The Underwriter's Insider February 2015 by The Underwriter's Insider

Features 5 Advertising 9 Kim Komando 22 Inside Track 27 Insider Advisor 28 Classifieds 32 Say What? 34 Back Issues

News 4 7

Preparing Your Agency For Sale by Kathryn Christ, Business Broker

9 10

Ten Essential Apps For Your Tablet by Kim Komando

12 14 14 15

QQSolutions Speeds Agency And Customer Communications With QQCatalyst V3.3 Release

Insurance Agent Can’t Buy Insurance For Criminal or Intentional Act Expert Analysis by Barry Zalma, Esq. The SOTU, ObamaCare and Other Issues of Importance to America OP/ED by Spencer A. Lehmann, RHU Southern California Agent Who Used Phoney PFC Agreements Sentenced Texas Division of Workers’ Comp Announces Enforcement Actions Why Does President Obama Refuse To Use “Radical Islam” to Describe Terrorist Attacks?

California Insurance Agent Conspires With Brother to Con Seniors Out of More Than $500,000

Georgia Agent Sentenced to Five Years in Jail - 20 Years Probation & $29,459 In Restitution to Victims

Florida Approves Removal of up to $93,500 Policies From Citizens

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News 18 19 21 21 22

Louisiana Insurance Agent Served With Cease & Desist & Suspension

23 25

Is Florida’s Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty on His Way Out?

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Louisiana Department of Insurance Launches New Website Florida Announces Two Miami Insurance Fraud Arrests Florida Announ ces Nine Miami PIP Fraud Arrests Watertown, WI Insurance Agent Accused of Running a $10 million Ponzi Scheme Out of His Small Agency

Georgia’s Fraud Unit Arrests Former Agent - Administrative Action Against His Wife Time to Shop For That Generator? Tips On What You May Need JK Rowling Comes Out Against Rupert Murdoch - And Makes A Fool of Herself “A Deep Moral Confusion” Obama’s Conflict With Radical Islam While The World Burns, President Obama Focuses on Wealth Transference Toyota Develops Affordable Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicle - Video Take A Tour of the French Ballistic Missile Submarine Redoubtable - Video

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Sponsors 4 6 7 8 17 20 18 22 26 26 27 38 39 40 37 40

JMJ Brokers Modern Insurance Consultants QQ Solutions H.O.P.E. St. James Insurance Company Clearwater Underwriters Accu-Auto NASA - Eclipse Agency Mgt. Accu-Auto SLB Group Encore HR Personnel Solutions Barry Zalma, Esq. The Towing & Rental Group FYI Georgia View & News Orrin R. Beilly, Esq. Financemaster

Cover Photo: © R. Manera

PREPARING YOUR AGENCY FOR SALE

BY KATHRYN CHRIST, BUSINESS BROKER

or many agency owners, the agency is the largest financial asset they own. Therefore, it is critical to ensure top dollar when it’s time to exit the marketplace. Unfortunately, some owners choose to hang onto their agencies and let their book slowly die off rather than capitalizing on its value at the time of peak performance.

you will be paid a second time by the buyer of your agency. Therefore, increasing revenue can be very profitable for you as you approach the sale date.

Corporate tax returns will be scrutinized during due diligence, so build value for your agency by accurately reporting income and expenses. Reduced income or excessive expenses on your tax returns might save you money with the tax man, but it will depress the value of your business for the buyer.

Don’t let your agency dwindle away. To ensure the greatest value for your agency, begin with a long-term plan. Ideally, your transition preparation should begin two to three years before your exit. This time should be used to take measure of four critical areas, including sales trends, financial records, organized files and lien searches.

Organized files Organized files ensure a smooth due diligence process. Commission reports by carrier filed by month can make or break a sale. When you think of every commission report as an invoice to the buyer, it’s possible to begin understanding their importance to the value of your agency.

Sales trends Maintaining or developing upward sales trends is important to attracting buyers. All buyers want to believe that they will be successful and upward sales trends encourage this belief. In fact, upward sales trends will ensure you are paid twice for every policy. First, you will be paid commission on the policy you sell and second, since many purchase prices are based on a multiple of sales, 4

agency accounts for business only. Reserve the trust account for its intended use - premium transactions.

Financial records

For policies without a corresponding commission report, consider what other proof of commission you can provide. For instance, a commercial policy can be verified using the dec page

Financial records are central to the due diligence process. Keeping your bank accounts clean enables a foundation of trust to be built between you and the buyer. Keep a clear line between business and personal expenses by using the See Preparing Agency For Sale Pg 15 The Underwriter’s Insider

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QQSOLUTIONS SPEEDS AGENCY AND CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS WITH QQCATALYST V3.3 RELEASE

he latest QQCatalyst v3.3 release makes communications faster and more efficient for agents with text messaging and realtime inquiry.

Deerfield Beach, Florida, (January 6th, 2015) – QQSolutions, Inc., the leading provider of cloud based agency management systems for independent insurance agents, announces the immediate availability of QQCatalyst version 3.3. This new release exemplifies QQSolutions’ tradition of delivering continual and consistent innovation, through the inclusion of new technologies, features and customer requested enhancements that help agencies better communicate and increase efficiency.

when a new message is received. “We implemented the texting feature a few months ago and have found it to be an impressive and reliable addition to the QQCatalyst application” said L. Scott Standford, President of Britton-Selg-Standford Insurance Agency, NJ. “It allows my staff to receive text messages to their desktop inbox and easily save them to the client’s file, thereby drastically reducing a potential E&O exposure for my agency”.

Several new features delivered in the release are targeted at helping agencies save time and improve client retention and renewal rates. Real-Time Inquiry, gives QQCatalyst users direct, single click access to Policy Inquiry Status and billing

inquiries through IVANS RTI (RealTime Inquiry) service saving time and improving agent workflows. The addition of several new standard reports provides agencies information designed to help them better understand their business. As well as client retention and renewal rates, agency owners can easily view key business metrics including customer balances, producer close ratios, quotes generated and proposed as well as creating their own customized reports. “We are excited to release these great new capabilities in QQCatalyst, many of which are the direct result of feedback from

See QQSOLUTIONS Pg 15

QQCatalyst users can now leverage the growing popularity of text messaging to improve the speed and convenience of engaging their customers and prospects. Agencies can easily send and receive text messages directly from QQCatalyst with their own dedicated texting phone number. All inbound and outbound messages are stored for each contact and agents are automatically notified www.underwritersinsider.com

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FEB 2015 A Publication of AdMax Corp Corporate Offices P.O. Box 31551 Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33420 Ron Manera, Senior Editor 561.718.0745 • ron@insurmedia.com © Entire Contents 2015 AdMax Corp

To best navigate The Insider, begin with the Table of Contents and select your topic. On the bottom of most pages is a Table of Contents link that will immediately return you for your next topic selection. EVERY SPONSOR AD LINKS DIRECTLY TO THE SPONSOR’S WEBSITE. CLICK ON ANY AD TO VISIT OUR FINE SPONSORS!

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10 ESSENTIAL APPS FOR YOUR TABLET

photos on the go

For simple photo editing on your gadget, try the Fotor app (Free; Android, iOS). Change the filter Really Cool Info - by Kim Komando on the photo to achieve the best effects, customize the borders, he thing that makes tablets My iPhone (Free; iOS) can help you create collages and more! And really useful is the apps. locate your lost gadget, lock it, and when you’ve got the perfect Unfortunately, there are if worse comes to worst, you can picture, you can share it with others literally millions of apps available. remotely wipe your mobile gadget. online with the tap of a button. If you’re a real shutterbug, here are Fear not! I’ve done the research for more great photo apps. you, and am bringing you the apps 2. Manage your money that every tablet owner needs to install. By the way, these apps are 4. Know the weather Creating and sticking to a budget also great for your smartphone. is important, but time-consuming. before stepping out the You could spend hours slaving door 1. Don’t lose your tablet away over a checkbook or computer program. Simplify things Sometimes your tablet or with the Mint app (Free; Android, Before you head out on your next smartphone can grow legs of its iOS). It links to your bank account travel adventure, grab the Weather own and wander off. Or, sometimes so you always know just how much Channel app (Free; Android, iOS, it has help from some sticky- money you have. Then you can set Windows Phone). You can check the current temperature, the fingered thief. Whatever up spending categories with hourly forecast and the next 10 the reason, a budget for each and in days of weather. You’ll also get a Android Device no time you’ll have a customizable radar map, video Manager real-time report clips, severe weather alerts and ( F r e e ; on your financial beach conditions. It’s just better Android) health. than your gadget’s built-in weather or Find app.

3. Edit your

5. Be more productive One of the standard productivity tools for home and business is Microsoft Office. Unfortunately, Office documents don’t always play nice with third-party apps. That’s why it was a big deal when Microsoft released Microsoft

See Kim Komando Pg 39 www.underwritersinsider.com

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failed to advise him that he needed to purchase patent infringement insurance

eople engaged in criminal conduct or conduct intended to cause damage to another seek insurance coverage in case they are caught in their wrongful conduct. When they do they run afoul of the definition of insurance that it only protects against events that are contingent or unknown at the time the policy is acquired. A Mississippi farmer named Scruggs schemed to profit from a special seed developed by Monsanto and deprive Monsanto of its right to control and profit from the sale of its special seed. In Scruggs v. Bost.

FACTS The Underlying Federal Action

Barry Zalma, Esq., CFE is a California attorney specializing in insurance coverage, insurance claims handling and fraud who serves as a consultant and expert for insurers and policyholders. He founded Zalma Insurance Consultants in 2001 and serves as its senior consultant. He recently published an e-book, “Getting The Whole Truth,” which is available at his Web site, www.zalma.com. Go to Zalma Books at http://www.zalma.com/zalmabooks. htm.

Monsanto Company develops, manufactures, licenses, and sells agricultural chemicals, agricultural biotechnology and other agricultural products. Monsanto Company v. Scruggs, 249 F.Supp.2d 746, 749 (N.D.Miss.2001). After much research, Monsanto developed genetically modified seeds that had several favorable traits, such as resistance to herbicides and certain insects/pests.

getting him coverage for his structured its acts. He lost in the trial court Monsanto marketing strategy for its When sued by Monsanto in and appealed his claim to the genetically modified seeds federal court Scruggs asked its Mississippi Supreme Court. carefully. Seed companies and insurer to defend. The insurer farmers who wished to use refused because the acts were Farmland Mutual Insurance Monsanto’s patented seeds intentional. The Mississippi Company succeed in its denial. were required to enter into Supreme Court agreed with Scruggs sued Greg Bost (the a licensing agreement with the insurer so Scruggs sued insurance agent), and Nowell Monsanto, which limited use his insurance agents for not Insurance Agency in state of its seeds to one growing court. Scruggs appeal asked the Supreme Court, arguing, season. In other words, farmers Join Barry Zalma’s new Blog: among other things, that could not resell or supply the http://www.zalma.com/blog Bost and Nowell negligently seeds to any other person, and they could not save any seed 10

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to replant the next year. These restrictions were publicized in trade journals and through public meetings with farmers, and they also appeared on the product label.

2000. Scruggs testified in his deposition in the state action that he did not mention patent infringement to Bost or ask him about patent-infringement coverage prior to the issuance of the policy in 1999, nor did he Monsanto determined that mention it before the renewal Scruggs had replanted its in 2000. seeds, and it filed suit against him in the United States District Interestingly, Scruggs Court for the Northern District testified in his deposition of Mississippi on September that he renewed his policy 7, 2000. Monsanto alleged with Farmland for a second that Scruggs “knowingly, time in April 2001, even after intentionally and willfully Monsanto had sued him and planted unlicensed seed after Farmland had denied without authorization from coverage. He also testified Monsanto and used such seed that he renewed his coverage in violation of Monsanto’s despite Bost reminding him patent rights.” Scruggs denied that Farmland had determined Monsanto’s allegations that no patent-infringement and brought numerous coverage existed. Bost testified counterclaims against it. After to this conversation as well. extensive litigation and trial, the jury found that Scruggs had Despite the technological willfully infringed Monsanto’s complexity of the underlying patents and awarded it $8 facts, the court only needed to .9 million in compensatory address one basic legal issue damages. to resolve this matter: does the Scrugges’ insurance policy The State Action cover the torts complained Against Farmland of in Monsanto’s lawsuit?The State Action Against Bost and Bost presented several Nowell Farmland and Scruggs coverage options to Scruggs via litigated the action initially, a written insurance proposal, as the pressing issue was and Scruggs purchased some Farmland’s duty to defend. options and declined others. Scruggs focused on his claims against Farmland until this Scruggs purchased a general Court reversed and rendered liability policy and an umbrella in Farmland’s favor. After the policy, and the policies first federal jury awarded Monsanto went into effect on April 1, $8.9 million in compensatory 1999. Scruggs subsequently damages in September 2010, renewed his coverage in Scruggs pursued his claims www.underwritersinsider.com

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against Bost and Nowell, which had remained virtually dormant since 2001. Following the Mississippi Supreme Court’s decision in Farmland, Scruggs amended his Complaint against Bost and Nowell twice. As for Scruggs’s allegations regarding Bost’s and Nowell’s failure to advise, the circuit judge found that no duty arose, “because neither Defendants nor Plaintif even mentioned patent infringement coverage.” Finally, the circuit judge found that Bost and Nowell could not be held liable for not realizing the potential for the patentinfringement suit, because “the Mississippi Supreme court has held that request for ‘full coverage’ does not require an insurance agent to provide coverage for all conceivable risks or perils.” The circuit judge dismissed all of Scruggs’s claims with prejudice.

ANALYSIS The Supreme Court found that Scruggs’s actions were both intentional and illegal, and therefore uninsurable as a matter of law. As a result, Bost and Nowell simply cannot be liable for any form of negligence. In other words, it would not matter what negligent misrepresentations See ZALMA Page 24 11

THE SOTU, OBAMACARE, AND OTHER ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE… TO AMERICA, IF NOT PRESIDENT OBAMA OP/ED BY SPENCER A. LEHMANN, RHU By Spencer A. Lehmann, RHU

for work after years of being told no work was available; as expected, this president refused to even acknowledge the driving presence of Al-Qaeda while as he was speaking Islamists were taking over Yemen (who Mr. Obama held out as proof that his anti-Terrorist policies were working), ad nauseam.

id you watch that repeat of SOTU’s and Obama Campaign speeches from last year and the previous years he’s been in office, in this year’s SOTU, January 20, 2015? Amazing, huh? Same divisive start, middle, and finish. Same threats to the Republicans. Most egregious are the myriad of lies, disinformation, and misinformation Mr. Obama tossed like so much word salad to the audience. And as expected, the Democrats ate it up, and the Republicans passed on the meal. ObamaCare is NOT a success, Millions more Americans have lost access to their Health Care as a result of the huge deductibles; to suggest that more Americans are employed than ever in the past decade or more is simply a blatant lie... Millions upon Millions are no longer in the count as they quit looking

Spencer A. Lehmann is a Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), whose company, Lehmann/Wood & Associates, Inc., specializes in Group and Individual Long Term Care insurance and Medicare Supplemental Coverage. Mr. Lehmann retired from his company in 2005 and now spends his time writing on Health Care Insurance and Political Issues, both of which have encompassed over 40+ years of his life. He has been an actively involved member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) since 1978, and serves on the Board of Directors of several Charitable Organizations’ helping Special Needs Children, and Inner-City Children to experience and participate in the world of the Arts and Music. In his free time he plays golf with his wife, Fran, who usually wins.

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Most telling about Mr. Obama’s total break from reality is that he continues to pretend that the Midterm Elections were not a referendum on his policies in spite of the fact that he said that they were precisely that, just before the Red Tide swept the country. What a sad joke Barack Obama is. On US(A). ***SOTU, the day after: Lots covered in BO’s speech. Did you catch this? “The President Wants To Tax Your 529 College Savings Account”. That’s TAX - COLLEGE – SAVINGS - ACCOUNTS. So if you’re a responsible parent, put money aside for your children’s education, Mr. Obama wanted to tax it. Yet he wants to give a Free, The Underwriter’s Insider

Tax Payer Paid Education to those attending a Community College. Yeah, that makes sense. Tax the responsible Americans who have planned for college so as not to be a burden on Society, and Give it Away to those who don’t give a damn about preparing for their future. ***Update: Just before this article went to press, Obama dropped his “Tax the college savings accounts” plan, after the American Public erupted in total amazement and anger at this president who is so anxious to make everyone equal, that those who are Responsible should be punished for planning and excelling, in Mr. Obama’s “Take from those who make, and give to those who don’t” opinion, even if those most harmed are the American Middle Class. Even POLITICO, normally a very left wing media entity, says that Obama clearly took a sharp left turn; ignoring the very Middle Class he had sworn to protect: “Obama initially wanted to include a provision in his

FREE CLASSIFIEDS!

budget taxing 529 college savings plans, arguing they tend to benefit wealthier families. But many of those families reside well below the level Obama himself previously defined as “middle class,” having combined household incomes of below $250,000.

According to the President, Obamacare is a resounding success. Let’s look at this “success”:

After a backlash from both Republicans and Democrats — including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi — the White House backed off the plan and said it would not be in the budget. Asked why they dropped it, White House spokesman Eric Shultz called the issue a “distraction” that was taking attention away from other elements of the president’s education agenda.

See SOTU- Page 30

* “Obamacare Deductibles, Already High, Climb in 2015” “As was the case in 2014, lower-tiered Obamacare

But its initial inclusion suggested that Obama had recalibrated his view of what constitutes “middle class” in America. In his 2008 campaign, Obama repeatedly vowed that no family making under $250,000 per year would face “any form of tax increase.” [HERE]

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AGENT WHO USED PHONEY PREMIUM FINANCE AGREEMENTS SENTENCED IN $100,000 FRAUD CASE Former Southern California agent sentenced in $100,000 fraud case

TEXAS DIVISION OF WORKERS’ COMP ANNOUNCES ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

Insurance confirmed Santillan's fraud. The department began its investigation after receiving multiple complaints regarding USTIN - Commissioner of Santillan's business practices Workers’ Compensation involving the sale of various Ryan Brannan recently OS ANGELES, Calif. - insurance products and bonds. announced final disciplinary actions Isidro Santillan, 54, was taken by the Division of Workers’ Operating out of his office in sentenced to three Compensation (DWC) in 2014. Pacoima, Santillan sold polices years in state prison and agreed to pay more than $133,000 in to contractors across the state. The final actions include He exposed his victims to great restitution to multiple victims. administrative penalties ordered financial risk when he left them For more than two years Santillan against insurance carriers, health uncovered by not forwarding embezzled over $100,000 from care providers and employers in the clients, pocketed premium money premiums to brokers, finance workers’compensation system. Since companies and January 1, 2014, the Commissioner and created phony insurers. Santillan of Workers’ Compensation has documents leaving his concealed his theft ordered administrative penalties clients at great financial by providing some of totaling $2,238,845 against system risk. his clients with phony participants. premium finance "By failing to forward agreements. insurance premiums, The penalties include $2,086,395 Santillan placed his in fines ordered against insurance Santillan pleaded no customers in great carriers, $106,450 in fines ordered contest to two felony financial jeopardy," against health care providers, counts of grand theft Isidro Santillan, 54 said Insurance $45,000 in fines ordered against Not Looking Happy... and multiple acts of Commissioner Dave other entities and $1,000 in fines embezzlement. In Jones. "However he ordered against employers. addition to serving jail time and could not escape the law. We will continue our fight against paying restitution, Santillan will Violations by insurance carriers cited insurance fraud and work with our have no involvement in insurance in recent orders include failing to law enforcement partners to bring business in any capacity for ten timely pay income benefits to an years after his release from prison. injured employee, failing to timely justice to California consumers." This case was prosecuted by pay a medical bill, and retrospectively Santillan was arrested in August the Los Angeles County District reviewing the medical necessity of Office-Consumer a preauthorized medical service or 2014 after an investigation by Attorney's the California Department of Protection Unit. treatment.

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The Underwriter’s Insider

Continued from Page 4

PREPARING AGENCY FOR SALE and the commission rate can be verified from the company contract. Buyers will appreciate an organized and simple filing system, whether electronic or in hard copy. However, having these records available electronically makes due diligence easier for everyone involved. Lien searches Finally, a lien search of the UCC registry in your state may prevent heartache during due diligence. If you have had a lien on your agency due to financing or another issue, it is in your best interest to have that removed prior to the sale, or plan on using funds from the sale to satisfy the debt at closing.

Continued from Page 7

Named one of the "25 FastestGrowing Technology Companies" in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, QQ Solutions is a software-as-aservice (SaaS) company that provides feature-rich, affordable solutions that help independent insurance agencies grow revenues, enhance productivity our customer community,” said and operate more efficiently. For Brian Nason, Director of Product more than 26 years the company’s Management, QQSolutions, mission is to help independent Inc. “By leveraging real-time insurance agencies compete in information along with rapid the digital world by leveraging communication services like text the latest technologies, social messaging, our agency customers media, digital marketing and can provide exceptional service real-time services. to their insured through easier, faster and more accurate To learn more about QQ communications.” Solutions products, please call the company at 1.800.940.6600 About QQSolutions: or visit the QQ Solutions website at: QQSolutions.com

QQSOLUTIONS RELEASES QQCATALYST V3.3

WHY DOES PRESIDENT OBAMA REFUSE TO USE “RADICAL ISLAM” TO DESCRIBE TERRORIST ATTACKS?

With attention to these four areas, you are ready to prepare your agency for sale, build value and benefit from your hard work and financial investment. About the author: Kathryn Christ is an insurance agency broker with JMJ Brokers, Inc. For more information, visit www. jmjbrokers.com or call (904) 451-7604. www.underwritersinsider.com

CALIFORNIA INSURANCE AGENT CONSPIRES WITH BROTHER TO CON SENIORS OUT OF MORE THAN HALF A MILLION DOLLARS Insurance agent conspires with brother to con seniors out of more than half a million dollars Department searching for other victims who were clients of the Carter brothers

out of a total of $552,000. Ronnie Carter was the long-standing insurance agent for two of the victims and although he was an insurance agent, neither brother was licensed to sell investments. They were able to conceal their scheme by hiding where the money was invested, providing their victims with phony investment contracts and notes, and issuing minimum investment payments.

RESNO, Calif. -Today brothers, Ronnie Carter, 68, and Jimmie Carter, 69, were arrested on 13 felony counts including theft from an elder, burglary, omission of material fact, and fraud. An investigation by the California Department of Insurance alleges that the brothers targeted and stole from fellow senior citizens by selling fraudulent investments.

Ronnie Carter, 68, Visalia, CA

Dave Jones, Californial Insurance Commissioner

"Swindling seniors out of their retirement savings is a crime that I do not take lightly," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "The Carter brothers preyed on vulnerable consumers by using their trusted position and pure greed to steal more than half a million dollars. I am pleased to announce these fraudsters are being brought to justice." The investigation began in 2011 after the department received a complaint involving an investment scheme. CDI investigators discovered that over a year and a half period, the Carter brothers defrauded at least three senior victims

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This case is being prosecuted by the Fresno County District Attorney's Office. If you believe that you or a family member may have been a victim of Ronnie Carter, Jimmie Carter, or State Wide Financial & Insurance, please contact the CDI Fresno regional office at (559) 440-5900.

Jimmie Carter 69, Visalia, CA

The Underwriterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Insider

GEORGIA AGENT SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN JAIL, 20 YEARS PROBATION AND $29,459 IN RESTITUTION TO VICTIMS

tlanta Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens announced today that a Gwinnett County man convicted last year for premium theft charges has been sentenced in Walton County Superior Court.

forgery, and one count of selling insurance without a license. Judge John M. Ott sentenced Dunn today to five-years in prison, 20-years of supervised probation and ordered him to pay restitution of $29,459.64 to his victims.

them by three businesses, leading their clients to believe that actual insurance coverage was in place. The businesses were seeking to obtain Workers Compensation and General Liability insurance. Cynthia Dunn was also indicted and is awaiting trial.

“I want to thank Walton County District Attorney Layla Zon Ronald Alan Dunn, 56 Ronald Alan Dunn, The investigation and her office for their work on 56, of Loganville, Ga., revealed that Dunn, this case,” Hudgens said. “Their was arrested in May of 2014 along with his wife, insurance willingness to aggressively and charged with 17-counts of agent Cynthia Dunn kept prosecute this type of crime is insurance fraud, two counts of premium payments made to vital in fighting insurance fraud.” www.underwritersinsider.com

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FLORIDA APPROVES REMOVAL OF UP TO 93,500 POLICIES FROM CITIZENS

ALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has approved the removal of up to 93,000 personal residential policies and 500 commercial residential polices from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) by the following four companies: · Anchor Property & Casualty Insurance Company – approved to remove up to 28,000 personal residential policies (21,352 from the Personal Lines Account (PLA) and 6,648 from the Coastal Account (CA)) · Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance Company – approved to remove up to 20,000 personal residential policies

(17,326 PLA/2,674 CA) and up to 500 commercial residential policies (472 Commercial Lines Account (CLA) and 28 CA) · Mount Beacon Insurance Company – approved to remove up to 35,000 personal residential policies (25,000 PLA/10,000 CA)

March 17, 2015 for commercial residential impacting both the CLA/CA policies. This is part of the state’s ongoing effort to reduce the number of policies in the state-created Citizens and transfer them to the private insurance market.

Today’s announcement brings the total number of policies approved for take-outs in 2015 to 409,008. In 2014, the total number of policies approved for take-outs was 1,109,644 and Citizen’s Personal Lines and the number of policies removed Commercial Lines Accounts are from Citizens as of December mostly non-coastal properties 19 is 416,623. By statute, and the Coastal Account are policyholders may choose to coastal properties. The take-out remain covered by Citizens periods are March 24, 2015 for during take-out offers; however, personal residential impacting they may be at risk of higher both the PLA/CA policies and assessments. · Southern Oak Insurance Company – approved to remove up to 10,000 personal residential (8,500 PLA/1,500 CA)

City of Baker is alleged to have misappropriated more than $1400 in insurance premium. According to investigators, Campbell accepted premium payments from a client but failed to remit the premium, resulting in cancellation order for alleged of the client’s insurance coverage. misappropriation of Campbell faces revocation of his insurance premium insurance producer license as well as a possible fine imposed by the funds. Commissioner of Insurance. Weldon Jerome Campbell, a property and casualty Campbell has 30 days from the producer and owner of time of service to request an Alpha Insurance Agency administrative appeal or the above of Louisiana, Inc. in the actions will become final.

LOUISIANA INSURANCE AGENT SERVED WITH CEASE AND DESIST ORDER AND SUMMARY SUSPENSION

n East Baton Rouge Parish insurance agency owner has been served by Louisiana Department of Insurance Fraud Division investigators with a summary suspension and a cease and desist

Jim Donelon

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LA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

Enhanced Online Tool Invites Consumers to “Shop Your Rates”

he Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) has launched a new website aimed at providing improved services to consumers, insurance agents and other groups regulated by the Department. Among the features of the new website are streamlined online services and a responsive design that makes the website compatible with mobile devices. Users can continue to utilize the LDI website to find companies and agents in Louisiana, submit and track their complaints and request a search for a lost life insurance policy. “Staff members in all of our offices and divisions took a close look to determine what questions we were hearing most frequently and we used that information to help design the new website,” said Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. “Instead of a top‐down approach from a bureaucratic perspective, the site is organized by user interests to make their online experience more useful and efficient.”

“Shop Your Rates” is an online interactive system that allows consumers to compare the automobile and homeowners rates of insurance providers in the state. Users of the online guides can choose between different scenarios, each

containing several variables. For the homeowners guide, variables include age and size of home, level of coverage desired and type of construction. Examples for the automobile guide include a range of ages, driving history and number of miles driven annually.

The LDI has also launched an updated version of its online Homeowners and Automobile Insurance Rate Comparison After selecting a scenario, Guides. First introduced in 2012, consumers can then choose a www.underwritersinsider.com

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city to see a sample of available rate quotes. “We’ve made some significant additions to the homeowners guide in response to feedback we’ve received from consumers and we added scenarios that more closely resemble the insurance needs of Louisiana homeowners,” said Commissioner Donelon. “A few changes consumers may notice include the addition of rate samples from 16 more cities throughout the state, as well as seven additional rating examples incorporating a greater variety of factors thatmay influence premiums such as credit scores, claim history and whether a home is fully mitigated for storm protection.” The “Shop Your Rates” Homeowners and Automobile Rate Comparison Guides can be accessed by visiting the Consumer section of the LDI’s website, www.ldi.la.gov. Along with the interactive systems, consumers can also access the companion publications, the “Homeowners Rate Comparison Guide” and the “Automobile Rate Comparison Guide.” Both guides are now available on the department’s website under Online Services. 19

The Underwriterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Insider

FLORIDA ANNOUNCES TWO MIAMI INSURANCE FRAUD ARRESTS

ALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Chief insurance as a favor for a company Financial Officer Jeff she had previously worked with. Atwater today announced Gonzalez altered the renewal two arrests made by the Division dates for the company’s policy. The company of Insurance Fraud was undergoing in separate cases. a city inspection Johanna Gonzalez, that required a 32, a licensed current liability insurance agent, insurance was arrested policy. for forging an insurance B e a t r i z document and Martinez, a in an unrelated Miami public case, Beatriz a d j u s te r, Martinez, 44, a allegedly licensed public defrauded two adjuster, was Miami area arrested for grand Jeff Atwater. CFP victims by failing to theft after failing to return insurance funds owed to return insurance payments that consumers. Both are residents of were owed to them. Contracts were arranged by the company Miami-Dade County. she operated, Capital Adjusters, While working as a licensed Inc., to repair the homes of two insurance agent, Johanna individuals. Insurance payments Gonzalez forged a certificate of worth a combined total of nearly

$24,000 were issued to Martinez. As part of the agreement, she was to take a 20 percent fee for her services and return the remaining funds to the consumers. In neither case did she return any of the remaining funds to the consumers, both of which were forced to pay out of pocket for their home repairs.

FLORIDA ANNOUNCES NINE MIAMI PIP FRAUD ARRESTS

to seek post-accident medical treatments for non-existent injuries; and sometimes licensed medical providers, who agree to sign off on falsified medical treatment.

ALLAHASSEE, Fla. Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced nine arrests for personal injury protection (PIP) fraud in Miami. Charged in eight separate cases involving seven staged accidents, these individuals were arrested and www.underwritersinsider.com

charged for their involvement in the filing of more than $242,000 in fraudulent billings submitted to 11 insurance carriers. Most PIP fraud rings involve the organizer, who recruits and arranges for individuals to stage motor vehicle accidents; the patient broker, who convinces the participants

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Johanna Gonzalez was charged with uttering a forged instrument and faces up to five years in person, if convicted. Beatriz Martinez was charged with grand theft and faces up to 15 years in prison. In addition to facing jail time, the Department’s Division of Agent & Agency Services conducted an investigation and has revoked the insurance license of Beatriz Martinez. Johanna Gonzalez is not currently authorized to sell or transact insurance and faces license suspension.

Participants in these staged accidents were referred to at least 13 different South Florida medical clinics. This case remains ongoing and additional arrests are expected. 21

Breaking News

ccording to a recent article by magazine contributing editor Jeff Haden, “Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that people with relatively prudent and reliable partners tend to perform better at work, earning more promotions, making more money, and feeling more satisfied with their jobs. That’s true for men and women. “Partner conscientiousness” predicted future job satisfaction, income, and likelihood of promotion (even after factoring in the participants’ level of conscientiousness) for both sexes.”

policy. That endorsement will provide insurance coverage during the prematch period when the ride hailing application is open but the driver is not matched to a passenger. This portion of transportation network company driving is commonly referred to as Period 1.”

t was recently reported that New Jerseyans may face of really steep increase in car insurance premiums if they file a single claim. The study by insurancequotes.com showed a 62.3% increase, on

average as compared to a national average of 41%. A second claim could be even more of a financial calamity with an average increase of 122%.

he Milwaukee JournalSentinel reported in January that Watertown, WI insurance agent Loren Holzhueter allegedly ran a $10 million ponzi scheme out of his small insurance agency, according to federal investigators that are attempting to free his assets. “The SEC said that Holzhueter made a variety of claims to investors about how he would use their money. He told some that their funds would be kept in a special investment account at ISC

nsurance Journal: “California I n s u r a n c e Commissioner Dave Jones has approved a filing that will enable Uber drivers purchasing coverage through Metromile to add a new coverage endorsement to their personal auto 22

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Inc., an insurance brokerage he owns, and that those dollars could be withdrawn at any time. Others were told that their money was placed in mutual funds or other investment vehicles such as Individual Retirement Accounts.”

he rumor mills are spinning as to whether or not Florida’s appointed insurance commissioner since 2003, Kevin McCarty, will remain in that position for much longer. McCarty, who leans politically left, has come under the scrutiny of

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty ON THE WAY OUT?

conservative governor Rick Scott, who in a letter to Florida’s CFO Jeff Atwater suggested through his spokesperson Jackie Schutz that it might be time for a change: “ Executive office positions are not www.underwritersinsider.com

lifetime appointments and for the same reason there are term limits in elected office, it is important to search for the best newest ideas whenever possible,” she said. McCarty has served as an NAIC representative on the International Association of Insurance Supervisors’ (IAIS) Executive and Technical Committees and is the co-vice chair of the IAIS Executive Committee. It has been reported that Gov. Rick Scott has recruited a Louisiana insurance official, Ron Henderson, 45, as a possible replacement for McCarty. By law, the hiring of an insurance regulator requires Scott and Atwater to agree and some sources report tension between the two state officials. McCarty declined comment on the issue.

recent long-term medical study shows that when it comes to jogging, three times a week is best for you... and too much is as bad as doing nothing. The researchers emphasized going jogging three times a week for no more than 2.4 hours is probably the optimal regime. According to the Danish study, found significantly lower mortality

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rates were found in those with a slow or moderate jogging pace. Researchers tracked 1,098 healthy joggers and 413 healthy but sedentary non-joggers for 12 years.

nsurance contentmarketing firm Aartrijk opened registration for its Brand Camp 2015 event for insurance brand decisionmakers, to be held May 17-19 in St. Louis. The hands-on conference is designed exclusively for insurance marketing leaders with carriers, agents and brokers, trade associations, and service providers. Registration is available via the event website Aartrijk. com/BrandCamp2015. At Brand Camp, subject matter experts provide the content foundation to spark conversation that engages participants, according to program chair Rick Morgan, senior vice president of Aartrijk. “We see constructive interaction and idea exchange on key issues, giving rise to shared discovery and learning,” Morgan said. “The participation among attendees sets Brand Camp apart and makes the sessions both motivational and actionable.” 23

Continued from Page 11

needed it, they cannot be liable for that omission, as insurance coverage for Scruggs’s intentional actions simply cannot exist in Mississippi as a or omissions Bost and Nowell matter of law. might have committed if Scruggs’s actions are Thus, the circuit court’s grant of uninsurable as a matter of law. summary judgment in Bost and Nowell’s favor was correct. In general, it is against public policy for an insurance contract to provide coverage for the intentional or willful misconduct of an insured. People should not be allowed to insure themselves against acts prohibited by law. From the face of Monsanto’s complaint, only intentional torts are alleged. In addition, the Scruggses’ pattern of conduct has been one of intentional acts. Indeed, it took a preliminary injunction by a federal court to stop the Scruggses from using CONCLUSION or selling the seeds. Mississippi caselaw is clear In sum, the Supreme Court that one’s intentional, illegal found that Scruggs’s actions actions cannot be insured as were intentional and illegal and a matter of law. Because his therefore uninsurable under actions are uninsurable as a Mississippi law. Therefore, Bost matter of law, Bost and Nowell and Nowell cannot be held cannot be liable for any alleged liable under any negligence negligent misrepresentations theory, as Scruggs’ actions or omissions. simply were not insurable.

ZALMA

ZALMA OPINION

In other words, even if Bost and Nowell did have some duty to recognize Scruggs’s need for Insurance is not a panacea patent-infringement insurance for every possible wrong and failed to inform him that he conducted by an insured. It 24

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must only provide defense and indemnity to an insured for events that are fortuitous, accidental, contingent and unknown at the time the policy is acquired. In addition, an insured who has acted improperly is obligated to inform the insurer of facts material to its decision to insure or not insure. In this case the Scruggses were involved in a criminal scheme to steal Monsanto’s proprietary seeds and did so with an intent to profit from the work of Monsanto. In so doing it could have no claim against the agents for not obtaining appropriate insurance for them since there is no insurance policy that could be legally sold in Mississippi that would cover their criminal and intentional acts. They must pay, from their own pockets, the more than $8 million verdict.

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GEORGIA’S FRAUD UNIT ARRESTS FORMER AGENT TAKES ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION AGAINT HIS WIFE

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Shores, who has a history of administrative Commissioner Ralph actions against Hudgens announced him by the today that a former Insurance Camden County Department insurance agent was placed has been arrested on probation and charged in 1994 for a with multiple period of 2 misdemeanors. years. Then, in 1998, the Arrested on January Department 28th was James Shores, 53. revoked his license based on Shores is charged with 3-counts his criminal history and license In the order, Hudgens’ staff alleges of soliciting or negotiating suspension in the state of Florida. that Bonnie Shores allowed her husband James to solicit and insurance without a license. He was transported to Camden Special Fraud Agents with negotiate insurance transactions County jail and is awaiting a bond Hudgens’ office also conducted in Georgia without a license. hearing. a search warrant today in The order further states that conjunction the licenses of both agencies “Our investigation with the are revoked, Bonnie’s insurance revealed that James issuance of license is revoked, and that she Shores, an unlicensed cease and and James must cease all forms individual, was desist orders of insurance transactions in the working in these and license State of Georgia. agencies as a revocations licensed insurance today against The Shores have ten days to agent,” Hudgens Shores’ wife, request a hearing before the said. “It is also our insurance agent Commissioner to contest these belief that Shores Bonnie Shores orders. was conducting and their numerous insurance agencies, The Commissioner Hudgens would transactions in Shores Agency like to thank the Saint Marys Police violation of Georgia and 1-800-WeDepartment for assisting with the law. I am shutting Insure for arrest and search warrant. these agencies down in the best participating in fraudulent interest of the public.” activities.

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“The Final Authority on Everything!”

live in South Florida and I figure we are about due for another hurricane. I want to shop for a generator now before the price goes up during hurricane season. Can you tell me in English what I need to keep my refrigerator and a couple of lamps and a radio powered up? — S.M.M. Hialeah, FL

Generators are rated in watts — both maximum surge watts and continuous output watts. As a rule of thumb, the continuous output wattage rating of a generator is about 90% of its maximum output. Be careful — some manufacturers over-rate their generators at 95% of maximum output or more — giving the illusion of a bigger, more powerful generator than they are actually selling. So how much generator do you need? Let’s say you want to power up your refrigerator, (5) 100 watt bulbs, a radio, and a single burner on the stove top and a toaster all simultaneously. You’ll need about 6100 watts maximum output and about 5300 of continuous output to accommodate www.underwritersinsider.com

ADVISOR

that load. Of course, you may wish to plug in one item at a time in which case you can make do with a smaller generator. Remember that appliances with electric motors require as much as 3X their normal running watts at start-up — which is why you need that extra surge capacity — so always plug in those items first. If all of your appliances are not as considerate as light-bulbs in indicating power use, you can calculate wattage easily by multiplying voltage (usually 120 volts) by amps, usually

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printed on a label someplace on the appliance. For example, a coffee maker using 10 amps is going to consume 1200 watts. (120 volts X 10 amps = 1200 watts) Unless you have a big (15KW+) standby generator, you’ll have to be judicious with power usage — don’t try and run everything at once. The Advisor recommends at least a 5KW (5000 watt) portable generator for emergency household power backup, but larger units up to 7.5KW can make post-hurricane life easier if you have the budget.

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Pembroke Pines FL 2-20 / 4-40 Established insurance agency is looking for Insurance agents for our Pembroke Pines and Miami locations. We are seeking for self-motivated, sales driven team member to increase sales and productivity in our company. At least one year experience required. Salary and aggressive bonus structure. lortega@bestoneins.com 14-11

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POSITION WANTED COMPANY REP SOUTH FLORIDA Deeply experienced Florida insurance & premium finance professional holding active 2-20 & 2-15 licenses seeking company rep or relationship manager position in carrier, MGA or PFC role. Experienced calling on commercial & personal lines agents. Available to travel. Please contact me at: candidate88@yahoo.com for further information and resume. Seeking salary + commission. 15-2

LICENSED 220 WANTED-FLORIDA INDEPENDENT LEAD GENRATOR FACE TO FACE OR PHONE CONTACT-COMMERCIAL & PERSONAL LINES-COMMISSION ONLY POSITION-50% NEW BUSINESS,25% RENEWALS-MUST HAVE OWN E&O COVERAGE-SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY. APPLEINSURANCE@MSN.COM 15-2

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2-20 or 20-44 Wanted-Miramar FL Send resume to timinsurance1@yahoo.com, fax 954404-7234 or visit us 6590 Pembroke Road Suite B., Miramar, FL 33023 15-2

Continued From Page 13

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Experienced Life Agency Personnel Wanted

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Florida 2-20 or 4-40 Agent Hialeah Small agency has an opening position for a commercial lines agent with homeowner and auto insurance knowledge in Hialeah Fl 33018 15-2 Personal Lines H.O. Underwriters Needed Palm Beach,FL South FL (Palm Beach County)Dynamic growing homeowners ins company looking to grow their underwriting department. Must have a strong knowledge of FL HO market. Prefers insurance company underwriting experience. Minimum 3 years insurance experience in personal lines. Will evaluate risk and determine pricing and coverage. www.linkedin.com/ in/brendonporges/ 14-8

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SOTU policies—like the bronze and silver plans—tend to be highcost sharing plans with lower monthly premiums than other policies, but much more costly annual deductibles. The Internal Revenue Service considers any plan that has an annual deductible of $1,300 or more for individuals or $2,600 for families, a high-deductible plan. Most middle-ground Obamacare plans fall into this category—and according to HealthPocket, this year’s deductibles are even higher than last year. Indeed, the study found that the average deductible for 2015 Bronze-level policies, the lowest tiered plan, is about $5,181 for individuals--- up from $5,081 last year and about

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four times the IRS’s benchmark for high-deductible plans. Families who enroll in these plans have deductibles averaging about $10,500 deductibles.” [HERE] As a result of these high deductibles, the Middle Class Americans are delaying treatment. The Vast Middle Class is being harmed, not helped. No success here. * The Employer Mandates, delayed by Mr. Obama for political expediency, are now going into effect:

pay cut: * Fines/Taxes, required under the Individual Mandate will now go into effect. They are low, ranging from $95.00 to 1% of AGI to start, which offers an incentive for those who don’t want to carry insurance to not, as even at an income level of $100,000 AGI for a family of four, the tax will only amount to $1,000, versus a potential premium cost of $15,000 or more with high deductibles making access to health care delivery expensive for many families, but a tax nonetheless, in spite of Mr. Obama and his administration asserting that these are not a tax. The SCOTUS ruling says they are.

“After years of delays, businesses with at least 100 employees will be forced to offer insurance for the first * time in 2015. Business groups have lobbied hard against the controversial rule, which they have called a major headache that will force layoffs and less hours for workers.”

Primary care doctors face

“ Family doctors who treat Medicaid patients will see steep drops in payments from the federal government that could make it tougher for millions of low-income people to find care. Reimbursements from Medicaid will shrink an average of 43 percent starting in January, when the federal government’s temporary raise for primary care doctors is set to expire. The federal government had raised its reimbursement rates to entice more doctors to accept Medicaid patients under ObamaCare. Patients with Medicaid have been historically known to cost healthcare providers far more

See SOTU- Page 37

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SAY WHAT? Notable Quotes You May Have Missed!

Political Correctness Will Not Save The World From Jihad

“

Maybe most Muslims peaceful, but until they recognize and destroy their growing jihadist cancer they must be held responsible. Big jihadist danger looming everywhere from Philippines to Africa to Europe to US. Political correctness makes for denial and hypocrisy.” Rupert Murdoch, the 21st Century Fox Chairman and CEO in two tweets in the wake of the slaughter of twelve in the Paris newspaper Charlie Hebdo by Islamic terrorists after the satirical magazine published articles and images critical of Islam. Murdoch’s sentiments echoed those of much of Europe and America after the attack.

And Now, Back To Fantasyland

“

I was born Christian. If that makes Rupert Murdoch my responsibility, I’ll autoexcommunicate. The Spanish Inquisition was my fault, as is all Christian fundamentalist violence. Oh, and Jim Bakker.

JK Rowling, who grew wealthy after writing a children’s story of magic and adventure, seemingly having a hard time dealing with the reality of Islamic extremism and the threat it represents to civilization - going into near shock over Murdoch’s refreshing lack of political correctness. Now a smug supporter of liberal politics, she ridicules Murdoch for his patently accurate stand that the entire Muslim community must begin to take a powerful stand against the evil metastatic Islamic extremism raging throughout the world. In true self-deluting liberal fashion, she seems to believe that the most important thing to remember is not to offend the terrorists while equating a hypocritical TV preacher (Baker) who had cheated on his wife and misspend church funds with the tens of thousands innocents slaughtered at the hands of Islamic terrorists world wide. And all that “Christian fundamentalist violence?” You mean that one abortion clinic shooting 2 years ago? Oh, sure, JK, great point. Now get back to Harry Potter where you left your brain.

Terrorist Sleeper Cells Here Now

“

I think there are sleeper cells not only in France but certainly in other countries and, yes, in our own. This calls for vigilance. … Hopefully, we can be more active in terms of doing those things which enable us to find terrorists, see who they’re communicating with and to track that.” Sen. Diane Feinstein, California Democrat and her party’s ranking member on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

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A Deep Moral Confusion

“

From the beginning of his term in office, Obama has evidenced a deep moral confusion, a distorted worldview perhaps based on a bizarre upbringing. It’s not that he doesn’t distinguish between good and evil; it’s that he often doesn’t clearly recognize which is which. He professes to be a Christian, yet his behavior screams otherwise. Even if he actually is a Christian, he undeniably has a nostalgic attraction and sympathy for Islam, which, among other things, obscures his grasp of the enormity of the threat the world faces from Islamists. “ Columnist, author, pundit David Limbaugh in January 13th column reflecting on the president’s glaring absence from the historic Paris protest over Islamic terrorism. While virtually every other world leader of significance was in attendance, the U.S. president stayed in Washington watching football and did not even send the Secretary of State.

Diversity Alert!

“

response to the free exercise of speech and religion.” In a letter to Saudi Arabian royalty signed by eight U.S. senators demanding an immediate halt to the barbaric sentence handed down to Raif Badawi for publishing a blog critical of Saudi Arabia’s powerful Islamic clerics. Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes in 20 sessions of 50 lashes each. He has already received 50 lashes, ripping his back and leaving the political left confused as to whether to celebrate or condemn multi-culturalism.

Wealth Transference By Any Other Name...

“

The president’s ‘War on Fossil Fuels’ and nuclear energy is most evident in his unbridled mandates being issued by the EPA. While he markets these regulations as a means to save us from global warming, a recent NERA [consulting company] study predicts the president’s climate agenda would only reduce CO2 concentration by less than one-half of a percent; it would only reduce the average global temperature by less than 2/100th of a degree; and it would only reduce the rise of sea levels by 1/100th of an inch – or the thickness of three sheets of paper. The President’s agenda will cost our economy $479-billion dollars; we will experience a double-digit electricity price increase; and tens of thousands of Americans will lose access to well-paying jobs over the course of the next decade.”

At a time that the world is wrestling with and mourning violence committed in the name of religious intolerance, Sen. James Inhofe (OK-D) slamming such an example President Obama’s agenda on his climate of state-sanctioned violence against peaceful religious dialogue change agenda which is little more than a is highly troubling and helps legitimize the wealth transference scheme imposed by the extremist view that violence is a justified EPA and sold as a “save the planet” measure. www.underwritersinsider.com

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Continued From Page 31

health-care inflation ‘every single year’ since it was passed is such a falsehood (I.e. a Lie) that they have given Mr. than they are repaid for the Obama three Pinocchio’s for his treatment, causing some continuing “fibs” to America. doctors to turn away patients.” [HERE] [HERE] Has Obamacare been a One in three, 33 and 1/3rd resounding success, as claims % of Americans say that the Liar In Chief? No and Obamacare has hurt them, not Hell no. Au contraire. This helped them. That number Trainwreck continues down will clearly rise substantially as the tracks, harming Americans, these higher deductibles and Middle Americans, as it swerves higher premiums will prevent out of control, causing more them from receiving the very and more damage with every health care Mr. Obama and his passing mile. followers promised they would have. It is now up to the GOP controlled House and Senate Health Care costs have not to do all they can to fix this gone down, they’ve gone up. mess before it harms many According to the Washington millions more Americans than Post, Obama’s claim that it already has. Obamacare has reduced

SOTU

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Underwriting Consultant & Marketing Assistant Needed - Central Florida

Creekmore Insurance Group is a life insurance brokerage general agency serving a network of independent agents and financial advisers across the nation. Our mission is to recruit independent agents and advisers to write their life, long term care, and individual disability insurance with the insurers we represent. We have an immediate opening for a full-time underwriting consultant and marketing assistant.

Duties will include: www.underwritersinsider.com

• fielding inquiries from our existing network of agents • running quotes and creating proposals and sales presentations • calling on existing agents to offer support and generate additional business • This position does not involve cold calling. This is a full-time position at our office in Oviedo. For the right candidate, we provide significant career and income growth opportunities, including full time telecommuting and operat-

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ing an independent franchise agency on our network.

Experience Experience in financial services is required, including at least one year of life insurance sales, underwriting, or administration experience. CONTACT: John A. Creekmore, CLU, CFP, ChFC, CEBS Creekmore Insurance Group, Inc. (800) 359-5102 x 340 john@lifeagents.com 365 Aulin Avenue Oviedo, FL 32765 37

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Expert Testimony

Zalma Insurance Consultants serves insurers, policyholders, underwriters, brokers, agents, adjusters, public insurance adjusters, lawyers and any person involved in an insurance dispute. Because he is an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of California M r. Zalma may be prohibited by California case law from acting as a consultant or expert witness and, therefore, refuses to serve in any situation where a past client of his law firm, Barry Zalma, Inc. is adverse to anyone seeking his services.

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You don’t want to burn through your cellular data plan on the go. You could be on the hook for nasty overage charges. That’s why using Wi-Fi whenever possible is a good Office Mobile (Free; Android, iOS, idea. Fortunately, you can find free Windows Phone). It lets you open, Wi-Fi no matter where you travel create and perform basic editing with the Free Wi-Fi Finder app of Word, Excel and PowerPoint files (Free; Android, iOS). Just make sure no matter where you go. you know how to stay safe from hackers and snoops. Continued From Page 9

KIM KOMANDO

6. Save hundreds instantly

You paid a lot for that new gadget, so why not use it to save as much money as possible elsewhere? The RetailMeNot app (Free; Android, iOS) helps you find promo codes and coupons for more than 50,000 physical and online stores, including grocery stores. You can save and store coupons for later, and share the savings with your friends through social media.

9. Keep up with friends and family on the go

anything goes. Browse the full list of my favorite games apps on my site.

Bonus app that will make you say “Wow!” One of the biggest obstacles to travel is the language barrier. I’ve often wished for the universal translator from Star Trek. Amazingly, we’re almost there.

The free Google Translate app for iOS and Android can translate Want to stay up to date with your 80 languages. That covers the Facebook friends ? Don’t settle for Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, trying to use the Facebook site on much of Asia, major African that small smartphone or tablet dialects, the Middle East and even screen. Instead, load up the official countries in the South Pacific like Facebook app (Free; Android, iOS). Indonesia. It lets you look through your News Feed, “Like” and comment on posts, That isn’t the only app pushing us post new photos, upload photos toward the world of science fiction. and videos, and everything else Click here for more apps that make 7. Boost your vision you expect to do on Facebook. If you say “wow” by making your you’re more of a Twitter person, phone calls secure, helping you get Even if you aren’t a detective, a don’t miss the Twitter app (Free; better sleep and more. magnifying glass is still something Android, iOS). great to have around. You never know when you’ll need to read tiny 10. Something fun print on a document, minuscule Copyright 2015, WestStar instructions in a cook book, Multimedia Entertainment. All rights microscopic writing on a computer Your smartphone and tablet aren’t reserved. part or some equally inconvenient just for work or helpful utilities; you text. You don’t need an actual need to have some fun as well. On the Kim Komando Show, the magnifying glass, though. Just Fortunately, there are thousands of nation’s largest weekend radio talk download a magnifying glass app games available, and I’m sure you show, Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, (Free; Android, iOS) and prepare to can find some you’ll love. from smartphones and tablets to be amazed. From fast-paced strategy fun, two- online privacy and data hacks. For dimensional golf and fun fruit her daily tips, free newsletters and 8. Find free Wi-Fi destruction to head-scratching more, visit her website at Komando. anywhere trivia, challenging number puzzles com. Kim also posts breaking tech and essential brain training, news 24/7 at News.Komando.com. www.underwritersinsider.com

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The Underwriterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Insider