Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Friday, August 8

Above:  Ground floor of the China Insurance Group Building.  Founded in 1931, China Insurance Company is a state-owned financial and insurance group founded in 1931 in Shanghai.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS & INSURANCE ISSUE:  Please see coverage below.

 

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Florida Association of Insurance Agents Joins Amendment 5 Opponents in Court

A broad coalition fighting Amendment 5 argued in court papers today that the proposal should be removed from the ballot because the summary is “grossly misleading” and does not fully describe all the changes that would occur.

Allstate to fill gap with 200 new jobs

The Allstate Credit Division is creating about 200 new jobs in the area through 2011 by expanding its specialty products.

Regulator who was overruled fires whistle-blower suit

For the second time in a month, Holly Benson, a former state lawmaker and key member of Gov. Charlie Crist’s administration, faces accusations of political maneuvering in agencies she oversees.

Such a deal: Gas cards in trade for hospital insurance forms

Wuesthoff Health System is giving away $100 gas cards in exchange for valid, original insurance statements.

Florida-based AmCOMP Reports 2nd Quarter 2008 Financial Results

North Palm Beach, Florida-based AmCOMP Inc. announced results for the second quarter of 2008

A.M. Best Rates Florida-based PURE Group of Insurance Companies

A.M. Best Co. assigned a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings of “a-” to The PURE Group of Insurance Companies and its members: Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange and PURE Insurance Company. All companies are domiciled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The outlook for the ratings is stable.

GOVERNOR CRIST:  Cover Florida plays an vital role in insuring citizens

Recent news coverage on the Cover Florida health plan, based on a July 1 study published by The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, both misunderstands and underestimates the design of the new health insurance program.

Developmental-disabilities funds may be cut in Florida

There are 31,028 people enrolled in the state’s Developmental Disabilities Home and Community Based Services program. Here are the clients by county:

EDITORIAL:  Our view: Ready if needed

Nelson, Martinez deserve credit for beefing up Florida Guard this hurricane season

In case you haven’t looked at the calendar it’s early August and that means we’re heading into the belly of the beast that’s hurricane season. The storms normally start cranking up now and peak in September with the dangerous window stretching into early October.

Storm Safety: 3 Ways in 3 Days

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) continues its public education campaign on the importance of mitigation this week, focusing on awareness and how-to steps for Floridians to strengthen and harden their homes in preparation for a hurricane or high wind event. 

Gov. Crist on listening-campaign tour in Fla.

Gov. Charlie Crist has embarked on a listening tour to learn how the slumping economy is affecting small businesses, but his stops have been heavy on image-boosting and light on listening.

Florida holds ‘scary’ flu prep test

More than 100,000 Floridians are dead from avian flu. Up to 16,000 children are now orphans. Mandatory quarantines are in effect for the sick and schools and sporting events are canceled.

Older hispanics find care lacking

Florida is facing an explosion in its number of elderly Hispanic residents, raising concerns about the strain on a health-care system little prepared to handle their unique needs.

Anti-gaming hopeful takes flak for stock in Harrah’s

Republican congressional candidate Hal Valeche, who for months has sought to portray GOP primary rival Tom Rooney as a beneficiary of the gambling industry, was himself the owner of more than $13,000 worth of stock in gaming giant Harrah’s Entertainment until last year.

Crist has strong hand in naming new justices

Gov. Charlie Crist will have a strong hand in making his first appointments to the Florida Supreme Court thanks to a procedural change the Legislature made seven years ago.

Gary Siplin challenger touted as ‘lifelong Democrat’ spent years as a Republican

Bidding to unseat embattled Orlando state Sen. Gary Siplin, Florida trial lawyers are touting challenger Maurice “Doc” Woodard in mailers and cable-television ads as a “lifelong Democrat.”

District 78 candidates in Palm Beach County clash at voters’ forum

Residency has become a focal point

Steve Nichol, Steve Perman and Kevin Rader, the Democrats vying to replace term-limited Democratic state Rep. Richard Machek of Delray Beach, have become so enraged with one another that they can barely look each other in the eye.

District 81 candidates discuss green issues at forum

The six candidates seeking the open District 81 seat in the state House put on their best green faces Thursday.

Florida utilities face new requirements for renewable energy

Talking about renewable energy is nothing new in the Sunshine State, but the push for cleaner energy could soon become a legal mandate.

Pornographic photos found on DJJ computer

Juvenile Justice Secretary Frank Peterman said Thursday a dozen detention officers have been fired in an investigation of pornographic images found on a state computer.

Driver Mileage Cutback May Not Drop Premiums, Report Says

Despite the fact that U.S. motorists are driving less in the face of higher gasoline prices, increasing repair costs may keep auto insurance rates from declining, a new report says.  

Study Finds Cost in Not Settling Lawsuits

Note to victims of accidents, medical malpractice, broken contracts and the like: When you sue, make a deal.

New York Law Increases Penalties for Bribing Crane Inspectors

New York Governor David Paterson has signed into law new criminal and civil penalties for crane inspectors who falsify their inspection reports, and those who try to interfere with the crane inspection process.

 

Insurance & the 2008 Olympics

 

Risk Management Critical To China’s Olympic Success

Risk management is a critical component in China’s ability to pull off a successful Olympics, with the country’s reputation as a stable and secure business center at stake, according to a risk intelligence expert.
 

With cover in place, games set to begin

Billions of dollars in insurance limits will cover a range of risks at the XXIX Olympiad next month in Beijing.

Olympic athletes covered against injury, illness

As athletes around the world prepare for the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, they can do so knowing they will be protected.

Recent events would trigger games coverage

Several developments in China in recent months typically would trigger contingency/cancellation coverage if similar events interrupt the Olympic Games.

U.S. Olympic Committee obtains health-related cover

The U.S. Olympic Committee dedicated the biggest portion of its insurance budget this year to health-related coverage.

AUDIO: Kevin Liu, head of Asia division at Exclusive Analysis Ltd.

Mr. Liu discusses the terrorist and political threats risks facing the Beijing Olympics.

China protests may hit 2012 rates

Anti-China protests that have plagued the Olympic torch run highlight potential risks that may keep insurance rates up for the 2012 London Olympic risks.

Off-field risks top concern for Olympics

Organizers of large sporting events are well-equipped to deal with the traditional property/casualty exposures they face before and during the competition, but they are on less solid footing.

Beijing 2008 Olympics cancellation cover led in Europe

Western markets not insuring infrastructure

Billions of euros of insurance limits will cover a range of risks at the XXIX Olympiad next month in Beijing, though insurance buyers have earmarked a large portion of limits for contingency or cancellation risks, according to Olympic organizers and insurance experts.

Sports insurance for Olympics benefits from info tech

The coming Olympic Games in Beijing offer many business opportunities.

The insurance industry is a good expression. Statistics show that, at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, the total insurance expense reached US$18mln; at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, the sum was about US$30mln. The insiders revealed that, the insurance expense at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing is estimated to be over RMB 300mln.

Insurance partner joins 2008 Olympics

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games got its official insurance partner yesterday, as an agreement was signed by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) and PICC Property and Casualty Company Limited (PICC P&C).

 

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