IN THIS ISSUE JULY 2018 - VOL 14 ISSUE 7
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One Nigerian Scam Ended Happily With A $110,000 Refund
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A Warranty In Insurance Is A Special Type Of Promise
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California Life Agent Sentenced To 15 Years For Elder Financial Abuse
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Auto Insurance Appraiser Gets 10 Years For Staged Collision Ring
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Clueless Insurance Fraudster Couple Earn Just Reward - Now Singing In Chain Gang
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Poll: 71% Of Americans Say Political Correctness Has Silenced Discussions
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Evidence Viruses May Play Role In Alzheimer’s • Global Insurance Market Growing Fast “Controlled Burn” Takes Out 36 Homes In Florida Panhandle • 2 Insurance Trade Groups Plan A Merge Summit! Oak Ridge National Labs Builds World’s Fastest Computer
Protecting Air Force One - F-16 Intercepts Bogey Unbelievable Vintage Ads - Another In Our Series Of Ads From The 30s, 40s, 50s & 60s.
Operators Of Get-RichWith-Amazon Scheme Settle With The FTC
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Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High
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Brand Or Be Gone Advertising Theory Explained
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Time To Give Mad Maxine The Boot? U.S. Congresswoman Spews Hatred & Discord
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Lloyd’s CEO Inga Beale To Leave In 2019
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Insurance Companies Fall Short On Digital Customer Engagement
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How (And Why) To Write A Press Release - A Short Primer
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POLL: 71% Of Americans Say Political Correctness Has Shut Down Discussion
INSURANCE AND THE LAW A Warranty In An Insurance Contract Is A Special (And Binding) Kind Of Promise
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Kim Komando Barry Zalma
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JULY 2018 INSURANCE - POLITICS - TECHNOLOGY - PEOPLE A Publication of AdMax Corp., Inc. Corporate Offices P.O. Box 31551 Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33420 Ron Manera, Publisher/Senior Editor Join Me On Linkedin: HERE Follow Me On Instagram: @rmanera 561.718.0745 • ron@insurmedia.com
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TECHNOLOGY
ONE NIGERIAN SCAM ENDED HAPPILY AS A VICTIM GOT $110,000 BACK AFTER 10 YRS Really Cool Tech Info - From Kim Komando
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t did not take long for the scam to become a running joke. You know, the one where someone claiming to be a prince, often from Nigeria, would email and claim riches awaited you but to claim them, you would have to send over some money yourself. While we all got a good laugh over them, it’s important to remember the scam would not have existed if there weren’t others who fell for it. We don’t know exactly how many people were duped nor how much money was lost, but you have to figure a good amount for both. Sadly for many people who were scammed, the money they lost is long gone. However that is not the case for everyone, as one man from Kansas recently found out. JULY 2018
you really think about it, something like that is along the lines of they got into this mess in the first place. But in this case it would have been wise to follow up on it. Wichita resident Fred Haines did exactly that, and 10 years after being scammed out of $110,000, he got the money back. It wasn’t quite the $64 million he was expecting a decade ago, but it was better than nothing. After mortgaging his house three times thinking he was going to be rich, it had to feel at least a little good.
He was able to get a refund It would have been understandable to be skeptical over a letter claiming to be from the Attorney General offering help in claiming a refund from a Nigerian Prince Scam. When Table of Contents
But how did this happen?
See Kim Komando Pg 40
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CLAIMS & THE LAW
A WARRANTY IN INSURANCE IS A SPECIAL TYPE OF PROMISE Expert Analysis & Commentary by Barry Zalma, Esq., CFE Promissory Warranty
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the following statements:
promissory warranty applies to the date of • the application and the future. It is a statement of a promise to keep a certain fact or set of facts in existence • throughout the period of a policy. Failure to comply during the effective dates of the policy • is a breach of a material warranty that invalidates the policy. •
warranty relating to the future, a loss insured against happens, or performance becomes unlawful at the place of the contract, or impossible, the omission to fulfill the warranty does not avoid the policy. California Insurance Code § 446. (d) Implied Warranty: An “implied warranty” is not specifically expressed in the policy language but from the actions of the parties to the contract a court (as trier of fact) finds it to be the basis of the insurance contract. California Insurance Code § 440.
“I will keep my premises protected by a silent, central station reporting fire alarm system.” “I will have a watchman on premises whenever my business is closed.” “I will have a security guard on premises when I am open for business.” “I will keep my safe locked at all times when I am closed.” Join Barry Zalma’s Blog: • “I will keep records sufficient http://www.zalma.com/blog to allow my insurer to determine the exact amount For example: of any loss without assistance • There is an existing sprinkler or explanation from me.” Promissory warranties require system at the time of purchase certain action or non-action of of insurance and at the time the insured after the policy has The California Insurance Code of inspection. been entered into in order that does allow an excuse for failure to • At the time the insurer its terms shall not thereafter be fulfill a future warranty, but only inspects the property there is breached. Some examples of as follows: When, before the time an on-site manager who tells promissory warranties include arrives for the performance of a the inspector he has worked
Barry Zalma, Esq., CFE, practiced law in California for more than 43 years as an insurance coverage and claims handling lawyer. He now limits his practice to service as an insurance consultant and expert witness specializing in insurance coverage, insurance claims handling, insurance bad faith and insurance fraud almost equally for insurers and policyholders. He also serves as an arbitrator or mediator for insurance related disputes. He founded Zalma Insurance Consultants in 2001 and serves as its only consultant. 6
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there for 15 years. of materiality is not an issue. An • The insured, without being [A] statement or promise set untrue answer, even if it relates asked, provides the insurer a forth in the policy, or by reference to an immaterial matter, could, monthly report of values. incorporated therein, the untruth at that point in time, if warranted or nonfulfillment of which in any to be true, prevent recovery The breach of a single warranty, respect, and without reference to upon the policy. Therefore, if a at the time of the application, whether the insurer was in fact misstatement appeared as to a keeps the policy from attaching prejudiced by such untruth or matter warranted to be true, it to the risk. Nothing is or was nonfulfillment, renders the policy is no defense that the insured insured because the insurer voidable by the insurer, wholly acted innocently or in good faith and the insured never agreed irrespective of the materiality of in so doing, and there can be on the terms of the contract of such statement or promise. no recovery, particularly where insurance. The insurer the matter that is was deceived and the warranted is material The iron safe clauses found in most to the risk. Appleman, contract is void or voidable. Insurance Law and commercial and all inland marine Practice, Vol. 12A (Rev. policies are important tools in the Every warranty, at Ed. 1981) § 7354. fight against insurance fraud. A person who will the inception of the policy, is material to the The Ninth Circuit, in perpetrate a fraudulent claim or who will burn decision of the insurer to Certain Underwriters down a business to profit from an insurance insure, or not insure, the at Lloyds, London v. insured. The existence policy may be an expert at fraud but know nothing Inlet Fisheries Inc. 06of any false material about insurance. If the books and records of the 35383 Feb. 11, 08, D.J. warranty prevents the business do not comply with the policy condition— cite: 2008 DJDAR 2181 policy from attaching found that the and since the claims are fraudulent they seldom to the risk even if the doctrine of uberrimae breach was innocent, fidei (utmost good will—an effective defense without the need to unintentional, and accuse the insured of fraud will protect the assets faith) required a without fraud. marine insurance of the insurer.” applicant to disclose A breach of warranty all facts material to ithout fraud merely exonerates the calculation of risk. Even if not an insurer from the time that it Vance, The Law of Insurance asked, the insured had a good occurs, or where the warranty is (Third edition, Anderson, 1951, faith duty to reveal material facts broken in its inception, prevents at p. 408) as cited in Insurance about its vessels in applying the policy from attaching to the Law, Keeton and Widiss, supra.; for insurance. Rescission by the risk. California Insurance Code § Imperial v. Sogomonian, infra.; insurer was proper because it was 449. Fidelity Mut. Life Ass’n of deceived. Philadelphia V. Ficklin, supra; and It is the obligation of an insured Monahan v. Mutual Life Ins. Co. Of The California Insurance Code is to inform its insurer of every Baltimore, supra. quite clear on the subject of what material fact necessary to the remedy is available to a party to decision of the insurer to insure Since warranties are required to an insurance contract when a or not insure a risk, whether be literally true for the policy to See Zalma Page 38 asked or not. attach to the risk, the question JULY 2018
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NEWS
CALIFORNIA LIFE INSURANCE AGENT SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR ELDER FINANCIAL ABUSE then heartlessly stole from them over a period of years. Thanks to the hard work of investigators at the Department of Insurance and the Orange County District ANTA ANA, Calif. — Brian Attorney’s office, his victims Jared Smart, 41, a former life have justice.” insurance agent, pleaded 2008, the California guilty to a dozen felony counts In of theft after stealing over $1.8 Department of Insurance (CDI) million from at least five elderly Investigation Division received a clients. Smart was sentenced request for assistance involving to 15 years in state prison and an elderly victim whose monthly ordered to pay $1,810,508 in interest and dividend payments had ceased. restitution to his victims.
Scammed at least five elderly victims out of over $1.8 million
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The investigation revealed Smart diverted more than $1,810,508 from five elderly victims into his own bank accounts and personal investments without their knowledge or approval.”
The elderly victim trusted Smart to manage her money with promises that she would receive payments to meet her monthly living expenses. Not only had her payments stopped, Smart also did not provide legitimate records documenting what he did with the victim’s money.
Brian Jared Smart, 41 Image Credit: Utah County Jail
insurance annuities and other safe investments.
The investigation revealed Smart diverted more than $1,810,508 from five elderly victims into his own bank accounts and personal investments without their knowledge or approval. In 2006, Smart moved to Utah but continued to provide updates An investigation revealed to his victims indicating their that from 2005 to 2006, money was safe, earning interest, Smart, doing business as AIM/ “Smart’s crimes are reprehensible and issued some victims periodic and egregious, said Insurance Smart and Smart Assets, LLC in interest or dividend payments. Commissioner Dave Jones. Orange County, represented “Smart gained his clients’ trust in to his clients he would manage See Life Agent Busted Page 12 order to access their money and their money by investing in
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NEWS
JULY 2018
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NEWS
AUTO INSURANCE APPRAISER GETS 10 YEARS FOR INVOLVEMENT IN STAGED COLLISION RING Case leads to 25 additional arrests, investigation is ongoing in $1.7 million rip-off of insurers
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OS ANGELES, Calif. — organized ring of fraudsters and Erwin Raul Mejia, 42, of Van put them out of business.” Nuys, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison following his Erwin Mejia played an integral conviction on 10 felony counts of role in a staged auto collision ring insurance fraud for involving hundreds his role in a staged of suspects. Since auto collision ring October 2017, 25 that bilked insurers additional arrests were out of more than made in connection $700,000. Mejia with this organized was also ordered ring, which in total has to pay $699,784 in resulted in $1.7 million restitution to six auto in losses to insurers. insurers, including The department’s over $420,000 to investigation is ongoing Nationwide Mutual and more arrests are Erwin Raul Mejia, 42 Insurance Company. likely to follow. Credit: CA Dept. of Ins. “This is a significant conviction and sentence on an insurance fraud case and it sends an important message to those who commit fraud—we will find you and you will be prosecuted,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “Thanks to the excellent work of department detectives and aggressive prosecution by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office, we were able to take down this 10
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Mejia worked as a Material Damage Appraiser for Nationwide where he inspected damaged vehicles, prepared repair estimates, and issued checks to claimants for their damaged cars. An investigation by the California Department of Insurance, which led to Mejia’s arrest in October 2017, revealed Mejia and additional suspects orchestrated an elaborate scheme to defraud insurers with paper Table of Contents
collisions that never occurred or by intentionally damaging vehicles to submit fraudulent claims. Mejia often inflated the damages to the cars in his estimates and even wrote estimates for cars that were not actually damaged. He and a capper recruited people to insure vehicles and make fraudulent claims resulting in 70 fraudulent claims. After leaving Nationwide, Mejia worked as a claims adjuster at MetLife Insurance in Nevada where he continued his scheme adjusting known fraudulent claims. Mejia issued settlement checks to the claimants that were redirected to a friend in Los Angeles who was cashing the checks. After leaving MetLife, Mejia went to Fred Loya Insurance and then on to Kemper Insurance. Additional victim insurers include State Farm, Wawanesa, and Mercury who were affected by the fraudulent claims generally as the second party involved, for example the claimant party. JULY 2018
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CALIFORNIA AGENT BUSTED FOR SCAMMING ELDERLY VICTIMS FOR $1.8 MILLION
CLUELESS INSURANCE FRAUDSTER COUPLE EARN JUST REWARD
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LYMPIA, Wash. – Colby D. Getchell, 34, and Jessica C. Getchell, 33, both of Kennewick, pleaded guilty to one count each of attempting to file By 2008, Smart stopped paying a false insurance claim, a gross interest or dividends and did not misdemeanor, in Benton County comply with his victims’ demands Superior Court on May 31. Each for the return of their money. Bank will serve five days on a work crew records show that Smart used the this month and will and pay $700 money to pay for personal living in court fees. expenses and also invested in other high-risk investments on his The couple was charged in March with one count each of firstown behalf. degree attempted theft after In September 2012, after a felony an investigation by Insurance complaint was filed by the Orange Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s County District Attorney, Smart Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU). was arrested by police in Lehi, Utah and extradited to Orange According to the investigation, the County by Investigators from CDI, couple purchased a travel trailer Investigation Division’s Criminal on Sept. 11, 2016. On Sept. 24, the couple bought a Progressive Operations. Smart’s life agent license was valid from August 17, 1999 to August 31, 2007, when it lapsed and was not renewed. This case was prosecuted under CDI’s Life and Annuity Consumer Protection program (LACPP) which provides grant funds for the prosecution of financial abuse in life insurance and annuity transactions.
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insurance policy and filed a claim for $12,058 the next day, stating a fallen tree limb damaged the trailer’s roof overnight. However, the couple had taken the trailer to the dealer the previous day to get an estimate for the damage that had already occurred. Progressive denied the claim and referred the case to Kreidler’s fraud investigators. Kreidler’s CIU investigates insurance fraud and works with the state Attorney General’s Office and local prosecutors on criminal cases. Insurance fraud costs the average family $400 to $700 per year in increased premiums. Insurance companies are required by law to report fraud to the Commissioner.
Colby D. Getchell, 34, and Jessica C. Getchell, 33, will be singing the chain gang blues
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NEWS
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NEWS
POLL: 71% OF AMERICANS SAY POLITICAL CORRECTNESS HAS SILENCED DISCUSSIONS SOCIETY NEEDS TO HAVE, 58% HAVE POLITICAL VIEWS THEY’RE AFRAID TO SHARE Democrats Support Transgender Pronoun Laws, Republicans Support Stripping Citizenship from flag burners, Staunch Liberals Say Punching Nazis is Acceptable, Republicans Think Journalists are Enemies of American People, Americans Say Colleges Aren’t Doing Enough to Teach Value of Free Speech; Should Punish Students Who Shut Down Speakers, People of Color Don’t Find Most Microaggressions Offensive, Clinton Voters Can’t Be Friends with Trump Voters
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ashington, D.C. – The Cato 2017 Free Speech and Tolerance Survey, a new national poll of 2,300 U.S. adults, finds that nearly threefourths (71%) of Americans believe that political correctness has silenced important discussions our society needs to have. The consequences are personal—58% of Americans believe the political climate prevents them from sharing their own political beliefs.
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• It follows that a solid majority (59%) of Americans think people should be allowed to express unpopular opinions in public, even those deeply offensive to others. On the other hand, 40% think government should prevent hate speech. Despite this, the survey also found Americans willing to censor, regulate, or punish a wide variety of speech and expression they personally find offensive: • 14
51% of staunch liberals say it’s The Underwriter’s Insider
•
“morally acceptable” to punch Nazis. 53% of Republicans favor stripping U.S. citizenship from people who burn the American flag. 51% of Democrats support a law that requires Americans use transgender people’s preferred gender pronouns. 65% of Republicans say NFL players should be fired if they refuse to stand for the anthem. 58% of Democrats say employers should punish employees for offensive Facebook posts. 47% of Republicans favor bans on building new mosques.
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agree. 39% of conservatives believe it’s hate speech to say the police are racist; only 17% of liberals agree. 80% of liberals say it’s hateful or offensive to say illegal immigrants should be deported; only 36% of conservatives agree. 87% of liberals say it’s hateful or offensive to say women shouldn’t fight in military combat roles, while 47% of conservatives agree. 90% of liberals say it’s hateful or offensive to say homosexuality is a sin, while 47% of conservatives agree.
Americans also can’t agree what “These data show why censoring speech is hateful, offensive, or offensive speech is difficult— simply a political opinion: Americans can’t agree what speech is offensive or shouldn’t • 59% of liberals say it’s hate be allowed,” said Cato’s Director speech to say transgender of Polling Dr. Emily Ekins. “What people have a mental disorder; is deeply offensive to one person only 17% of conservatives may simply be a political opinion to Table of Contents
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another. These data show that if we silence speech that any number of people find offensive, we will shut down a wide variety of important political debates.”
Americans Oppose Hate Speech Bans, But Say Hate Speech is Morally Unacceptable
Doing Enough to Teach the obligation to protect students from offensive speech and ideas that Value of Free Speech Two-thirds of Americans (66%) say colleges and universities aren’t doing enough to teach young Americans today about the value of free speech. When asked which is more important, 65% say colleges should expose students to “all types of viewpoints even if they are offensive or biased against certain groups.” About a third (34%) say colleges should “prohibit offensive speech that is biased against certain groups.”
Although Americans oppose (59%) outright bans on public hate speech, that doesn’t mean they think hate speech is acceptable. An overwhelming majority (79%) say it’s “morally unacceptable” to say offensive things about racial or But Americans are conflicted. Despite their desire for viewpoint religious groups. diversity, a slim majority (53%) Two-Thirds Say Colleges Aren’t also agree that “colleges have an
could create a difficult learning environment.” This share rises to 66% among Democrats; 57% of Republicans disagree.
76% Say Students Shutting Down Offensive Speakers Reveals “Broader Pattern” of How Students Cope More than three-fourths (76%) of Americans say that recent campus protests and cancellations of controversial speakers are part of a “broader pattern” of how college students deal with offensive ideas. About a quarter (22%) think these protests and shutdowns are simply isolated incidents. However, when asked about specific speakers, about half of Americans with college experience think a wide variety should not be allowed to speak at their college: • •
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• Mr. Zalma recently published on Amazon.com with links at the Zalma Books site with the following volumes: JULY 2018
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A speaker who says that all white people are racist (51%) A speaker who says Muslims shouldn’t be allowed to come to the U.S. (50%) A speaker who says that transgender people have a mental disorder (50%) A speaker who publicly criticizes and disrespects the police (49%) A speaker who says all Christians are backwards and See Political Correctness Page 22
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THE INSIDE TRACK - BREAKING NEWS New Evidence Viruses May Play Role In Alzheimer’s
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esearchers released data in June showing a provocative relationship between sticky amyloid plaques clogging the brain (and presumed to be a cause of Alzheimer’s) and viruses, especially two herpes viruses, HHV6a and HHV7 that infect most people during childhood. When the brains of cadavers where examined, the researchers found far higher levels of viruses in those people that had died of Alzheimer’s. They found evidence that the viruses had the effect of switching on and off certain Alzheimer’s related genes. The debilitating, mindstealing disease is responsible for costs of $277 billion a year in the U.S. alone with rates of the disease increasing. 16
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Global Commercial Insurance Market Large & Growing Fast
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t was recently reported that global commercial insurance premiums totalled $730 billion in year 2017 and were on-track to hit $900 billion by 2021. $274.5 billion and $331.5 billion, respectively represents the
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U.S.’s share of those premiums according to a report from Aon Inpoint, Aon’s analytics and consulting team. The team reported that the most growth will occur in cyber insurance products, as well as premiums for financial institutions, mining and minerals as well as technology and media. Of all lines, premiums for commercial auto grew the fastest in 2017.
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THE INSIDE TRACK - BREAKING NEWS “Controlled” Burn Takes Out 36 Homes In Florida Panhandle
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Image Credit: Creative Commons
ildlands Services is probably checking their insurance policy today as a controlled burn they were managing clearly burned out of control, consuming 36 homes and significant commercial property. The company was contracted by The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to
burn 480 acres on June 18th. The state contracts controlled burns, eliminating scrub, to reduce the risk of wildfires. Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis confirmed the state has setup funds to pay up to $5,000 to each household affected for emergency expenses.
Two Insurance Trade JULY 2018
Associations Plan A Merger
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he American Insurance Association (AIA) and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) have held merger talks and may recommend a merger to their boards in the near future. “Our goal would be to combine the best of both organizations into one preeminent thought leadership and advocacy voice for personal, commercial and specialty property casualty companies, while providing valuable information and compliance services,” according to a joint statement offered by the groups in late June. PCI claims 350 member company groups (1000 member companies within the group) with $220 billion in premium. AIA claims 330 companies writing over $134 billion in annual premiums.
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Mississippi Agent Receives Cease & Desist From DOI
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he Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) has issued a Cease and Desist Order to James Michael Brand of Biloxi, MS, a resident insurance producer in the state who also serves as the owner/ operator of Brand Insurance Services, LLC, d/b/a Gulf Coast Insurance. MID received complaints and significant documented evidence from insureds and insurance companies that Brand failed to forward premiums received from insureds to the respective insurance companies. As a result of the complaints and documented evidence, MID has issued the Cease and Desist Order to Brand, Brand Insurance Services and Gulf Coast Insurance enjoining each from conducting the business of insurance in this state pending a final determination by the Commissioner of Insurance.
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SUMMIT
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Launches Summit Supercomputer IIt’s Fast. Really Fas
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he U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory today unveiled Summit as the world’s most powerful and smartest scientific supercomputer. With a peak performance of 200,000 trillion calculations per second—or 200 petaflops, Summit will be eight times more powerful than ORNL’s previous top-ranked system, Titan. For certain scientific applications, Summit will also be capable of more than three billion billion mixed precision calculations per second, or 3.3 exaops. Summit will provide unprecedented computing power for research in energy, advanced materials and artificial intelligence (AI), among other domains, enabling scientific discoveries that were previously impractical or impossible.
leadership in scientific innovation and technology development. It’s going to have a profound impact in energy research, scientific discovery, economic competitiveness and national security,” said Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. “I am truly excited by the potential of Summit, as it moves the nation one step closer to the goal of delivering an exascale supercomputing system by 2021. Summit will empower scientists to address a wide range of new challenges, accelerate discovery, spur innovation and above all, benefit the American people.”
The IBM AC922 system consists of 4,608 compute servers, each containing two 22core IBM Power9 processors and six NVIDIA Tesla V100 graphics processing unit accelerators, interconnected with dual-rail Mellanox EDR “Today’s launch of the Summit 100Gb/s InfiniBand. Summit supercomputer demonstrates also possesses more than 10 the strength of American petabytes of memory paired
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SPECIAL REPORT
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with fast, high-bandwidth pathways for efficient data movement. The combination of cutting-edge hardware and robust data subsystems marks an evolution of the hybrid CPU–GPU architecture successfully pioneered by the 27-petaflops Titan in 2012.
of the machine to run a 1.88 exaops comparative genomics calculation relevant to research in bioenergy and human health. The mixed precision exaops calculation produced identical results to more timeconsuming 64-bit calculations previously run on Titan.
ORNL researchers have figured out how to harness the power and intelligence of Summit’s state-of-art architecture to successfully run the world’s first exascale scientific calculation. A team of scientists led by ORNL’s Dan Jacobson and Wayne Joubert has leveraged the intelligence
“From its genesis 75 years ago, ORNL has a history and culture of solving large and difficult problems with national scope and impact,” ORNL Director Thomas Zacharia said. “ORNL scientists were among the scientific teams that achieved the first gigaflops calculations See SUMMIT Page 20
Image Credit: Oak Ridge National Labs
NEWS - TECHNOLOGY Contined From Page 19
initiative.
OAK RIDGE LAUNCHES SUMMIT
Summit moves the nation one step closer to the goal of developing and delivering a fully capable exascale computing ecosystem for broad scientific use by 2021.
“Summit takes accelerated computing to the next level, with more computing power, more memory, an enormous highperformance file system and fast data paths to tie it all together. Summit will be open to select That means researchers will be projects this year while ORNL able to get more accurate results and IBM work through the in 1988, the first teraflops faster,” said Jeff Nichols, ORNL acceptance process for the calculations in 1998, the first associate laboratory director for machine. In 2019, the bulk of petaflops calculations in 2008 computing and computational access to the IBM system will go to research teams and now the first exaops selected through DOE’s calculations in 2018. One of the keys to combating Innovative and Novel The pioneering research cancer is developing tools Computational Impact on of ORNL scientists and Theory and Experiment, engineers has played a that can automatically or INCITE, program. pivotal role in our nation’s extract, analyze and sort existing history and continues to shape our future. We look health data to reveal previously In anticipation of Summit’s launch, forward to welcoming the hidden relationships between researchers have been scientific user community preparing applications to Summit as we pursue disease factors such as genes, for its next-generation another 75 years of biological markers and environment. architecture, with many leadership in science.” Summit will help supply medical ready to make effective In addition to scientific researchers with a comprehensive use of the system on day one. Among the early modeling and view of the U.S. cancer population at science projects slated to simulation, Summit offers unparalleled a level of detail typically obtained run on Summit: opportunities for the only for clinical trial patients.” integration of AI and Astrophysics scientific discovery, Exploding stars, known as enabling researchers to supernovas, supply researchers “Summit’s AIapply techniques like machine sciences. with clues related to how heavy learning and deep learning optimized hardware also gives elements—including the gold an incredible to problems in human health, researchers in jewelry and iron in blood— high-energy physics, materials platform for analyzing massive seeded the universe. discovery and other areas. datasets and creating intelligent Summit allows DOE and ORNL software to accelerate the pace The highly scalable FLASH to respond to the White House of discovery.” code models this process at Artificial Intelligence for America 20
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Image Credit: Oak Ridge National Labs
Summit moves the nation one step closer to the goal of developing and delivering a fully capable exascale computing ecosystem for broad scientific use by 2021. multiple scales—from the nuclear level to the large-scale hydrodynamics of a star’s final moments. On Summit, FLASH will go much further than previously possible, simulating supernova scenarios several thousand times longer and tracking about 12 times more elements than past projects.
Materials
Developing the next generation of materials, including compounds for energy storage, conversion and production, depends on subatomic understanding of material behavior. QMCPACK, a quantum Monte Carlo application, simulates these interactions using first“It’s at least a hundred times principles calculations. more computation than we’ve been able to do on Up to now, researchers earlier machines,” said ORNL have only been able to computational astrophysicist simulate tens of atoms Bronson Messer. “The sheer size because of QMCPACK’s high of Summit will allow us to make computational cost. Summit, very high-resolution models.” however, can support JULY 2018
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materials composed of hundreds of atoms, a jump that aids the search for a more practical superconductor—a material that can transmit electricity with no energy loss. “Summit’s large, on-node memory is very important for increasing the range of complexity in materials and physical phenomena,” said ORNL staff scientist Paul Kent. “Additionally, the much more powerful nodes are really going to help us extend the See SUMMIT Page 33 www/underwritersinsider.com
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NEWS Continued From Page 15
POLL: NATIONAL ATTITUDES ON POLITICAL CORRECTNESS
students to avoid aren’t considered offensive by most people of color. The percentage of African Americans and Latinos who say these microaggressions are not offensive are as follows: •
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brainwashed (49%) A speaker who says the average IQ of whites and Asians is higher than African Americans and Hispanics (48%) A speaker who says the police are justified in stopping African Americans at higher rates than other groups (48%) A speaker who says all illegal immigrants should be deported (41%) A speaker who says men on average are better at math than women (40%)
give students a warning, 31% want the incident noted on the student’s academic record, 22% want them to pay a fine, 20% want to suspend them, 19% favor arresting the students, 13% want to fully expel the students. Three-fourths (75%) of Republicans support some form of punishment for these students, compared to 42% of Democrats.
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People of Color Don’t Find Most Microaggressions • Offensive
Telling a recent immigrant: “You speak good English” Black: 67% Latino: 77% Telling a racial minority: “You are so articulate” Black: 56% Latino: 63% Saying “I don’t notice people’s race” Black: 71% Latino: 80% Saying “America is a melting pot” Black: 77% Latino: 70% Saying “Everyone can succeed in this society if they work hard enough.” Black: 77% Latino: 89% Saying “America is the land of opportunity” Black: 93% Latino: 89%
The survey finds that many microaggressions colleges and Nevertheless, few endorse shutting universities advise faculty and down speakers by shouting loudly The one microaggression that (4%) or forcing the speaker off the stage (3%). Current college and graduate students aren’t much different; only about 7% support forcibly shutting down offensive speakers.
65% Say Colleges Should Discipline Students Who Shut Down Invited Campus Speakers Two-thirds (65%) say colleges need to discipline students who disrupt invited speakers and prevent them from speaking. However, the public is divided about how: 46% want to 22
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African Americans (68%) agree is offensive is telling a racial minority “you are a credit to your race.”
Americans Don’t Think Colleges Need to Advise Students on Halloween Costumes Nearly two-thirds (65%) say colleges shouldn’t advise students about offensive Halloween costumes and should instead let students work it out on their own. A third (33%) think it is the responsibility of the university to remind students not to wear costumes that stereotype racial or ethnic groups at offcampus parties.
JULY 2018
What Beliefs Should Get People Republicans Say Journalists Fired? Are an Enemy of the American Americans tend to oppose firing People people for their beliefs. Nevertheless, Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say a business executive should be fired if she or he believes transgender people have a mental disorder (44% vs 14%), that homosexuality is a sin (32% vs 10%), and that psychological differences help explain why there are more male than female engineers (34% vs. 14%). Conversely, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say a business executive should be fired if they burned the American flag at a weekend political protest (54% vs. 38%). Table of Contents
A majority (63%) of Republicans agree with President Trump that journalists today are an “enemy of the American people.” These results aren’t surprising given that most Americans believe many major news outlets have a liberal bias, including The New York Times (52%), CNN (50%), and MSNBC (59%). Fox is the one news station in which a majority (56%) believe it has a conservative bias.
See Political Correctness Page 32 www/underwritersinsider.com
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PROTECTING THE PRESIDENT: F-16S INTERCEPT BOOGEY
UNBELIEVABLE VINTAGE ADS
N
othing illustrates the changes in our national culture better than vintage ads from the Mad Men era or earlier - many of which would be considered over-the-top sexist, politically incorrect or just plain unbelievable today.
UNBELIEVABLE STORY OF ATTEMPTED TAKE-OVER OF FEDEX FLT 705-P3D
H
ere we have Mr. Frustrated Businessman attempting to teach his hot stenographer how to use a postage meter. At first, she’s having none of it, but finally succumbs to the greater rational and intellect of the boss and admits, “Now the mail is out early enough so I get to the girls’ room in time to hear all of the dirt...”
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NEWS
OPERATORS OF GET-RICH-WITH-AMAZON SCHEME SETTLE WITH THE FTC
T
he operators of a scheme that sold “secrets for making money on Amazon” are banned from marketing and selling business opportunities and business coaching services under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, and they will surrender millions of dollars for return to consumers.
suspended when they have surrendered approximately $10.8 million to the FTC. The order also prohibits them from profiting from consumers’ personal information collected
According to the FTC, the defendants, who have no affiliation with Amazon.com, falsely claimed their “Amazing Wealth System” would enable consumers to create a profitable online business selling products on Amazon.”
According to the FTC, the defendants, who have no affiliation with Amazon.com, falsely claimed their “Amazing Wealth System” would enable consumers to create a profitable online business selling products on Amazon. Buyers, however, did not earn the advertised income. Most of them lost significant amounts of money, and many often experienced problems with their Amazon as part of the scheme, and failing stores, including suspension and to dispose of it properly. the loss of their ability to sell on Amazon.com. The defendants are Adam Bowser, Christopher Bowser, The settlement order also bans Jody Marshall, AWS LLC, FBA the defendants from making Distributors LLC, FBA Stores LLC, false earnings claims. It imposes Info Pros LLC, Info Solutions LLC, a judgment of more than $102 Online Auction Learning Center million, which will be partially Inc. (Massachusetts), and Online 26
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Auction Learning Center Inc. (Nevada). This case was brought with the invaluable assistance of the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, Utah Division of Consumer Protection, Utah County Attorney’s Office (Bureau of Investigations), Utah County Sheriff’s Office, Lindon City Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, and Amazon.com, Inc. The Commission vote approving the proposed stipulated final order was 5-0. The U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada entered the order on June 15, 2018. The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (3824357). Like the FTC on Facebook (link is external), follow us on Twitter (link is external), read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources. JULY 2018
NEWS
AUTO INSURANCE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REACHES RECORD HIGH, J.D. POWER FINDS Improvements in Digital Interactions, Billings/ Payment, Policy Offerings Drive Increase
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OSTA MESA, Calif.: 14 June 2018 — Despite steadily increasing premiums, auto insurance customers are more satisfied with their carriers than ever. The reason? According to the J.D. Power 2018 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,SM insurers are beginning to get the customer interaction formula right, offering a mix of digital and live interactions that keep customers engaged with their brands across all channels. “Cost is not the sole indicator of customer satisfaction in the auto insurance industry,” said Robert Lajdziak, Insurance Practice Business Consultant at J.D. Power. “Low prices may attract new customers, but it’s service that keeps them. The auto insurers that increase customer satisfaction across all facets of the customer experience make price just one part of the overall relationship.” JULY 2018
More frequent use of digital interaction channels—particularly for monthly billing—also has played a major role in driving higher levels of satisfaction.
The 2018 U.S. Auto Insurance Study examines customer satisfaction in five factors (in order of importance): interaction; policy offerings; price; billing process and policy information; and claims. The study is based on responses from 44,622 auto insurance customers and was fielded from FebruaryApril 2018.”
for live channels,” Lajdziak said. “However, the increasing demand and use of digital self-service options is putting pressure on agents to evolve their value proposition to offer more products and services to help customers with complex needs and risks.”
Following are some of the key findings of the 2018 study:
Record-high customer satisfaction breeds loyalty: Overall customer satisfaction with U.S. auto insurers improves in 2018 and is now at a record-high level of 826 (on a 1,000-point scale). This increase in customer satisfaction is inversely correlated with a decline in auto insurance shopping rates, which have reached a record low.[1] Insurers delivering strong omnichannel experience: Customer satisfaction improves across all factors measured in the study, with the biggest gains in billing process and policy information (+11 points); policy offerings (+10); price (+6); and interaction (+3). The gain in “Customer satisfaction is at its the billing process and policy highest when customers take care of transactions themselves and save the high-value interactions See Auto Insurance Study Page 48 Table of Contents
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27
“The Final Authority on Everything!” WARNING!
The Advisor has been known to be politically incorrect and may send certain Millennials scurrying to their safe space. Also not recommended for Progressives who are easily offended. Please read at your own risk.
Brand or Be Gone
W
e are a growing company offering a highly competitive software product to the insurance industry. We are concerned about “getting the word out,” to our marketplace, which currently includes the SE USE, Texas and Arizona. We want to be able to hold our ad dollars accountable and make certain we are receiving an adequate ROI on that investment. What are your recommendations? — H.R. Atlanta, GA
ADVISOR
there are two types I want insurance industry as it does you to consider here. to a retailer, for example. First, there is “call to action” advertising. You are asking the marketplace to do something now and specific and so it is fairly simple to gauge response. An example of “call to action” advertising would be a coupon for a oneday-sale. All you have to do is count the coupons to measure your effectiveness. Although easy to assess, this type of advertising does not lend itself as well to the
The second type of advertising, we’ll call branding” is more difficult to measure, at least in the short term, but it can be a powerful facilitator of longterm results. With branding, you are not necessarily asking your marketplace to “do something” right now. What you are doing is building your company’s brand awareness in your marketplace so that when your prospects are in a
There are two type of advertising. Well, there are probably more, but 28
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By Yasir999 [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
position to make a buying decision on your product, you have a positive, warm, fuzzy and familiar image in their mind. Think of it as building a franchise in the mind of the buyer. If you walk into a Best Buy this afternoon intent on purchasing a new flatscreen TV, you are going to be making your purchase decision, in large part, on the brand image of a particular manufacturer. Would you buy a TV with the same feature set as, say, a Sony, but for $200 less from a company you’ve JULY 2018
never heard of? Probably not. That’s because Sony has spent millions building their brand in your mind.
that the agent has never heard of, and he doesn’t have a Pekinese’s chance against a Pit Bull.
The insurance industry is the perfect environment for branding-type advertising. If a marketing rep for a premium finance company, for example, walks into an agent’s office looking for business, a whole lot of buyer resistance disappears if the PFC is one that has advertised for years and has exhibited at trade fairs. They’ve been branding and are now a familiar quantity. Another rep walks in for Zamo-Wamo Premium Finance, a company
Who want’s to deal with an unknown?
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As I said, it is more difficult to make a quick assessment on branding advertising. You may exhibit at a trade fair and advertise for 3 months and not get a call. But it is working and will yield far more long-term benefit than a couple of quick responses. If your company is here for the long term - than strategize your advertising for the long term. www/underwritersinsider.com
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Experienced Commercial 220 CSR Cape Coral/Fort Myers FL Established commercial lines agency seeking: self motivated, detail oriented professional. The successful candidate should have a minimum of 3 years experience in commercial lines, excellent computer skills, dependable, ability to follow up and follow through and have an unwavering commitment to the service your clients. Professional designations such as CIC, CPCU, CRM or ARM a plus. In return, you will have the opportunity to join a committed group of individuals in a growing, privately owned multi lines agency.Industry leading benefits and compensation package working with a group of experienced professionals low turnover environment. All Information and replies will be kept strictly confidential fairway34@hotmail.com 18-1
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Job Opportunity : Agents and Customer Service Reps What You Will Need: • Property/Casualty State Insurance License* • Life/Health State Insurance License* • A valid driver’s license What We Require: • Strong track record of professional success, ideally in external sales. • A strong natural market and presence in the local community. • A fearless attitude around prospecting new customers and cold calling. • A desire to succeed and build a network of clients. Note: Insurance licenses are not required to apply, but your ability to obtain the licenses is required when a hiring decision is made. Contact: sabrina.curry@best1300.com 18-5
Agent/CSR wanted, Ft. Lauderdale Area
Independent P&C agency is seeking to employ a licensed agent and/or csr, with experience in nonstandard and standard auto, homeowners, commercial auto and property insurance. Fulltime position M-F 9am - 6pm and every other Saturday 9am - 3pm. Must have a GREAT attitude and know how to be a team player. Email resume to Marlinsii@aol.com. 17-11
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Loss Control Rep Wanted Consulting firm looking for experienced loss control reps in FL and AL. Fee based work. Contact: buds@narco.biz 18-7
440 or 220 Needed in Tampa
Needed Agent or Customer service rep, must have knowledge of personal lines and have a great personality for established Family owned agency. Send resume. idcccorp@msn.com 17-10
Experience CSR/ agents wanted! Palm Beach/Ft. Laud Access Insurance underwriter, LLC has two positions available, great pay commensurate with experience along with outstanding benefits! Work with one of the largest and fastest growing agencies in Florida! Call or email Phil Wardell, pwardell@accessaip.com or 954-565-4666 ext. 252 pwardell@accessaip.com 18-06 JULY 2018
Experienced CSR Wanted - Jacksonville
Experience Commercial CSR Wanted Duluth GA
Experienced CSR? Looking for a new opportunity? Come join our winning team and Jacksonville’s Best Place to Work at We Insure! Inquire today by emailing nick.dakuginow@weinsuregroup.com
We are a mid sized agency, looking to add to our family environment insurance agency. We are not related but have a great time together. Voted Best in Gwinnett for 7 yrs in a row. Best in Duluth 2 yrs. Must be able to handle a large volume of direct bill accounts. Multicarrier experience and Hawksoft Agency use is a plus. Bilingual is also good but not a requirement.
Contact: nick.dakuginow@weinsurgroup.com 18-7
Looking for Agents working in the Business Marketplace !
Add Business Consulting to your core insurance practice. Open new doors to Business & Professional Owner’s. You do not need to change any contracts for this opportunity. Go to: http//www.strydeadvisors. com/information/stryde.cfm? id=136713&page=lifeandfinanc ial This is a nationwide opportunity. More information needed contact me at: nwinsuranceagencies@gmail.comnwinsuranceagencies@gmail. com 18-06
220-440 Agent for Port St. Lucie Agency (PT-FT ?) Please fax your information to: (772)879-1002 or e-mail to: amerinsur@aol.com Thank You... amerinsur@aol.com 17-11
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Looking to buy a P&C agency in PB county. Please call 561-584-0732 Efax: (561) 829-2055
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Wholesale Broker Professional Liability Sarasota FL Our client is a national MGA with a wholesale brokerage division and is seeking to hire an experienced Professional Liability (all lines considered) Broker to join their team. Relocation to Sarasota, FL. is required. Excellent commission options for an experience Wholesale Broker. Call: Lloyd Kushner 800-797-1412 yoursearchfirm.com lloyd@yoursearchfirm.com 18-4
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ANALYSIS Continued From Page 23
POLL: NATIONAL ATTITUDES ON POLITICAL CORRECTNESS Despite perceptions of bias, only 29% want the government to prevent media outlets from publishing a story that government officials say is biased or inaccurate. Instead, a strong majority (70%) say government should not have the power to stop such news stories.
(66%) say nothing should happen to a bakery which refuses to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding. A fifth (20%) would boycott the bakery, another 22% think government should sanction the bakery in some way, such as fining the bakery (12%), requiring an apology (10%), issuing a warning (8%), taking away their business Americans Say Wedding license (6%), or sending the baker Businesses Should Be Required to to jail (1%). Serve LGBT People, Not Weddings The public distinguishes between Clinton Voters Can’t Be a business serving people and Friends with Trump Voters servicing weddings: Nearly two-thirds (61%) of Hillary Clinton’s voters agree that it’s • A plurality (50%) of Americans “hard” to be friends with Donald say that businesses should be Trump’s voters. However, only required to “provide services 34% of Trump’s voters feel the to gay and lesbian people,” same way about Clinton’s. Instead, even if doing so violates the nearly two-thirds (64%) of Trump business owners’ religious voters don’t think it’s hard to be beliefs. friends with Clinton voters. • But, 68% say a baker should not be required to provide a Methodology special-order wedding cake for a samesex wedding if doing The Cato Institute 2017 Free so violates their religious Speech and Tolerance Survey was designed and conducted by the convictions. Few support punishing wedding Cato Institute in collaboration businesses who refuse service to with YouGov. YouGov collected same-sex weddings. Two-thirds responses online August 15-23, 32
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2017 from a national sample of 2,300 Americans 18 years of age and older. Restrictions are put in place to ensure that only the people selected and contacted by YouGov are allowed to participate. The margin of error for the survey is +/- 3.00 percentage points at the 95% level of confidence. The topline questionnaire, full methodology, and report of the survey findings can be found here. If you would like to speak to Dr. Ekins on the poll’s results please contact pr@cato.org or 202-7895200. About The Cato Institute: The Cato Institute is a libertarian think tank dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Our vision is to create free, open, and civil societies founded on libertarian principles. Cato does not undertake lobbying efforts, back political candidates, or engage in political activities. It does not associate with any political organization or party. In order to maintain its independence, Cato does not accept government funding, but receives approximately 80 percent of its operating budget through tax deductible contributions from individuals, with the remainder of its support coming from foundations, corporations, and the sale of books and publications.
JULY 2018
NEWS - TECHNOLOGY Contined From Page 21
OAK RIDGE LAUNCHES SUMMIT range of our simulations.” Cancer Surveillance One of the keys to combating cancer is developing tools that can automatically extract, analyze and sort existing health data to reveal previously hidden relationships between disease factors such as genes, biological markers and environment. Paired with unstructured data such as text-based reports and medical images, machine learning algorithms scaled on Summit will help supply medical researchers with a comprehensive view of the U.S. cancer population at a level of detail typically obtained only for clinical trial patients.
“Essentially, we are training computers to read documents and abstract information using large volumes of data,” ORNL researcher Gina Tourassi said. “Summit enables us to explore much more complex models in a time efficient way so we can identify the ones that are most effective.” Systems Biology Applying machine learning and AI to genetic and biomedical datasets offers the potential to accelerate understanding of human health and disease outcomes.
Using a mix of AI techniques on Summit, researchers will be able to identify patterns in the function, cooperation and evolution of human proteins and cellular systems. These patterns can collectively give rise to clinical phenotypes, observable traits of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart This cancer surveillance disease or addiction, and project is part of the CANcer inform the drug discovery Distributed Learning process. Environment, or CANDLE, a a strategic joint initiative between DOE Through project and the National Cancer partnership between ORNL and the U.S. Institute. JULY 2018
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Department of Veterans Affairs, researchers are combining clinical and genomic data with machine learning and Summit’s advanced architecture to understand the genetic factors that contribute to conditions such as opioid addiction. “The complexity of humans as a biological system is incredible,” said ORNL computational biologist Dan Jacobson. “Summit is enabling a whole new range of science that was simply not possible before it arrived.” Summit is part of the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility, a DOE Office of Science User Facility located at ORNL. UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. DOE’s Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit http://science. energy.gov. www/underwritersinsider.com
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NOTABLE QUOTABLES IN THE NEWS WITH COMMENTARY
SAY WHAT?
“unfettered, unlimited immigration to the United States from the Third World?” If it’s not compassion and concern for the immigrants, what is it? The answer is quite simple: Liberals We Care About You! (Well, Your Vote...) know that immigrants and their children will ultimately vote in large majorities for iven the endless, nonsensical Democrats, thanks to their “free stuff” agenda. hysteria and hand-wringing Even when they don’t vote, they influence that’s come out of this latest border elections as they are counted in the census. brouhaha, one thing should be crystal clear - President Trump could take a couple billion Time To Give Mad Max The Axe? of his own money, build 5-star hotel resorts for migrants all along the U.S. Mexico border, have no sympathy for these people and PAY THEM to stay there while their that are in this administration cases are resolved, and liberals would still who, you know, know it is wrong complain. Why, you ask? Because liberals what they are doing on so many fronts don’t really care about migrant children, not but they tend to not want to confront this in any real sense. What they DO care about, president or even however, is manufacturing as much leverage leave…And I want out of it as possible to accomplish their to tell you, for goal of unfettered, unlimited immigration these members of to the United States from the Third World. his Cabinet who And there is absolutely no other ‘solution’ to remain and try to the border detention issue that will please defend him, they liberals other than ceding that.” are not going to be able to go to a restaurant, they are not going to be able to stop at a gas station, they are not going to be able to shop in a department store. The people are going to turn on them, they are gonna protest, they are gonna absolutely harass them.”
G
Scott Morefield, in a Townhall column entitled, “Ask A Liberal How Unlimited Immigration Benefits America, Then Watch Their Head Explode.” Morefield fails to answer the big question, however. Why do liberals want 34
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Crazy, racist, U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters spewing hatred and discord speaking with MSNBC and reiterating what she had told a throng of followers at a rally the day before. Want to know why politics have sunk to a new low in the U.S.? Look no further than Maxine...
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Roseann Image: Maxine Waters: Public Domain/Flickr
I
Chinese Hypersonic Missile: Credit Wikipedia Commons
Hypersonic Threat
W
e believe the hypersonic threat is real, based on what we have seen others demonstrate. It is only a matter of time before it is operationalized. The question will be what will we have to prepare ourselves to mitigate or eliminate that threat five, six, seven years from now when it shows up. We have time to get started now.” U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves speaking, during a June speech to the Air Force Association’s Mitchell Institute, in favor of deploying a space-based hypersonic (Mach 5+) missile defense against Russian and Chinese offensive hypersonic weapons.
“Put Our Bodies On The Line?”
S
adly, Trump is not going to leave. He plans to be re-elected, he loves the term ‘president for life.’ The only way that we’re going to stop this is eventually we’re all going to have to put our bodies on the line. You’re going to have to be willing to do this. What [would you] do if they snatched your child from you? [Because] that’s how we all have to start responding.”
hysteria over America’s border policy. Moore ignores a reality apparent to all rational Americans: “Without borders, you have no country. Without border security, you have no borders.” Although Obama deported hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants and the law that briefly and temporarily separates children from illegal immigrant parents was a product of the Clinton Administration, Democrats have, conveniently, just now discovered that these border issues can be used to gin-up an emotional farleft constituency - just in time for the November mid-term elections. Incidentally, the only “line” we can see Michael Moore putting his body on is the buffet line as he travels the country bankrupting “all-you-can-eat” restaurants.
Which Profession Has The Highest/ Lowest Percent of Psychopaths
F
or additional candidates for correlates of psychopathy, we reference occupations that were found to be excessively likely or unlikely to be populated by psychopaths, as tabulated by Dutton (2012: 162). The occupations that were most disproportionately psychopathic were CEO, lawyer, media, salesperson, surgeon, journalist, police officer, clergyperson, chef, and civil servant. Those that were least psychopathic were care aide, nurse, therapist, craftsperson, beautician/ stylist, charity worker, teacher, creative artist, doctor, and accountant.”
Marxist film-maker Michael Moore taking a short break from slamming down a cheeseburger to wallow with far-left talk show From Psychopathy by U.S. State by Ryan H. host Stephen Colbert in a mud-bath of liberal Murphy. Read it HERE...
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BACK ISSUES
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BACK ISSUES
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INSURANCE AND THE LAW Continued From Page 7
ZALMA warranty is violated: The violation of a material warranty or other material provision of a policy, on the part of either party thereto, entitles the other to rescind. California Insurance Code § 447. Therefore, simply stated, a violation by the insured of any one material warranty is sufficient to void the insurance policy.
The Records Warranty Many first party property policies, and almost all inland marine policies, contain a records clause or warranty that requires the insured to maintain sufficient records to prove the amount of his or her loss. All records clauses are called “iron safe clauses” because they originally required that the records be locked in a “fireproof iron safe.” The requirement for an iron safe is disappearing because of the ability to store records electronically off site. A common form of iron safe clause will provide: 1. The insured will take a complete itemized inventory of stock on hand at least once in each calendar year and, unless such inventory 38
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has been taken within twelve calendar months prior to the date of this policy, one shall be taken in detail within 30 days of issuance of this policy, or this policy shall be null and void from such date, and upon demand of the insured the unearned premium from such date shall be returned. 2. The insured will keep a set of books, which shall clearly and plainly present a complete record of business transacted,including all purchases, sales and shipments, both for cash and credit, from date of inventory, as provided for in the first section of this clause, and during the continuance of this policy. 3. The insured will keep such books and inventory, and also the last preceding inventory, if such has been taken, securely locked in a fireproof safe at night, and at all times when the building mentioned in this policy is not actually open for business; or, failing in this, the insured will keep such books and inventories in some place not exposed to a fire which would destroy the aforesaid building. In the event of failure to produce such set of books and inventories for the inspection of this Company, this policy shall become null and void, and such failure shall constitute a perpetual bar to any Table of Contents
recovery thereon. [As quoted in Burchfield v. United States Fidelity & Guaranty Co., 238 Miss. 416 (Miss.03/14/1960).] The Mississippi Supreme Court held that since the records required were not protected in a fire proof iron safe: The destruction or theft of books and papers required by a policy of insurance to be kept or produced will excuse a noncompliance with requirement if due to no fault or design of the insured. If, however, the destruction of such papers is due to the negligent failure of the insured to preserve them as required by the policy, his failure to produce them in accordance with the requirement of the policy See Zalma Page 41
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TECHNOLOGY use their service for money laundering and fraud.
and, after receiving it in March, sent out his letter.
The problem with that, as Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt learned, was that You may be thinking that if there was not a great record of someone was careless enough people who fell victim to the to fall victim to one of the scam. If a complaint was never oldest scams in the book they filed, how were they to know? deserve to lose their money, but the U.S. Government felt So Kansas, like other states, differently. sent out a press release. The
A total of 344 scam victims responded to the letter, with them filing refund claims that totaled more than $1.7 million.
Continued From Page 5
KIM KOMANDO
In January 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement with Western Union, in which the latter agreed to pay $586 million into a fund earmarked for repaying victims in the U.S. and Canada. In essence, they were admitting to looking the other way while some of its employees helped scammers
The deadline to file has since passed. If you are reading this and are thinking about how you were scammed and want a refund, sorry but it is too late. The hope was that people would deadline to file for a refund was be alerted to the fact that they May 31. could recoup their losses, but even still that may not have But for people who may have forgotten to file or have not fallen been enough. victim to the scam, it’s all another So Schmidt requested that good reminder to be wary of any Western Union provide offer that promises you riches him with a list of all Kansas in return for your money first. residents who had wired large Chances are if it sounds too good sums or multiple smaller sums to be true, it probably is. to specific high-risk countries
Copyright 2018, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.
Image Credit: Creative Commons
Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando. com 40
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INSURANCE AND THE LAW Insurance Co., 21 Wash. 2d 470, sales, both for cash and credit, 151 P. 2d 598 (Wa. 09/07/1944). together with the last inventory of said business,” should not be In Kentucky, the Court of Appeal, interpreted to mean such books even though it found a waiver as would be kept by an expert of the condition, held: When we bookkeeper or accountant in a resort to the decisions of other large business house in a great will preclude any recovery jurisdictions, however, we find city. That provision is satisfied thereon. [In the footnote to this that virtually every court, state or if the books kept were such statement there is again cited federal, that has considered this as would fairly show, to a man the said case of Joffe v. Niagara precise question has decided of ordinary intelligence, “all Fire Insurance Company, supra.] almost without exception purchases and sales, both for that the books and records cash and credit.” Liverpool & Furthermore, if no such books themselves must accurately London & Globe Insurance Co. and inventories are kept as are supply the necessary information v. Kearney, 180 U.S. 132, 21 S. Ct. required by a fire insurance without the aid of oral testimony 326, 45 L. Ed. 460. policy, the loss of those which except to explain the method of were kept will not excuse the keeping them. Westchester Fire Even if an insured is in business failure of the insured to meet Ins. Co. v. Gray, 240 S.W. 2d 825 in a little country town, and his the requirement. books, kept in a most primitive (Ky. App. 06/19/1951). style, are far from being what The Supreme Court of Moreover, the Delaware a good accountant would Washington found that: the Supreme Court has held that consider a complete set of requirement [to maintain a bookkeeping provision is a books, if the insured kept a set an inventory and books and promissory warranty, and the of books which were as good as records] as a matter of law is insured must show at least ordinarily kept in such a store not fulfilled when the books a substantial compliance to and business, and exercised present a record of values only recover under the insurance good faith in the matter, his that are added and taken away. policy was not avoided merely by policy. the fact that the books were not The object of having an itemized The U.S. Supreme Court what an expert would consider a inventory and of keeping in the analyzed an iron safe clause complete set of books. course of business a record of as follows: Turning now to the property added and taken away words of the policies in suit, When the insured’s books are “was not to ascertain the gross what is the better and more kept in the manner customary value of the property insured, reasonable interpretation of with merchants like the insured, but to ascertain the different and are as elaborate and those provisions articles which went to make so far as they relate to the issues complete as is usually the case up the stock in order that the in this case? The covenant and in stores of like character, it is insurance company might test agreement “to keep a set of sufficient. the correctness of the claim” of books showing a complete the assured. Georgian House record of business transacted, of Interiors Inc. v. Glens Falls See Zalma Page 43 including all purchases and
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NEWS
LLOYD’S CEO INGA BEALE TO LEAVE IN 2019 Lloyd’s today announced that Chief Executive Officer, Dame Inga Beale, will step down next year after leading the global insurance and reinsurance market for five years.
or to go plural. I just don’t know what it is.”
Dame Beale is openly bisexual and headed up the launch of Pride@Lloyds, an internal LGBT employee resource, while supporting the LBGT Insurance Network. She married Philippe Pfeiffer in 2013 and the couple reside in Spitafields.
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nga joined Lloyd’s in January 2014. Since then, her commitment to transformation across the market, and within the Corporation, has led to significant cultural change and the adoption of new technology that has accelerated the market’s modernisation and digitalisation. There was no indication from Lloyd’s or Beale as to the reason Beale will be stepping down and only a small amount of information regarding her plans post-Lloyd’s. In an interview wtih The Sunday Times, Beale, now 55years-old, said, “I’m too young to go non-executive, but not too old to take on another big challenge. I would like another executive position before it’s time to retire 42
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as a business imperative across the global insurance sector.
Inga will leave Lloyd’s with a strengthened reputation as one of the most respected and trusted insurance brands in the world, with a strong and experienced leadership team focused on delivering Lloyd’s strategic priorities.
Inga Beale, Lloyd’s 1st Femaile CEO Image Credit: Lloyd’s of London
It was reported that Beale, who has worked at Prudential Assurance and Zurich Insurance earned $1.71 million (USD) in 2017. Meanwhile, the Inclusion@Lloyd’s initiative, which Inga founded in 2013 and is celebrated via the annual Dive In festival, has embedded diversity and inclusion Table of Contents
Inga Beale, Chief Executive Officer at Lloyd’s, said: “The decision to leave has been a tough one and when the time comes I will miss the energy, innovative spirit and expertise that I come across every working day. Leading Lloyd’s is an honour and I am proud to have played a part in ensuring that it remains relevant and fit for purpose for the future. The world trusts Lloyd’s to be there when it matters the most and I believe it is well placed for the next 330 years.”
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Bruce Carnegie-Brown, Chairman at Lloyd’s, said: “In her five years at Lloyd’s, Inga has set in motion a series of changes aimed at modernising the market and making it more efficient and inclusive. Her boldness and persistence have generated the momentum required to bring about real change. I have very much enjoyed working with Inga, and I am grateful for the support she has given me in my first year as Chairman.” Lloyd’s said Beales’ leaving date will be confirmed in due course.
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ZALMA In Louisiana, substantial compliance with the iron safe clause is sufficient, but if that is lacking the policy is defeated. Gershon v. North River Ins. Co., 177 La. 148, 148 So. 10, 92 A.L.R. 368. A proper inventory was lacking in that case: We find no Louisiana case holding that, in a retail store where cash sales are made, a complete record of the cash so received, though it does not indicate what particular goods were sold, is not a substantial compliance as to such sales. The “iron safe” clause does not expressly require a record which will disclose the identity or the cost of the goods sold. The iron safe clauses found in most commercial and all inland marine policies are important tools in the fight against insurance fraud. A person who will perpetrate a fraudulent claim or who will burn down a business to profit from an insurance policy may be an expert at fraud but know nothing about insurance. If the books and records of the business do not comply with the policy condition—and since the claims are fraudulent they seldom will—an effective defense without the need to accuse the insured of fraud will protect the assets of the insurer. Table of Contents
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NEWS
INSURANCE COMPANIES FALLING SHORT ON DIGITAL CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT, J.D. POWER FINDS Functionality, Personalization and Consistency Emerge as Core Focus Areas for Top-Performing Carriers
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OSTA MESA, Calif.: 28 June 2018 — Property & casualty (P&C) insurance companies are failing to meet their customers’ expectations when it comes to digital interactions, according to the J.D. Power 2018 Insurance Digital Experience Study.SM
digital experiences and deliver uncovered clear insights into consistency across digital what digital means for insurers components.” and their customers.
This year’s study was expanded to Following are key findings of include an assessment of a carrier’s the 2018 study: overall digital performance based on an industry agnostic view of • Surface-level design masks digital best practices, combined poor insurance functionality: with customer perceptions of While insurers have succeeded “The customer expectation for their interactions with the 19 in creating attractive user a standout digital experience is largest P&C insurance brands in interfaces, they have lagged rapidly being set by digital-native the United States. The study was when it comes to consumer core insurance brands like The modern customer experience is heavily f u n c t i o n a l i t y. A m a z o n , Most insurers’ driven and supported by a company’s digital Netflix and digital offerings Uber,” said Tom ecosystem, even in relationship-based industries. To are lacking in Super, Director create an engaging experience, insurers should use insurance-specific of the Property digital to connect their customer touch points to create capabilities such & Casualty as processing a frictionless, personalized experience focused on the Insurance claims, effective Practice at J.D. specific, contextualized needs of a consumer.” shopping and Power. “Like it servicing of or not, those policies. As are the user experiences against conducted in partnership with consumers increasingly which today’s consumer-facing Centric Digital, a leading digital expect to interact seamlessly insurers are competing. While transformation partner, to provide with an insurance brand— many insurers are falling short, an industry benchmarking regardless of the channel— the leaders are establishing and digital experience analysis most insurers are falling short best practices for how to build supported by J.D. Power’s analysis. on digital capabilities. engagement, create personalized The combined approaches
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Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) Brian Solis
• Personalization and consistency needed industrywide: Across the study, insurers that perform highest in personalization—by aligning insurance offerings and customer needs; offering benefits tailored to certain customers; and delivering timely guidance—tend to have high digital customer satisfaction scores. Likewise, those that deliver consistently across digital components— ranging from chatbots to app features—earn the highest satisfaction scores. • Allstate performs well in digital shopping: Among the top performers in the study for overall insurance shopping experience, Allstate scores 808 (on a 1,000-point scale) for shopping satisfaction, significantly above the industry average of 779. This high score is driven by strong performance in three shopping factors: ease of navigation; availability of key information; and clarity of information. • GEICO sets the bar for digital service experience: Among the top performers in the study for service experience, GEICO scores 878 for service satisfaction, significantly above the industry average of 850. This high score is driven by strong performance in all five servicing factors in the study: JULY 2018
ease of navigation; appearance; availability of key information; range of services; and clarity of information.
Power to help its clients drive customer satisfaction, growth and profitability. Established in 1968, J.D. Power is headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., and has offices “The modern customer experience serving North/South America, Asia is heavily driven and supported by a Pacific and Europe. J.D. Power is a company’s digital ecosystem, even portfolio company of XIO Group, a in relationship-based industries,” global alternative investments and said Peter Smith, Vice President private equity firm headquartered and Head of West, at Centric in London, and is led by its four Digital. “To create an engaging founders: Athene Li, Joseph Pacini, experience, insurers should use Murphy Qiao and Carsten Geyer. digital to connect their customer touch points to create a frictionless, Centric Digital provides industry personalized experience focused leading solutions to measure and on the specific, contextualized navigate digital transformation. needs of a consumer.” Powered by proprietary platform DIMENSIONS™, Centric Digital The 2018 Insurance Digital has benchmarked hundreds Experience Study is based of brands, designed multion evaluations from 11,304 year transformation strategies, respondents, and was fielded in unlocked and managed $2+ billion February-March 2018. of investment roadmaps. Centric Digital is headquartered in New J.D. Power is a global leader York City, with offices in Chicago in consumer insights, advisory and Mendoza, Argentina. Visit services and data and analytics. centricdigital.com to learn more. These capabilities enable J.D. Table of Contents
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOW (AND WHY) TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE By Ron Manera, Senior Editor
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he most overlooked source of free promotion for small to medium-sized companies? Press Releases. Those little info blurbs that strengthen your brand and inform your market can be powerful tools if employed effectively. With a press release, your company can inform the world of a new hire, promotions, a key person retiring, a new product, a merger or acquisition, a new office or a thousand other events positive and timely. But even more important: Getting your company name out in front of tens of thousands of your prospects and customers, (even competitors) often, and at little or no cost. As an editor of a couple of insurance industry specific journals, I am on the receiving end of dozens of press releases daily - all wishing a free ride in one of my next issues. I welcome press releases because they often provide valuable content to my readers. Because of space and relevancy limitations, I can’t run them all. As a matter of fact, only a small percentage of the PRs I review
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make it into the magazines. How do I decide what to run? I look first for relevancy. Is the information in the press release something likely to be interesting or valuable to my subscribers? I can discard 80% of the PRs I review simply because the content is not focused on my audience. Next, I look for length, style and format. Will the original PR take up two pages requiring radical editing for size? Can I easily move the content into my publication without extensive reformatting? Are there bulleted paragraphs or multiple hyperlinks to contend with? I look for a news-style press release. When I receive a PR that is 80% promotional and 20% news, I’m likely to pass it up. I don’t charge for news - I do charge for advertising.
Up The Odds Your Press Release Will Be Printed And Effective
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suspect most editors rely on criteria much like mine when reviewing incoming press releases for publication. Table of Contents
Here are eight tips to increase your odds of actually making it to the show: 1. Give me a compelling headline! Hint: Write your headline last after you review your entire PR. A good headline will not only get my attention, but that of my readers. 2. Don’t open with “ABC Company announced today...” because the PR may not appear for another 30 days. Include the actual date. 3. Keep your copy succinct! 375-450 words max. That’s an entire page, so you have plenty of room to cover your subject. I’m not going to give you more space - so if you run long, you are asking me to trim your copy and you may not like what I remove. 4. Learn to write like a journalist: Who, What, When, Why & Where. (in no particular order)List those 5 categories out on a worksheet and work from it as you script your PR. To the ultimate reader, it should not read as if it were written by your marketing department but as if we sent a reporter JULY 2018
Image Credit: Creative Commons
While larger operations use paid services like Businesswire, PRweb, PRNewsire and others to distribute their press releases, smaller companies can maintain a list of media outlets that make more sense for their target market. I review PRs from the big distribution houses all the time - but I am more likely to notice one emailed directly to me.
or a mention or quote out to cover your news story. from a company officer. I 5. Important! Don’t often include company make your PR into an logos when they are made advertisement. First, it will available. lesson the chance I include your piece, (remember, I 8. About (Your Company) It’s good to include a short charge for advertising) but “About ABC Company” at the just as important, it will lack end of your PR. Keep it short credibility to the readers if it and within the word limit for just looks like a puff piece. the entire piece. Include It’s okay to sound enthused contact info for “further about the topic and your information.” company, but the ideal PR will look as if your company 9. Make certain to place a copy of each PR on your company made the news because of website under your NEWS some newsworthy event. tab. The practice will make 6. Give me at least one quote, your site more relevant to e.g. “Frank’s extensive search engines and more experience in restaurant valuable to visitors. risks will bring a new depth to our commercial insurance ow that you’ve created department,” said John the perfect press Smith, CEO... release, where should 7. If appropriate, include you send it? an image, especially if the PR involves personnel
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In the insurance business, include every trade journal that covers your region. If you are introducing a new restaurant program, for example, you may wish to include some of the trade journals in that industry. If you are a local retail agent, by all means include local print media, especially neighborhood newsletters or city-wide newspapers. Build your list in a spreadsheet database so you can one-click mail-merge a personalized copy to each media outlet. Make it a habit! Find the best copywriter in your office and assign them the task of churning out one press release each month. You’ll be building your brand and status within your industry. Where to send at TUI? Send directly to me, Ron Manera at ron@insurmedia.com.
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NEWS Continued From Page 27
JD POWERS AUTO INSURANCE STUDY
information factor is partly driven by increased satisfaction with electronic statements and monthly billing.
When customers are pre-notified of a premium increase, overall satisfaction is 797. When they are not notified—which happens 49% of the time—overall satisfaction drops 49 points to 748.” Preference for digital interaction channels grows: Overall satisfaction tends to be highest when customers interact via a mix of online and offline methods of communication. The preference for digital forms of communication is greatest for low touch-point interactions, such as verifying payment receipt (73% digital preference); making payment (70% digital preference); and ordering proof of insurance cards (66% digital preference). 48
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Transparency is key when premium increases are introduced: When there is an insurer-initiated premium increase, it is important to communicate that an increase is coming. When customers are prenotified of a premium increase, overall satisfaction is 797. When they are not notified—which happens 49% of the time—overall satisfaction drops 49 points to 748.
• • • •
Insurance Northwest: PEMCO Insurance Southeast: Farm Bureau Insurance—Tennessee Southwest: CSAA Insurance Group Texas: Texas Farm Bureau
The 2018 U.S. Auto Insurance Study examines customer satisfaction in five factors (in order of importance): interaction; policy Usage-based insurance programs offerings; price; billing process and grow significantly: Usage-based policy information; and claims. The insurance programs, which study is based on responses from leverage telematics technology to 44,622 auto insurance customers set insurance premiums based on and was fielded from Februaryhow far and how safely a customer April 2018. drives, are gaining converts. This year, 10% of insurance customers For more information about indicate participating in usage- the U.S. Auto Insurance Study, http://www.jdpower.com/ based insurance programs, up visit from 8% in 2016 and 2017. While re s o u rce / j d - p owe r- u s - a u to the most common reason for insurance-satisfaction-study. participating in a usage-based program is to obtain a discount, J.D. Power is a global leader in insights, advisory speeding alerts, vehicle tracking consumer services and data and analytics. and driver coaching are gaining importance among customers These capabilities enable J.D. Power to help its clients drive currently using such programs. customer satisfaction, growth and profitability. Established in 1968, Study Rankings J.D. Power is headquartered in Following are the highest-ranked Costa Mesa, Calif., and has offices auto insurance brands by region: serving North/South America, Asia Pacific and Europe. J.D. Power is a • California: Ameriprise portfolio company of XIO Group, a • Central: Shelter global alternative investments and • Florida: MetLife private equity firm headquartered • Mid-Atlantic: Erie Insurance in London, and is led by its four • New England: Amica Mutual founders: Athene Li, Joseph Pacini, • New York: New York Central Murphy Qiao and Carsten Geyer. Mutual • North Central: Auto-Owners Table of Contents
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Georgia’s Only Virtual Insurance Agents Organization “Insuring the American Dream” Join today at www.Georgia-Agents.com
Georgia Agents has more online benefits than any other insurance agents’ organization. Any one of the benefits shown on this page is worth more than the $99.00 per year membership! Join today at http://www.georgia-agents.com and everyone in your agency starts to enjoy the benefits immediately. You can pay online at www.Georgia-Agents.com or feel free to mail your business card with a check payable to: Georgia Agents c/o Eddie K. Emmett 200 Russell Court, Canton, GA 30115 Happy sales to you,
Eddie
Free 24 hours Online CE (includes 3 hours Ethics) for entire staff Free 20 hours Limited Subagent Prelicensing Course Free 20 hours Personal Lines Agent Prelicensing Course Free Classroom CE for entire staff Free Promotional Video
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Only $99.00 per year for one office plus $50.00 for each additional office under common ownership
Join today at www.Georgia-Agents.com
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Do GA CSRs have to be licensed? The answer is "Yes" if:
The CSR is a person who sells, solicits, or negotiates insurance.
The CSR receives commission on insurance sales.
The CSR handles endorsements and reinstatements.
The CSR gives quotes for insurance.
The CSR completes insurance applications.
The CSR handles renewals.
The CSR answers coverage questions.
So just what can an unlicensed CSR do? Mostly managerial and clerical tasks only indirectly related to the above tasks. I'm not so sure they can even take payments since that is a vital part of insurance sales.
The Georgia Department of Insurance encourages the insuring public to report any complaints about insurers, agencies and agents. The first thing checked is whether or not the person in the complaint is properly licensed for that transaction. Here's the scenario if the CSR is found to be in violation of O.C.G.A. § 33-23-4: Any person who willfully violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to punishment as provided in Code Section 17-10-3, relating to punishment for misdemeanors. Code Section 17-10-3: By a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or by confinement in the county or other jail, county correctional institution, or such other places as counties may provide for maintenance of county inmates, for a total term not to exceed 12 months, or both.
Check out O.C.G.A. § 33-23-4 in the "Laws & Regs" link at the bottom right corner of www.GAlnsurance.org for a more murky explanation.
So what should an unlicensed CSR do? If they are handling only Personal Lines P&C, a Limited Subagent license should do the trick. The sponsor is responsible for their actions, a state exam is not required and they can take the required 20 hour pre-licensing course from the comfort of their desks for FREE if agency is a member of Georgia Agents.
It gets even better than that! CSRs may study the 20 hour Limited Subagent course, take an exam and download a Certificate of Achievement for free. It serves as great refresher training on Personal Lines such as auto, home and renter's insurance. But if the CSR handles lines other than Personal Lines, a full blown agent's license is required.
That applies to the CSR, the agency owner, and the Insurance companies that paid commissions to unlicensed entities. I wonder if they assign adjoining jail cells. GEORGIA AGENTS Members can earn 24 hours Online CE and 20 hours Limited Subagent Prelicensing and 20 hours Personal Lines Agent Prelicensing for all employees for only $99.00 per year! And that’s just a few of the many benefits. Join today at www.Georgia-Agents.com
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2018 FAIA CONVENTION TRADE FAIR BOOTH IMAGES NOW ONLINE!
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ne of the biggest insurance events held each year in Florida is the Florida Association of Independent Agents (FAIA) Convention. This year was the 114th annual convention, making it not only one of the largest, but one of the longest running events in US insurance history.
We tried to get a shot of every booth, but frankly ran out of time. The trade fair is huge, with hundreds of exhibitors. Next year we may bring two photograpers, each starting at opposite ends and working towards the center. We sadly experienced some equipment issues this year as our preferred lens for such an event, a Nikon 18-300mm had taken a fairly stiff smack as it slipped out of it’s carry bag and hit the floor just as we were to begin shooting. Although it was not obvious on the camera’s (Nikon D-500) LCD screen, just about all the images taken at 50mm or wider were somewhat out of focus - some badly. Oddly, the closeups were fine. So there will be a trip to the repair shop for the lens and we will be more careful next year...
Click On The Image Below To View Booth Images
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BECOME A CERTIFIED EXPERT IN CORPORATE PROPERTY INSURANCE AND A CERTIFIED EXPERT IN CORPORATE LIABILITY INSURANCE Now available from Illumeo and Barry Zalma!
E
veryone involved in insurance – either as an insurer or as an insured – requires excellence in claims handling. Businesses need to deal with insurers who have an excellence in claimshandling mandate. Insurers who wish to profit need an excellence in property and/or liability claims-handling program. Everyone in business needs an insurer who has an excellence in property or liability claims-handling program in effect. Two comprehensive programs enabling insurance professionals to become Certified Expert in Corporate Property Insurance and/ or Certified Experts in Corporate Liability Insurance are available from Illumeo.com and https://www.illumeo.com/curriculum/certifiedexpert-corporate-property-insurance and https://www.illumeo.com/ curriculum/certified-expert-corporate-liability-insurance. The programs are complete courses of study providing education and training to allow insurance professionals, after completing the individual classes, to become a Certified Expert. The programs cover everything an employee, an officer, or a director of a corporation needs to know about the need to acquire proper insurance and to resolve any claim presented by the corporation to the insurer. Major topics of study include, but are not limited to: the importance of insurance; how to acquire insurance and understand an insurance policy; the methods used by insurers to investigate claims; the various types of insurance that corporations need; the duties and obligations of a public adjuster; and how The full curriculum of the courses and other courses from Barry Zalma are available at http:// www.ilumeo.com by entering in the search bar the word “zalma.”
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