IN THIS ISSUE JANUARY 2019 VOL 15 ISSUE 1
5
Alert! How To Find Hidden Indoor Spy Cameras
6
Truly Genuine Dispute Defeats Bad Faith Claim
8
Florida Arrests Man For Pocketing $60,000 In Fake Insurance Premiums From Commercial Truckers
16
Eastbridge Life Insurance Report - Breakthrough In Baldness, Gray Hair
18
Wells Fargo Agrees To A $10 Million Penalty To California
19
Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft And Financial Fraud
26
Arrogance & Ignorance: A Dangerious Combination
28
FL Announces Arrest Of Clearwater Roofer in $50,000 Fraud
29
Major Auto Insurer Pays 6-Figure Award In Bad Faith Case
31
Texas Agent Indicted In Life Insurance Scam
32
Former NYT Editor Condemns Paper For Anti-Trump BIas
10
State Farm Testing Blockchain Solution For Auto Claims Subrogation
20
Detectives Escort Adjusters and Survivors Into Paradise, CA
12
California Imposes $4.3 Million Penalty On 2 Domestic Carriers
21
Florida’s Citizens Rate Hike A Sad Result Of AOB Practice
13 14
Lloyd’s Confirms 2019 Targets For Electronic Placement Mandate
AAA Illuminates The Dangers Of Driving With Cloudy Headlights
22 24
California Issues Regulations Prohibiting Gender Discrimination In Auto Rating
Five Life Insurance Game Changers To Benefit Consumers In 2019
Page 5
PREFER TO READ OFFLINE? DOWNLOAD & VIEW PDF: HERE!
36
9 Most Brazen NY Insurance Fraudsters
40
1st Lockheed Martin Build Next Gen GPS III Satellite Responding to Commands
41
Chubb Intros New Gap Supplement Policy On Out-OfPocket Med Expenses
42
How (And Why) To Write A Press Release
INSURANCE AND THE LAW PAGE SIX
HOW (AND WHY) TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE THAT ACTUALLY GETS PUBLISHED Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez What A Package: Arrogance & Ignorance!
2018 FAIA & LAAIA TRADE FAIR BOOTH IMAGES NOW ONLINE!
PG 42 FEATURES 5 6
Kim Komando Barry Zalma
50
Advertise
16
Breaking News
26 32
Insider Advisor
34
Back Issues
Say What?
Page 6 New Zalma Claims Books Now Available! Story...
Cover Image: Marco Verch Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
JANUARY 2019 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: @rj.0521 561.718.0745 • ron@insurmedia.com
© Entire Contents 2019 AdMax Corp
www.underwritersinsider.com 4
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
TECHNOLOGY
ALERT! HOW TO FIND HIDDEN INDOOR SPY CAMERAS
O
Really Cool Tech Info - From Kim Komando
n a recent trip, I quickly rented an Airbnb private home and only after I was there I noticed it was loaded down with a slew of indoor surveillance cameras. It got me thinking. What’s the legality of this? Is there anything I can do about it? Concern over hidden cameras is growing, especially when it pertains to rental properties. In fact, right now Airbnb is involved in a lawsuit over just that. According to the case file, a woman claims that she believed the apartment she rented to be a private space, so she was frequently nude in the living room. Also, she and her travel companion discussed sensitive topics like finances and relationships that the camera’s microphone could have picked up. The company’s policy is summed up on its website, which says:
JANUARY 2019
some places, so make sure you understand your local regulations.” The property that I rented did disclose in the listing at the very end that there were security cameras in the house. In retrospect, here’s a lesson learned. I should have asked the host some very pointed questions such as the exact number of cameras, the location of the cameras, whether the cameras were recording, and what happens to those recordings after my stay.
“We expect hosts to respect their guests’ privacy. You must notify your guests about any security cameras or other surveillance devices at or around your listing, and get consent where required. The use of surveillance equipment may also be against the law in Table of Contents
I spoke with Nick Shapiro with Airbnb about my situation. He was quick to point out that Airbnb takes privacy concerns very seriously. Had I not been informed of the indoor cameras and reported it to them, Airbnb would have actually put me up at a nearby hotel.
See Kim Komando Pg 38 www/underwritersinsider.com
5
CLAIMS & THE LAW
TRULY GENUINE DISPUTE DEFEATS BAD FAITH CLAIM
Expert Analysis & Commentary by Barry Zalma, Esq., CFE Double Recovery from Workers Compensation and UM Coverage Not Allowed
I
t should be strange and unusual for a person who has a legitimate insurance claim to seek to recover more than available under the policy. Unfortunately, many people try to obtain more than indemnity promised by a policy of insurance but to profit from a loss.
Company, Inc. (State Farm), and requested an award of punitive damages. The trial court granted summary adjudication in State Farms favor on each claim and on the request for punitive damages. Join Barry Zalma’s Blog:
http://www.zalma.com/blog
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
In March 2013, Case was employed by Lawrys Restaurant, and insured under a personal automobile policy issued by State In Melissa Case v. State Farm Farm. The policy’s uninsuredMutual Automobile Insurance underinsured motorist (UM) Co., Inc., B281732, Court Of coverage for bodily injury Appeal Of The State Of California was $100,000 per person and Second Appellate District $300,000 per accident. On Division Four (November 21, March 29, 2013, while returning 2018) Case asserted claims for to Lawrys Restaurant from an breach of insurance contract and off-site catering location, Case bad faith against respondent was injured in a car accident State Farm Mutual Insurance
involving an uninsured driver. The next day, she sought workers compensation benefits through her employers policy and submitted a claim to State Farm under her personal automobile policy. In 2014, after Case submitted a demand for UM policy benefits, State Farm sought verification of a final lien relating to medical expenses incurred as workers compensation benefits. Rather than complying with the inquiry Case, she sued State Farm for breach of an insurance contract and bad faith. Her suit asserted that State Farm acted improperly in delaying arbitration and settlement of Cases claim for UM benefits, alleging that although she verified a final workers compensation lien relating to medical expenses no later than November 2014, State
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
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
Farm neither paid her claim for UM benefits nor undertook arbitration. The complaint requested compensatory and punitive damages.
To establish bad faith, a policy The injured worker is entitled holder must demonstrate to recover the costs of medical misconduct by the insurer more treatments reasonably required egregious than an incorrect to cure or relieve the effects of denial of policy benefits. In the his or her injury. The California context of a bad faith claim, Insurance Code provides two State Farm and Case settled an insurer’s denial of or delay provisions designed to prevent a her claim for UM benefits for in paying benefits gives rise to double recovery of UM benefits $35,000. In December 2016, tort damages only if the insured and workers compensation State Farm sought summary shows the denial or delay was benefits for the same injury. It judgment or adjudication on unreasonable. provides that any loss payable Cases claims. State Farm under the terms of the requested summary motorist Case tried to collect the same uninsured adjudication on the indemnity from State Farm and coverage to or for any claim for breach of the person may be reduced her employer’s workers compensation by the amount paid insurance contract, contending it had and the present value insurer which would have resulted in provided all policy of all amounts payable a double recovery. Her bad faith suit benefits due Case. to him or her under any failed because State Farm did what workers compensation The trial court granted was required to reach a settlement with law, exclusive of summary judgment, nonoccupational Case and did so promptly.” concluding that disability benefits. It summary adjudication also imposes a stay of was proper with respect arbitration regarding UM to Cases claims and her request Under this standard, an insurer benefit disputes until specified for punitive damages. denying or delaying the circumstances occur relating to payment of policy benefits due a workers compensation claim. to the existence of a genuine DISCUSSION dispute with its insured as to the ANALYSIS Generally, an insured can existence of coverage liability pursue a breach of contract Case contends only that State or the amount of the insured’s theory against its insurer by Farm improperly declined to coverage claim is not liable in alleging the insurance contract, pay UM benefits including bad faith, even though it might the insured’s performance or noneconomic damages prior be liable for breach of contract. excuse for nonperformance, to a determination regarding That is because when there is a the insurer’s breach, and the extent to which her medical genuine issue as to the insurer’s resulting damages. In view of expenses were payable through liability under the policy for the the requirement for contractthe workers compensation claim asserted by the insured, related damages, an insurer may system. there can be no bad faith secure summary adjudication liability imposed on the insurer on the claim when there are no for advancing its side of that unpaid policy benefits. dispute. See ZALMA Page 39 JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
7
NEWS
FLORIDA ARRESTS MIAMI MAN FOR POCKETING $60,000 IN FAKE INSURANCE PREMIUMS FROM COMMERCIAL TRUCKERS
8
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
Truck Image: CC0 Public Domain
M
IAMI, Fla. – Chief buck, my office will find you and and June 2018. Records indicated Financial Officer make sure you pay the price.” that Niebla had received $59,675 ( C F O ) in premium payments Jimmy Patronis from which were Niebla had received $59,675 in announced the never applied towards arrest of Kenny premium payments from which were any insurance policy Niebla, owner as promised. Niebla never applied towards any insurance policy and operator of instead kept the Andoba Trucking as promised. Niebla instead kept the funds funds for his own self Company and Sea for his own self gain and as a result, the gain and as a result, Trucking in Hialeah, the commercial commercial vehicles were unknowingly after allegedly vehicles were selling fraudulent unknowingly being being operated uninsured.” insurance coverage operated uninsured. with certificates The fraud scheme Investigators revealed that of insurance totaling nearly was discovered when one of the $60,000 to three local Niebla had been collecting commercial trucks was involved in monthly insurance premium an accident causing over $78,000 commercial truckers. payments from three victims in uninsured damage. CFO Jimmy Patronis said, spanning between October 2017 “Pocketing insurance Niebla was arrested premiums for your without incident on own financial gain November 30, 2018 is despicable. It puts and transported to the the victim in the Turner Guilford Knight dangerous position Correctional Center on of going without several counts of grand proper insurance theft, insurance funds coverage, and puts diversion, uttering unsuspecting drivers forged instruments, and in a financially risky organized scheme to position. If you defraud. If convicted on choose to commit all counts, he faces up fraud to make a quick to 20 years in prison.
NEWS
JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
9
NEWS
STATE FARM TESTING BLOCKCHAIN SOLUTION FOR AUTO CLAIMS SUBROGATION
S
tate Farm Testing Blockchain Solutions: Subrogation is typically the last part of an insurance “Today, subrogation is a relatively manual, claims process where one insurance company time-consuming process often requiring recovers claim costs it paid to its customer for damages from physical checks to be the at-fault party. mailed on a claim-byclaim basis between insurers,” says Mike What is Fields, innovation Blockchain executive, State Farm. Blockchain “You can imagine the technology can be time and resources used to manage required to complete transactions these transactions.” and store information using Companies across cryptography (i.e., many industries are mathematical using blockchain algorithms technology to and secret keys that encrypt data), peer-to-peer securely store data and manage transactions. State networking and data storage. Subrogation is one Farm is working with another insurer to understand example of where blockchain technology has the how an enterprise blockchain solution can be used to potential to reduce expenses while making processes reduce the time needed to complete the subrogation more efficient and secure. process by securely and automatically compiling all subrogation payment amounts, netting the balance What is Subrogation? and facilitating a single payment on a regular basis Subrogation is a term describing a legal right held between insurers. by most insurance carriers to legally pursue a third party that caused an insurance loss to the insured. Benefits In auto claims subrogation for example, information “The blockchain solution we are working on has many about the claim is collected and the two insurance potential benefits,” says Fields. “It helps us automate companies negotiate the claim amount. If an a manual process securely and creates a permanent agreement is reached, the at-fault insurer submits transaction record of each payment which can easily payment to the other insurer on an individual claim be verified for accuracy. It also has the potential basis. No sensitive personal information is shared to decrease the amount of time for consumers to between the two companies. receive their deductible reimbursement.” 10
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
Own Your Own Insurance Agency If You Think It Is Not Possible - Think Again!
E
strella Insurance would like you to join the Estrella Insurance family by becoming a franchise owner today. Estrella Insurance has been in the business of proudly serving customers with exceptional service and a professional atmosphere for over 40 years.
management evaluations, a strong relationship with many major insurance companies, and most importantly brand strength.
Having the ability to harness the brand strength of Estrella Insurance will give you an advantage over unaffiliated businesses as most consumers This proven track record is a major asset for any believe that buying at a brand name store means franchise owner as Estrella Insurance’s proven they are receiving higher quality products and system allows franchisees to follow a successful services. This branding will make it easier for plan with a high success rate. The thought of a franchisee to compete with well-established, opening and operating an insurance agency may independent operators and other franchise be daunting, but Estrella Insurance provides all chains. This brand power is what has allowed the tools to ensure that franchisees will have a Estrella Insurance to open over 100 insurance business that thrives. This is accomplished with agencies all across Florida, Arizona, California, low startup costs, support from our superior and coming soon in Nevada and Texas. marketing campaign in both English and Spanish across all forms of media, a turnkey training With this level of experience and success backing program as well as continuing support and you, there is no telling how far you can go!
• • • •
AVAILABLE FINANCING AND LOW COST OF ENTRY APPOINTMENTS WITH TOP CARRIERS LIKE PROGRESSIVE SUPERIOR ADVERTISING AND MARKETING BEST TRAINING IN THE INDUSTRY
Call Now! 888-511-7722
FRANCHISE INFORMATION:
www.estrellainsurance.com www.estrellafranchise.com
NEWS
CALIFORNIA IMPOSES $4.3 MILLION PENALTY ON TWO DOMESTIC COMPANIES insurance in California place policyholders at risk because the insurers have not met the standards required under state law. In this case the health and wellbeing of the farmworkers was put at risk by the unlicensed insurers who sold ACRAMENTO, Calif. — workers’ compensation insurance California Insurance illegally to the employers of Commissioner Dave Jones farmworkers.” today issued a Decision and Despite a Cease and Order imposing a Desist Order issued $4,345,000 penalty by the Department of on American Insurance in October Labor Alliance and 2016 against CompOne USA for the Agricultural selling workers’ Contracting Services compensation and Association, liability policies Incorporated and to employers its affiliates, the of farmworkers American Labor without being Alliance and properly licensed CompOne USA, and Dave Jones, with the Department Board Chair Marcus CA Ins. Commissioner of Insurance. Asay, and a Decision
American Labor Alliance and CompOne USA required to stop selling insurance
S
Despite a Cease and Desist Order against the company its affiliates, ordering them to refrain from selling insurance policies in California, the company continued to transact insurance without a licence.” Today’s Decision and Order imposes the $4.3 million penalty that represents $5,000 for each of the 869 days that the companies sold workers’ compensation insurance without a license.
Employers transacting business with Agricultural Contracting Services Association, Inc., and Order issued by Commissioner American Labor Alliance, or affiliate “My priority as Insurance Jones in November 2017 ordering CompOne USA, should contact Commissioner is to protect them to refrain from selling the Department of Insurance California consumers,” said insurance policies in California, the Investigation Division at 661-253Insurance Commissioner Dave company continued to transact 7500 for assistance in determining Jones. “Insurance companies insurance without a license. the validity of their workers’ compensation coverage. not properly licensed to transact 12
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
NEWS
LLOYD’S CONFIRMS 2019 TARGETS FOR ELECTRONIC PLACEMENT MANDATE Today the Corporation of Lloyd’s confirmed the H1 2019 targets for electronic placement, following approval from Lloyd’s Board and Council.
F
or Q1 next year (2019), each syndicate will be required to have written no less than 40% of its risks using a recognised electronic placement system with the target increasing to 50% in Q2. A quote target will also be introduced in Q2 2019, and all targets will now apply to both lead and follow business. To support electronic risk placement adoption across the market, Lloyd’s brokers will be required to connect to a recognised electronic placement platform by 1 June 2019. Lloyd’s will be working closely with LIIBA to achieve this.
we implemented this mandate across the Lloyd’s market, we’ve seen a marked increase in the adoption of electronic trading, which is fast-tracking our transformation. The sharply in the last year. The Association and our board members will continue to reach out to all sections of the market to help them to achieve both the
The electronic placing platform provided by PPL was launched in July 2016, initially for standalone Terrorism business. Today, all classes of business are available on the platform, with 58 brokers and 124 carriers signed up.”
mandate and the benefits of Lloyd’s Chief Operating Officer, operating digitally.” Shirine Khoury-Haq, said: “Since
The mandate was issued in the first quarter of 2018 following discussions with members of the Lloyd’s market, the Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA), the London & International Brokers’ Association (LIIBA) and the International Underwriting Association (IUA). It is designed to accelerate the market’s digital transformation to ensure the market realises the benefits of electronic placement and has already driven impressive adoption across the Lloyd’s market. By the end of the Q3 2018, 29.8% of ‘in scope’ contracts were placed electronically in the Lloyd’s market and almost reaching the Q4 target of 30%. Syndicates meeting and exceeding the targets will receive a rebate on their annual subscriptions. The electronic placing platform provided by PPL was launched in July 2016, initially for standalone Terrorism business. Today, all classes of business are available on the platform, with 58 brokers and 124 carriers signed up.
NEWS
AAA ILLUMINATES THE DANGERS OF DRIVING WITH CLOUDY HEADLIGHTS
O
RLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 11, 2018) – New research from AAA reveals that clouded or yellowed headlights generate only 20 percent of the amount of light that new headlights do, leading to dangerous nighttime driving conditions. This decrease is caused by sunlight damage to protective plastic coatings, resulting in discoloration that considerably diminishes the headlight’s ability to provide adequate light on dark roadways. With 50 percent of crashes occurring at night, AAA urges drivers to check their headlights for signs of deterioration and invest in new headlights or, at a minimum, a low-cost service to boost the safety of driving after dark.
amount of light produced by conducting research using an accredited laboratory to test headlights from two popular sedans, approximately 11 years in age. Results from the degraded headlights were measured against new headlights to quantify the amount of light produced for each. All testing was done in accordance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 as set forth by
the Department of Transportation (DOT). Research revealed that deteriorated headlights, when used on low beam, provided just 22 percent of the amount of light a new headlight does when operating at full capacity. AAA also examined the effects that replacing or restoring a headlight can have on improving the amount of light
“Walk through any parking lot and it is evident that deteriorated headlights are a problem for most vehicle owners,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “Headlights on the road in the U.S., even when new, don’t produce a sufficient amount of lighting, so any reduction in performance is a real safety issue.” AAA examined the impact deterioration can have on the 14
The Underwriter’s Insider
Mr. Zalma recently published on Amazon.com with links at the Zalma Books site with the following volumes:
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
produced. Replacing headlights with original equipment manufacturer parts is the most effective method to restore light output back to 100 percent.
“Driving at night with headlights that produce only 20 percent of the light they did when new, which is already subpar, is a risk drivers shouldn’t take,” continued Brannon. “Especially when there Aftermarket parts also performed are convenient and inexpensive well, restoring light output solutions that can dramatically between 83 and 90 percent, improve lighting performance.” however these did fail to meet certain requirements for light Most headlights are made of intensity and were found to be plastic and exposure to sunlight more likely to produce glare breaks down the plastic coating, for oncoming traffic. Restoring causing discoloration that headlights, while the most cost obscures the amount of light effective option, offered less of produced. Depending on where an improvement in light output and how the vehicle is used, than replacement. Professional headlights can begin showing and DIY restoration returned light signs of deterioration as early as output back to approximately three years to five years. 70 percent. Both restoration methods, however, produced Unlike batteries or tires, most more glare than is acceptable drivers are not in the habit according DOT criteria. of routinely inspecting their headlights. AAA suggests Compounding the problem drivers check their headlights of driving with deteriorated for changes in appearance such headlights is the fact that U.S. as yellowing or clouding and if headlights have significant the bulb is difficult to see, it is shortcomings. Previous AAA time to have the lenses replaced research found that halogen or restored as soon as possible. headlights fail to safely illuminate AAA recommends replacement unlit roadways at speeds as since this method offers the most low as 40 mph, with high beam improvement in the amount of settings offering only marginal light produced. Both replacement improvements. Even the most and restoration services are advanced headlights tested provided by many repair shops illuminated just 40 percent of including many AAA Approved the sight distances that the full Auto Repair facilities. light of day provides. By not maintaining headlights, drivers Methodology are unknowingly operating in Headlight assemblies used in dangerously dim conditions. testing were for the left (driver’s) JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
side of the vehicle. To quantify headlight performance, AAA contracted an accredited testing laboratory with expertise in automotive headlights and conducted testing according to industry standards. Headlights were tested according to FMVSS-108 standards with no modifications to the headlight assemblies under test or to the test procedures. The professional headlight restoration systems used a power sanding technique to remove the original protective film from the headlight lens. The resulting scratched surface of the polycarbonate was then polished using increasingly finer grades of sanding discs and a protectant film applied to the entire surface of the headlight lens. Full methodology available in the research report found here.
About AAA AAA provides more than 59 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 35 motor clubs and nearly 1,100 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com. www/underwritersinsider.com
15
THE INSIDE TRACK - BREAKING NEWS Eastbridge Life Insurance Report
information including:
• • oluntary universal and •
V whole life products remain an integral part of
• a robust voluntary product •
portfolio for many carriers and are still delivering positive overall sales growth and market share. However, permanent life product offerings for the voluntary/ work site market are also experiencing changes that carriers must address. These include legislative requirements for the universal life product in 2020 and growth in the number of whole life products available in the marketplace. The purpose of this Voluntary Whole and Universal Life Products Spotlight™ Report is to help carriers better understand the universal and whole life voluntary/work site marketplace by providing specific
16
The Underwriter’s Insider
their current offering. The report is currently available for purchase Product features and benefits for $3,000. For additional information or to purchase the Underwriting guidelines Face amounts and guaranteed report, e-mail info@eastbridge. com or call (860) 676-9633. cash value examples Commissions Product challenges and future Original Woodstock trends
With this information, carriers can evaluate their own universal and whole life products and their approach to the market to determine the competitiveness of
Table of Contents
Site To Host 50th Anniversary Concert
I
n memory of the original event of Aug 15-17,
JANUARY 2019
THE INSIDE TRACK - BREAKING NEWS 1969, a 50-year anniversary concert will be held on the same site as the original event. The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts now occupies the original site of the 1969 concert. According to the Center, “performers will include “prominent and emerging artists spanning multiple genres and decades.” The venue says talks by “leading futurists and retrotech experts” will also be featured.” Performers to be announced soon.
Global Revolt Against Climate Change Policies
W
eeks of brutal rioting in France marked protest against planned carbon tax increases while a key election in Ontario resulted in conservative politician Doug Ford winning the office
of Premier on a platform removing the carbon capand-trade program. Every JANUARY 2019
day citizens seem very much may well end one of the more concerned about most obvious signs of aging daily life-affecting issues faced by men and women. rather than theoretical climate change wealth- New Study Links Excess redistribution schemes.
Breakthrough In Baldness; Gray Hair
S
cientists working on a cancer cure at UT Southwestern accidentally came across an important discovery: The genes that turn hair gray and those that keep hair growing. Investigating a protein c a l l e d K R O X 2 0 resulted in the discovery that no hair grew when the protein was absent. Another protein is called SCF (stem cell factor) that causes pigmentation of hair cells, and the lack of it causes hair to turn gray or white. The researchers are hopeful they will eventually be able to turn the discovery into a topical solution that Table of Contents
Body Weight With 13 Cancers
T
he connection between excess body weight and multiple cancers is becoming more and more clear to scientists. “The proportion of cancers attributable to [excess body weight] varies among states, but [excess body weight] accounts for at least 1 in 17 of all incident cancers in each state.” Explained the researchers. “Broad implementation of known community and individual-level interventions is needed to reduce access to and marketing of unhealthy foods (e.g. through a tax on sugary drinks) and to promote and increase access to healthy foods and physical activity, as well as preventive care.”
www/underwritersinsider.com
17
NEWS
WELLS FARGO AGREES TO A $10 MILLION PENALTY TO CALIFORNIA AN INVESTIGATION FOUND IT SIGNED UP 1,500 CONSUMERS FOR INSURANCE WITHOUT CONSENT
S
ACRAMENTO, Calif. — financial institutions should Wells Fargo has agreed to never be allowed to prey on pay a $10 million penalty as their customers’ trust without part of a settlement agreement being held accountable.” with the California Department of Insurance. This settlement Wells Fargo has agreed to not resolves the transact any new d e p a r t m e n t ’s $5 million of business during a cc u s at i o n the remaining term the penalty alleging improper of its two insurance insurance sales is due immediately. licenses, which practices related If the company ever expire in July and to Wells Fargo’s September 2020, seeks to return online insurance respectively. The referral program. also to the California company The improper agreed to not insurance practices resulted apply for a license in consumers marketplace, it for at least two being signed following will then pay the years up and charged the expiration for insurance remaining $5 of their current products without Wells million penalty. The licenses. their consent. Fargo has provided Department may restitution to “The Department also decline to issue all California of Insurance’s consumers who a new license.“ investigation were charged found that p r e m i u m s , Wells Fargo was signing up bank fees and other direct and charging customers for monetary losses connected to insurance without their consent,” the unauthorized insurance said Insurance Commissioner policies. Dave Jones. “Banks and other
18
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
$5 million of the penalty is due immediately. If the company ever seeks to return to the California insurance marketplace, it will then pay the remaining $5 million penalty. The Department may also decline to issue a new license. In November 2017, the department served on Wells Fargo an accusation seeking revocation of Wells Fargo’s insurance license for improper insurance sales practices. The accusation was the result of an investigation opened at the direction of Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, which found that from 2008 to 2016, Wells Fargo customers were issued approximately 1,500 insurance policies without their knowledge or permission. In some cases, employees told consumers to enter their personal information on a policy application merely to receive a quote, but Wells Fargo employees later submitted the application to the insurer to purchase the policy without the consumer’s permission
JANUARY 2019
ANALYSIS
PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT AND FINANCIAL FRAUD By Matthew Treskovich, CPA/PFS, MBA, CFP®, CMA
I
n a digital world, your identity is a prime target for criminals. Identity thieves range from sophisticated computer hackers to old-fashioned con artists. No matter how they ply their craft, these scammers share common goals. Cyber-criminals want to empty out your bank account, max out your credit cards, and use your good name for their own nefarious purposes. You don’t have to be a victim! Taking some simple steps and remaining vigilant can prevent many identity theft crimes.
The term identity theft encompasses several different kinds of crimes. One kind of identity theft is “account takeover”. In this kind of crime, thieves will attempt to access your existing bank, brokerage, or credit card account, and steal money from it. When your bank or credit card company notices suspicious activity, they may disable your account. The thieves may use your personal information to try to convince your bank or credit card company that the transactions are genuine.
The second kind of identity theft is impersonation. Cyber criminals who gain access to your personal information can use it to open new credit accounts in your name. Because these are new accounts, you may not even know they exist until you notice them on your credit report or bill collectors start calling. In some cases, a bank you do not use may call you to verify an account application. If this happens to you, it could be a warning sign that you are the target of a cyber-criminal. See Identity Theft Page 23
About the author:
Matt is the Chief Investment Officer of the firm of CPS Investment Advisors with 18 years of experience in financial services also serving as the CFO of an insurance brokerage. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis on accounting from the University of Phoenix, Matt is a CPA licensed in Florida and holds the AICPA’s Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. Matt is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). and received a Certificate of Distinguished Performance from the IMA for achieving a CMA exam score in the top ten worldwide. In 2017, he was awarded an AICPA Standing Ovation for exemplary professional achievement in personal financial planning services. Treskovich also is certified as an Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designee by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC). He is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants, former President of the Mid Florida Chapter and former Treasurer of the IMA Florida Council. JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
19
NEWS
DETECTIVES ESCORT ADJUSTERS AND SURVIVORS INTO PARADISE
B
UTTE, Calif. — Due to multiple hazards and blocked roadways, many Camp Fire survivors were unable to return to the restricted burn area to assess their losses. To assist in getting homeowners and insurance company adjusters access to the damaged and destroyed properties as soon as possible, detectives with the California Department of Insurance (CDI) have assisted Paradise residents by taking fire survivors and insurance adjusters into restricted areas decimated by the Camp Fire. The restricted access and hazards were leading to delays in claims processing, so the department’s enforcement team stepped in to assist. For the past two weeks, CDI’s law enforcement officers have escorted insurance claims adjusters into restricted areas. Department detectives escorted
20
The Underwriter’s Insider
adjusters and homeowners to 1,271 properties, more than 1,100 of which were completely destroyed. The team’s efforts resulted in allowing more than a dozen insurers begin processing 1,243 claims for property and auto coverage. “I deployed our detectives to assist homeowners in gaining access to their properties so they could take the first step in the very difficult recovery process,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “The response to this disaster has been extraordinary. Communities, agencies and law enforcement have come together to help the survivors of the most destructive fire in California’s history, and my department remains committed to assisting Butte County residents through this trying time.” Due to the magnitude of the Camp Fire, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office asked for assistance in escorting adjusters into the area in order to help residents of Paradise Table of Contents
begin receiving policy benefits/ payments. The department frequently works with local law enforcement and other state and federal agencies during and after disasters to provide assistance, help survivors and offer expertise. The detective’s expertise is also helpful in spotting potential scams or fraud. Following disasters the department deploys the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to canvas neighborhoods looking for unlicensed contractors, adjusters and other scam artists that target vulnerable w i l d f i r e survivors. With few homes still standing in Paradise, detectives have attended town halls and community meetings in lieu of going door to door in order to reach homeowners and deliver warnings about scam artists and provide information to assist with their recovery. Detectives have also met with residents one on one to address concerns and get information to help them spot a potential scam. JANUARY 2019
Salam2009, Wildfire Yosemite, CC BY-SA 4.0
Insurers able to start writing checks to policyholders after property damage assessed
FLORIDA’S CITIZENS RATE HIKE A SAD RESULT OF DECEPTIVE AOB PRACTICE
T
ALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement regarding the vote by the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors to increase rates by an average of 8.3 percent statewide. CFO Patronis has two appointees on the Board and appoints the Chair.
them in June. These two factors are the major cost drivers increasing insurance rates in our state across the entire industry. Out of the lawsuits Citizens is involved in, 36 percent are related to assignment of benefits. Abuse of assignment of benefits has become a deceptive practice, aimed to lure consumers into a false sense of security.
drivers need a more surgical approach. Blanket solutions won’t fix increasing insurance rates for Florida families. It’s important that Floridians are protected from the bad actors who prey on vulnerable situations and try very hard to pry money from your pocket.
“We need to bring everyone to the table—that includes insurers, “It’s concerning that Citizens was “While I look forward to seeing if attorneys, contractors, and state unable to find solutions to address Citizens’ managed repair program leaders—to find the best solutions nonweather water losses and actually helps this multi-faceted to addressing this mounting increased litigation as requested of problem, it’s clear that these rate problem.” JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
21
NEWS
CALIFORNIA ISSUES REGULATIONS PROHIBITING GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE RATES New rule prohibits gender rating; promotes fairness and social equity
S
ACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has issued new regulations that prohibit the use of gender in private passenger automobile insurance rating in California. The Gender Non-Discrimination in Automobile Insurance Rating Regulation became effective on January 1, 2019. “My priority as Insurance Commissioner is to protect all California consumers, and these regulations ensure that auto insurance rates are based on factors within a driver’s
control, rather than personal characteristics over which drivers have no control,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. This is not the first regulatory action Commissioner Jones has taken to prevent gender-based discrimination in California’s insurance industry. In 2012, the Commissioner promulgated regulations that prohibit and prevent the denial of coverage or denial of claims for medical services based upon an insured or prospective insured’s actual or perceived gender identity. Prior to his election as Insurance Commissioner, then Assemblymember Jones authored legislation (Assembly Bill 119, in 2009) to prohibit gender-based discrimination in the pricing of
The Underwriter’s Insider
The Commissioner’s Gender NonDiscrimination in Automobile Insurance Rating Regulation mandates that all automobile insurance companies operating in California file a revised class plan that eliminates the use of gender as a rating factor. California, with the most liberal commissioner in the nation, has not addressed how forcing teenage girls to accept the actuarial risk of teenage boys promotes “fairness and social equity.”
Instagram! Follow Me: @rj.0521
JOIN MY NETWORK!
22
health insurance. Thanks to that law, California eliminated genderbased pricing in health insurance before that became the national standard under the Affordable Care Act.
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
NEWS Continued From Page 19
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTIDY THEFT & FINANCIAL FRAUD
get a phone call from someone claiming to be from a bank, credit card company, or government agency, use caution. Don’t give out personal information over the phone unless you are completely sure of who you are talking to.
Protect your accounts by using strong passwords. The best passwords are random, but these can be hard to remember. One alternative is to use a secret phrase, and combine certain letters from each word to make a strong password. For example, the secret phrase “Lakeland is great!” could help you remember the password “LKLDisGr8!”.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires the major credit bureaus to give you a free compy of your credit report every 12 months. Be careful when obtaining your credit report online. There are many impostor web sites that will try to charge you for a credit report, or worse will sell your personal information. To get your free annual credit report, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s web site at www.FTC.gov. If you find fraudulent transactions on your credit reports, promptly contest them in writing with the credit bureaus.
If you have social media accounts on sites like Twitter or Facebook review your privacy settings and be careful what you share. Anything you share publicly on these sites could be used by identity theives to impersonate you. Don’t create a password using names, places, pets, or dates that could be guessed from your social media accounts.
The threat of identity theft and cyber-crimes will continue to grow. Taking some simple steps to protect your personal information can help deter would-be cyber criminals. Be careful when posting online, be skeptical of unsolicited phone calls, use strong passwords, and keep them secret. Your financial health could depend on it!
Protect your personal information online and offline
FREE! FREE INSIDER SUBSCRIPTION!
SIGN UP YOURSELF OR ANY ASSOCIATE AT THIS LINK
HERE!
Be wary of impersonators! If you JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
23
ANALYSIS
5 LIFE INSURANCE GAME CHANGERS TO BENEFIT CONSUMERS IN 2019 By Brian Greenberg
T
he year 2018 laid the groundwork for big shifts in the life insurance landscape that will decidedly benefit consumers in the New Year. And it seems shifts are sorely needed with more than 40 percent of Americans not having any type of life insurance. While the industry is shifting at a rapid pace, consumers can take advantage of some notable game changers poised to impact the insurance industry in 2019:
Variable Rates and Fitness Trackers With the pervasiveness fitness trackers and health apps, it was only a matter of time before the data they produce made its way into the underwriting process.
Policies with variable rates based participation in the program), on fitness data were brought discounts on other fitness trackers, to the forefront of the industry and deals for healthy lifestyle back in 2016 by a publications. On forward-thinking the downside, the While some provider, using the program requires life insurance data from insureds’ a lot of upkeep to purveyors use fitness fitness trackers submit data through to adjust rates company’s information to try the and premiums proprietary app, and offer better accordingly to and premiums can rates, others in the great consumer increase for those benefit. While the industry are looking people who don’t program started realize improved for ways they can cut out voluntary, it is health based on now standard with out the middlemen— submitted data. all life insurance even within their own policies written My own company, companies.” that that particular True Blue Life provider. Insurance, ran a 2018 survey finding The program even offers perks that most insurance consumers such as a “free” Apple Watch were not receptive to sharing (subsidized by premiums and fitness data, even if it meant
B
rian Greenberg is a multi-faceted entrepreneur who owns and operates True Blue Life Insurance—an independent, online life insurance agency representing more than fifty of the best life insurance companies nationwide. He may be reached online at www.TrueBlueLifeInsurance.com.
24
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
getting better premiums. Despite these results, programs have reported successful results. As a result, this trend will continue to grow, as new policy players their hat into the ring.
Agentless Solutions While some life insurance purveyors use fitness information to try and offer better rates, others in the industry are looking for ways they can cut out the middlemen—even within their own companies.
consumers weren’t comfortable sharing any of their information in exchange for a quote or with using AI when it came to their life insurance purchasing experience. Even so, there is so much investment going into these solutions that it is hard to see it slowing down anytime soon.
Innovation is Driving Higher Coverage Maximums Without Medical Exams
There was a time, not so long ago, where maximum coverage limits topped out at $500k, but now Many of these companies are maximums are on the rise. As a turning to agentless solutions, direct result of heavy investment in which utilize information available innovation, insurance companies from other sources, such as can now offer maximums as high financial, medical and prescription as $1 million, with the potential to history to accelerate the go even higher in the future. underwriting process. This move toward automated underwriting In 2017, only one company was is great for insurance companies able to offer this a $1 million looking to streamline their maximum, but now at least three workflows and trim the amount others are able to match that. they are paying in commissions. This operational efficiency can Up ahead, yet more insurance factor into consumer-side savings. companies will be able to start matching maximums at this The downside to this automation level because they are investing is that it makes life insurance in solutions that help them cut much harder to get for unhealthy out unnecessary spending and people. These agentless solutions accelerate the underwriting are more likely to reject applicants process. Many have created because there isn’t a human agent incubators where they can focus trying to make things work and on investing in innovations that they only want to accept insureds can help automate and accelerate who aren’t as risky. the underwriting process. Similar to interactive policies, True Blue’s survey found that JANUARY 2019
These innovations are powered Table of Contents
by information that insurance companies can get through background checks. Specifically, they can now use financial, medical and prescription information. This is without mentioning the potential that DNA information could offer. The availability of this information cuts out the need for medical exams, accelerating the approval process and saving insurers money on the front end. As noted above, some consumers are reluctant to make health information gleaned through Fitbit and other smart wearables, which that can track everything from heartrate and steps taken, to quality of sleep and stress levels. This is further spurring the popularity of no medical exam policies, with some consumers overwhelmingly opting for this option even when the policies are more expensive than traditional medical exam options. While it is yet to be seen if consumers will be apprehensive to using these innovations, like with agentless solutions, the positive effects are already manifesting themselves in the industry at large.
Group Coverage for Individuals As noted in the point about agentless solutions, unhealthy See Life Insurance Game Changers 30 www/underwritersinsider.com
25
“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. Please read at your own risk.
Arrogance And Ignorance - A Dangerous Combination
I
’ve been following the utterances of newly installed New York U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and find it hard to believe one so ignorant was ever elected to high office. What’s your take? J.D. Dallas, TX
ADVISOR
Cortez herself dismisses the charges, saying, “I think there are a lot of people more concerned about being precisely, factually, semantically correct people in the last century - and the misery of millions more. than being morally right.” Even as I write this column, And what does Cortez think Socialism is directly responsible is “morally right?” Well, for for the utter destruction of starters, Socialism! Trouble is, Venezuela over the past two Alexandria, Socialist political decades and the intense misery system were responsible for of her people, despite the best the deaths of about 100 million intentions of Hugo Chavez,
Many on the GOP side as well as many Democrat colleaques believe avowed Socialist Congresswoman Cortez (AOC), the youngest woman ever to go to the U.S. Congress, is long on style and short on facts while rapidly becoming famous as the originator of some really absurd quotes. 26
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
Nicolás Maduro and a host of foolish American celebrity liberals, (Sean Penn, Danny Glover, etc) that cheered them on.
buffoon. It’s simple! Just get those damn rich people to pay their “fair share!” Oh yeah, and “a little carbon tax.” Don’t want to double your annual tax bill while destroying the best economy we’ve seen in decades? Don’t want to see the U.S.A. sinking into the same cesspool as Venezuela?
If Socialist darling Cortez is neither factually correct nor morally right, what the heck is she? For starters, she’s unintentionally damn funny in her earnest liberal The Cherubic Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez arrogance if one doesn’t consider the consequences of for all? Try $34 trillion! That’s implementing her horrendously almost twice the current national debt! How is she intending to pay expensive social policies. for it? How about the cost of her oftmentioned favorite: “Medicare Well, don’t be a conservative JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
It’s probably because your are a greedy racist, misogynist, xenophobe and you don’t want to pay your fair share.. Never forget that liberals know what’s good for you far better than you know yourself. Just ask Alexandria... www/underwritersinsider.com
27
NEWS
FLORIDA ANNOUNCES ARREST OF CLEARWATER ROOFER FOR NEARLY $50,000 IN THEFT AND INSURANCE FRAUD
C
LEARWATER, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Terry Wayne LaCoste, owner of Terry W. LaCoste Weathertight Systems, Inc. and David E. Gilliland, Inc., after allegedly attempting to defraud multiple homeowners out of more than $49,000 and working without workers’ compensation insurance.
insurance coverage before complaints against LaCoste. allowing them to start work on Investigations revealed that your property.” LaCoste victimized a total of six homeowners by making them pay deposits up-front for roofing work. LaCoste either never started on the job or never finished the contracted work. In total, the victims had a financial loss of $49,447 combined. The investigation also revealed that LaCoste was working without the proper workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “It is shameful for crooked contractors to take advantage of Floridians while you are simply trying to protect your biggest investment, Terry Wayne LaCoste, your home. Fraud like owner of Terry W. LaCoste Weathertight Systems, Inc. this also steals work from honest businesses and drives up insurance rates for CFO Patronis’ Bureau of everyone. Workers’ Compensation Fraud received a tip from the Pinellas Remember to always verify County Consumer Protection, before you buy and ensure that Clearwater Police Department the contractor you’re hiring is and the Pinellas County reputable and has the proper Sheriff ’s Office regarding
28
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
LaCoste was arrested on December 18 and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident. He faces charges of organized scheme to defraud, theft/ misappropriation of construction funds, and working without workers’ compensation insurance coverage. If convicted on all charges, LaCoste faces up to 15 years in prison.
JANUARY 2019
NEWS
MAJOR AUTO INSURER PAYS SIX-FIGURE AWARD IN CALIFORNIA BAD FAITH CASE
T
he recent court ruling serves as acknowledgement that the major insurer acted in bad faith in its response and dealings with its client's original auto accident claim. Unfortunately, many policy holders are unaware that California law requires insurance carriers to treat their clients with good faith and fair dealing. Instead of seeking legal counsel from a bad faith attorney, many policy holders continue trying to work and get results with their insurance carrier. During the original accident case, the insurance carrier paid nearly $700,000 for its policy holder's injuries and damages – albeit, after nearly seven years of the client actively pursuing his claim. The nearly $700,000 settlement, which was significantly delayed by the insurer's bad faith tactics, is separate from the additional sixfigure award recently paid by the insurer as part of the confidential settlement agreement. Under California law, "bad faith" is typically defined as an insurance carrier's breach of good faith and fair dealing with its clients. Bad JANUARY 2019
Faith may be found if the client can demonstrate that benefits due under the policy were withheld, and that the reason for withholding benefits was unreasonable or without proper cause. Because bad faith actions can often be subjective and difficult to demonstrate, they are not often filed, and infrequently won. However, in this case, Dunnion Law successfully demonstrated the nature of the insurer's bad faith actions to the court. During the original auto accident case, the insurance carrier failed to follow California code 2695.5(e) (3) mandating its investigation and evaluation of the claim within 15 days of the original demand. Dunnion Law sent the demand in April 2014 on behalf of its client.
the client's injuries and damages, as is appropriate and usual. Nearly nine months after the mediation, the insurer increased its offer to $120,000, which was less than 20% of the amount of the client's damages and loss. In addition, the carrier stated they needed a qualified vocational counselor to perform an evaluation of the case, but then never hired one. This act essentially breaches California code Section 2695.7(d) that stipulates the insurer "shall not persist in seeking information not reasonably required for or material to the resolution of a claim dispute."
Not only did these tactics contribute to years of delay, it forced the client to litigate the case to arbitration. As a result of the arbitration that was handled by Dunnion Law, the client received nearly $700,000 for More than 16 months later in his injuries and damages - more August 2015, the insurance than 58 times the insurer's initial carrier still had not yet started offer, and the "bad faith" suit was its evaluation, and entered into filed shortly thereafter. The recent mediation, only initiating its ruling on the subsequent 'bad investigation at the mediation faith' case provided the client with itself. Further, they proposed a an additional six-figure award from $12,000 figure at the mediation the confidential settlement without benefit of an evaluation of agreement. Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
29
ANALYSIS Continued From Page 30
5 LIFE INSURANCE GAME CHANGERS
people and their difficulty to access life insurance coverage is part of a much bigger problem in America than some may realize. According to a 2017 survey conducted by LIMRA, more than a quarter of Americans thought they wouldn’t qualify for life insurance if they applied for a policy. To remedy this, groups have begun establishing themselves online to make basic life insurance easier to attain for people who don’t think they qualify. For a small membership fee, people can join these groups and receive the life insurance benefits that they wouldn’t otherwise receive outside of an employer’s plan. Without these groups, many Americans would be stuck with expensive guaranteed issue policies that wouldn’t be worth their time. This way, they’re getting the coverage they want without being rejected by agentless innovations.
New Big Players Entering the Market 30
The Underwriter’s Insider
As we look toward the future of life insurance, there are some major new competitors entering the field in the form of Walmart, Costco, and Amazon.
competitors, with consumers reaping the benefits of local agents increasingly offering incentives and thinking “outside the box” to win business.
Here’s what we know so far: Costco is working on its own proprietary product with Protective life insurance; Walmart has an affiliation with MetLife and are working on their own product; and Amazon has been working on getting an insurance license and they plan to start testing out their own quote engine in the European markets as soon as 2019.
In fact, the True Blue survey found that life insurance consumers still prefer to buy from a local agent versus a big box retailer or even an online agent. Nearly eight out of ten people surveyed stated they felt more confident buying insurance from a local agent. There may be an emotional aspect to this.
Buying life insurance has ramifications that car insurance The entrance of these “market or homeowners insurance killers” bears many similarities to doesn’t because it forces people the way major booksellers took to consider their mortality. So out mom and pop bookstores, it’s more personal. Having a and are understandably local agent that the client can concerning to independent talk to face-to-face over matters insurance agencies. Companies of life and death can make like Amazon, Costco, and Walmart clients feel less vulnerable. Also, can operate on low margins and in developing an in-person afford to put customers and relationship, the agent becomes revenue over profits. That, plus an ad hoc personal adviser and the exclusivity and perks they advocate who takes the time to can offer makes it more difficult listen and find out your individual for independents to compete. needs. That’s why this entrance is so radical in the insurance industry. It stands to completely change the way the game is played.
Even as the landscape stands to change quite a bit, consumers can secure better deals than ever by insurance companies focused on adaptation, growth Thankfully for consumers, with and change in adherence with this much lead time, current the evolving technologies and players have time to adapt methodologies to be employed and prepare for these new in 2019 and beyond. Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
NEWS
TEXAS AGENT INDICTED IN LIFE INSURANCE SCAM
F
ormer Texas insurance agent Chia Wang is facing up to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine after a grand jury in Marion County indicted him this week for selling a fake life
FREE! free insider subscription! sign up yourself or any associate at this link
HERE
JANUARY 2019
insurance policy to an 87-year-old woman. Wang provided fake documents, convincing the woman that she had purchased a $400,000 life insurance policy. He went on to collect more than $192,000 in payments from her over two years. “It’s a very sad story,” said TDI Fraud Chief Chris Davis. “The victim thought she was being responsible, taking care of her affairs, and instead someone was stealing a large portion of her life savings.” The woman found out she never had a policy when she called the insurance company to ask if she had missed a payment. She had already written nine checks to Wang. Wang is accused of theft and misapplication of fiduciary property. Both offenses were enhanced to first-degree felonies because of the victim’s age. Table of Contents
Rent This Space! Want Your 1/3 Page Message To Hit Over 120,000 Industry E-Mails Per Month For As Little As $129.00? View Rate Card Here! Request More Info Here! www/underwritersinsider.com
31
NOTABLE QUOTABLES IN THE NEWS WITH COMMENTARY
Put Up Or Shut Up
I
t should have been wrapped up probably in May or June. That’s when they figured out they had no evidence of collusion. Collusion is not a crime, by the way. You have to show a conspiracy to hack [the Democratic National Committee]. They don’t have any evidence of that — which is the reason they don’t submit a report, because they are embarrassed. So, I am challenging them: It’s time to put up or shut up. It’s time for them to submit a report. They don’t have, as we would say in New York, a damn thing.” President Trump’s lawyer, former NYC mayor Rudy Giulani expressing his frustration (along with much of the country) with Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s endless “Russian Collusion” investigation.
Officer’s Death Preventable
W
e can’t ignore the fact that this could have been preventable,” Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson told reporters,
32
The Underwriter’s Insider
Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson speaking with reporters and ripping California’s “sanctuary state” laws in late December after the shooting death of Officer Singh by an illegal alien. Had law enforcement been able to report the illegal alien’s previous criminal activity to ICE, he would have been deported.
Former NYT Exec Editor Condemns Paper For Anti-Trump Bias
T
hough Baquet [current Executive Editor of the NYT]said publicly he didn’t want the Times to be the opposition party, his news pages were unmistakably anti-Trump. Some headlines contained raw opinion, as did some of the stories that were labeled as news analysis. The more anti-Trump the Times was perceived to be, the more it was mistrusted for being biased. Ochs’s vow to cover the news without fear or favor sounded like an impossible promise in such a polarized environment. Given its mostly liberal audience, there was an implicit financial reward for the Times in running lots of Trump stories, almost all of them negative: they drove big traffic numbers and, despite the blip of cancellations after the election, inflated subscription orders to levels no one anticipated.”
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New_York_Times_logo_variation.jpg
SAY WHAT?
asking why the state was “providing sanctuary for criminals (and) gang members. It’s a conversation we need to have.”
Former executive editor of the New York Times Jill Abramson harshly criticizing the paper and her successor Daniel Baquet for it’s obvious and blatant anti-Trump bias.
Bernie Sanders Campaign Eating Itself Over Sexism And Assault Claims
I
did experience sexual harassment during the campaign, and there was no one who would or could help.” “There was an entire wave of rotten sexual harassment that seemingly was never dealt with.” “I helped at least a dozen women request raises so that they would be paid on par with their male peers.”
The Utter And Complete Hypocrisy Of Nancy Pelosi
W
e’re not doing a wall. It has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with a wall is an immorality between countries. It’s an old way of thinking. It isn’t cost effective.” Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi talking to reporters late on Thursday the 4th of January and uttering complete nonsense, as usual. Pelosi, demonstrating zero respect for the intellect of her audience by claiming her resistance and obstruction for President Trump’s wall “has nothing to do with politics” makes an even bigger fool of herself and her supporters by claiming a border wall is an “immorality between countries” when almost every country on Earth has a wall or fence or barrier at it’s border.
Classy Talk From New Democrat
W
e’re Going To Impeach The Motherf*cker”
Quotes from former Bernie Sanders campaign workers. One would assume that Bernie Sander’s uber-progressive campaign would have utilized uber-progressive standards of gender parity and anti-sexual-harassment, but it seems that multiple claims of pay disparity and unwanted sexual attention have seriously clouded the campaign.
JANUARY 2019
New Democratic Muslim Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (Michigan) telling her supporters what she had recently told her son regarding Trump when he allegedly said, “‘Momma, look, you won. Bullies don’t win.’ What the foul-mouthed politician may not realize: Her son was talking about her...
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
33
BACK ISSUES
34
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
BACK ISSUES
JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
35
NEWS
9 MOST-BRAZEN NY INSURANCE FRAUDSTERS VOTED INTO NEW YORK’S INSURANCE LEGION OF SHAME
I
nsurance scams steal hundreds of millions of dollars in New York annually. All New Yorkers pay for fraud. Automobile schemes, for example, help raise premiums that honest drivers pay. The Legion of Shame draws public attention to the need for more New Yorkers to unite against insurance crime. Report fraud by calling tollfree 1-844-FRAUDNY.
Medical madness. Dr. Gregory B. Shankman (Utica office) billed for giving workers-compensation exams on fully 150 days he was traveling elsewhere in New York — and even vacationing in Iceland.
Wound madness. Dr. Syed Imran Ahmed (Long Island) billed Medicare $85 million for wound treatments he never performed. Driven to deceive. Michael That included 600 surgeries for Danilovich (NYC) masterminded a one elderly woman. massive fraud ring that stole $279 million in false injury claims from Unsober sober homes. Yury bogus and setup car wrecks. It Baumblit ran unsafe flophouses was one of the largest such crimes that housed homeless people in U.S. history. and addicts in the New York City area. He pushed many residents Burning desire. Samuel into unneeded drug rehab, Crawford (Canandaigua) burned forced some to take drugs, and down his vacant rental home evicted anyone who didn’t because he was having problems cooperate. leasing it due to code violations. Two adjacent homes also were Commercial con. Jean Davilmar damaged. (Brooklyn) falsely insured more than 100 high-risk commercial Fiery fraud. Jesus Cruz vehicles with fake companies. (Newburgh) burned down his He lied that they did safe work store after inspectors cut off such as delivering packages, and power due to code violations. Cruz supporting flower businesses lit up gasoline he spread around and landscapers. the main floor and basement. 36
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
Compounding the fraud. Bus driver Enver Kalaba helped fellow employees of the New York City MTA file millions of dollars in false claims for medically worthless compound scar and pain creams — billed to the MTA’s health program. Murder for life. Jasmine Harlee (Ontario) hired a hitman to smother her mother with a pillow for $30,000 of life insurance money.
FREE! free insider subscription! sign up yourself or any associate at this link
HERE JANUARY 2019
www.
.com
Accessible
Simple
Reliable
Powerful
Affordable Secure
$
Management & Rating
AccuAgency provides a secure location for all your agency's customer data. Disaster-proof your data, improve E&O documentation, enhance operational efficiency, and boost your profitability. When you are empowered by AccuAgency, your clients are provided more personal attention. Your staff can devote more time to customer service instead of dealing with unorganized files and documents.
Cloud-based rating and management at your fingertips
If you write auto insurance and represent multiple auto insurance carriers, AccuAuto, our personal auto comparative rater, is affordable, easy-to-use, and fully integrated with our AccuAgency agency management system.
Take AccuAgency and AccuAuto for a test drive
If you would like to try AccuAgency and/or AccuAuto for a risk-free 30-day demo, please call (800) 229-2009 ext. 3. One of our training staff will schedule hands-on training to help you learn and appreciate the many features available.
JANUARY 2019
(800) 229-2009 ext 3 Mention code UWI sales@accuagency.com Request more info at http://accu.agency/UWI Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
37
TECHNOLOGY Continued From Page 5
KIM KOMANDO They would also investigate the matter and if undisclosed cameras were found, that landlord’s listing on Airbnb would be terminated. That’s reassuring customer service from a company as big as Airbnb. Laws on this sticky subject vary from state to state and sometimes, city to city. There is no overriding federal law. But in general, local and state laws usually permit landlords to install cameras in “public spaces.”
than video. In many states, both ceilings. Fortunately, for a camera parties need to be aware that the to see you, you have to be able to see it as well, so it can’t be entirely recording is taking place. hidden. If you’re renting, first check the listings carefully for any mention There are gadgets on the market of cameras. Regardless, your job that are geared specifically upon arrival is to check every toward lens detection, like the single room. The good news is Brickhouse Security Mini Hidden that finding these cameras only Camera Detector. It’s $100 and it uses flashing red LEDs for better sounds difficult. detection. Brickhouse makes other gadgets that use lasers HOW TO SPOT instead of LEDs and have other AND DISABLE CAMERAS fancy features, but those get up Cameras come in all shapes and into the $500 range and are mainly sizes. There are larger ones that meant for law enforcement. look like cameras, which are easy to spot. Smaller cameras, such as In addition to lens detection, you the Nest Dropcam, can slip behind can also get an RF detector. This furnishings, decorations or vents. can pick up wireless cameras Then there are spy cameras that within 10 feet or so. Some of the hide in everyday objects like alarm expensive ones have screens clocks, stuffed animals or picture to show you what the camera frames. is seeing. Unfortunately, RF
This is an important distinction. Private areas, like bedrooms and bathrooms, or anywhere else that anyone would reasonably expect A simple way to spot most types privacy are off limits. of cameras is to look for the lens In a situation where you rent reflection. This requires turning a single room of a house or off the lights and slowly scanning apartment, it gets trickier. Your the room with a flashlight, or expectation of privacy would laser pointer, looking for bright only apply to the room and the reflections. It works even better if bathroom. The person renting you’re looking through something can put cameras elsewhere, such like an empty roll of toilet paper as the living room or their rooms, because it narrows your focus. Be sure to scan the room from and it would likely be legal. multiple spots so you don’t miss However, as Brickhouse Security a camera pointed only at certain reminds us, recording someone places. for the “purpose of blackmail or other ‘malicious intent’” is illegal You should also do a close visual in any situation. Also, audio inspection of the vents, as well as recording has much stricter rules any holes or gaps in the walls or 38
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
detectors aren’t great for wired or record-only cameras. For those, you’ll need to stick with the lens reflection method. You can find RF detectors for under $30, but the quality is suspect. Brickhouse makes a basic model that sells for $70. It also has a model for $140 that combines an RF detector with a lens-reflection detector. If you can connect to the rental’s wireless network, a free program like Wireless Network Watcher See Komando Page 44 JANUARY 2019
INSURANCE & THE LAW Continued From Page 7
ZALMA The loss-payable-reduction provision in Case’s policy authorized State Farm to reduce UM benefits to reflect certain medical expenses potentially included in her July 2014 demand, namely, past and future expenses for injuryrelated treatments payable through but not submitted to the workers compensation system. That provision states that the UM benefit shall be reduced by any amount paid or payable to . . . the insured [] . . . [] . . . under any workers compensation, disability benefits, or similar law. (Italics omitted and added.)
The provision in Cases policy required that the loss payable be reduced by the determinable medical expenses eligible for payment through the workers compensation system, regardless of whether Case submitted a claim for them. For that reason, State Farm could not ascertain the loss payable until the amount of such expenses was known to State Farm. Accordingly, the provision authorized State Farm to request a determination regarding the extent to which her past and future medical expenses could be paid through that system.
workers compensation benefits, the dispute was genuine, as State Farm had reason to believe that Cases medical expenses were eligible for payment through her workers compensation claim, which she had withdrawn. Because State Farm resolved Cases claim shortly after determining the amounts payable by workers compensation, no triable issues exist regarding bad faith.
The record discloses only that State Farm resolved Cases claim promptly after learning of her ineligibility for future Workers Compensation benefits. In sum, As the amount of the Case has demonstrated no triable medical expenses eligible issues precluding summary for payment through the judgment on her complaint. workers compensation system increased, State Farm’s liability ZALMA OPINION for UM benefits diminished. As Insurance, by definition, is a a result no triable issues exist promise to provide indemnity regarding whether State Farm to a person injured who was The term payable necessarily acted reasonably in seeking an intelligent enough to purchase encompasses medical expenses eligibility determination. insurance to protect herself. eligible for payment through the Case did so when she obtained There are no triable issues workers compensation system, UM insurance from State Farm. regardless of whether the regarding the reasonableness of She tried to collect the same insured has submitted a claim State Farms resolution of Cases indemnity from State Farm for them. That conclusion flows claim for UM benefits. When and her employers workers from the italicized language, Case submitted her July 2014 compensation insurer which viewed in conjunction with demand, State Farm promptly would have resulted in a double the related policy provision requested information regarding recovery. Her bad faith suit failed expressly denying coverage for her workers compensation because State Farm did what was bodily injury to the extent [such claim. Although a dispute arose required to reach a settlement coverage would] benefit[] [] . . . in November 2014 when Case with Case and did so promptly any workers compensation . . . provided evidence of a purported after receiving the final lien final lien and denied the information. insurance company. likelihood of receiving additional JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
39
NEWS
FIRST LOCKHEED MARTIN-BUILT NEXT GENERATION GPS III SATELLITE RESPONDING TO COMMANDS
D
ENVER, Dec. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -At approximately 12,550 miles (20,200 km) up... turn left. You have arrived at a new era for the Global Positioning System (GPS). A major milestone in the U.S. Air Force's plan to bring new technology and capabilities to the GPS constellation, the first Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)built GPS III satellite began "talking" with engineers and operators from ground control, as planned, following its successful launch this morning.
GPS-III-SV01-10-On-Orbit GPS III Space Vehicle 01 (GPS III SV01) is now receiving and responding to commands from Lockheed Martin's Launch and Checkout Center at the company's Denver facility. Air Force and company engineers declared satellite control signal acquisition and rocket booster separation about 119 minutes after GPS III SV01's launch. The satellite lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 8:51 a.m. EST. 40
The Underwriter’s Insider
Image Credit: Lockheed Martin
GPS III SV01 is the first of an entirely new, next generation GPS satellite designed to modernize the GPS constellation. GPS III has three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved antijamming capabilities. Spacecraft life will extend to 15 years, 25 percent longer than any of the Table of Contents
GPS satellites on-orbit today. GPS III's new L1C civil signal will also make it the first GPS satellite broadcasting a compatible signal with other international global navigation satellite systems, like See Next Gen GPS Satellite Page 45 JANUARY 2019
NEWS
CHUBB INTRODUCES GAP SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE TO HELP OFFSET RISING OUT-OF-POCKET MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR CONSUMERS
D
ue to the rise in employersponsored, highdeductible health plans (HDHPs), consumers are becoming increasingly responsible for larger co-payment and co-insurance amounts and higher plan deductibles. Since the inception of HDHPs in 2004, adoption rates have continued to increase as employers seek to lower their upfront costs and have employees take on a greater share in the cost of coverage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 43 percent of people under the age of 65 with private health insurance were enrolled in a HDHP in the first nine months of 2017, and enrollment has been on a steady increase since 2010. “The changing healthcare marketplace continues to challenge employers who are looking for efficient and cost-effective benefit solutions for their employees. JANUARY 2019
As a result, rising healthcare and coverage costs are increasingly being borne by consumers,” said Chris Howard, Senior Vice President, Affinity Solutions, Chubb North America Accident & Health.
co-payments and co-insurance amounts – including a minimum annual deductible – may become an unintended financial burden. Chubb’s new Gap Supplement product provides an additional benefit layer in an individual’s major “Through Chubb’s extensive medical coverage by covering the experience and deep industry co-payment and co-insurance knowledge, this Gap Supplement expenses – like those associated product helps to fill holes in with certain hospital, outpatient coverage associated with high and doctor’s office visits. out-of-pocket deductibles, copayments and co-insurance To learn more about Chubb’s Gap expenses – especially those that Supplement product, click here. may be a result of unanticipated medical events.” All products may not be available in all states. This communication Howard continued, “With this contains product summaries only. coverage solution, Chubb enables Coverage is subject to the language employers to take advantage of of the policies as actually issued. savings associated with HDHPs but still provide some coverage Chubb Accident & Health is the U.S. to employees to help offset the marketing division for the Chubb burden of potentially significant Group of Companies. We partner out-of-pocket expenses.” with our customers, whether large or small, to deliver innovative HDHPs offer lower premiums insurance solutions designed to that are often attractive to meet customers’ unique needs. consumers; however, the higher Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
41
SPECIAL REPORT
HOW (AND WHY) TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE By Ron Manera, Senior Editor
T
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
42
The Underwriter’s Insider
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
I
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. 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 out to cover your news story. JANUARY 2019
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.
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 8. About (Your Company) your piece, (remember, I It’s good to include a short charge for advertising) but “About ABC Company” at just as important, it will lack the end of your PR. Keep it credibility to the readers if it short and within the word just looks like a puff piece. limit for the entire piece. It’s okay to sound enthused Include contact info for about the topic and your “further information.” company, but the ideal PR 9. Make certain to place a will look as if your company copy of each PR on your made the news because of company website under some newsworthy event. your NEWS tab. The practice 6. Give me at least one quote, will make your site more e.g. “Frank’s extensive relevant to search engines experience in restaurant and more valuable to risks will bring a new depth visitors. to our commercial insurance department,” said John ow that you’ve created Smith, CEO... the perfect press 7. If appropriate, include release, where should an image, especially if you send it? the PR involves personnel or a mention or quote
N
JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
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.
www/underwritersinsider.com
43
TECHNOLOGY Continued From Page 38
KIM KOMANDO
shows what gadgets are connected. You might be able to spot connected cameras. Just be aware that the owner might have put the cameras on a second network, or they could be wired or record-only types. If the rental property is controlled by a home automation system, it’s fairly easy to find cameras. Open the system controller menu and look for anything mentioning cameras. Accordingly, scan the TV channels for anything suspicious. There are hardware jammers that block Wi-Fi entirely. Using these, you could essentially take any and all Internet-enabled cameras offline. But jammers are illegal in the U.S.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A CAMERA If the presence of indoor surveillance cameras was not disclosed to you, the answer is simple: Pick up the phone 44
The Underwriter’s Insider
and call the police. Tell them you have direct evidence that your landlord, or Airbnb host, is spying on you, without your knowledge or permission, inside your rental home. Use this exact phrase. While you’re waiting for police to arrive, document the situation with video and photos on your smartphone. If you are traveling with others, ask them to be witnesses. Remind them they were about to be victimized too. Once you have your police report, contact the rental site. Make no mistake. Stumbling over surveillance cameras isn’t just creepy. This is a big deal involving your basic constitutional rights and the law.
Copyright 2019, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. 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 Table of Contents
Rent This Space! Want Your 1/3 Page Message To Hit Over 120,000 Industry E-Mails Per Month For As Little As $129.00? View Rate Card Here! Request More Info Here! JANUARY 2019
NEWS Lockheed Martin developed GPS III and manufactured GPS III SV01 at its advanced $128-million GPS III Processing Facility near Denver. In September 2017, the Air Force declared the satellite "Available for Launch" (AFL) and had the company place it into storage. Last summer the Air Force "called up" the satellite for launch and Lockheed Martin delivered it to Florida on Aug. 20. On Dec. 8, GPS III SV01 completed preEurope's Galileo, improving connectivity for civilian launch processing, fueling and encapsulation at users. Astrotech Space Operations, in Titusville, Florida.
Continued From Page 40
FIRST LOCKHEED MARTINBUILT NEXT GENERATION GPS III SATELLITE
Once declared operational, GPS III SV01 is expected to take its place in today's 31 satellite strong GPS constellation, which provides positioning, navigation and timing services to more than four billion civil, commercial and military users. The Air Force nicknamed the satellite "Vespucci" after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. "In the coming days, GPS III SV01 will use its liquid apogee engines to climb into its operational orbit about 12,550 miles above the earth. We will then send it commands to deploy its solar arrays and antennas, and begin on-orbit checkout and tests, including extensive signals testing with our advanced navigation payload provided by Harris Corporation," said Johnathon Caldwell, Lockheed Martin's Vice President for Navigation Systems. Air Force and Lockheed Martin engineers are controlling GPS III SV01's launch and checkout test using elements of the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) Block 0. Satellite control and operations are expected to shift to the Air Force's current Operational Control Segment when GPS III Contingency Operations upgrades are fully implemented later this year.
GPS III SV01 is the first of 10 GPS III satellites originally ordered by the Air Force. GPS III SV0308 are now in various stages of assembly and test. In August, the Air Force declared the second GPS III "AFL" and, in November, called GPS III SV02 up for a 2019 launch. In September, the Air Force selected Lockheed Martin for the GPS III Follow On (GPS IIIF) program, an estimated $7.2 billion opportunity to build up to 22 additional GPS IIIF satellites with additional capabilities. GPS IIIF builds off Lockheed Martin's existing modular GPS III, which was designed to evolve with new technology and changing mission needs. On Sept. 26, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.4 billion contract for support to start up the program and to contract the 11th and 12th GPS III satellite.
Lockheed Martin is proud to be a part of the Air Force's GPS III team. The GPS III team is led by the Global Positioning Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, manages and operates the GPS "This is the Air Force's first GPS III, so we are excited to constellation for both civil and military users. begin on-orbit test and demonstrate its capabilities," Caldwell said. "By this time next year, we expect to For additional GPS III information, photos and also have a second GPS III on orbit and users should be video visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/gps. receiving signals from this first satellite." JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
45
2018 FAIA CONVENTION TRADE FAIR BOOTH IMAGES NOW ONLINE!
O
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
46
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
2018 LAAIA CONVENTION TRADE FAIR BOOTH IMAGES NOW ONLINE!
T
he largest insurance trade fair in S. Florida, the Latin American Association of Insurance Agents pulled off another incredible event with their 47th annual convention and trade fair this August. This time no camera equipment issues and had time to shoot every booth.
Click On The Image Below To View Booth Images
JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
47
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.”
48
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
NEW INSURANCE CLAIMS BOOKS BY BARRY ZALMA The Making of an Insurance Claims Professional
I
t is the insurance claims person - the adjuster - who meets with the person insured and works to keep the promises made by the insurance policy. The adjuster cannot, however, help the insurer keep the promises made unless he or she understands insurance, insurance claims, the types of claims presented and the law surrounding insurance and insurance claims. For the minimal cost of a paperback or Kindle book every insurer can place in the hands of their claims people information that will help them become professional, well trained, thoroughly educated claims professionals who are able to read and understand every insurance policy so that he or she is able to keep the promises made by the insurance policy. Read about these and many more insurance books by Barry Zalma at http://zalma.com/zalma-books/
• Construction Defects and Insurance • Zalma on Insurance Claims • Zalma on Insurance Claims Volume 101 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 102 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 103 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 104
• Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 105 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 106 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 107 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 108 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 109 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 110
VISIT ZALMA BOOKS NOW!
JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
49
50
The Underwriter’s Insider
Table of Contents
JANUARY 2019
JANUARY 2019
Table of Contents
www/underwritersinsider.com
51