" driver Brad Coleman, of Joe Gibbs Racing, watches as Kingwood High School sophomore TJ Gonzalez try to drive a simulated NASCAR course while holding a cell phone. Kingwood High School recently hosted this interactive exhibit sponsored by SafeWay Driving Centers and Nationwide Insurance. Students began the driving course without a cell phone and completed the course with one. ?We show people...\n
State Farm donates holiday turkeys to needy San Antonio families
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 11/23/2010)
State Farm will be providing more than 20,000 pounds of turkey on Monday for 2,100 San Antonio families in time for the holidays. The turkeys will be given away on a first come, first served basis starting at 11 a.m. State Farm will be handing out the turkeys at Burbank High School, Harlandale ISD Stadium, and the Westside YMCA.\r\nState Farm is the leading insurer of cars and homes in Texas and the...\n
Teen pickup drivers double risks of severe injury in crash, UT study finds
\n(Dallas Morning News © 11/22/2010)
Reed Goodman compares a potential wreck in his muscular 2500 Dodge Ram pickup to a brawl ? \"a bigger guy is gonna come out on top.\"\r\n\r\nThe Austin high school junior believes his diesel truck, with 33-inch tire");
document.write("s, is a safe vehicle for him and others on the road.\r\n\r\nBut a recent University of Texas study puts the skids on that assumption, indicating that teenagers and pickup trucks are a dangerous c...\n
TWIA Maximum Limits of Liability to Remain Unchanged for 2011
\n(Unknown © 11/22/2010)
......\n
Firefighters Busy on Thanksgiving Day
\n(Insurance Journal © 11/19/2010)
For most Americans, Thanksgiving Day invokes memories of safe and warm family gatherings featuring hot turkey dinners. But for some 2,000 families a year, and for firefighters across the country, the memories are not so happy.\r\n\r\nThere are an estimated 2,000 fires in resi");
document.write("dential buildings in the United States each Thanksgiving Day. That's more than double the number on a typical day.\r\n\r\nLike any...\n
TWIA Maximum Limits of Liability to Remain Unchanged for 2011
\n(Insurance Journal © 11/19/2010)
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) announced that maximum limits of liabilit");
document.write("y will remain unchanged for 2011.\r\n\r\nEffective Jan. 1, 2011, TWIA maximum limits of liability will be as follows:...\n
Allstate hiring 25 sales positions in San Antonio
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 11/19/2010)
Allstate agency owners in Texas have teamed up with Kelly Services Inc. to hire at least 155 licensed sa");
document.write("les producers by the end of this year, including 25 in San Antonio.\n\n\nKelly Services (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB) is a staffing, consulting and outsourcing firm. Northbrook, Ill.-based The Allstate Corp. (NYSE: ALL) is the nation?s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Agents sell auto, life a...\n
TCAIS is on Facebook - Become a Fan Today!<");
document.write("/A>
\n(Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions © 11/19/2010)
Become a TCAIS Facebook Fan and encourage your colleagues, friends and family to as well!...\n
Allstate Launches Roadside Assistance With a Twist
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 11/19/2010)
The program won't require an annual fe");
document.write("e, unlike other popular roadside assistance programs, and drivers don't have to sign up in advance--though Allstate is hoping some do. And it is hoping the people who call for help later think of the company, the second-largest home and auto insurer in the U.S. behind State Farm, when their insurance policies come up for renewal. \n\nStranded motorists will pay ...\n
Allstate to hire 155 in Texas
\n(Unknown © 11/19/2010)
......\n
TCAIS is on Facebook - Become a Fan Today!
\n(Unknown © 11/19/2010)
......\n
More drivers texting on Beltway, study finds
\n(Washington Post © 11/19/2010) (Registration Required)\n
The number of drivers distracted by reading text messages on the Capital Beltway has soared by 47 percent in the past year, a new survey has found, and more than half of drivers talk on their cellphones.\n\n\n\n\nThe increase in the number of people reading and sending text messages might be a product of compulsive communic");
document.write("ation syndrome or frustration with sluggish traffic, but it might also reflect a...\n
Allstate to hire 155 in Texas
\n(Austin Business Journal © 11/18/2010)
Allstate Insurance Co. is hiring 155 licensed sales producers in Texas before the end of the year, the company announced Wednesday. The insurance carrier is worki");
document.write("ng with Kelly Services Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) to fill the positions in Austin, Amarillo, Dallas, Houston, Lubbock, Forth Worth, Midland, Odessa and San Antonio. The company said in April it was hiring 45 in Central Texas. The nationa...\n
Allstate Holiday Traffic Alert: Uninsured Motorist Accidents Top 10,000 in Texas
\n(Pres");
document.write("s Release © 11/18/2010)
So far this year, more than 10,000 Allstate insured drivers in Texas have been involved in car accidents with uninsured motorists. One out of every five vehicles on Texas roads is uninsured, according to TexasSure, the vehicle insurance verification database led by the Texas Department of Insurance. With hundreds of thousands of Texans hitting the highways next week for the Thanksgiving holiday,...\n
Thanksgiving: Don't let cooking accident send holiday up in smoke
\n(St. Paul Pioneer Press © 11/18/2010)
Setting your house on fire is one sure way for your Thanksgiving to end up a turkey.\n\n\nThe State Farm insurance company says that in the past five years it has received more than 160 damage claims related to Thanksgiving cooking accidents.\n\n\nOf the 10 states with the most claims, Texas ranks first, with 33, while Illinois and Ohio round out the top 3, with 22 and 18, ");
document.write("respectively.\n\n\nState Farm say...\n
Inside The Disaster Blaster
\n(Insurance Journal © 11/17/2010)
For those who question the intelligence of insurance companies, here's a new industry development that should answer those questions once and for all: The insurance industry is ecstatic because it just dropped $40 millio");
document.write("n on a three-bedroom house that fell down in approximately 12 minutes.\r\n\r\nAnd guess what? They couldn't be happier. Just for good measure, insurers promptly spent another $200,00...\n
A Push for Motorbike Helmets
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 11/17/2010)
The National Transportation Safety Board said it will push states");
document.write(" to adopt or toughen laws requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets. The move is likely to reignite a debate between safety advocates and motorcycle riders who say they should be allowed to decide whether to wear protective headgear.\n\nDeaths from motorcycle crashes more than doubled from 1998 to 2008, rising to nearly 5,300. The number...\n
Inside The ");
document.write("Disaster Blaster
\n(Unknown © 11/17/2010)
......\n
North Carolina Escapes Storms; Will It Escape Florida's Insurance Woes?
\n(Insurance Journal © 11/16/2010)
Earlier in 2010, Colorado State's Tropical Meteorology Project forecasted eight hurricanes to emerge from 15 named tropical stor");
document.write("ms in the Atlantic basin. Of those, four were forecasted to become major hurricanes. On August 29, Tropical Storm Earl was upgraded to a hurricane and reached Category 4 status. Hurricane Earl headed toward the eastern coast of the United States. As Hurricane Earl rampag...\n
MADD lobbying for device to keep cars from starting if driver intoxicated
\n(Dallas Morning News © 11/15/2010) (Registration Required)\n
MADD lobbying for device to keep cars from starting if driver intoxicated\n\n12:00 AM CST on Monday, November 15, 2010\n\nBy KIM HORNER / The Dallas Morning News \n khorner@dallasnews.com \n\n\nWhen Mothers Against Drunk Driving formed in 1980, it was legal to get behind the wheel and drink a beer in most states.\n\nDrunken drivers rarely received more than a fine.\n\nAnd more than 21,000 people a year died...\n
");
document.write("Moody's Rates P/C Personal Lines Industry Financially Sound, Highly Competitive
\n(Insurance Journal © 11/15/2010)
The U.S. property/casualty personal lines insurance industry remains financially sound despite the weak economy and prolonged soft, though improving, pricing environment, Moody's Investors Service says in its new Industry Scorecard report.\r\n\r\n\"While some companies reported margi");
document.write("nal or even negative premium growth for the past two years due to the economic downturn and cyclical decline in pricing,...\n
Allstate Donates 30 Vehicles to Charities Countrywide
\n(Denison KTEN (NBC) 10 © 11/11/2010)
Information contained on this page is provided by companies via press release distributed through PR");
document.write(" Newswire, an independent third-party content provider. PR Newswire, WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.\n\nSOURCE Allstate Insurance; Sterling Autobody\n\nVehicles Restored by Sterling Autobody as part of national Recycled Rides program\n\nNORTHBROOK...\n
Rates for High Risk Drivers in Texas Falling; ");
document.write("Coverage Minimums to Rise
\n(Insurance Journal © 11/11/2010)
Insurance rates for high-risk drivers insured through the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA) will decrease overall by 7.6 percent from 2010 rates effective Jan. 1, 2011. According to TAIPA, Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin's order decreases overall rates for TIAPA personal auto insurance policies.\r\n\r\nAlso effective Jan. 1, the minimum amounts of motor vehicle liability i...\n
Craddick authors bill to ban texting while driving
\n(Midland Reporter-Telegram © 11/11/2010)
Rep. Tom Craddick authored a bill Wednesday that would implement a statewide ban on texting while driving. Many supporters have cited the need for such legislation to reduce the number of traffic accidents, but critics have said after looking at other states that have passed similar legislation, there has been no reduction i");
document.write("n the number of traffic accidents and in some cases an increase.\r\n\r\n\"We al...\n
Craddick authors bill to ban texting while driving
\n(Unknown © 11/11/2010)
......\n
Rates for High Risk Drivers in Texas Falling; Coverage Minimums to Rise
\n(Unknown © 11/11/2010)
......\n
NASCAR Drivers Tells Students to Drive Safely!
\n(Columbus Dispatch © 11/10/2010)
PHOE");
document.write("NIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Nationwide Insurance teamed up with NASCAR \n Nationwide Series drivers Michael McDowell, Justin Allgaier and \n Petty Safe Driving to help Phoenix-area high school students understand \n the dangers of driving while distracted and the need for them to be safe \n drivers.\n \n\n\n“Today, these kids learned how critical it is to stay focused at ...\n
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 11/10/2010) (Registration Required)\n
After filling up her car?s tank with gas, a friend of Bucks recently started to drive away? with the gas pump still in the car.\n\r\n\r\nShe made it about five feet and then the hose came off the pump. She stopped the car, put the hose back by the pump and started driving away. The gas station attendant then came after her and took her insurance information.\n\r\n\r\nNearly a week a");
document.write("fter the incident, our f...\n
USAA is one of America?s best military employers
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 11/10/2010)
USAA ranked third in the nation on G.I. Jobs? list of Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for its efforts at recruiting and hiring former U.S. soldiers and officers.\n\n\nThe San Antonio company sp");
document.write("ecializes in providing insurance, investments, banking and financial planning products to 7.8 million members of the U.S. military.\n\n\nFor more information, visit this link....\n
Driver Beware: Deer Collisions Peak in Mating Season
\n(The New York Times © 11/09/2010)
These are fraught weeks for drivers, deer and the na");
document.write("tion?s car insurers: costly auto-deer collisions make a special jump during the mating season, usually October through December, and peak each November.\r\n\r\n?The bucks throw caution to the wind as they chase does during the breeding season,? said Billy Higginbotham, a wildlife specialist at Texas A & M University. ?If this happens to carry them ac...\n
Letter From Texas: What Does Texas?s Red Tsunami Mean For Insurance?
\n(Out of the Storm News © 11/05/2010)
With a pick up of at least 22 House seats, the GOP?s first major order of business is to decide who will lead as Speaker of Texas?s House.\r\n\r\nSeveral of the Democrats Speaker Joe Straus appointed last session have lost in Texas?s red tsunami. The House is decidedly more conservative, thus Rep. Warren Chisum?s challenge should be taken seriously. With the failure of Patrick Rose, Abel Herrero, an...\n
Insurance Premiums Paid by Texans Dipped Slightly in 2009
\n(Unknown © 11/05/2010)
......\n
Letter From Texas: What Does T");
document.write("exas?s Red Tsunami Mean For Insurance?
\n(Unknown © 11/05/2010)
......\n
Insurance Premiums Paid by Texans Dipped Slightly in 2009
\n(Insurance Journal © 11/02/2010)
The property/casualty insurance industry in Texas experienced a \"ho hum\" year in 2009 with soft market pricing and a dif");
document.write("ficult economy taking a toll on written premium, according to a report released by the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. Total premiums paid by Texans in all P/C lines was down slightly, by 1.7 percent.\r\n\r\nAs of late August, 2010 was shaping up to be a relatively uneventful...\n
Allstate: Texas House Fires Drop by 15%
\n(Insu");
document.write("rance Journal © 10/29/2010)
The frequency of Texas home fires dropped 15 percent among Allstate customers during the first half of 2010, when compared to the same period last year. This decrease puts fire frequency back in line with historical levels, after Allstate saw a spike in the first half of 2009.\r\n\r\nWhile weather related claims, like damage caused by wind and hail, tend to make up the most common and costly homeowner...\n
New Web-based Atlas Details Hazards of Living on Texas Coast
\n(Insurance Journal © 10/29/2010)
One of every four Texans lives along the coast; Texas has 16 major ports and more than 3,300 miles of bays and estuaries. Those are just a few facts available in a new a Web-based coastal atlas of the 18-county Texas coast produced by a Texas A&M University at Galveston professor.\r\n\r\nSam Brody, who heads the Center for Texas Beaches and Shores at the Galveston campus, has s");
document.write("pent the last five years...\n
New Web-based Atlas Details Hazards of Living on Texas Coast
\n(Unknown © 10/29/2010)
......\n
");
document.write("How Insurance Agents Help Keep the Scare In Halloweeen Events
\n(Insurance Journal © 10/28/2010)
Halloween is scary fun for kids?and for some insurance agents, too. These insurance professionals make sure their clients who manage haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin patches and other Halloween attractions are protected should any of their tricks or treats turn into liabilities.\r\n\r\nWhen they put together an insurance program, agents and brokers have to go beyond the main event and learn about a...\n
\n
Fire officials, victim offer advice to peak house fire season
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 10/24/2010)
AVALANCHE-JOURNAL \n\nJust because the fall and winter bring colder weather to the South Plains doesn?t mean it can?t heat up.\n\nThe fall and winter bring the highest rates of house fires in Lubbock.\n\nLubbock attorney Tommy Tur");
document.write("ner knows firsthand the life-threatening danger, devastating damage and painful aftermath that comes when a home is nearly destroyed by fire.\n\nIt was June 2004 when Turner and ...\n
USAA launches ad campaign
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 10/22/2010) (Registration Required)\n
USAA announced Thur");
document.write("sday it is launching a new brand advertising campaign in nine markets -- including San Antonio -- to raise awareness of the financial-services giant among current and former members of the military and their families.\n\nThe campaign, which started this week, emphasizes that USAA has an unequaled commitment to serve the financial needs of the military, veterans and their families....\n
Pociask: The facts about insurance regulation in Texas
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 10/21/2010) (Registration Required)\n
When an industry is subject to government price regulation, it becomes a political issue in every election. This year is no different.Bill White and Rick Perry are trading barbs about the regulation of insurance prices in Texas, with Perry bragging about his strong regulation and White complaining about lax regulation. Driving the discussion is the high price of homeowners insurance");
document.write(" in Texas.As Pa...\n
Insurance Industry Unveils Massive $40 Million Disaster Research Center
\n(Insurance Journal © 10/21/2010)
A major research arm of the property insurance industry used giant fans to blow down a two-story, Midwestern-styled house yesterday as part of an unveiling ceremony for a massive new research");
document.write(" facility in South Carolina.\r\n\r\nThe Institute for Business & Homes Safety said its new $40 million facility is the only one of its kind in the world: a massive test chamber capable of pummeling at least two-fu...\n
Insurance Industry Unveils Massive $40 Million Disaster Research Center
\n(Unknown © 10/21/2010)
......\n");
document.write("
Building a Giant Lab to Test Disasters
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 10/19/2010)
The insurance industry is doing its best to create a tempest in a teapot.\n\nOn Tuesday, the industry-funded Institute for Business & Home Safety will open a facility that breaks new ground in the world of disaster labs: replicating hu");
document.write("rricane conditions on a large scale.\n\nThe $40 million research center, set on 90 acres in Richburg, S.C., features a massive test chamber as tall as a six-story bu...\n
Police Try to Thumb a Ride With Anti-Texting Message
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 10/19/2010)
Iowa police are on the lookout for drivers who send text");
document.write(" messages behind the wheel. So far, the effort is all thumbs.\n\nInstead of tickets, police are giving texting drivers colorful bands to wear on their thumbs that say: \"TXTNG KILLS.\" \n\n\n\nView Full ImageIowa Department of Public Safety \nA 'TXTNG KILLS' thumb band being handed out by Iowa police.\n\n\nThe bands are part of a statewide campaign to ra...\n
Fa");
document.write("rmers Insurance Offers Coverage in Virtual FarmVille
\n(Insurance Journal © 10/15/2010)
Farmers Insurance Group is offering virtual crop insurance for 60 million monthly players in the virtual world of FarmVille....\n
Texting while driving sends ominous message: It's dangerous
\n(Atlanta Journal-Co");
document.write("nstitution © 10/12/2010) (Registration Required)\n
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution\n\n\nNo one questions that texting while driving is a dangerous habit. Yet legislation banning this practice in several states -- including Georgia -- might not be enough to curb a practice that a recent report suggests is largely responsible for 16,000 U.S. deaths.\n\nJohnny Crawford jcrawford@ajc.com \n\nBrandee Wilder sends texts messages before leaving her home on Fri...\n
Texas Is One Hurricane Away From Bankrupting Its State-Run Wind Insurance Pool ? Matt Glans Talks With Ryan Brannan About How To Fix TWIA
\n(OutoftheStormNews.com © 10/12/2010)
Ryan Brannan of the Texas Public Policy Foundation's Center for Economic Freedom\r\nTexas is one hurricane away from bankrupting its state-run wind insurance pool. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), Texas?s insurance market of last res");
document.write("ort for coastal property owners who don?t have private insurance, is living on borrowed time and borrowed money.\r\n\r\nCoastal insurance rates are priced...\n
Texas Is One Hurricane Away From Bankrupting Its State-Run Wind Insurance Pool ? Matt Glans Talks With Ryan Brannan About How To Fix TWIA
\n(Unknown © 10/12/2010)
");
document.write("......\n
Nationwide selects Westover Hills for planned operations center
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 10/11/2010)
Nationwide Insurance will be hiring hundreds of new employees and consolidating office space in San Antonio once it opens a new facility in Westover Hills in 2012.\n\n\nLast year, Nationwide announced th");
document.write("at it had selected San Antonio for a new sales and service operations center that would support the hiring of 800 individuals. On Monday, the insurer said it has placed land under contract near the in...\n
USAA will cover domestic partners
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 10/08/2010) (Registration Required");
document.write(")\n
Financial services giant USAA will provide benefits coverage to employees' same-sex, unmarried partners starting next year. \n\nSan Antonio's largest employer decided to offer domestic-partner benefits based on feedback from employees and after evaluating how its benefits compare with those of other companies in the industry, company spokesman Paul Berry said.\n\n?It's the right thing to do,? Berry sa...\n
Allstate seeks bilingual job candidates
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 10/01/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Nearly four months after Allstate Insurance Co. opened its customer information center in San Antonio, the Northbrook, Ill.-based insurer still is looking to hire at least 100 bilingual workers. \n\nAllstate said in a statement Thursday it has hired more than 500 people since February, when it disclosed plans for the $11.6 million center.\n\nAllstate is searching for ou");
document.write("tbound sales and service special...\n
11 Texas Cities to Receive Smoke Alarms
\n(Insurance Journal © 09/30/2010)
Firefighters in 11 Texas cities will be installing smoke alarms into the homes of low income and elderly residents thanks to this year's We're Out to Alarm Texas smoke alarm campaign....\n
TCAIS Insider: Are You Prepared?
\n(Unknown © 09/27/2010)
......\n
TCAIS Insider: Are Yo");
document.write("u Prepared?
\n(Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions © 09/24/2010)
While Texas has the most severe weather in the country, there are steps you can take to protect your family and your property - and save money in the process.\r\n\r\nEach year in the United States, more than $35 billion in direct property loss is caused by natural disasters - with Texas absorbing more than its fair share. In fact, Texas has the most severe weather in the country - with exposure to nin...\n
Free child safety seat checks on Saturday
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 09/23/2010)
Officials will host a free child safety seat check between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Amigo?s United, 112 N. University Ave.\n\nCertified child passenger safety technicians will inspect child safety seats for proper installation, proper fit for your child and safety recalls. No appointment is necessary, ");
document.write("but parents need to know their child?s weight and height so officials can make sure t...\n
Surcharges help state insurance plans control rates
\n(USA Today © 09/22/2010)
Hurricanes are nothing new to Florida. But when four of them swept through and damaged $30 billion in property in 2005, homeowners discovered that th");
document.write("e state-run Florida's Citizens Property Insurance lacked the cash to pay claims.\nCitizens' solution? Impose $1 billion in surcharges on every property insurance policy in the state — even on policies it didn't write. It also got a $715 million b...\n
Teens missing message on road texting risk
\n(USA Today © 09/20/2010)<");
document.write("/b>
Many teens view texting while driving as less risky than drunken driving despite a sustained campaign against texting behind the wheel and research indicating it's as dangerous as drinking and driving, a new survey for State Farm insurance company finds.\nA much higher percentage of teens ages 14 to 17 strongly agree that drunken driving could cause a fatal crash than texting could, the survey by H...\n
Teens get lesson in danger of texting while driving
\n(Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 09/14/2010)
DALLAS — Distracted driving has deadly consequences.\n\nTexting, talking on the phone, and updating your status was the cause of nearly 700 wrecks in North Texas last year; four of them were deadly.\n\nAnd think about this: On average it takes five seconds just to type and send a short text message, like "OK" or "yes." If you're driving just 55 mph, your eyes are off the road...\n
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Insurers offer tips for filing Hermine claims
\n(Fort Hood Herald © 09/11/2010)
The remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine dissipated over Central Texas by Thursday afternoon but left residents to navigate flood insurance claims and options.\r\n\r\nMichael Keefe, an Allstate Insurance agent in Killeen, said homeowners need to file a cl");
document.write("aim as quickly as possible.\r\n\r\n\"We encourage them to call it in as soon as they can,\" he said. \r\n\r\nKeefe said his office has received a \"bunch of claim...\n
Taking stock after a direct hit
\n(Dallas Morning News © 09/10/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Taking stock after a direct hit \n\n12:00 AM");
document.write(" CDT on Friday, September 10, 2010\n\nBy MICHAEL E. YOUNG / The Dallas Morning News \n myoung@dallasnews.com / The Dallas Morning News \ns Taylor Adams, Gloria Salinas, Dianne Solis and Lara Solt contributed to this report. \n\n\nThe wisp of a tornado skittering through an industrial and warehouse area in western Dallas seemed at times to lose its grip on the...\n
Insurance Claims Pour in from Tropical Storm Hermine
\n(Insurance Journal © 09/10/2010)
Like the rainfall that inundated Texas as a result of Tropical Storm Hermine, claims from property damage caused by the storm have been pouring in to insurers, the Insurance Council of Texas has reported.\r\n\r\nICT spokesman Mark Hanna says claims are continuing \"to mount with insured losses near $75 million and could reach $100 million.\"\r\n\r\nICT teamed with HailWatch to closely examine the torrential...\n
Thousands of claims expected
\n(Temple Daily Telegram © 09/10/2010)
Rainclouds from Tropical Storm Hermine have moved on, but flooded property owners will feel its effect for weeks or months.\r\nInsurance claims are expected to be in the thousands statewide, said Mark Hanna, spokesman for the Insurance Council of Texas in Austin.\r\n\r\nBy Thursday afternoon, the state's largest insur");
document.write("er logged 2,671 property and 50 auto claims on losses caused by the storm in Texas, St...\n
Thousands of claims expected
\n(Unknown © 09/10/2010)
......\n
Small deluge of damage claims for insurers
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 09/09/2010) (Registration Required)\n
The storm that dumped several inches to more than a foot of rain on many parts of south and Central Texas on Tuesday night has also left insurance companies with a rising number of damage claims.\n\n\"We're seeing a lot of water claims,\" said Brent Allen, a State Farm agent whose Northwest Austin office received about 20 calls regarding water damag");
document.write("e from the remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine by mid-...\n
Poll: Austin drivers still some of the nation's worst
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 09/07/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Wondering why you pay more for insurance than your cousin in the Amarillo? Allstate Insurance’s annual stud");
document.write("y of who drives well and who doesn’t (based on an analysis of claims made to Allstate) has ranked Austin the 170th best out of 200 large American cities. That means it’s actually not a best; it’s a worst.\n\n\nThe good news, sort of, is that last year we were 179. So we&#...\n
Is everyone in Houston a bad driver? Ruminations on our acc");
document.write("ident prone ways
\n(CultureMap Houston © 09/07/2010)
Houstonians are 29.5 percent more likely to have a vehicle collision than drivers in other major United States cities, according to a recent report by the Allstate insurance company.\r\n\r\n When faced with statistics — especially statistics that reflect negatively on our city — we tend to point a critical eye at the method of data collection. Allstate press reps inform...\n
Farmers Insurance Advises Residents of South Texas to Prepare for Tropical Storm Hermine
\n(Press Release © 09/07/2010)
As Tropical Storm Hermine makes its way to Northeast Mexico and Southwest Texas and is predicted to hit sometime tonight, Farmers Insurance has already begun its emergency preparedness procedures, including mobilizing special claims personnel and equipment close to those communities expected to be hardest ");
document.write("hit.\r\n\r\n\"We want to make sure everyone remains safe,\" said John Henle, State Executive Direct...\n
Insurers Travelers, Allstate Most Exposed To Earl >TRV ALL
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 09/07/2010)
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Travelers Cos. (TRV) and Allstate Corp. (ALL) are the publicly traded insurers with the most ex");
document.write("posure as Hurricane Earl barrels up the U.S. East Coast this week, according to analysts at Macquarie Research. \n\nBut even those companies won't suffer substantial losses from the storm if it sticks to its projected path, according to Macquarie and other insurance analysts who are a...\n
How to find the right auto insurance
\n(Pas");
document.write("adena Citizen © 09/05/2010)
Shopping for auto insurance is nowhere near as exciting as shopping for your vehicle.Don?t let that keep you from getting the protection you need, though. Use this guide for help making the right decision.Types of automotive insurance coverage:Liability\n\n\n\n \n Liability protection provides coverage for damage to property or injury to others in an accident for which you are responsible. If you...\n
Nationwide on Memorial's side as primary sponsor
\n(Columbus Dispatch © 09/04/2010)
More bang for its branding buck is why Nationwide chose to become the primary sponsor of the\nMemorial Tournament beginning next year while eventually divesting itself of sponsoring the\nNationwide Tour and one of its events in central Ohio.\n\n\nMemorial founder Jack Nicklaus announced yesterday that the local financial-services firm has\ncommitted to be presenting sponsor of the PGA Tour e");
document.write("vent through...\n
LTEs: Beaman Floyd and Julie Drenner (Heartland Institute)
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 09/03/2010)
Regulation is not the answer\r\n\r\nRe: Aug. 28 article \"White's plan on insurance raises doubts.\"\r\n\r\nDemocratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White is wrong to push for re-establishment of a prior approv");
document.write("al system of insurance regulation.\r\n\r\nTexas made the right decision when it embraced the less burdensome, more flexible prior approval system in 2003. Although it hasn't been implemented in full, the...\n
Houston drivers may be accident prone
\n(Houston Business Journal © 09/03/2010)
Houstonians are 29.5 percent more ");
document.write("likely to have a vehicle collision than in other major U.S. cities, according to data released Thursday by The Allstate Corp.\n\n\nThe Bayou City ranked 161st on the 2010 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report, which uses its own data to rank 200 of the nation’s largest cities in terms of car-collision frequency.\n\n\nDrivers in the Rio Grande Valley are the...\n
San Antonio fares poorly on safe driving
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 09/03/2010)
San Antonio drivers were ranked 163rd among the 200th largest cities nationwide when it comes to safe driving, according to the 2010 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report.\n\n\nThat is only a slight improvement from 2009 when San Antonio was ranked 168th.\n\n\nThe Allstate Best Drivers Report ranks cities countrywide in terms of car collision frequency to identify which cities have the safest dri...\n
LTEs: Beaman Floyd and Julie Drenner (Heartland Institute)
\n(Unknown © 09/03/2010)
......\n
Beaman Floyd LTE: Insurance: don");
document.write("'t move backward
\n(Dallas Morning News Blog © 09/01/2010)
Re: \"White urges state approval of insurance rates -- Democrat says homeowners' premiums have risen nearly 50% under Perry, whose camp cites millions in savings,\" Friday news story. The Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions believes in fair insurance regulation that spurs stable competition yet punishes bad actors. \r\n\r\nMarching backward to a failed regulatory policy -- as gubernatori...\n
Beaman Floyd LTE: Insurance: don't move backward
\n(Unknown © 09/01/2010)
......\n
Letters to the editor, Aug. 31
\n(Houston Chronicle © 08/31/2010)<");
document.write("/b> (Registration Required)\n
Less regulation \nRegarding \"Bill White to seek bill to regulate insurance hikes\" (Page B3, Friday), the Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions believes in fair insurance regulation that spurs stable competition yet punishes bad actors. \nMarching backward to a failed regulatory policy — as gubernatorial candidate Bill White proposes for Texas' homeowners insurance marketplace R...\n
5 Years After Katrina Gulf Coast Building Codes Still Inadequate
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/31/2010)
Five years ago, Hurricane Katrina caused an estimated 1,300 tragic deaths as well as $41.1 billion in insured losses across six states. Louisiana and Mississippi suffered the brunt of Katrina's wrath followed by Alabama. As we commemorate this terrible event of five years ago, sadly, some residents in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi continue to strug");
document.write("gle to recover from the costliest and one of...\n
Sugar Bowl stays in good hands
\n(New Orleans Times Picayune © 08/28/2010) (Registration Required)\n
What had been expected for several months became official\nThursday with the announcement that Allstate had renewed its\ntitle sponsorship with th");
document.write("e Sugar Bowl. \n\n\n \"This is icing on the cake for us,\" Sugar Bowl\nChief Executive Officer Paul Hoolahan said. \"It's\na great day for the Sugar Bowl. \n\n\n \"Allstate has been a wonderful partner, and we look\nforward to working with them for the next four years....\n
Reports of suspicious windshield replacements skyrocketing
\n(Orlando ");
document.write("Sentinel © 08/28/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Experts say salespeople pressure consumers\n \n \n \n \n\nBy Diane C. Lade, Sun Sentinel\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n6:57 PM EDT, August 26, 2010\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ...\n
USAA recognized for being a top employer for Hispanic women
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 08/28/2010)
Financial services giant USAA has been named to LATINA Style Magazine’s top 50 list of corporations that provide the best career opportunities for Hispanic women in the United States.\n\n\nThe magazine looked at more than 800 of the most prominent companies in America to identify the “50 Best Companies for Lati");
document.write("nas to Work For” in the United States.\n\n\nSan Antonio-based USAA ranked 25...\n
8% of Drivers Have Driven Drunk in Past Year
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/26/2010)
Eight percent of all drivers, as many as 17 million people, have driven drunk at least once during the past year.\r\n\r\nThe National Highway Traffic Safety A");
document.write("dministration (NHTSA) released that data as the U.S. Department of Transportation kicked off the annual Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign aimed at getting drunk drivers off the road.\r\n\r\nNHTSA's research revealed that about on...\n
P/C Industry Shows Slight Premium Growth in Q2, But No Gain in Profits
\n(Insuran");
document.write("ce Journal © 08/20/2010)
The U.S. property and casualty industry experienced modest growth in premiums written but overall the industry saw deterioration in underwriting profitability in second-quarter 2010, fueled by trends among personal lines carriers.\r\n\r\nThat's according to an analysis of newly obtained statutory insurance data by SNL Financial based on data for more than 87 percent of the U.S. P/C industry. Accordin...\n
Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Seeks 5% Rate Increase
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/20/2010)
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association has filed for 5 percent increases in both its residential and commercial rates, effective Jan. 1, 2011.\r\n\r\nThe state's insurer of last resort provides wind and hail coverage in the 14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County. TWIA provides wind and hall coverage when insurance companies exclude it from their homeowners and other prop");
document.write("erty policies sold...\n
State Farm? Launches Insurance Industry's First Free Mobile Tool to Combat Distracted Driving
\n(Midland KWES (NBC) 9 © 08/20/2010)
Information contained on this page is provided by companies via press release distributed through PR Newswire, an independent third-party content provider. PR New");
document.write("swire, WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.\r\n\r\nSOURCE State Farm\r\n\r\n'On the Move' Android Widget Lets Texters Know You're Driving Or Busy; Handles Replies For You So You Do...\n
Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Seeks 5% Rate Increase
\n(Unknown © 08/20/2010");
document.write(")
......\n
AISD school zone violation is a costly mistake
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 08/19/2010) (Registration Required)\n
From To Fine Court Cost Total\n\n0 10 $88 $122 $210\n\n11 15 $128 $122 $250\n\n16 20 $178 $122 $300\n\n21 999 $198 $122 $320\n\nCell Phone Use in a School Zone $200\n\nSource:");
document.write(" City of Abilene\n \n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A motorist drives through a school zone on South 14th Street while talking on a cell phone in Nov...\n
Allstate gets behind Super Bowl volunteers
\n(Dallas Business Journal © 08/19/2010) (Registration Required)\n
The North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee announced Wednesday that Allstate will be the presenting sponsor for the game's volunteer program.\n\n\nVolunteers are being recruited and trained to staff activities and venues across North Texas in the run up to Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.\n\n\n“The spirit of volunteerism is embedded in Allstate’s culture,” s...\n
Allstate: Average fine for speeding in school zone is $211
\n(Beaumont Enterprise © 08/18/2010)
Allstate Insurance is reminding drivers to slow down in school zones as students head back to school.\n \n\nThe insurance company said that according to its statewide survey, speeding 10 mph over the limit in a Texas school zone can cost an average of $211.\n ");
document.write(" \n\nAverage fines for sp...\n
Tips for getting the best homeowners insurance deal
\n(Denton Record-Chronicle © 08/18/2010)
THINGS TO CONSIDER\r\n\r\nDecide what you need: Examine coverages and coverage amounts.\r\n\r\nShop around: Rates vary widely among companies. Ask several for different rates, but make sur");
document.write("e you're asking about the same coverage.\r\n\r\nDeductible: Choose the highest deductible you can afford, because you'll get a lower premium.\r\n\r\nDiscounts: Ask an agent which ones you might qualify for.\r\n\r\nBeyond price: Look...\n
Report Suggests Gulf Coast Properties Not Much Safer Since Katrina
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/18/2010)");
document.write("
Louisiana has done a good job upgrading its building code requirements in the five years since Hurricane Katrina, but Alabama and Mississippi have not, according to a new report from the Institute for Business and Home Safety.\r\n\r\n\"While there have been positive steps taken in a number of coastal communities and counties in Alabama and Mississippi, only the State of Louisiana moved decisively to ad...\n
Report Suggests Gulf Coast Properties Not Much Safer Since Katrina
\n(Unknown © 08/18/2010)
......\n
Texas lawmakers face tough road in decreasing drunken driving
\n(Dallas Morning News © 08/17/2010)
Drunken driving is out ");
document.write("of control.\r\n\r\nFor years, Texas lawmakers have talked tough and steadily stiffened DWI penalties.\r\n\r\nBut Texas still leads the nation in alcohol-related deaths. And Dallas County has the third-most DWI-related fatalities per capita in the country.\r\n\r\n\"I've never, never seen such an increase in DWI tragedies,\" said state Sen. John Whitmire, the Houston Democrat who heads the...\n
Texas lawmakers face tough road in decreasing drunken driving
\n(Unknown © 08/17/2010)
......\n
August Begins Busiest Phase for Hurricane Season
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/10/2010)
Record high ocean temperatures and the development of a climate phenomenon k");
document.write("nown as La Nina will keep the Atlantic hurricane season on track to be the busiest since 2005, according to government forecasters.\r\n\r\nThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has slightly lowered the outlook it released in May, but an above-normal season is still expected, said Gerry Bell, lead seasonal hurrica...\n
August Begins Busiest ");
document.write("Phase for Hurricane Season
\n(Unknown © 08/10/2010)
......\n
Active Hurricane Season Predicted
\n(Unknown © 08/09/2010)
......\n
Active Hurricane Season Predicted
\n(Insurance Journal © 08/06/2010)
Government forecasters say record high temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean will keep this hurricane season on track to be the busiest since 2005.\r\n\r\nThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday said 14 to 20 named tropical storms are expected to develop, with eight to 12 storms strengthening into hurricanes. Four to six of those hurricanes could become major storms with sustained...\n
USAA auto insurance scores highest in J.D. Power survey
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 08/04/2010) (Registration Required)\n
USAA had the highest customer satisfaction rating among auto insurance companies in a survey by J.D. Power and Associates.\n\nUSAA wasn't included in J.D. Power's official ra");
document.write("nkings, however, because the San Antonio-based company only offers insurance to U.S. military personnel and their families.\n\nNevertheless, USAA scored 899 on a 1,000-point scale, beating out its next closest competitor, Amica Mu...\n
Once again, Escalade is No. 1 in the car-theft department
\n(Unknown © 08/03/2010)
..");
document.write("....\n
Once again, Escalade is No. 1 in the car-theft department
\n(USA Today © 08/03/2010)
The bling-bling era may have faded for car buyers, but apparently not for auto thieves.\r\nThe Cadillac Escalade, a big luxury sport-utility vehicle, once the favorite of rappers and moguls alike, remains tops for average insuran");
document.write("ce theft losses, according to the insurance industry's Highway Loss Data Institute report out today.\r\n\r\nOther automotive eye candy, such as the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, also...\n
8 Ways to Lower Homeowners Insurance
\n(Housing Predictor © 08/02/2010)
Homeowners insurance is a necessary expense, but the cost doesn't hav");
document.write("e break the bank. If you think you?re paying too much, it?s time to re-evaluate your policy and find ways to lower your premium without sacrificing coverage. There are many simple, inexpensive, and easy ways to save money on your homeowners insurance rates.\r\nExample of Tudor Architecture\r\n\r\n 1. Shop Around\r\n\r\n Getting mul...\n
8 Ways to Lower ");
document.write("Homeowners Insurance
\n(Unknown © 08/02/2010)
......\n
USAA's one-stop car-buying app
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 07/30/2010) (Registration Required)\n
USAA has rolled out a new function to its iPhone application that it expects will change the car-buying proc");
document.write("ess. \n\nThe updated app lets USAA members find, purchase, finance and insure a new vehicle using the mobile device.\n\nThe function, called Auto Circle, already has been added to the free USAA app. USAA plans to add similar updates to apps for the Android and other smart phones.\n\n?Auto Circle w...\n
USAA achieves growth in membership, net worth
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 07/29/2010)
Diversified financial services company USAA is continuing to achieve steady growth in its bank, insurance and investment businesses.\n\n\nIn the company’s mid-year report, USAA officials said Wednesday that the company is on pace to achieve another year of balanced growth in its financial strength, new membership and new products and services. USAA serves members of the U.S. military and their ...\n
Insurance Council Of Texas 2010 Property & Casualty Mid-Year Symposium
\n(Unknown © 07/28/2010)
......\n
Insurance Council Of Texas 2010 Property & Casualty Mid-Year Symposium
");
document.write("\n(Press Release © 07/26/2010)
Representative Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) headlined a panel discussion at the Insurance Council of Texas 2010 Property & Casualty Mid-Year Symposium. Rick Gentry, Executive Director of the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT), moderated the panel which included Lee Ann Alexander, Denise Roggiero, Parker Rush, and Lee Loftis.\r\n\r\nMr. Gentry queried the panel about mandatory workers? compensation. Te...\n
Nationwide Insurance Provides 'Bait Vehicles' in Houston
\n(Unknown © 07/26/2010)
......\n
Nationwide Insurance Provides 'Bait Vehicles' in Houston
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/23/2010)
Nat");
document.write("ionwide Insurance presented the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff's Department, and the Webster Police Department with a bait vehicle each to assist with their respective anti-theft/bait vehicle programs. Houston is number 4 in the country for the total number of stolen vehicles in 2009, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.\r\n\r\nBait vehicles are standard, unmarke...\n
\n(Press Release © 07/22/2010)
The financial reform bill signed by President Obama today includes a provision known as the Volcker Rule that was amended in conference committee to clarify that the rule will apply to banks ? as originally intended ? and will not extend to the state-regulated investment portfolios of affiliated insurers, including USAA. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, and John Cornyn, R-Texas, helped secure...\n
USAA Backs Volcker Rule Change in Financial Bill Signed by President
\n(Unknown © 07/22/2010)
......\n
Auto insurance curbing crime
\n(Austin KEYE (CBS) 42 © 07/21/2010)
Travis County Commissioners awarded more than half a million dollars to a small law enforcement group on Tuesday. It's called the Sheriff's Combined Auto Theft Task Force. We found out insured Texas drivers foot the bill for that grant. \n\nNine detectives make up the unit that covers 15 counties. They focus on recovering and preventing auto thefts. The task force said Tuesday?s $616,000 investment ...\n
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/21/2010)
They're all different ? one's big city; one's suburban; one's country; one's small-to-medium size town. They operate in different parts of the state and have different mixes of business, but these Texas-based independent insurance agencies have one thing in common: They all grew organically by more than 10");
document.write(" percent last year.\r\n\r\n * Swingle, Collins & Associates in Dallas, headed by Frank Sw...\n
Drivers Beware: Lindsay Lohan Offers Lessons in Auto Insurance
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/21/2010)
In all the commotion of Lindsay Lohan's fall from grace, little attention has been paid to the impact her risky behavior will h");
document.write("ave on her insurance ? auto, home, life, and health. But consumers can learn from her mistakes, according to the Insurance Information Network of California.\r\n\r\nUsing Lohan's profile, ZIP code, vehicle model and current record of two DUIs and an at-fault car accident, II...\n
Despite Soft Market, Texas Agencies Manage to Grow
\n(U");
document.write("nknown © 07/21/2010)
......\n
Drivers Beware: Lindsay Lohan Offers Lessons in Auto Insurance
\n(Unknown © 07/21/2010)
......\n
TexasSure program finds about 25 percent of vehicles uninsured in Dallas County
\n(Unknown © 07/19/2010)
......\n
Will Davis Honored with Insurance Council of Texas' Raymond Mauk Award
\n(Unknown © 07/19/2010)
......\n");
document.write("
Property insurance reform reveals a harsh truth
\n(South Florida Sun-Sentinel © 07/18/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Florida homeowners are caught between a rock and a hard place. Despite not suffering from a severe storm since 2005, and regardless of reforms intent on stemming rate increase");
document.write("s, consumers across the state are still suffering insurance premium shock.\n\nThe trend is clear. Gov. Charlie Crist may have vetoed legislation last month that would have made it easier for insurers to raise property insurance...\n
TexasSure program finds about 25 percent of vehicles uninsured in Dallas County
\n(The Dallas Morning");
document.write(" News © 07/17/2010)
It's a slight improvement over the last six months, but about 25 percent of all vehicles in Dallas County ? 429,478 cars and trucks ? remain uninsured, a new analysis by the state Department of Insurance shows.\r\n\r\nDallas County continues to have the highest percentage of uninsured drivers of the six largest urban counties in Texas. In Tarrant County, about 21 percent of vehicles had no insurance...\n
Will Davis Honored with Insurance Council of Texas' Raymond Mauk Award
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/16/2010)
Will Davis, a partner with the law firm of Thompson, Coe, Cousins and Irons LLC, has been presented the Raymond Mauk Leadership Award at the Insurance Council of Texas' 18th Annual Mid-Year Property and Casualty Symposium in Austin. Davis becomes the thirteenth recipient of the award....\n
USAA members deposited $928 million into accounts via smartphones
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 07/16/2010)
USAA Federal Savings Bank officials said Friday that nearly $1 billion worth of deposits have been made via mobile devices since launching the company’s Deposit@Mobile technology service last year.\n\n\nUSAA Federal Saving Bank, which only has one teller-supported branch in San Antonio, d");
document.write("eveloped a way for customers to deposit checks into their accounts from an iPhone or Android mobile phone. C...\n
Windstorm insurer to settle some Ike cases
\n(Houston Chronicle © 07/15/2010) (Registration Required)\n
The state-created windstorm insurer at the center of thousands of Hurricane-I");
document.write("ke related lawsuits has agreed to settle a chunk of them.\nThe Texas Windstorm Insurance Association will pay out an estimated $189 million to policyholders whose homes were razed to the slab nearly two years ago.\nThat figure assumes all of about 2,400 slab claims against the insurer are resolved under the proposed settlem...\n
Insurance agents warn c");
document.write("itizens to keep vacation plans under wrap; home burglaries on the rise
\n(Lubbock KCBD (NBC) 11 © 07/15/2010)
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - As many Lubbock residents are taking summer vacations, home burglaries are on the rise. According to Allstate Insurance claims, the rates of burglaries have increased one percent since last year. The insurer is encouraging people to keep their home locked-up and their vacation plans under wrap.\n\nRussell Donaway, an Allstate agent in Lubbock, says a burglary could create a pote...\n
Home burglaries in major cities on the rise, Allstate data shows
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 07/15/2010)
Allstate Insurance Co. released a report Wednesday showing that home burglary claims for San Antonio policyholders increased 6 percent from last year.\n\n\nOverall, Allstate’s home burglary claims increased 9 percent statewide in 2009, but rose in most maj");
document.write("or Texas cities. Total home burglary or theft claims made to Allstate went up from 4,628 in 2008 to 5,026 claims in 2009. The company would n...\n
USAA, Vast.com team up to offer real estate listings to military families
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 07/15/2010)
USAA is making a new nationwide real estate search s");
document.write("ervice available for its members.\n\n\nThe new service will be available through USAA’s Web site and accessible via the Apple iPhone this August.\n\n\nUSAA formed an agreement with Vast.com to provide its members with the technology platform to access this comprehensive home-finding service.\n\n\nVast.com is the leading vertical search and advertisi...\n
3 in 10 Valley drivers lack car insurance
\n(Brownsville Herald © 07/12/2010)
If only vehicles registered in the Rio Grande Valley filled the roadways, drivers would have a 3-in-10 chance of encountering an uninsured driver, according to the state’s insurance regulator.\n \nAlmost one-third of the drivers in Cameron County do not have automobile insurance, making the county second in the state for percentage of uninsured motorists.\n \nThat high percentage may b...\n
Party hosts face legal risk when they serve alcohol ? to minors or not
\n(Waco Tribune-Herald © 07/12/2010) (Registration Required)\n
By Cindy V. Culp Tribune-Herald staff writer\n Monday July 12, 2010\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nBeer can be the perfect complement to barbecue, and fajitas might seem lonely without margaritas. But ");
document.write("before you serve alcohol at any of your get-togethers this summer, you should think about the potential liability, officials say.\n\nLate last month, criminal c...\n
10 Most, Least Affordable States for Car Insurance (Texas does not make either list and is ranked 36th)
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/07/2010)
Massachusetts, o");
document.write("ften rapped as a costly state for drivers, is actually the most affordable state for auto insurance while Louisiana is the least affordable, according to one insurance provider's research that considers how much of a family's income goes to pay for car insurance.\r\n\r\nInsWeb, an online insurance comparison provider, recently released its 2010 Car Insurance Affordability Index -- a...\n
Farmers Introduces Institutional Business Owners Policy Through Texas Agents
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/07/2010)
Farmers Group of Cos. has introduced an institutional business owners policy (iBOP) for institutions across America, which will be offered by Farmers agents in Texas.\r\n\r\niBOP is designed to serve a spectrum of religious institutions, educational institutions, social service organizations (including day care centers), and cultural organizations.\r\n\r\nReligious organizations including:\r\n\r\nChurches\r\nSy...\n
<");
document.write("font style=\"font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;\">Farmers Introduces Institutional Business Owners Policy Through Texas Agents
\n(Unknown © 07/07/2010)
......\n
Former Texas Insurance Dept. General Counsel Joins Thompson, Coe
\n(Insurance Journal © 07/06/2010)
Will D. Davis, a Texas");
document.write(" attorney specializing in insurance law, has joined the Austin, Texas, office of Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons LLP.\r\n\r\nDavis, a former general counsel for the Texas Department of Insurance, joined Thompson Coe from the Heath, Davis & McCalla law firm, of which he was one of the founders. He also has served as an Assistant Attorney General of Texas.\r\n\r\nDavis is active in repr...\n
Consumers aren't always king
\n(Odessa American © 07/06/2010)
The concept of the consumer-driven economy is everywhere. We are told a consumer-driven recovery is going to turn our economy around. Consumer-driven health care was supposed to drive down medical costs. \nYet the real power of consumers is generally ignored by those proposing government solutions to problems. \nThis is evident in the current sunset review of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) ...\n
Former Texas Insurance Dept. General Counsel Joins Thompson, Coe
\n(Unknown © 07/06/2010)
......\n
Hinojosa announces extension of Nationa");
document.write("l Flood Insurance Program
\n(Beeville Bee-Picayune © 07/04/2010)
U.S. Rep. Rub?n Hinojosa (TX-15) announced that the Senate extended the National Flood Insurance Program late Wednesday. The Senate passed a bill Hinojosa co-sponsored, H.R. 5569, the ?National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2010.?\n\nIt extends the National Flood Insurance Program through Sept. 30, 2010, and makes the reauthorization of the program retroactive to May 31, 2010, thereby m...\n
New state law spells it out: No texting behind wheel
\n(Boston.com © 07/03/2010)
Governor Deval Patrick yesterday signed into law legislation making Massachusetts the 29th state to ban texting behind the wheel and any cellphone use for drivers under 18.\n\nThe law, the product of intense lobbying by safe-driving advocates and families of loved ones lost in fatal accidents, will take effect in 90 days, in October. ");
document.write("It also requires drivers 75 and older to take vision tests and ren...\n
NCUA, Texas League Issue Hurricane Warnings
\n(Credit Union Times © 07/01/2010)
The Texas Credit Union League, joined up with NCUA, began warning CUs Wednesday to make sure disaster preparation plans are firmly in place in advance of Hurricane Ale");
document.write("x.\r\n\r\nThe storm is now posing a threat to the Texas Gulf Coast with possible landfall in Mexico tonight.\r\n\r\nThe NCUA in a special advisory warned CUs and its members ?to prepare for all contingencies including the possible interrupti...\n
USAA assembles claims team to assist Hurricane Alex victims
\n(San Antonio Business Journal &");
document.write("copy; 07/01/2010)
The San Antonio-based property and casualty insurance company has set up claims teams to help policyholders living along the Texas coast recover from the storm.\r\n\r\nThe National Weather Service has been tracking the storm to determine which direction it will head on Wednesday. There is a strong possibility that the brunt of Alex may impact communities in Mexico south of Brownsville, Texas, accordin...\n
Perry deploys storm resources
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 06/29/2010)
As Tropical Storm Alex drew a possible bead on Texas? southern coast, Gov. Rick Perry today issued a disaster proclamation for 19 counties and ordered the deployment of state resources to assist with possible evacuations.\r\n\r\nIn a statement, Perry?s office said the proclamation allows the state ?to initiate necessary preparedness efforts, such as pre-deploying resources to ensure local communities...\n
<");
document.write("/p>\n
Texas Wind Rate Increase Means Predictability
\n(National Underwriter Property And Casualty Insurance News © 06/29/2010)
A 5 percent rate increase by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association may lead to more stability for consumers, said an official from an independent agent association in the state.\r\n\r\nLee Loftis, government");
document.write(" affairs director for the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, said last week?s decision by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association would bring a little predictability and stability to rate...\n
Perry deploys storm resources
\n(Unknown © 06/29/2010)
......\n
Texas Wind Rate Increase Means Predictability
\n(Unknown © 06/29/2010)
......\n
Corpus Christi insurance agent gets award
\n(Corpus Christi Caller Times © 06/28/2010)
Wallace C. ?Wally? Goodman, vice president of Borden Insurance in Corpus Christi, was named the 2010 Drex Foreman Award winner at the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas 113th Annual Conference and Trade Show in Fort Worth.\r\n\r\nHe has served on the board and as president of his local association, on many association committees and on board of directors, where he ultimately became president. He al...\n
A.M. Best: P/C Insurer Financial Impairments Triple Since 2007
\n(Unknown © 06/28/2010)
......\n
Flood insurance is floating in limbo
\n(Houston Chronicle © 06/26/2010");
document.write(") (Registration Required)\n
Homeowners across the Houston and Galveston areas who want to buy flood insurance or renew their policies have been stuck in limbo since Congress let the National Flood Insurance Program lapse nearly four weeks ago.\nThe issue has become particularly troubling because hurricane season has begun, and meteorologists are monitoring a tropical disturbance that could enter the Gulf of Mexico in the earl...\n
USAA happy with bill changes
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 06/26/2010) (Registration Required)\n
USAA officials say the financial regulation legislation, as written, won?t affect the investment operations of its insurance business. \n\nThat?s because a proposal to limit and to prohibit certain investment activities of financial services companies, known as the Volcker rule, would not apply to insurance companies? investment por");
document.write("tfolios.\n\nConcerned about the impact the Volcker rule could have, th...\n
A.M. Best: P/C Insurer Financial Impairments Triple Since 2007
\n(Insurance Journal © 06/25/2010)
The number of financial impairments for U.S. property/casualty (P/C) insurers have more than tripled since 2007, the last full year before the curr");
document.write("ent recession, rising to 18 in 2009, up from 16 in 2008 and from five in 2007. A.M. Best Co. says that six of the 2009 impairments were homeowners and residential insurers affecting some 200,000 policyholders.\r\n\r\n2010 has already seen four P/C financial...\n
Officers group picked USAA as preferred provider
\n(San Antonio Express-N");
document.write("ews © 06/23/2010) (Registration Required)\n
USAA has been named the preferred provider for the Noncommissioned Officers Association's 50,000 members and their eligible family members. \n\nThe affinity relationship means association members gain access to USAA products and services, which include home, auto, fire and other personal property insurance....\n
USAA, Rackspace, GlobalScape 'Best Places to Work for IT'
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 06/22/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Three San Antonio-based companies have made Computerworld's 2010 list of \"Best Places to Work in IT,\" a ranking of the Top 100 work environments for technology professionals. Financial services firm USAA, not normally thought of as a technology company, landed in the No. 1 spot. Computerworld citd USAA's \"benefits bonanza\" for employees and its focus on innovation and the c");
document.write("areer opportunities for ...\n
TWIA not doing what it was intended to do
\n(DallasBlog.com © 06/21/2010)
The original author of the 1971 bill that created what is today known as the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association showed up at a Texas Public Policy Foundation primer on the subject June 16 to say that the agency t");
document.write("oday is not doing at all what he intended it to.\r\n\r\n?The truth is that when I passed the [Windstorm] Cat[astrophe Insurance] Pool in ?71, the Legislature never intended to subsidize ? c...\n
TWIA not doing what it was intended to do
\n(Unknown © 06/21/2010)
......\n
Varying insurance policies something to consider in storm season
\n(Port Lavaca Wave © 06/19/2010)
With a relatively busy hurricane season expected this year, there is still time to ensure your home is completely protected with the right insurance should a major storm move through Calhoun County.Mark Hanna, manager of public relations/membership for the Insurance Counc");
document.write("il of Texas, said coastal homeowners need three types of insurance: homeowners, windstorm and flood. Just a few days into the se...\n
Farmers Insurance Says Hurricane Season is Here, Are Homeowners in Texas Prepared?
\n(Lubbock KCBD (NBC) 11 © 06/18/2010)
Information contained on this page is provided by companies via");
document.write(" press release distributed through PR Newswire, an independent third-party content provider. PR Newswire, WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.\n\nSOURCE Farmers Group, Inc.\n\nHere are tips from Farmers Insurance on what to do before, during and after a hurricane.\n\nAUSTIN, Texas, June 1...\n
DFW stude");
document.write("nts get lesson on dangers of distracted driving
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 06/16/2010) (Registration Required)\n
By ALEX BRANCHabranch@star-telegram.com\n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n FORT WORTH -- Alex Ferguson chatted on her cellphone Tuesday while cruising at 40 mph on a four-lane road. She hit the brakes hard for a red light, then seconds later swerved and wrecked on the road's shoulder.\"Well, I wiped out,\" she said.Good thing Ferguson, a Texas Christian University student, was behind the wheel of a van...\n
Is Texas? Insurance Market Ready for Next Big Hurricane?
\n(Texas Insider © 06/16/2010)
Last year?s hurricane season did not provide any tests to the 2009 reforms to Texas windstorm insurance laws. But with limited cash on hand, a limit on funding to pay damages, and a questionable bond market, is Texas ready in case a big storm hits thi");
document.write("s year? \r\n\r\nThe Texas Public Policy Foundation will consider this topic at its next Policy Primer at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16th. The primer...\n
Is Texas? Insurance Market Ready for Next Big Hurricane?
\n(Unknown © 06/16/2010)
......\n
\n(Forbes.com © 06/15/2010)
Stuff happens. That's why you need insurance--for your home, auto and an umbrella liability policy to protect you if you're sued. The good news is that homeowner's and auto insurance covers more than you might think. It's not just the obvious perils to your property, like fire, lightning, wind, hail or run-of-the-mil");
document.write("l fender benders. Insurance can also pay off when the really unexpected happen...\n
Will Your Insurance Cover That Freak Accident?
\n(Unknown © 06/15/2010)
......\n
Allstate: Texas Auto Theft Numbers Drop 2.5% Statewide
\n(Insurance Journal © 06/11/2010)
Vehicle thefts among Allstate insured Texans dropped 2.5 percent last year, the company announced, but the cars being snapped off the street are heading farther south of the border ? even overseas. The insurer and police are urging drivers to tag and track their vehicles.\r\n\r\n\"More stolen vehicles are going as far as Guatemala and Honduras, even overseas, making them tougher to rec");
document.write("over,\" said Sgt....\n
Allstate still hiring for new center
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 06/10/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Allstate Insurance Co. marked the opening of its customer information center in San Antonio on Wednesday, but it's still looking to hire more than 300 people to fully s");
document.write("taff the operation. \n\nThe Northbrook, Ill.-based insurer already has hired about 280 customer sales and service representatives for the $11.6 million facility in The Oaks at University Business Park at 12238 Silicon Drive on the Nor...\n
Proposal rewards states for distracted driving laws
\n(The Dallas Morning News © 06/10/20");
document.write("10)
States would be rewarded for cracking down on drivers talking and texting behind the wheel, under a measure approved Wednesday by a Senate committee.\r\n\r\n\"All would agree that driving while distracted poses serious safety risks not only to the drivers, but to passengers, pedestrians and anyone sharing the road,\" said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, the senior Republican on the Commerce, Science...\n
Proposal rewards states for distracted driving laws
\n(Unknown © 06/10/2010)
......\n
Teens and Speeding
\n(Amarillo KAMR (NBC) 4 © 06/09/2010)
A new survey of teen drivers by the Allstate Foundation reports that\n48 perc");
document.write("ent of teen girls questioned say they have driven 10 miles over\nthe speed limit. Just 36 percent of the boys admit to speeding. Perhaps\neven more troubling: 77 percent said they felt unsafe when another teen\nwas behind the wheel.\n\nHow should we train today's new teen drivers?\n\nToday only 15 percent of new drivers get any k...\n
Survey: More teen girl");
document.write("s admit aggressive driving
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 06/07/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Among teenage drivers, boys historically have been viewed as a higher risk for being in an accident than girls. A survey recently conducted by the Allstate Foundation indicates that could be changing. However, some other sources locally and in the insurance industry are not perceiving the same results.\n\nThe Allstate study is based on a survey of teenage drivers taken during May 2009. Nearly half (...\n
New Texas laws put premium on safety
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 06/04/2010)
Booster seats -- Required for children younger than 8 who are also 4 feet 9 inches or shorter. Now drivers will be fined $25 plus court costs for a first offense, and $250 plus court costs for subsequent offenses. Safe Kids Tarrant County (682-885-2634) holds booster or car seat check");
document.write("ups most Wednesdays in Fort Worth and most Thursdays in Arlington. To learn more about a free car seat or booster f...\n
2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season: 76% Chance Major Storm to Hit U.S.
\n(Insurance Journal © 06/04/2010)
The 2010 Atlantic hurricane season will be even more active than feared, leading U.S. forecaster");
document.write("s said Wednesday as they predicted 10 hurricanes, five of them major, with a 76 percent likelihood that a major hurricane would hit the U.S. coastline.\r\n\r\nThe outlook from the Colorado State University team follows predictions by U.S. government scientists for an intense season that could disrupt effort...\n
2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season: 76% Chance");
document.write(" Major Storm to Hit U.S.
\n(Unknown © 06/04/2010)
......\n
New Texas laws put premium on safety
\n(Unknown © 06/04/2010)
......\n
Setback feared in storm insurance market recovery
\n(Houston Chronicle © 05/31/2010) (Registration Required)\n
A major hurricane blowing through Texas this year would likely leave consumers with fewer choices and higher rates in an insurance market still recovering from Hurricane Ike.The past two years have hit insurers with major losses, both from severe weather and depressed investment markets. That has translated into higher rates for many cons");
document.write("umers. And for those living along the coast, it has become m...\n
3 basic tips will reduce your chances of car theft
\n(Beaumont Enterprise © 05/29/2010)
While auto theft continues to drop nationwide, Beaumont was recently ranked 79th out of 361 cities in the country for highest vehicle theft rates, by the National In");
document.write("surance Crime Bureau, up from 108th the previous year. Auto theft numbers also increased in Beaumont for Allstate customers last year.To raise awareness about how auto theft is impacting Texas, Allstate recently held a live car dismant...\n
Aon: P/C Insurance Rates Decrease, Capacity Continues to Increase
\n(Insurance Journal &cop");
document.write("y; 05/28/2010)
Property rates will continue to drop 5 percent to 15 percent for most risks, despite record global catastrophic losses seen in early 2010, according to Aon Corp.'s 2010 U.S. Insurance Market Overview. Property capacity levels are very strong for the industry and will create a competitive market. Most insureds will keep the same limits, deductibles/retentions and coverage, the report says.\r\n\r\nThe...\n
NOAA Cites Factors Supporting Forecast of Busy Hurricane Season
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/28/2010)
An \"active to extremely active\" hurricane season is expected for the Atlantic Basin this year, according to the seasonal outlook issued today by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center ? a division of the National Weather Service.\r\n\r\nAcross the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which begins June 1, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is projecting a 70 percent prob");
document.write("abilit...\n
Road Hazard: 20% of U.S. Drivers Would Flunk If Given Driving Test
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/28/2010)
The nation's most knowledgeable drivers are in Idaho, Wisconsin, Montana and Kansas, while the least knowledegable are in New York, New Jersey, Hawaii and California.\r\n\r\nThat's according to results from th");
document.write("e 2009 GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test, which found that 20.1 percent of licensed Americans ? amounting to roughly 41 million drivers on the road ? would not pass a written drivers test ex...\n
Road Hazard: 20% of U.S. Drivers Would Flunk If Given Driving Test
\n(Unknown © 05/28/2010)
......\n
Recent Patterns Heighten Threat of Active Atlantic Hurricane Season
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/27/2010)
The threat of an above-average 2010 Atlantic hurricane season has heightened over the past month and it now promises to be \"a hell of a year,'' a leading U.S. forecaster said Wednesday.\r\n\r\nWilliam Gray, the hurricane forecast pioneer w");
document.write("ho founded Colorado State University's respected storm research team, said CSU would ramp up its predictions for the 2010 season in a report due out on June 2....\n
Recent Patterns Heighten Threat of Active Atlantic Hurricane Season
\n(Unknown © 05/27/2010)
......\n
First System Forms Before Atlantic Hurricane Season Officially Opens
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/25/2010)
The U.S. National Hurricane Center started tracking the first low pressure system of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season late Sunday, reminding energy and commodities traders of the coming storm season, which officially starts June 1 and ends Nov. 30.\r\n\r\nThe non-tropi");
document.write("cal low, located about 475 miles southwest of Bermuda, was producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the...\n
First System Forms Before Atlantic Hurricane Season Officially Opens
\n(Unknown © 05/25/2010)
......\n
State Farm(R) Teams With Habitat for Humanity(R)To Ensure Homes Are Equipped For Disabled Veterans
\n(Lubbock KCBD (NBC) 11 © 05/22/2010)
For every attendee at the upcoming Sea to Shining Sea ride stops, State Farm will make donations totaling $100,000 to fund accessibility features in Habitat homes.\n\n\nSAN FRANCISCO, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- As crowds cheer on the State Farm Sea to Shining Sea ri");
document.write("ders, their efforts will do more than just rally the riders. ?These supporters will also be helping to raise money to ensure future Habitat f...\n
Property Insurers Watching Ominous Hurricane Forecasts
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/18/2010)
After significant catastrophe losses in first quarter 2010, U.S. property/casualty");
document.write(" insurers and global reinsurers are hoping their balance sheets don't face further financial risks, even as conditions appear ripe for the upcoming hurricane season to be potentially as active as 2005. The industry enters the season on the strength of underwriting and financial results that rebounded in 2009 after d...\n
Property Insurers Watching Om");
document.write("inous Hurricane Forecasts
\n(Unknown © 05/18/2010)
......\n
USAA property and casualty executive joins public safety board
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 05/14/2010)
The National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation has appointed USAA executive Manuel Rios to the board of direc");
document.write("tors.\n\n\nRios is senior vice president of underwriting for USAA Property & Casualty.\n\n\nRios’ appointment to the board is an important step in the foundation’s efforts to engage ‘non-traditional’ public safety industries with significant interest in solving...\n
Allstate readied for opening with 200 workers
Allstate Insurance Co. said it has hired 200 workers for its new customer information center, opening next month at The Oaks at University Business Park at 12238 Silicon Drive, San Antonio. \n\nThe Northbrook, Ill.-based Allstate said it will hire 128 additional employees starting next month. It eventually expects the center will employ 600 employees, who will sell Allstate products and provide serv...\n
Texting at the wheel
\n(Houston Chronicle © 05/12/2010)
Two teenagers, 17 and 18, are defending the practice of texting while driving.\r\n\r\nShe: ?Pretty much everybody I know texts and drives. We grew up texting ? we barely have to take our eyes off the road.?\r\n\r\nHe: ?A lot of things are distracting when you're driving, not just texting. What about GPS systems? And satellite radio??\r\n\r\nShe: ?I understand");
document.write(" texting and driving can kill people. But a lot of...\n
Texas ranked 4th in suspicious auto accident claims
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 05/12/2010)
Texas ranked fourth in the country in the number of insurance claims related to staged auto accidents over the past three years, the National Insurance Crime Bureau repo");
document.write("rted.\r\n\r\nInsurance companies reported 792 suspicious insurance claims in Texas from 2007 to 2009. The number of claims, where insurers suspect fraud, was 308 last year, up 50 percent from 2008 when there were 204 claims.\r\n\r\nFlorida...\n
Texas ranked 4th in suspicious auto accident claims
\n(Unknown © 05/12/2010)
.....");
document.write(".\n
Texting at the wheel
\n(Unknown © 05/12/2010)
......\n
Aggressive d");
document.write("rivers to face aggressive fines
\n(Corpus Christi Caller-Times © 05/08/2010) (Registration Required)\n
CORPUS CHRISTI —\nPolice have a new plan to teach aggressive drivers to put the brakes on their poor driving habits by hitting offenders where it hurts ? their wallets.\n\nCmdr. Mark Schauer of the police department?s patrol division expects to sit down with prosecutors and the department?s legal adviser this week to finalize plans to flag aggressive drivers so that they will no longer qualify f...\n
Prep gardens for hurricane season, too
\n(Corpus Christi Caller-Times © 05/08/2010) (Registration Required)\n
CORPUS CHRISTI —\nBesides early collection of plywood and other materials for wind protection, landscape evaluation is an important task often overlooked for hurricane season preparation.\n\nHurricane season begins Ju");
document.write("ne 1, so begin early to inspect trees and remove any potential hazards because city brush collection frequency has been reduced. If you wait too long, your branches may not be remov...\n
Cell Phones Raise Teen Nighttime Driving Risks in Texas, Nationally
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/07/2010)
Nighttime driving is becoming");
document.write(" more hazardous for American teenagers and the likely cause is talking and texting on cell phones while operating a vehicle, according to a study released May 6.\r\n\r\nThe report by the Texas Transportation Institute said the proportion of fatal crashes at night involving drivers 16 to 19 years old nationwide increased 10 percent from 1999-2008. The percentage of nighttim...\n
Nationwide insurance to hire 1,400
\n(El Paso Inc © 05/06/2010)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. announced Wednesday it will fill 1,400 job openings, including about 600 in its home state of Ohio.\nThe Columbus-based insurance and financial services company is recruiting for entry-level customer service and claim service positions in central Ohio and Canton, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; San Antonio and Amarillo, Texas; and Lynchburg, Va., said ...\n
");
document.write("Suspicious insurance claims up in hard times
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 05/05/2010)
When economic times are hard, efforts to bilk insurance companies with false or inflated claims go up, according to a spokesman for Texas insurance companies.\r\n\r\n\"These people get more creative in hard times,\" said Mark Hanna, public relations manager for the Insurance Council of Texas, a trade associa");
document.write("tion of property and casualty insurers.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nNationally, the number of suspicious claims - whi...\n
Do Girls Speed More Than Boys?
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 05/05/2010)
Some big auto insurers are raising the rates they charge to cover teenage girls, reflecting the crumbling of conventional wisdom that young wome");
document.write("n are more responsible behind the wheel.\n\nIn a survey of teenage drivers, Allstate Insurance Co. found that 48% of girls said they are likely to drive 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. By comparison, 36% of the boys admitted to speeding. Of the girls...\n
74% of Nation's Top Insurance Companies Are Hiring
\n(Insurance Journa");
document.write("l © 05/04/2010)
The insurance industry employment outlook for 2010 is guarded, but cautiously optimistic, according to a new survey that also revealed 74 percent of the nation's top insurance companies are currently hiring.\r\n\r\n\"In fact, we found nine companies that indicated they will hire at least 2,000 employees in 2010, and 21 companies predicting they will hire more than 500 employees,\" said Scott Kotroba, p...\n
Survey: Insurance Consumers Buying More Often Online
\n(Insurance Journal © 05/04/2010)
American consumers look more frequently to the web and interactive promotions when making purchasing decisions for insurance, according to a new survey.\r\n\r\nThe survey ? 2010 Insurance Customer Interactive Media Usage Survey conducted by AIS Media Inc. ? queried the public on where they obtain information about insurance services and how receptive they are to interactive promotions for insurance");
document.write("....\n
74% of Nation's Top Insurance Companies Are Hiring
\n(Unknown © 05/04/2010)
......\n
Survey: Insurance Consumers Buying More Often Online
\n(Unknown © 05/04/2010)
......\n
National standards sought for teen drivers
\n(USA Today © 05/04/2010)
As prom season begins, the issue of phased-in driving privileges for teens is heating up.\nThree Democratic s");
document.write("enators are pushing legislation to create a national graduated driver licensing (GDL) law. They say it would replace a patchwork of state laws with a single national standard that encompasses proven safety policies for novice drivers.\nNew Jersey just strengthened its GDL law, adding a first-...\n
Texas leads nation in weather-related car claims, but ");
document.write("D-FW cases drop 47%
\n(Dallas Business Journal © 04/29/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Texas led the nation in storm-related motor vehicle insurance claims for the second consecutive year, based on Allstate insurance claims.\n\n\nThis is despite the fact that there was no major hurricane that struck Texas in 2009.\n\n\nTexas led the nation with $2.45 billion in catastrophe losses, according to the Insurance Services Office. With total catastrophe losses in the country at $10.57 billion, T...\n
Windstorm Claims Adding Up in Texas After Weekend Storms
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/27/2010)
Violent thunderstorms packing winds up to 90 miles per hour struck a six-county area southeast of Dallas early on April 24 causing thousands of windstorm claims, the Insurance Council of Texas reports. One fatality occurred in Van Zandt County from a house fire caused by light");
document.write("ning.\r\n\r\nTexas counties reporting multiple windstorm claims were Henderson, Van Zandt, Kaufman, Limestone, Wood and Navarro...\n
Windstorm Claims Adding Up in Texas After Weekend Storms
\n(Unknown © 04/27/2010)
......\n
Earth Day: How Insurance Coverages Respond to Greening of America
\n(TCAIS Insider © 04/23/2010)
Today, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is suggesting that consumers consider how the changes they are making might affect their insurance needs and coverages, especially their auto and homeowners policies. \r\n\r\nGreen energy, sustainable food, recycling, hybri");
document.write("d vehicles ? environmental awareness is impacting the lives of Americans everyd...\n
TDI Sunset Report is Released
\n(Texas Sunset Commission © 04/23/2010)
TDI Sunset Report...\n
TDI Sunset Report is Released
\n(Unknown © 04/23/2010)
......\n
Earth Day: How Insurance Coverages Respond to Greening of America
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/22/2010)
Green energy,");
document.write(" sustainable food, recycling, hybrid vehicles ? environmental awareness is impacting the lives of Americans everyday. Many consumers are choosing to make both small and large changes to reduce their carbon footprint.\r\n\r\nToday, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is suggesting that consumers consider how the changes they are mak...\n
Earth Day: How Insurance Coverages Respond to Greening of America
\n(Unknown © 04/22/2010)
......\n
Judge Says Texas Can't Post Some State Farm Rate Hike Information
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/19/2010)
A judge in Austin has blocked regulators fro");
document.write("m posting on the Texas Department of Insurance Web site some documents on two rate rate filings by State Farm Insurance Cos. that would increase homeowners insurance premiums for its customers in the state.\r\n\r\nDistrict Judge Stephen Yelenosky on April 15 issued a temporary order sought by State Farm, which cited competitive reasons to keep private the in...\n
2009 Texas Insurance Loss Data: Companies writing homeowners insurance in Texas had a better year than 2008 but still saw a net loss after expenses
\n(TCAIS Insider © 04/19/2010)
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) recently released aggregate loss data for the Texas homeowners insurance market. The average combined loss ratio (the claims payments and policy expenses per dollar in premium) for the homeowners line in 2009 was 102.4%. In other words, insurance companies spent just over $1.02 for every dollar of premium collected, resulting in an over");
document.write("all loss. These high l...\n
2009 Texas Insurance Loss Data: Companies writing homeowners insurance in Texas had a better year than 2008 but still saw a net loss after expenses
\n(Unknown © 04/19/2010)
......\n
Judge Says Texas Can't Post Some State Farm Rate Hike Information
\n(Unknown © 04/19/2010)
......\n
Letter: Insurers losing money (Jerry Johns)
\n(Unknown ©");
document.write("; 04/19/2010)
......\n
Windstorm group hires new manager
\n(Corpus Christi Caller-Times © 04/18/2010) (Registration Required)\n
CORPUS CHRISTI —\nPaula Smith has joined the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association as customer service manager.\n\nHer primary job responsibilities include o");
document.write("versight of customer service processes and enhancements throughout the company and responding to policyholder concerns. Smith also will help develop procedural manuals for the windstorm association and the Texas Department of Insurance.\n\nSmi...\n
Letter: Insurers losing money (Jerry Johns)
\n(The Dallas Morning News © 04/17/2");
document.write("010)
Re: \"Home insurers profitable again -- Weather losses way down; industry and watchdogs differ on consumer impact,\" Tuesday news story.\r\n\r\nInsurers writing homeowners insurance in Texas have lost money for the past 10 years. Between 1999 and 2008, their return on net worth in Texas was -0.8 percent, compared to 4.6 percent countrywide.\r\n\r\nFor every dollar taken in by companies writing homeowners in...\n
Heartland Institute Analysts: Dallas Morning News Missed the Point on Insurance Industry Profits
\n(Freedom Pub © 04/15/2010)
Policy analysts at the Center for Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate, a project of The Heartland Institute, today sharply criticized a Dallas Morning News report about insurance company profitability.\r\n\r\nThe article, ?Most Texas home insurers profitable again,? focuses on insurance companies? ?average loss ratios?--the percentage of premiums paid out in claims. But the m");
document.write("ore appropriate measure of...\n
Allstate Seeking to Appoint 130 Agents in Texas in 2010
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/15/2010)
Allstate Insurance Company appointed 122 exclusive agents in Texas in 2009 and is seeking to appoint another 130 agents in the state in 2010.\r\n\r\n\"We see a significant opportunity in the current ec");
document.write("onomy to attract mid-career, mid-level managers to own and operate their own business and represent Allstate in Texas,\" said Todd Martin, Allstate's Texas recruiting director. \"We're working with busine...\n
Oklahoma Gov. Signs Legislation on Distracted Driving
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/15/2010)
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Hen");
document.write("ry has signed into law a piece of legislation that will allow law enforcement to cite drivers who drive dangerously while using their cell phone, but prohibit them from initiating a traffic stop simply because a driver is operating a cell phone.\r\n\r\nHouse Bill 2276, by State Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, amends the law to require law officers to observe driving that \"poses...\n
Allstate Seeking to Appoint 130 Agents in Texas in 2010
\n(Unknown © 04/15/2010)
......\n
Heartland Institute Analysts: Dallas Morning News Missed the Point on Insurance Industry Profits
\n(Unknown © 04/15/2010)
......\n
Allstate hiring 130 in Texas, 45 in D/FW
\n(Dallas Business Journal © 04/14/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Allstate Insurance Co. is bringing on 130 new Texas agents, increasing its total hired to 252 hired since the beginning of last year. The company hopes to hire 45 employees in just the Dallas-Fort Worth area.\n\n\nThe nation");
document.write("al insurance carrier opened 122 new agencies last year and hopes to surpass that number in 2010, officials said today.\n\n\n"We see a significant opportunity in the current econ...\n
Allstate seeks to expand brand in Texas
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 04/14/2010)
Allstate Insurance Co. plans to recruit as many ");
document.write("as 187 agency owners in Texas this year, including 45 from Central Texas.\n\n\nLast year, 122 new agents opened Allstate agencies throughout the state. This year, Allstate hopes to surpass that goal.\n\n\nAllstate is searching for 45 agency owners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area; 45 in Houston; 45 in the San Antonio-Austin-Waco-Killeen area; 30 in East Texas...\n
10 Technologies with Biggest Impact on P/C Insurance Companies
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/05/2010)
A Stamford, Conn.-based research and consulting firm has identified 10 technologies that will have the greatest impact for the property/casualty (P/C) insurance industry. Gartner Inc. said these technologies will challenge existing business processes, support the emergence of new business models and allow companies to differentiate themselves to drive revenue growth.\r\n\r\nKimberly Harris-Ferrante, v...\n
Study ranks storm surge risk by cost
\n(South Florida Sun-Sentinel © 04/05/2010) (Registration Required)\n
The ZIP codes 33140 in Miami Beach, 33301 in Fort Lauderdale and 33480 in Palm Beach have some of the region's priciest homes -- with the owners having among the most to lose if a hurricane drives the Atlantic Ocean inland.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe potential do");
document.write("llar losses from storm surge in heavily developed southeast Florida are bigger than in any other metro area in the nation, according to a new ZIP-code anal...\n
10 Technologies with Biggest Impact on P/C Insurance Companies
\n(Unknown © 04/05/2010)
......\n
Hurricane experts: Build beach homes even higher
\n(Beaumont Enterprise © 04/04/2010)
Residents rebuilding on Bolivar Peninsula after Hurricane Ike have been met by stringent codes requiring them to build their homes 20 feet above sea level.\nTo reach these heights above the 100-year flood plain, new structures are being constructed on stilts.\nBut this week at the National Hurri");
document.write("cane Conference, building experts have discussed how even these lofty heights may not be high enough.\n&ldq...\n
Allstate agency wins corporate award
\n(Corpus Christi Caller-Times © 04/04/2010) (Registration Required)\n
CORPUS CHRISTI —\nAllstate exclusive agency owner Paulette Guajardo has");
document.write(" been designated a Premier Service Agency for 2010.\n\nThe Premier Service Agency designation is awarded to Allstate agency owners who have consistently met designated levels in customer service and business performance. The agency is at 5333 Yorktown Blvd., Suite E, Executive Suites Building.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n...\n
Know what to do when ");
document.write("hail and your roof meet
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 04/03/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Spring in Texas: Bulbs blooming. Hail pounding your roof. There's nothing quite like that helpless, sinking feeling of wondering how many thousands of dollars you'll be out or worrying about what's happening to the new home you're trying to buy.\n\nUnfortunately, no preventive measures exist to protect a roof. Even pricey high-impact shingles aren't an absolute guarantee. But the people you might so...\n
FRIDAY LETTERS: Insurance rates already have many controls
\n(Beaumont Enterprise © 04/02/2010)
Your Sunday editorial headlined, \"State officials must control rate hikes on homeowners insurance\" poses the question of how Texas consumers can be protected from unfair rate hikes. The answer - they already are. Under current law, the insurance commissioner has full");
document.write(" authority to object to and force examination of a rate that he deems is excessive, unreasonable or unfairly discriminatory. He has e...\n
National Hurricane Center Considers Issuing Storm Surge Warning
\n(Insurance Journal © 04/02/2010)
The National Hurricane Center is considering adding a storm-surge warning to its ");
document.write("list of watches and warnings it issues during hurricane season.\r\n\r\nCenter officials this week floated the idea of a storm-surge warning in front of a crowd of emergency managers, first responders and meteorologists attending the 2010 National Hurricane Conference in Orlando.\r\n\r\nNo decision will be made for another two...\n
National Hurricane Center C");
document.write("onsiders Issuing Storm Surge Warning
\n(Unknown © 04/02/2010)
......\n
Texas Weather Losses - The Predictably Unpredictable
\n(TCAIS Insider © 03/30/2010)
Texas has the most severe weather in the country and in recent years has led the nation in catastrophic losses by a wide margin. Wi");
document.write("th exposure to nine different types of natural disasters - the most among any state in the country - Texas insurers continue to prepare for unpredictable weather losses. Because of the loss risk in Texas, it is critical to provide a regulatory structure that encourages...\n
Texas Weather Losses - The Predictably Unpredictable
\n(U");
document.write("nknown © 03/30/2010)
......\n
Texting spells trouble for teen girls at wheel
\n(Beaumont Enterprise © 03/28/2010)
Frequent flat tires plague 18-year-old Shelby Shelton.\n\nThough she hasn't been in a major wreck since she got her license two years ago, Shelby's father, Taylor Shelton, said he's got a theory");
document.write(" of what causes the flat tires.\n\n\"I have a feeling she's texting while she drives and hits something when she turns,\" he said. \"I stressed to her not to text and drive because I'm worried about her.\"\n\nIf Shel...\n
Child safety seat check-up set for Saturday
\n(Kerrville Daily Times © 03/23/2010)
A free child safety se");
document.write("at check-up will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Kerrville Walmart parking lot.\n\nResidents are encouraged to bring their car seats, the vehicle it will be used in and the child who will be using the seat to receive instruction from one of five certified technicians who will teach the correct use and installation of the seat. Each seat will be checked for recalls and...\n
P/C Executives to Dodd: Don't Shift Risky Firms' Costs to Insurers
\n(Unknown © 03/22/2010)
......\n
Hit-and-runs appear bigger problem here
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 03/21/2010)
It doesn't happen to everybody, but it happens to more than a few of u");
document.write("s - that sick-in-the-belly feeling when we walk out to the parking lot after shopping to find a fresh dent in the trunk lid and bumper and maybe some red-tinted plastic from a broken taillight lens.\n\nWe find the damage, but what we usually don't find is a note from the other driver offering to accept responsibility for the crash...\n
P/C Executives t");
document.write("o Dodd: Don't Shift Risky Firms' Costs to Insurers
\n(Insurance Journal © 03/19/2010)
Property/casualty insurance companies, which already pay into state guaranty funds to backup claims of their insolvent peers, don't want to have to also pay into a federal fund to cover failures of larger and riskier financial services firms.\r\n\r\nLeading p/c company executives are urging Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., to amend his financial regulatory reform act so that it does not shift the cost of fi...\n
<");
document.write("A TARGET=\"_new\" HREF=\"http://mediatracking.com/npcapp/bounce.aspx/publisher/33913/662/UHVibGlzaGVyIFVzZXI~/600087051\">PEAKER STRAUS NAMES REP. TAYLOR CO-CHAIRMAN OF WINDSTORM INSURANCE LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT BOARD
\n(Texas House Speaker Joe Straus Press Release © 03/19/2010)
Speaker Joe Straus (San Antonio) today named Representative Larry Taylor (Friendswood) as co-chairman of the Windstorm Insurance Legislative Oversight Board....\n
");
document.write("PEAKER STRAUS NAMES REP. TAYLOR CO-CHAIRMAN OF WINDSTORM INSURANCE LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT BOARD
\n(Unknown © 03/19/2010)
......\n
Forecasters Predi");
document.write("ct Active Hurricane Season
\n(Unknown © 03/16/2010)
......\n
Top 10 Internet Frauds and Top 10 States for Fraud Complaints
\n(Unknown © 03/16/2010)
......\n
Forecasters Predict Active Hurricane Season
\n(Insurance Journal © 03/15/2010)
Meteorologists are predicting an active 2010 hurricane season with above-normal threats on the U.S. coastline.\r\n\r\nHurricane Forecaster Joe Bastardi, with the AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center, said Wednesday that he predicts seven landfalls. Five will be hurricanes and two or three of the hurricanes will be major landfalls for the U.S.\r\n\r\nBastardi forecasts 16 to 18 t");
document.write("ropical storms in total, 15 of...\n
Top 10 Internet Frauds and Top 10 States for Fraud Complaints
\n(Insurance Journal © 03/15/2010)
Online crime complaints increased substantially once again last year, with the number of fraud complaints jumping 22.3 percent and total losses linked to online fraud reaching almost $56");
document.write("0 million.\r\n\r\nThat's according to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, which released the 2009 Internet Crime Report.\r\n\r\nThe center receive...\n
State Farm supports college through scholarships
\n(Deer Park Progress © 03/14/2010)
To show support");
document.write(" and to become more involved with San Jacinto College, State Farm Insurance recently awarded $500 scholarships to 10 students who attend the College.?State Farm told us they want to invest in our students and the future of the community, and we appreciate the support,? commented Dr. Allatia Harris, San Jacinto College North president, where the scholarships were presented to student...\n
Air Force group taps USAA
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 03/13/2010) (Registration Required)\n
USAA has been named the preferred provider for banking and financial products to the 121,000 members of the Air Force Association.\n\nThe association's former provider, Waterfield Bank of Germantown, Md., was seized last week by federal regulators. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said a buyer for the bank could not be found.\n\nThe association is recommending its members utilize USAA for deposit a...\n
<");
document.write("br/>
Allstate survey shows that 64 percent of hit-and-runs occur in parking lots
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 03/10/2010)
The majority of all hit-and-run collisions in San Antonio involve someone hitting a parked car, according to a review of Allstate claims data.\n\n\nAbout 64 percent of hit-and-runs occur when drivers leav");
document.write("e their vehicles in the parking lot and head into a store. State law requires drivers to leave a note for the owner if they hit someone’s parked car. However, the latest data from Allstate show...\n
Cold triggers $70M in TX home damages
\n(Unknown © 03/08/2010)
......\n
Word to youth: Texting, driving don't mix
\n(USA Today © 03/08/2010)
Mariah West was a devoted texter.\nAt 18, she could hold dinner conversations with her family while surreptitiously texting with friends, hiding her cellphone under the table.\nEveryone in the Rogers, Ark., high school senior's circle had warned her about texting while driving; they'd see her ");
document.write("car swerve and know what she was doing. It cost her her life.\nLast May, on the day before graduation, Mariah...\n
Allstate kicks off first of planned job fairs in San Antonio
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 03/03/2010)
Allstate Insurance Co. is expecting thousands of people to show up for the first scheduled job fai");
document.write("r today from 3 to 7 p.m.\n\n\nThe company has launched an aggressive campaign to hire 600 new employees for its Customer Information Center in Northwest San Antonio. Employees will be property and casualty licensed in all 50 states.\n\n\nThe first of the job fairs will be held at Alamo Colleges’ satel...\n
Allstate looking for bilingual workers
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 02/26/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Allstate Insurance Co. plans to hold three job fairs next month as part of its effort to hire 600 workers for a customer information center it?s opening in San Antonio in May.\n\nThe job fairs will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 6 and March 10 at Alamo Community College, 8300 Pat Booker Road in Live Oak. Additional information is available at www.allstate.jobs.\n\nAllstate, the nation?s secon...\n
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 02/26/2010)
The Lone Star State has taken a beating from Mother Nature lately.\r\n\r\nTexas last year endured 10 storms that resulted in more insured losses than any other state, the second straight year it has earned that dubious distinction.\r\n\r\nThe storms caused $2.46 billion in losses in the state last year. Colorado was a d");
document.write("istant second with $1.32 billion in losses.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, Texas had 11 storms that caused...\n
Texas Catastrophic Weather Losses Totaled $2.5B in 2009
\n(Unknown © 02/26/2010)
......\n
Texas suffers Mother Nature beat down
\n(Unknown © 02/26/2010)
......\n
Texas Catastrophic Weather Losses Totaled $2.5B in 2009
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/25/2010)
Texas in 20");
document.write("09 experienced weather catastrophes amounting to more insured losses than any other state. Last year, Texas experienced 10 weather catastrophes that caused nearly $2.5 billion in losses. The next nearest state in insured losses was Colorado with $1.3 billion in losses.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, Texas had 11 catastrophic events and $10.2 billion in losses, which was $8 billion more than Louisiana, whi...\n
USAA increases participation in renewable energy program
\n(San Antonio Business Journal © 02/24/2010)
USAA has made a commitment to supply 25 percent of its electric needs from renewable energy to support its San Antonio operations.\n\n\nThe San Antonio insurance giant has increased the volts on the amount of power the company buys as part of the CPS Energy Windtricity program. Based on the amount of power USAA uses in San Antonio, the company has become CPS Energy’s largest buyer of wind energ...\n
Texas Students Awarded Insurance Council Scholarships
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/22/2010)
The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) has awarded academic scholarships to students at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the University of Houston ? Downtown (UHD). The students represent each school's Insurance and Risk Management program.\r\n\r\nIn Dallas, ICT's Education Foundation president Tony Gonzalez awarded the academic scholarship to Robert Sajovich, a student at SMU's Cox School of...\n
\n(Houston Chronicle © 02/15/2010)
The Feb. 8 opinion piece ?Don't believe the flooding myths,? by Michael D. Talbott, director of the Harris County Flood Control District, really should be required reading for every homeowner in Southeast Texas. It probably should be passed out along with the ream of papers al");
document.write("ready given to new homeowners at the time of closing. It's that important.\r\n\r\nMisinformation about flooding hereabouts ?...\n
Farmers Introduces New Texas Next Generation Home Policy
\n(Press Release © 02/15/2010)
The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies? is pleased to announce the introduction of a new homeowner?s in");
document.write("surance policy, called ?Farmers Next Generation Home Policy.? This new policy provides coverage flexibility, innovative features and competitive pricing, which all adds up to exceptional value.\r\n\r\n?We?re thrilled to be able to provide Texas consumers with an improved product for their hard-earn...\n
Farmers Introduces New Texas Next Generation Home P");
document.write("olicy
\n(Unknown © 02/15/2010)
......\n
News flash: It floods here - Timely advice for homeowners to buy flood insurance
\n(Unknown © 02/15/2010)
......\n
Allstate Corp. to create 600 jobs in S.A.
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 02/10/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Insurance giant Allstate Corp. plans to open a customer information center that will employ 600 full-time workers in San Antonio.\n\nAllstate expects to begin operations in early May in a 75,000-square-foot, $11.6 million facility at The Oaks at University Business Park at 12238 Silicon Drive on the Northwest Side.\n\n");
document.write("Northbrook, Ill.-based Allstate outlined its plans at a news conference Tuesday at C...\n
Insurance industryis taking hold in S.A.
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 02/10/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Is San Antonio turning into Omaha South?\n\nWhen people think of Omaha, the insurance industry usu");
document.write("ally comes to mind. San Antonio doesn't have an identifying industry as such, and that's good. A diverse industry base has served this city well for a long time.\n\nThe city already might have assumed a kind of an Omaha South mantle in a quiet, slow way because of USAA's vast growth over the past three or...\n
State Farm says it warned gov't on Toyota ");
document.write("in 2007
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 02/09/2010) (Registration Required)\n
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The nation's largest auto insurer says it alerted federal safety regulators in late 2007 about a rise in reports of unexpected acceleration in Toyota vehicles.\nState Farm insurance says it noticed an uptick in reports of unwanted acceleration in Toyotas from its large database and warned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.\nCongressional investigators are looking ...\n
Dodge Arena is now the State Farm Arena
\n(Brownsville Herald © 02/05/2010)
HIDALGO — The home of the Killer Bees and the Vipers will now be known as State Farm Arena.\n\n\nThe insurance giant with its ubiquitous slogan, \"Like a good a neighbor, State Farm is there,\" will adorn the 6-year-old Hidalgo landmark in what officials said is the first sponsorship of its kind for th");
document.write("e Illinois-based company.\n\n\n\"Buenas noches, Hidalgo,\" Mike Hargis, State Farm’s vice presi...\n
Sen. Chuck Schumer wants war on auto insurance scams
\n(New York Daily News © 02/05/2010)
Sen. Chuck Schumer vowed to clamp down on auto insurance fraudsters in New York - and around the country.\r\n\r\n\"Until we tackle t");
document.write("his problem head on, insurance rates will continue to rise,\" Schumer said yesterday.\r\n\r\nHis congressional push to enact new federal penalties on swindlers came after the Daily News found suspected auto insurance fraud cases had spiked 33% over the past three years.\r\n\r\nIn m...\n
Sen. Chuck Schumer wants war on auto insurance scams
\n<");
document.write("b>(Unknown © 02/05/2010)
......\n
Element of Choice Draws In Online Viewers
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 02/04/2010)
By SUZANNE VRANICA \n\nAiming to wrest more advertising revenue from online video, several companies, led by ad giant Publicis Groupe and including Microsoft, Yahoo, CBS and Hulu, have spent ");
document.write("the past year testing online-ad formats to figure out what consumers want.\n\nIt turns out they want choice.\n\nTests found that \"ad selector,\" a format that lets online-video watchers pick one of three companies' a...\n
8 Ways to Cut Insurance Costs for Teen Drivers
\n(Unknown © 02/04/2010)
......\n
Agents Honor Texas House Speaker with Leadership Award
\n(Unknown © 02/04/2010)
......\n
Age");
document.write("nts Honor Texas House Speaker with Leadership Award
\n(Insurance Journal © 02/03/2010)
The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) on Feb. 2 presented its 2010 Independent Leadership Award to Joe Straus III, speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.\r\n\r\nSpeaker Straus was elected to the House of Representatives in 2005 and served as a House member representing San Antonio and surrounding areas during the 79th and 80th sessions.\r\n\r\n?In just a short time, his trusted service...\n
");
document.write("8 Ways to Cut Insurance Costs for Teen Drivers
\n(Kiplinger © 02/01/2010)
My 16-year-old son is about to get his license, and I?m afraid of what that might do to our auto-insurance rates. How can we lower insurance costs?\r\n\r\nYou?re right to be worried -- your auto-insurance premiums are likely to skyrocket when your teenage son starts driving. But a few key moves can help you cut costs signi");
document.write("ficantly.\r\n\r\n1. Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles to at least $...\n
Ike's insured losses total almost $12 billion
\n(Dallas Morning News © 01/29/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Ike's insured losses total almost $12 billion\n\n12:00 AM CST on Friday, January 29, 2010\n\n The Associ");
document.write("ated Press\n\n\nAUSTIN – Hurricane Ike was the costliest weather catastrophe in Texas history in terms of insurance coverage, leaving behind nearly $12 billion in insured damage, an industry group reported Thursday.\n\nTotal windstorm claims in Texas from Ike totaled $9.8 billion, according to a st...\n
Texas homeowners cite water damage as most com");
document.write("mon home insurance claim
\n(Insurance Corner © 01/28/2010)
A new survey released by the Texas region's branch of Allstate Insurance has found that water damage and liability claims are among the most pressing and costly issues brought to Texas insurers by their customers.\r\n\r\nAccording to data assessed between 2000 and 2007, Allstate found that water damage ranked as the most common claim from its Texas homeowner insurance customers. It was followed by wi...\n
Texas homeowners cite water damage as most common home insurance claim
\n(Unknown © 01/28/2010)
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Oklahoma Governor Bans State Workers from Texting While Driving
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/27/2010)
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry signed an executive order banning state employees from texting while driving on state business. State Sen. Debbe Leftwich applauds the move but wants to take it a little further by prohibiting teens from texting while behind the wheel as well.\r\n\r\nCalling the governor?s order a ?great start,? Leftwich said she ?will continue to push for passage of Senate Bill 900,? which wo...\n
U.S. Bans Texting by Drivers of Large Trucks, Buses
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/27/2010)
The U.S. government Tuesday banned hand-held \"texting'' by drivers of large commercial trucks and buses to avoid the danger of distracted driving.\r\n\r\nTransportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement the prohibition takes effect immediately. It follows a similar ban in December for drivers of federal government vehicles.\r\n\r\n\"We want the drivers of big rig");
document.write("s and buses and those who share the...\n
Insurance commissioner announces appointments to windstorm agency
\n(Rockport Pilot © 01/27/2010)
During the 81st Legislative Session, the Texas House of Representatives passed comprehensive windstorm legislation designed to re-capitalize the depleted Texas Windstorm Insurance ");
document.write("Association (TWIA). As passed, House Bill 4409 funds losses up to $2.5 billion, the cost of a storm which might hit the Coastal Bend area every 100 years. Along with the funding structure, the windstorm legislation creat...\n
At Least 1.6 Million Crashes Are Caused Each Year by Distracted Drivers
\n(TCAIS Insider © 01/27/2010");
document.write(")
According to the Department of Transportation, officially nearly 500,000 people are injured and 6,000 are killed each year because drivers are talking, texting and e-mailing behind the wheel. But a recent report by the The National Safety Council estimates that at least 28% of all traffic crashes ? or at least 1.6 million crashes each year - are caused by these driving distractions. And, with mor...\n
At Least 1.6 Million Crashes Are Caused Each Year by Distracted Drivers
\n(Unknown © 01/27/2010)
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U.S. Bans Texting by Drivers of Large Trucks, Buses
\n(Unknown © 01/27/2010)
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Construction Costs Affect Homeowners Insurance Rates
\n(InsuranceNewsNet.Com © 01/26/2010)
When it comes to home insurance, there are a variety of factors that affect rates. The location of your home can save you money, while the local construction costs can increase homeowners insurance quotes. A recent article from InsuranceAgents.com illustrate");
document.write("s how construction costs can cost or save you money on your rates.\r\n\r\n?Some insurance companies will look at the construction costs in your ne...\n
Construction Costs Affect Homeowners Insurance Rates
\n(Unknown © 01/26/2010)
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Researchers: Climate Change Expected to Increase Storm Activity in Texas
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/25/2010)
Climate change will likely increase the frequency and severity of storm activity in Texas, an area of the country that is especially vulnerable to the ?triple threat? of hurricanes, hail storms and tornadoes, weather researchers said at a conference at Southern Methodist University?s Cox School");
document.write(" of Business sponsored by the Willis Research Network.\r\n\r\nThe Willis Research Network, part of Willis Gro...\n
Researchers: Climate Change Expected to Increase Storm Activity in Texas
\n(Unknown © 01/25/2010)
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Texas seen getting more storms, stronger winds
\n(Unknown © 01/25/2010)
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Texas seen getting more storms, stronger winds
\n(Reuters © 01/22/");
document.write("2010)
The long-term outlook for Texas weather is for more storms, although a smaller percentage may have hail, a leading U.S. government expert said on Thursday.\r\n\r\n\"In general there is expected to be an increase in the amount of energy available to storms. This is related to warming temperatures,\" said Harold Brooks, a meteorologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, speaking to Re...\n
Letter from Beaman Floyd: Insuring coastal property
\n(Houston Chronicle © 01/21/2010)
Columnist Loren Steffy is way off the mark in his wild notions about the private insurance marketplace along the Texas coast (?Insurer?s change of heart follows embarrassment,? Page D1, Friday).\r\n\r\nFirst, to state that private insurers control the amount the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association reimburses its policyholders is blatantly untrue. TWIA receives funding through private insurer assessm...\n
Letter from Beaman Floyd: Insuring coastal property
\n(Unknown © 01/21/2010)
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Regional catastrophe pool responds to Haiti quake
\n(Business Insurance © 01/18/2010)
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti?Despite widespread devastation and a six-figure death toll from the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti last week, insured losses likely will be a fraction of economic losses, industry sources say.\r\nAdvertisement\r\n\r\nWhile the Caribbean nation's private insurance market is small, Haiti's government will receive an $8 million capital infusion from the Caribbean Catastr...\n
Alabama House Passes Ban on Driver Texting
\n(Insurance Journal © 01/15/2010)
The Alabama Legislature has taken the first step toward banning drivers from sending or writing a text message while operating a vehicle on a public road.\r\n\r\nThe House Public Safety Committee approved a bill this week that would fine a driver $25 for the first conviction for texting while driving. A driver w");
document.write("ould be fined $50 for a second conviction and $75 for each subsequent violation. The commit...\n
Windstorm insurer picks up pace on Ike settlements
\n(Houston Chronicle © 01/14/2010) (Registration Required)\n
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, under fire by state regulators and policyho");
document.write("lder attorneys for how it handled claims after Hurricane Ike, is accelerating the pace of settlements.\nTWIA has been meeting with policyholder attorneys to resolve cases in batches, said Jim Oliver, general manager of the association.\n“In the past, TWIA mediated possible settlements on an individual basis,&...\n
Cold triggers $70M in TX home da");
document.write("mages
\n(Austin Business Journal © 01/13/2010)
The recent cold snap, reaching in the teens in many Central Texas locations, caused more than $70 million in home damages, the Insurance Council of Texas reported Tuesday.\r\n\r\nThe trade group found 10,000 Texas homes suffered water damage as a result of frozen water pipes, causing estimated millions in new insurance claims. The average homeowner loss was $9,000 statewide and about $5,000 in the Cen...\n
National Safety Council Estimates That At Least 1.6 Million Crashes Are Caused Each Year by Drivers Using Cell Phones and Texting
\n(Midland KWES (NBC) 9 © 01/12/2010)
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council announced today that it estimates at least 28% of all traffic crashes -- or at least 1.6 million crashes each year -- are caused by drivers using cell phones and texting. NSC estimates that ");
document.write("1.4 million crashes each year are caused by drivers using cell phones and a minimum of 200,000 additional crashes each year are caused ...\n
TWIA board defers decision
\n(Galveston Daily News © 01/09/2010)
The governing board of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association on Friday deferred deciding whether to raise rat");
document.write("es and whether to offer coverage that would pay for evacuation expenses when policyholders flee hurricanes.\r\n\r\nThe 10-member board will consider in March whether to raise rates and decide on the costly and unusual measure of providing coverage for such evacuation expenses as gasoline an...\n
Cutting the cost of your car insurance
\n<");
document.write("b>(Unknown © 01/07/2010)
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Cutting the cost of your car insurance
\n(walletpop.com © 01/07/2010)
Looking to save a buck or two? While skipping lattes and brown-bagging lunch can shave a few cents, experts suggest taking a look at how much you're shelling out for auto insurance.\r\n\r\nThere are many ea");
document.write("sy ways drivers can save money on their auto insurance, and most of them take just a little bit of time and a phone call or two. To cut your auto insurance costs and put some much needed money back...\n
Off to the Races
\n(Unknown © 01/06/2010)
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Off to the Races
\n(Texas Tribune © 01/05/2010)
With only a little trepidation, allow us to forecast the results of some of next November's elections.\r\n\r\nThe list starts with Comptroller Susan Combs, who is unopposed in the Republican primary on March 2 and didn't draw a Democratic opponent for the November general election. Lawrence Allen Jr., a Democrat first elected to the State");
document.write(" Board of Education in 2004, is likewise headed for another te...\n
Everything you wanted to know -- and more! -- about Austin's new texting-while-driving ban
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 01/01/2010) (Registration Required)\n
Published: 7:53 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009\n\n\n\nAs o");
document.write("f today, drivers in Austin cannot legally use their cell phones for anything other phone calls. That means no texting, no scrolling, no surfing, no navigating while driving on a public roadway unless you need to report an emergency. There will be a one-month grace period, during which offenders will get off with a warning. After th...\n