Articles by Stephanie K. Jones

Gerhart: U.S. Has a Good Story to Tell at the Global Insurance Symposium

The state of Iowa on May 20-22, 2014, will host its first ever Global Insurance Symposium, a privately funded event that aims to bring insurance professionals and regulators from around the world together to discuss the challenges facing the global …

Oklahoma’s Workers’ Comp Administrative Redesign Takes Effect

The transition of Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system from a court-based system to an administrative one became effective Feb. 1, 2014, a change that proponents believe will lower costs and help make the state more competitive in attracting businesses. In May …

Nebraska Court: Agent Breached Contract but Client List Not a Trade Secret

The Nebraska Supreme Court recently upheld the finding of a lower court that a crop insurance agent breached the terms of her contract with a former employer when she went to work for another agency. However, in First Express Services …

Workers’ Compensation Fraud and the Insurance Producer

There are essentially two types of workers’ compensation fraud — premium fraud and claimant fraud — and insurance producers can play a role in the discovery and resolution of both, according to one investigator who has brought some 800 cases …

Michigan Congresswoman Says Flood Insurance Bill Bad for Residents

A U.S. Congresswoman from Michigan wants her state to opt out of the National Flood Insurance Program, saying it’s not good for Michigan homeowners. U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) voted against H.R. 3370, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which …

Portrait of an Employee Fraudster

Fraud Schemes Depend on Opportunity, Incentive, Rationalization It may come as a surprise to some that the typical fraudster in the workplace is not the bad-attitude ne’er-do-well that slinks off into the corner when faced with new responsibilities and additional …

Immediate Notice Required, Euthanasia Allowed in Equine Mortality Policies

The main difference between livestock, or equine, mortality insurance and human life insurance is that a livestock owner, subject to certain conditions, may sometimes euthanize the animal and still collect policy proceeds, according to an attorney whose practice includes a …

Eyeing Affluent Market, Crestbrook Ready to Launch in Illinois

Well-to-do Illinois residents and their insurance agents can soon look forward to another option when it comes to protecting their assets. Crestbrook Insurance has selected Illinois for the launch of what is essentially a start-up insurance company focusing on the …

Texas Senator: How Can We Lower Homeowner Insurance Costs?

A Texas lawmaker has asked the state insurance department to come up with suggestions for ways to lower homeowners insurance rates in the state. Texas has consistently been ranked, along with Florida and Louisiana, one of the top three states …

Texas Windstorm Insurance Rates to Rise Again in January

The board of Texas insurer of last resort for wind and hail along the Texas coast voted at its August meeting to raise premium rates beginning in January 2014. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association board of directors voted to file …