To recap the issues raised during this week’s conference call, here are the key media stories we discussed, and the messages we’re conveying.
If there is a subject you would like to see addressed on Wednesday, July 13, please email Michael Barry at michaelb@iii.org.
I.I.I.’s PRESIDENT IS QUOTED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES AFTER FATAL ACCIDENT INVOLVING A DRIVERLESS CAR
The I.I.I.’s Bob Hartwig spoke about how the U.S. auto insurance industry is adapting to driverless cars after it was revealed a Tesla Model S car was involved in a fatal accident in Florida.
I.I.I.’s CHIEF ACTUARY APPEARS IN NBC EVENING NEWS SEGMENT ON U.S. AUTO INSURANCE COST DRIVERS
The I.I.I.’s James Lynch offered the industry’s viewpoint on the issue in this piece, which was broadcast on Friday, July 1. The report also outlined steps consumers can take to reduce their premiums.
2016 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON WILL HAVE 15 NAMED STORMS, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY’S (CSU) UPDATED FORECAST SAYS
CSU’s forecast team originally envisioned 13 named storms and now projects there will be 15. CSU still believes six of them will become hurricanes, and two of those major hurricanes.
STORIES IN THE WORKS
The I.I.I.’s Steven Weisbart was interviewed by The Boston Globe’s Deirdre Fernandes for a story she is writing on rising auto insurance rates in Massachusetts.
The I.I.I.’s Loretta Worters spoke with The Wall Street Journal’s Leslie Scism (driverless cars and insurance) and Bloomberg Businessweek’s Ben Steverman (life insurance coverage for corporate executives).
The I.I.I.’s Michael Barry briefed InsuranceQuotes.com’s Nick DiUlio on the link between higher deductibles and lower homeowners premiums as well as Forbes’ Michael Thrasher (renters insurance).
The I.I.I.’s Janet Ruiz is being interviewed this week by NBC’s San Francisco affiliate for two stories. One is on travel insurance and the other will cover auto insurance deductibles.
CAPITOL HILL
U.S. traffic fatalities rose 7.7 percent in 2015 as compared to 2014, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Ben Bernanke and Paul Volcker filed briefs on behalf of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), urging reinstatement of MetLife's systemically important financial institution (SIFI) designation.
STATES
California
A 34-year-old former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver was arrested on multiple felony counts after allegedly orchestrating four staged collisions, resulting in a total loss exceeding $139,000.
Governor Jerry Brown should sign into law a measure to ensure homeowners and renters offering rooms for rent through hosting platforms like Airbnb understand what insurance coverage they have, PCI says.
The California Farm Bureau Federation’s federal policy manager says crop insurance will likely be a key issue next year when Congress begins deliberations on 2018’s federal Farm Bill.
Florida
National Public Radio’s Orlando affiliate reports the June 12 Pulse nightclub massacre caused more than $385 million in damages.
FEMA refused Governor Rick Scott’s request for federal aid in the wake of the Pulse nightclub shooting. The governor sought $5 million to deal with emergency response efforts, medical care and counseling.
Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance Company has withdrawn its request for a 14.9 percent homeowners rate increase.
A West Palm Beach lawyer, whose firm earned about $5 million in a controversial role as “coach in the press box” for Citizens Property Insurance’s attorneys, has switched sides.
The Miami Herald reported important policy changes for Citizens Property Insurance policyholders began Friday, July 1, as the state-backed insurer took steps to control water-damage claim costs.
Georgia
Fred Loya, a Texas-based insurer, is telling policyholders they will no longer cover Georgia drivers carrying the mandatory minimum liability limits, according to Atlanta’s ABC affiliate.
Louisiana
U.S. Senator David Vitter was outspoken in his support of changes to FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program at a hearing last week in Washington, D.C.
Michigan
Governor Rick Snyder signed into law a measure which makes taxable auto insurer payments to Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan. Critics of the legislation say it will increase a typical driver’s annual premium by $40.
Minnesota
The Commerce Department offered claims-filing tips after tornadoes, strong wind events, and heavy rainfall delayed flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul airport on Tuesday, July 5, and Wednesday, July 6.
Oklahoma
A 3.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded on Sunday, July 3, about five miles northwest of Yale (Payne County).
Governor Mary Fallin is seeking a federal disaster declaration for Caddo, Comanche, and Garvin counties due to last month’s severe storms and flooding.
New York
The state Worker’s Compensation Board has six new members as well as a new chairman and vice-chairman.
The state Department of Financial Services must decide no later than Friday, July 15, how much workers compensation premiums can rise next year. A 9.3 percent increase is on the table, Crain’s reports.
Utah
The Saddle Fire (Washington County) has burned more than 1,600 acres. It began after a lightning strike in mid-June, and prompted a since-rescinded voluntary evacuation of Pine Valley.
Governor Gary Herbert says drones interfered with the aerial firefighting tactics used to extinguish the Saddle Fire, and contributed in part to the evacuation of 500 homes, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Vermont
Michael Pieciak has been appointed as the state’s new Insurance Commissioner. A deputy commissioner since 2014, Pieciak succeeds Commissioner Susan Donegan.
West Virginia
More than 5,000 homes were either damaged or destroyed by last month’s flooding, with nearly 1,000 people left homeless in Kanawha County. The Insurance Department established a webpage for consumers.
SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT
Bob Hartwig in The New York Times
The I.I.I president’s NY Times interview with Ann Carrns is receiving heavy pick-up on social. To follow the conversation, use the hashtag #TeslaCrash,
Jim Lynch on NBC’s Nightly News
The I.I.I. chief actuary’s interview is available for viewing at the I.I.I.’s Media Channel.
California’s Trailhead Fire
For recent updates on this wildfire, including fact sheets and area maps, visit the California Fire Incident Information website. You can also use the hashtag #TrailheadFire on social.
III Snapchat Story
Thirteen high school and college students are immersing themselves in insurance issues at the I.I.I.’s New York City office today (July 6). The Insurance Federation of New York (IFNY) program is conducted annually in cooperation with YES! Solutions. The I.I.I. is on Snapchat at iiiorg.
MEDIA MATTERS
Gretchen Carlson, an anchor who left Fox News Channel last month, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox News chairman Roger Ailes.
Nancy Grace’s final program for Headline News will air on Thursday, October 13.
Nearly three out of four Americans who are online use some form of Internet-connected TV set, a big jump from the 59 percent who said they did so last year, a research firm found.
The I.I.I. is cited regularly in the media as an authoritative source of insurance information. To access the current I.I.I. press clips, click here.
