Business Insurance articles from October 2008

Business Insurance archives from October 2008

Crisis: The Aftermath; Insurance giant's rescue and financial market woes leave industry weighing challenges, opportunities.(Cover Extra)(Industry overview)(Cover story)
October 1, 2008... Byline: Rodd Zolkos The insurance industry will surely experience fallout from the effects of global economic turmoil and the collapse and federal rescue of American International Group Inc., though the current climate likely offers...

The quote.(Industry News)(Quotation)
October 1, 2008... "I don't lie awake at night worrying about the property/casualty industry. I lie awake at night worrying about my own portfolio, as we all should.' John Wicher, Principal, John Wicher & Associates Inc. CAPTION(S): John Wicher

CPCU Society offers insurance information and tips for buyers.(Industry News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... MALVERN, Pa.-The CPCU Society has launched a Web site offering consumers unbiased professional information about insurance for autos, homes and small businesses. The site, insurancehelp.cpcusociety.org, is a public service of the Malvern,...

ISO and IVOX join to assess driver risks.(Industry News)(Insurance Services Office Inc.)(IVOX Inc.)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... JERSEY CITY, N.J.-The Insurance Services Office Inc. has entered into a strategic alliance with Atlanta-based predictive driver risk management data tool provider IVOX Inc. to gather and analyze data collected by devices installed in passenger...

In focus.(insurance services offered by investment banks)
October 1, 2008... When they need financial advice, help with a merger or acquisition, or capital to fund business expansion, insurance industry companies frequently employ the services of investment bankers. With that in mind, several investment banks have...

Chubb sets up one stop for multinational clients.(Industry News)(Chubb Group of Insurance Cos.)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... WARREN, N.J.-Responding to what it sees as growing multinational exposures, the Chubb Group of Insurance Cos. has expanded its Multinational Risk Group to encompass both the insurer's standard property/casualty products and specialty insurance...

AMS updates broker, benefit tool.(Industry News)(AMS Services Inc.)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... BOTHELL, Wash.-Automation solution provider AMS Services has updated its BenefitPoint Web-based benefit management and procurement solution for brokers and benefit consultants. BenefitPoint's approach is designed to allow integration...

For a price, physicians offer personal health care.(Cover Focus: Benefits & Financial Services)
October 1, 2008... Byline: Meg Fletcher A small but growing niche health care delivery system has many names-retainer practices, proactive preventive care, concierge medicine and executive health programs-but the underlying idea is the same: intensive time...

Subprime mortgage fallout seen boosting D&O losses.(Feature: Gatherings)
October 1, 2008... Byline: Rodd Zolkos PHILADELPHIA-The subprime mortgage crisis is affecting the professional liability market for the real estate and financial institutions sectors, though the problem thus far seems confined to those two areas of the...

SEC's indexed annuity plan riles the industry.(Cover Focus: Benefits & Financial Services)(Securities and Exchange Commission)
October 1, 2008... Byline: Meg Fletcher WASHINGTON-Major life insurers, insurance agents and state insurance regulators are challenging a Securities and Exchange Commission proposal that would redefine most indexed annuities as securities rather than...

In the midst of turmoil, opportunity.(First Word)(Column)
October 1, 2008... Byline: Rodd Zolkos Writing this, I find myself facing a particularly challenging situation as a columnist. I know that given the magnitude of recent events, I really can't write about anything else. Yet, the nature of those...

Mutual Boiler rolls out `green' coverage.(Industry News)(Mutual Boiler Re )(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... MALVERN, Pa.-Equipment breakdown reinsurer Mutual Boiler Re has introduced a "green'' equipment breakdown coverage intended to help insurers' policyholders establish and maintain sustainable and environmentally-friendly properties in the event...

Three questions.(Industry News)(Discussion)
October 1, 2008... While there might be debate over how the recent financial market rescue plan and bailout of American International Group Inc. might influence future insurance regulation, there's little doubt that the measures will be factors in future...

ERRORS & OMISSIONS.(Industry News)
October 1, 2008... In a September Industry Focus article about boosting productivity, "Technology Options Enhance Efficiency,'' the market share of the Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency was stated incorrectly. The pool primarily serves the risk...

P/C insurers' tech spending slows: Study.(Industry News)(Survey)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... DES PLAINES, Ill.-The growth of property/casualty insurers' information technology spending is slowing, according to a survey by the Property Casualty Insurers Assn. of America and Gartner Inc. The third annual joint IT spending survey by...

Big I guide helps agents increase profitability.(Industry News)(Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America )(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... ALEXANDRIA, Va.-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America has published a guide to help agents enhance their profitability. The new guide is focused on helping agents move to advanced workflows and eliminating paper, freeing up...

On the move.(Industry News)(board of American International Group Inc. appoints Edward M. Liddy)(Integro Ltd. appoints Peter F. Garvey)(Allied World Assurance Holdings Ltd. appoints David Bell)
October 1, 2008... The board of New York-based American International Group Inc. elected Edward M. Liddy chairman and chief executive officer. Mr. Liddy, who had been with the Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc. private equity firm after serving in various capacities...

Value can be found in turmoil.(Feature: Gatherings)(Willis Group Holdings Ltd.)
October 1, 2008... Byline: Meg Fletcher At a time of economic turmoil in the financial services industry, the best innovations come from creating new value in core services, said Joe Plumeri, chairman and chief executive officer of Willis Group Holdings Ltd....

Banking on a deal.(News)(Wachovia Insurance Services)(Wells Fargo Insurance Brokerage Inc.)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... If Wells Fargo buys Wachovia, it would boost the bank's insurance brokerage business Wells Fargo Insurance Services Inc. Headquarters: Chicago 2007 brokerage revenue: $1.28B Employees: 7,273 Offices: 171 Locations:...

On the web.(News)(briefs)(Interview)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Zlatkus, Schmitt interviews online Business Insurance adds to its series of in-depth interviews of industry leaders with discussions with Lizabeth H. Zlatkus of Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. and Karen...

WRITE.(Opinions)
October 6, 2008... Business Insurance welcomes letters to the editor. The section is intended to be a forum for readers' opinions and comments. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity or space. We will not publish unsigned letters. Please send your...

VOTE in the BI Online Poll at www.businessinsurance.com; This week's results.(Opinions)(Survey)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... Q. In light of the financial crisis, should there be federal regulation of insurers? Yes: 59% No: 41% Next week's question: Q: Has your company begun reviewing its job descriptions and reasonable accommodation protocols to...

Comings & Goings online.(Comings & Goings)
October 6, 2008... Visit www.BusinessInsurance.com/ComingsandGoings for a full list of this week's personnel moves and promotions. Check our Web site daily for additional postings. To Submit Items Business Insurance would like to report on senior-level...

AIR estimates that Typhoon Jangmi damage could reach $120 million.(International News)(AIR Worldwide Corp.)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... Byline: Mark A. Hofmann BOSTON-Typhoon Jangmi may have caused as much as $120 million in insured damage in Taiwan, catastrophe modeler AIR Worldwide Corp. estimates. The storm made landfall in northeastern Taiwan on the afternoon of...

Court ruling ignores clear intent of ERISA.(Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974)(United States. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit)(Viewpoint essay)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... A 9TH U.S. CIRCUIT COURT of Appeals decision last week that San Francisco's health care spending law is not pre-empted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act is another example of how the court got its reputation of being the most...

Bank deal would boost Wells Fargo broker unit; But Citigroup vows to fight rival for Wachovia.(News)(Brokerage Wachovia Insurance Services Inc.)
October 6, 2008... Byline: SALLY ROBERTS CHARLOTTE, N.C.-Brokerage Wachovia Insurance Services Inc. is likely to come under new ownership after its bank parent last week became the latest victim of the ongoing financial crisis. The exact identity of that...

In brief.(News)
October 6, 2008... Best sees gloomier forecast for P/C A.M. Best Co. Inc., in a revision of its forecast for the U.S. property/casualty industry's underwriting results, last week estimated the industry's overall combined ratio will rise to 103.2% due to...

Rating agencies start to embrace economic capital modeling; Evaluations of insurers begin to move toward a European-style review of each organization's unique set of risks.(Spotlight: Solvency & Security)
October 6, 2008... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS Rating agencies are working on the next stages in the evolution of their processes for evaluating insurers' financial strength, which theoretically would result in major advances of their analyses, agency officials and...

Little industry consensus about natural catastrophe policy; Ability of insurers to build tax-free catastrophe reserves unlikely to be part of any federal legislation.(Spotlight: Solvency & Security)
October 6, 2008... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN There may only be two sure bets concerning insurance for national natural catastrophes. No. 1, the next Congress will discuss natural catastrophe insurance issues. Both major political parties have addressed...

Proposals to ensure coverage availability, enhance mitigation efforts enjoy support.(Spotlight: Solvency & Security)
October 6, 2008... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN There's been no dearth of proposals but also no agreement on natural catastrophe insurance policy both inside and outside the U.S. property/casualty insurance industry. At least three major proposals-one of...

Products & services.(U.S. Preventive Medicine)(www.thepreventionplan.com)
October 6, 2008... U.S. Preventive Medicine rolls out online tool DALLAS-U.S. Preventive Medicine is offering an online wellness program for employers to help their employees manage chronic conditions and focus on preventive health care. The Prevention...

'Unprecedented times'; Questions & answers.(Spotlight: Solvency & Security)(appointment of Lizabeth H. Zlatkus in Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.)(Interview)
October 6, 2008... Byline: Sally Roberts Lizabeth H. Zlatkus was named executive vp and chief financial officer of The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. in May. She has responsibility for corporate strategy, finance, capital and enterprise risk...

Risk managers look beyond insurer ratings; With long history of unexpected failures, multiple tools needed to assess financial security.(Spotlight: Solvency & Security)
October 6, 2008... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS The quick and unexpected failures of Reliance Insurance Co. and Kemper Insurance Cos. earlier this decade convinced many sophisticated risk managers that they could not rely solely on rating agencies' analyses of...

Schwarzenegger vetoes comp bills; Governor says one measure too expensive, the other unnecessary.(News)(Arnold Schwarzenegger)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... Byline: SALLY ROBERTS SACRAMENTO, Calif.-California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week vetoed two bills that opponents said would have rolled back workers compensation reforms in California and increased costs. The two California...

Deal reached in Colorado ballot fight; Unions agree to pull labor-friendly initiatives that businesses opposed.(News)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... Byline: JUDY GREENWALD DENVER-Four proposed state constitutional amendments that organizations representing Colorado employers said would have had a devastating impact on businesses in the state have been withdrawn from November's ballot,...

GMAC Re utilizes trust; Questions & answers.(Spotlight: Solvency & Security)(dialogue with Karen Schmitt)(Interview)
October 6, 2008... Amid the economic turmoil, insurers' and reinsurers' ability to communicate their financial security is more important than ever. Since July 2005, GMAC Re has offered an unusual option for its ceding clients: a fully funded trust to pay...

NTSB pushes for action to detect driver fatigue; Tools available to reduce accidents, says agency.(News)(United States. National Transportation Safety Board)
October 6, 2008... Byline: JEFF CASALE WASHINGTON-The National Transportation Safety Board has called for installing technology aboard new commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks to help detect driver fatigue and avoid collisions. In mid-September,...

IRS clarifies FSA rules for reservists; Agency outlines rules allowing called-up workers to tap unused funds.(News)(United States. Internal Revenue Service)(flexible spending accounts)(Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008)
October 6, 2008... Byline: JERRY GEISEL WASHINGTON-Internal Revenue Service guidance released last week answers many employer questions about a new law that allows reservists called for military service to take the balances in their health care flexible...

Mass. eases health assessment rules; State pulls back from tougher, two-prong coverage test for employers.(News)
October 6, 2008... Byline: JERRY GEISEL BOSTON-Massachusetts health care regulators last week agreed to ease and delay proposed regulations that would have subjected more employers to large financial assessments to help fund coverage for uninsured state...

AIA Hong Kong cries phooey over fake letter.(End Page)(American Institute of Architects)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... Insurers may be experts on their clients' reputational risks, but a Hong Kong-based subsidiary of American International Group Inc. had to deal with issues surrounding its own reputation, which was put at risk reportedly at the hands of a...

Financial crisis shows real need for ERM.(enterprise risk management)(Viewpoint essay)
October 6, 2008... Byline: Rodd Zolkos As I write this, the U.S. House of Representatives has just joined the Senate in passing a $700 billion U.S. financial system rescue plan, with President Bush quickly signing the measure into law. Of course, last...

Up Close CRAIG NELSON.(Comings & Goings)(Beecher Carlson Holdings Inc.)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... NEW JOB TITLE: Senior vp of Beecher Carlson Holdings Inc.'s Denver office PREVIOUS POSITION: Executive vp of business development for Denver-based Van Gilder Insurance Corp. VITAL STATISTICS: Professional designations include Chartered...

Easier credit helps insurers; But reputations could suffer for firms who tap funds.(News)(United States. Congress. House)
October 6, 2008... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN WASHINGTON-The $700 billion economic bailout passed by Congress late last week will likely benefit property/casualty insurers by freeing up credit, but any insurers that make use of the government funds to clean up...

Appeals court OKs San Francisco health mandate; 9th Circuit says spending law not pre-empted by ERISA; fight likely headed to Supreme Court.(News)(Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974)
October 6, 2008... Byline: JERRY GEISEL SAN FRANCISCO-The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling last week that San Francisco's health care spending mandate is not pre-empted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act could set the stage for Supreme...

Bailout can mark start of regulatory overhaul.(Viewpoint essay)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... ENACTMENT OF A $700 BILLION federal bailout of the financial services industry raises the questions, "Now what?'' and "Is $700 billion enough?'' Proponents of the legislation argued that doing nothing would have catastrophic consequences...

AIG plans focus on P/C business; Difficult credit market may challenge efforts to repay loan through asset sales, analysts say.(News)(American International Group Inc.)(property and casualty business)
October 6, 2008... Byline: JUDY GREENWALD NEW YORK-American International Group Inc. last week formally announced plans to slim down to an insurer focused largely on core property/casualty insurance businesses, although questions remain as to how easily its...

Mental parity becomes law as part of bill; Cost expected to be modest.(News)
October 6, 2008... Byline: JERRY GEISEL WASHINGTON-Group health plans soon will have to provide the same coverage for mental disorders as they do for other medical illnesses, under a new benefits parity law. President Bush last Friday signed the parity...

Solvency II poses a tough challenge for insurers doing business in Europe; Some owners of captives 'worried' about new capital requirements.(Spotlight: Solvency & Security)(solvency rules)
October 6, 2008... Byline: MICHAEL BRADFORD As insurance companies grapple with the complex requirements of proposed solvency rules in Europe, policyholders are set to benefit from insurers' hard work. Solvency II, the risk-based capital regime proposed...

Solvency II packs global influence; Bermuda moves toward standards similar to European Union plan.(Spotlight: Solvency & Security)(Bermuda's insurance regulations with Solvency II)
October 6, 2008... Byline: MICHAEL BRADFORD The security and standardization that Solvency II promises to insurance policyholders will extend beyond the European Union. As the risk-based capital regulatory framework grinds toward implementation in 2012,...

ADA changes spark concerns over employment practices; Amendment expands number of workers listed as disabled.(News)(Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990)
October 6, 2008... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN WASHINGTON-Employers should review their employment practices to ensure they comply with a business-backed law that expands protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act, employment law experts say. The...

Filmmakers keep 'Ring' royalties in their pocketses.(End Page)(Tolkien Trust)(New Line Cinema Corp.)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... Royalties from "The Lord of the Rings'' film trilogy were their own, their love, their...preciousssss. But Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ann Jones ruled that the London-based Tolkien Trust, established by the heirs of late author J.R.R....

Ontario court dismisses class action lawsuits.(International News)(Dow Corning Corp. vs. Canada Health)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... Byline: COLLEEN McCARTHY TORONTO-The Ontario Court of Appeals has rejected a class action lawsuit against the Canadian government by thousands of women who suffered injuries after their silicone breast implants ruptured. Ontario's...

European risk management 'matures'; FERMA finds that environmental risks top managers' concerns.(International News)(Federation of European Risk Management Association)(Survey)
October 6, 2008... Byline: RICHARD MILLER Although risk management has "matured'' in Europe, risk managers there say there is still much work to do embed risk management processes in their operations, according to research from the Federation of European...

Insurers scoff at reality dieter's fattened claims.(End Page)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... A contestant on reality weight-loss show "The Biggest Loser'' may have lost some pounds fair and square, but he was a little less honest when he tried to gain some dollars, according to authorities in Massachusetts. In an indictment filed...

RIMS salary survey shows CROs on top; Role of risk managers grows more complex.(News)(Risk and Insurance Management Society Inc.)(chief risk officers)
October 6, 2008... Byline: KRISTIN GUNDERSON HUNT The average total compensation of chief risk officers and vps of risk management is $220,200, according to the Risk & Insurance Management Society Inc.'s annual compensation survey. The 2008 Risk...

N.Y. judge won't bite on broker's corny suit.(End Page)(New York)(Brief article)
October 6, 2008... Life's all about taking risks-even when it comes to eating popcorn, a New York judge ruled. On Sept. 17, 2007, insurance broker Steve Kaplan seated himself at the AMC-Lincoln Square Cinema in New York, armed with a freshly popped bag of...

On the web.(News)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... BI VIDEO Two additions to Issues in Risk Management In the latest Issues in Risk Management video segment, "Staying Current," a trio of leading risk managers discusses how they keep their knowledge current and build the skills they...

WRITE.(Opinions)
October 13, 2008... Business Insurance welcomes letters to the editor. The section is intended to be a forum for readers' opinions and comments. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity or space. We will not publish unsigned letters. Please send your...

READ Perspectives and expert analysis online at www.businessinsurance.com/knowledgecenter.(Opinions)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... "Green' energy needs a boost from insurers As industry strives to develop ways to produce cleaner energy, the insurance industry must play a role in supporting those efforts, says Philip J. Edmundson, chairman and chief executive officer of...

VOTE in the BI Online Poll at www.businessinsurance.com; This week's results.(Opinions)(job descriptions)(Survey)
October 13, 2008... Q. Has your company begun reviewing its job descriptions and reasonable accommodation protocols to assure compliance with the new ADA Amendments Act? Yes: 18% No: 82% Next week's question: Q: Has the fall in the equities...

Comings & goings online.(Comings & Goings)(executive recruiting)(Website overview)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... Visit www.businessinsurance.com/ComingsandGoings for a full list of this week's personnel moves and promotions. Check our Web site daily for additional postings. To Submit Items Business Insurance would like to report o* senior-level...

Supreme Court to hear risk management-related cases; Punitive damages, federal pre-emption among those on docket.(News)(Shell Oil Co. vs. United States)(Noreen Hulteen et al. vs. AT&T Corp.)
October 13, 2008... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN WASHINGTON-The U.S. Supreme Court opened its new term last week with relatively few risk management-related cases on its docket. The docket in general "is a little light in blockbuster cases,'' former U.S....

Most brokers, buyers remain confident in AIG: Surveys.(News)(American International Group Inc.)(Report)
October 13, 2008... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN Most brokers remain confident in the financial strength of American International Group Inc.'s insurance subsidiaries, according to a survey released last week by Advisen Ltd. Advisen, a New York-based insurance...

Grannies, gramps can be highway stars.(End Page)(Allstate Corp. launching a computer-based cognitive training program)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... Byline: Contributing: Jeff Casale, Mike Tsikoudakis Allstate Corp. apparently believes you can teach old dogs new tricks. The Northbrook, Ill.-based insurer is launching a computer-based cognitive training program, starting in...

The latest in roadway hazards: 'Podestrians'.(End Page)(traffic accidents)(Report)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... It's been just a decade since the first MP3 music player was introduced to the world, but a Manchester, England, brokerage is blaming it and its competitors for a 10% jump in car crashes. Pedestrians who listen to MP3s or iPods, which were...

Single- and multiple-vendor administration approaches have advantages, disadvantages.(Benefits Management)(Health insurance industry partnering with other vendors)
October 13, 2008... Byline: Sally Roberts There are two approaches employers can take when they integrate disability and health management: use one vendor to administer all of their programs or use multiple vendors for specific services. Several health...

As workforce ages, employers can expect higher disability costs; Median number of days off to recover from an injury increases as workers get older, BLS study finds.(Benefits Management)(Report)
October 13, 2008... Byline: LOUISE ESOLA Falling on an icy sidewalk while shoveling snow could result in bruises and a day or two off work for an employee in his or her 20s, experts say those same events could result in major injuries and significant sick...

Disability battle taps integration; Strategy ups effectiveness.(Benefits Management)
October 13, 2008... Byline: SALLY ROBERTS More employers are looking to integrate their disability and leave programs with various health management efforts to reduce health care costs and create a healthier, more productive workforce, experts say. By...

Financial woes push some issues to the back burner.(News)(Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act)
October 13, 2008... Byline: Mark A. Hofmann WASHINGTON-Although the 110th Congress marked its most significant risk management achievement less that a year after it convened, it left several other risk management-related issues to be dealt with by its...

Congressional session sees benefits bills pass; Mental health parity, bills to help reservists among key successes.(News)(Conference news)
October 13, 2008... Byline: JERRY GEISEL WASHINGTON-The passage of mental health care benefits parity legislation earlier this month came at the end of a congressional session that defied early predictions of gridlock on benefit issues. While enactment of...

Tunnel blaze losses covered up to $1.24B.(International News)(Eurotunnel S.A.)(Financial report)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... Byline: SARAH VEYSEY PARIS-Groupe Eurotunnel S.A., which operates the infrastructure of the channel tunnel link between France and the United Kingdom, said lost revenue and rebuilding costs from a fire last month would be covered by...

'Wipeout' a rip-off, broadcaster says.(End Page)(Tokyo Broadcasting filed its copyright infringement)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... ABC has a new obstacle to overcome in its programming. Last week, Japanese broadcaster Tokyo Broadcasting System sued ABC, alleging that the American network's show "Wipeout'' is "a blatant copycat'' of Tokyo Broadcasting's competition...

Color this suit dismissed.(End Page)(L'Oreal USA Inc.)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... A Connecticut woman took the film classic "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'' seriously. So seriously, in fact, that when Charlotte Feeney inadvertently dyed her "naturally blond'' hair brunette, she said it put a dent in her social life and...

Pressure builds on AIG; Borrowing spree grows, as does federal scrutiny.(News)(American International Group Inc.)
October 13, 2008... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN WASHINGTON-American International Group Inc. came under increasing pressure last week, when it was forced to answer questions before Congress and to seek additional federal funds to prop up its ailing finances. ...

Data breaches often lack coverage; Specialty insurance may be needed, RIMS Canada attendees told.(International News)(Risk and Insurance Management Society Inc.)(Conference notes)
October 13, 2008... Byline: MATT SCROGGINS TORONTO-As breaches of personal information increase, Canadian risk managers need to understand both the legal landscape for such risks and what they can do to protect their organizations, experts say. While such...

Tainted products from China boost Canada liability exposures; RIMS Canada speaker focuses on contract language.(International News)(Risk and Insurance Management Society Inc.)(Conference notes)
October 13, 2008... Byline: MATT SCROGGINS TORONTO-As concerns about tainted Chinese products grow amid several high-profile product recalls, Canadian companies using suppliers in China need to take steps to address their exposures, an attorney says. ...

Approaches sped workers' jobsite return.(Benefits Management)(medical and disability programs)(Survey)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... Byline: Sally Roberts Employees out on short-term disability are likely to miss less work and have a higher return-to-work rate when their employers have integrated medical and disability programs, according to internal studies conducted...

Up close Michael Demarco.(Comings & Goings)
October 13, 2008... NEW JOB TITLE: Executive vp for the Preferred Club Program with West Chester, Pa.-based Venture Insurance Programs. PREVIOUS POSITION: Worldwide property manager for the financial institutions department at Chubb Corp. GOALS FOR NEW...

Risk managers' agenda deserves swift decision.(Opinions)(risk management legislation)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... RISK MANAGERS owe the now-adjourned Congress thanks for approving the most important risk management legislation of the past two years-an extension of the federal terrorism insurance backstop before the program expired. But that was nearly a...

XL shares plunge on investment loss news.(News)(XL Capital Ltd.)(Market share report)
October 13, 2008... Byline: Douglas McLeod HAMILTON, Bermuda-XL Capital Ltd. said last Friday that it expects to report investment losses of up to $1.2 billion in the third quarter, an announcement that came a day after its stock price plummeted by 54% amid...

Ruling on arbitration favors Lloyd's; Appeals panel rules workers comp dispute can be decided outside court.(News)
October 13, 2008... Byline: JEFF CASALE NEW ORLEANS-A 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that treaties are not an "Act of Congress'' within the meaning of the McCarran-Ferguson Act allows state laws to trump federal laws pertaining to international...

Congressional action a praiseworthy model.(Opinions)(health care reform legislation)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... With the congressional session now over, we want to commend federal legislators for the actions they took on several benefit issues. Chiefly, recognition is due not just on the passage of mental health care benefits parity legislation,...

DISABILITY CRITERIA.(Benefits Management)(disability program)(United States. Social Security Administration)(Brief article)
October 13, 2008... The Social Security Administration's disability program has more stringent qualification criteria than most private income protection programs. * Individuals must have worked a minimum amount of years, depending on their age. For example,...

Integrating disability; Questions & answers.(Benefits Management)(Hilary Mitchell is director of Pitney Bowes Inc.)(Interview)
October 13, 2008... Hilary Mitchell is director of direct delivery employee medical service operations at Pitney Bowes Inc. in Stamford, Conn. In that position, she has direct responsibility for managing short- and long-term disability and family medical leave for...