Monthly Archives: <span>November 2004</span>

Calif. Sens. Call for Safety Analysis of Train Operations in east Los Angeles County Following Accidents

In the wake of two train derailments in east Los Angeles County in the past 16 months, Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer (both D-Calif.) are asking the Federal Railroad Administration to conduct a comprehensive safety analysis of train operations …

Floridians Repairing Damaged Properties Urged to Proceed with Caution

Recent reports of Floridians in the Panhandle being injured while removing debris or making repairs have recovery officials urging caution and restraint when cleaning and restoring damaged homes, businesses or property. Local health officials report an increase in hand, neck, …

PCI Lauds Class Action ‘Best Practices’ for Illinois Courts

A proposed rule change governing class action lawsuits that would reportedly benefit Illinois consumers and businesses will likely be opposed by the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). The proposed new …

N.Y. Gov. Notes Added Federal Aid for Storms

New York Gov. George Pataki recently announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved New York State’s appeal for homeowners, renters and small businesses in 14 flood-ravaged counties to be made eligible for federal disaster assistance for damages …

FEMA Paid $28M Bogus Claims in Dade County, Fla.

The Florida Legislature has asked for an investigation on $28 million in illicit insurance claims paid for damage done by Hurricane Frances in Miami and Dade County, an area barely touched by the hurricane. U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw, R-Fort Lauderdale, …

10,000 N.J. Drivers Join Ranks of the Insured

New Jersey Banking and Insurance Commissioner Holly Bakke announced this week that more than 10,000 drivers purchased the Dollar-a-Day auto insurance policy during its first year. “Rising sales of the Dollar-a-Day policy, combined with other programs, demonstrates that our efforts …

TDI Takes Moves Against State Farm Lloyds, Farmers Insurance Group to Update Rates

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is reportedly taking steps to initiate new actions against State Farm Lloyds and Farmers Insurance Group in an effort to bring those insurers’ homeowners insurance rates into compliance with state law. TDI contends that …

FirstComp Insurance Co. Makes Inc. 500 List

Inc. Magazine has released its 23rd annual Inc. 500 ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. FirstComp Insurance Company, an Omaha Neb.-based workers’ compensation insurance company serving small and medium-sized businesses through independent insurance agencies, was awarded its …

Mich. Fire Marshal Reminds Residents of Holiday Decoration Safety; More than $1.4 Million in 2003 Property Loss

Michigan’s Office of the State Fire Marshal is reminding residents to be careful with holiday decorations. Candles and Christmas trees add a joyous and festive mood to the holiday season. But when decorations such as these are not used properly, …

Former Indianapolis AFLAC Sales Manager Who Fled to Belize Charged With Fraud

A former Indianapolis insurance executive who fled to Central America has been indicted for what federal prosecutors said Thursday was a $3 million fraud scheme. The indictment against James R. Harrold, 61, was returned Wednesday, with charges including mail fraud, …