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, May 10th, please email Michael Barry at michaelb@iii.org.
Severe Weather Causes Fatalities in Texas, Arkansas and Missouri
Tornadoes hit Rains and Van Zandt counties in Texas and caused mandatory evacuations in Clay and Randolph counties in Arkansas. Heavy rainfall led to record flooding in Missouri, most notably in communities along the Meramec River.
I.I.I., ISO and PCI Hosting Monday, May 8, Webinar on 2016 Property/Casualty Insurance Industry Financial Results
The I.I.I.’s Sean Kevelighan, ISO’s Beth Fitzgerald and PCI’s Robert Gordon will make presentations during the Monday, May 8, 2 p.m., ET, webinar.
Stories in the Works
The I.I.I.’s Kristin Palmer and Jeanne Salvatore met today (May 3) with Susan Hogan, the on-air consumer affairs reporter at Washington, D.C.’s NBC affiliate (WRC-TV).
The I.I.I.’s James Lynch discussed ProPublica’s auto insurance pricing story from last month yesterday (May 2) with The Christian Science Monitor’s Trevor Bach and Sacramento ABC affiliate digital journalist Anthony Cave.
The I.I.I.’s Steven Weisbart explained to Kiplinger’s Susan Wells the reasons a business would buy a key person insurance policy.
The I.I.I.’s Loretta Worters was interviewed by The Detroit Free Press (dog bite liability), MoneyGeek.com (homeowners coverage for burglaries), and Treasury & Risk (commercial insurance market trends).
The I.I.I.’s Michael Barry briefed InsuranceQuote.com’s Nicholas DiUlio on how hurricane deductibles work.
The I.I.I.’s Janet Ruiz discussed the insurance implications of using a car-sharing service with Los Angeles CBS affiliate reporter Kristine Lazar.
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Dale White is working on an upcoming series about climate change and sea level rise in Florida. White wants to know how the state’s property insurers are assessing the risk.
Capitol Hill
Brock Long was appointed FEMA Administrator.
Alexander Acosta was confirmed as U.S. Labor Secretary.
A U.S. Senate hearing was held yesterday (May 2) on the U.S.-European Union (EU) Covered Agreement.
A U.S. Senate hearing on the reauthorization of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday).
States
California
Airbnb and Expedia’s HomeAway reached a settlement with the city of San Francisco that will make it easier for rental hosts to register with the city.
The California Earthquake Authority gained more than 52,000 policies in 2016, well above the 7,200 new policies they have typically added annually over the previous decade (subscription required).
LA Weekly took a look back at Los Angeles 25 years after its riots.
LA County’s District Attorney is warning senior citizens about an auto insurance scam.
San Francisco’s cab drivers are investigating new ways to give themselves a competitive edge against their transportation network company rivals.
Colorado
The Denver Broncos’ fifth round draft pick, Michigan tight end Jack Butt, is expected to collect $543,000 on a loss-of-value policy after incurring a serious injury in 2017’s Orange Bowl game.
Florida
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board weighed in again today (May 3) on the need for Florida to reform its assignment of benefits (AOB) system.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that prospects are dimming for a legislative solution to assignment of benefits abuse, and agents are learning that insurers are not writing new policies in certain zip codes.
The Palm Beach Post notes the Florida House passed an AOB bill supported by insurers, but it remains unclear if the Senate will act before the 2017 legislative session ends.
Jeff Atwater, the state’s elected Chief Financial Officer (CFO), is stepping down from office to become Florida Atlantic University’s CFO.
Barry Gilway, the CEO of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, saw his pay soar even as Citizens’ policy count dropped.
After posting $27 million in losses, Citizens’ board agreed to buy additional reinsurance. A Palm Beach Post article had details on the $1.3 billion in coverage purchased.
The St. Augustine City Commission wants to change a city ordinance that would allow hurricane victims to live temporarily on their property while their home is rebuilt. WOKV-FM reports there are at least 50 individual hurricane victims still living in their driveways.
CBS News’ Money Watch posted an article which explains that “your auto insurance may pay for someone's $10,000 massage therapy.” The I.I.I.’s Lynne McChristian was quoted in the article explaining why ending no-fault isn’t an easy thing to do.
Kentucky
Nancy Atkins has been appointed commissioner of the state’s Department of Insurance.
Louisiana
The Baton Rouge Advocate reports homeowners impacted by last year’s floods are publicly expressing concerns about the credentials and business practices of the contractors repairing their residences.
Mississippi
Two people died after at least 24 tornadoes hit the state on Sunday, April 30. Durant and Kilmichael incurred the most severe damage while thousands were temporarily without power.
Governor Phil Bryant declared a state of emergency in 20-plus counties on Monday, May 1, because of the tornadoes.
New Jersey
A policyholder’s credit-based insurance score does not always align with their credit score, according to a Star-Ledger consumer affairs column.
A Rutgers Law School study ranked each state’s insurance department based on its willingness to post online the homeowners insurance policy forms the state approved.
New York
The I.I.I.’s Barry discussed the general definition of a flood in a Rochester NBC affiliate segment on a disputed homeowners’ insurance claim denial.
Oklahoma
Governor Mary Fallin last weekend declared a state of emergency statewide due to the massive storm system that impacted much of the state starting on Friday, April 28.
Straight-line winds caused extensive property damage in the northwestern section of Oklahoma City on Saturday, April 29, and this NBC segment offered consumer tips on finding a reputable, licensed contractor.
Oregon
Twenty-five people were arrested in downtown Portland, and some property was damaged, amid civil unrest on Monday, May 1.
South Carolina
Hurricane Matthew generated $587 million in insured claim payouts on about 114,7000 claims, Insurance Director Ray Farmer told The Island Packet. Matthew made landfall near Charleston in early October 2016.
Social Media Report
National Flood Conference (April 30-May 3)
The I.I.I.’s Palmer and Salvatore have been at the 2017 National Flood Conference (NFC) in Washington, D.C., this week. For event updates, follow @JeanneSalvatore, @KristinSPalmer and @PCIAA on Twitter. You can also follow the conversation using the hashtag #NFC17.
National Small Business Week (April 30-May 6)
Follow the U.S. Small Business Administration at @SBAgov on Twitter and check out the I.I.I.’s home page and social feeds for small business insurance tips. You can join the discussion using the hashtags #SmallBusinessWeek and #DreamSmallBiz.
Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 7-13)
The National Atmospheric and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will visit several East Coast cities next week as part of its Hurricane Awareness Tour and to spread the word about weather safety and preparedness. Follow the National Weather Service at @NWS and @NWSNHC on Twitter and use the hashtags #ItOnlyTakesOne and #HurricaneStrong to follow the discussion.
Media Matters
Twenty-first Century Fox is in talks with Blackstone Group to make an offer for Tribune Media and its TV stations, according to The New York Times.
Bill Shine resigned this week as co-president of Fox News Channel (FNC).
Sony is releasing Granite Mountain in October 2017. The feature film is based on the legacies of the 19 firefighters who died in a 2013 Arizona wildfire. Josh Brolin, Jeff Bridges and Jennifer Connelly are among its stars.
