Articles by William Rabb

Claim on Seized Hemp Shipment Barred, Showing Trickiness of Coverage

International treaties preempt state-based legal actions, giving an air transport company an escape from claims on what a hemp producer said was botched paperwork for an overseas hemp shipment, a federal appeals court said. The ruling by the U.S. 4th …

Hurricane Would Blow Through Florida Cat Fund’s Reserves. But That May be OK, Report Says

A report from Moody’s Ratings service contends that one good hurricane this year could wipe out the Florida Cat Fund’s reserves, potentially forcing it to place a small surcharge on Florida insurance premiums to finance more debt. But that may …

With American Mobile Cancellations, Florida Mobile Home Market Has ‘Fallen Apart’

Reinsurance in Florida’s long-stressed property insurance market was supposed to have stabilized this year – with moderate rate increases and more availability. But those calmer waters apparently have not reached the mobile home market, and Florida insurance agents are now …

Insurers Settle With Hotel in Case of Woman Videotaped in the Shower

Four insurance companies, unable to escape a duty to defend a New York hotel where a young woman was secretly videotaped in the shower in 2015, have reached a settlement in the case that made headlines around the world. Citizens …

South Carolina High Court Urges Legislative Fix to Pre-existing Health Issue in Workers’ Comp

South Carolina lawmakers next year may be asked to revamp a workers’ compensation employment test that judges have relied on for more than 50 years, if the state Supreme Court has its way. The court last week said that a …

Hundreds of Thousands in Southeast Now in Flood Zones With New Maps

Many more properties, including hundreds of thousands of homes across Florida and other parts of the Southeast, will be required to purchase flood insurance after July 31, due to revisions in federal flood maps. For some of the most exposed …

Let Good Adjusters, Not Expensive Lawyers, Make the Difference on Claims, CEO Says

Harish Kapur, CEO of Across America Insurance Services, likes to tell the story of how his company’s chief defense lawyer became fed up with Kapur’s frequent requests for lower settlements on claims disputes. “He fired us. He literally fired us,” …

Exclusion Does Not Exclude Coverage for Condo in Nashville Christmas Bombing

The insurance fallout from the Christmas Day 2020 bombing in downtown Nashville continues, with a federal court deciding this week that Aspen Specialty Insurance must cover millions in replacement costs for a heavily damaged condominium building. The insurer in 2021 …

Farmers Adjusters Cry Foul Over Workloads, Claims Handling in Letter to Regulators

Farmers Insurance officials this week said they have spoken with employees after receiving an anonymous letter, apparently from a group of in-house adjusters, accusing the insurer of understaffing and overworking claims professionals. “Farmers Insurance has always been a leader in …

Foul Ball: Florida Appeals Court Says Detroit Tigers Owe Little to Injured Pitcher

If the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball team needs money to rebuild its roster next year, a Florida appeals court just saved the team more than $14,000 in workers’ compensation payments to an injured minor league pitcher. Florida’s 1st District …