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| Property and Casualty Insurance Information from the Georgia Insurance Information Service  |
  
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Severe Weather Awareness Week Upcoming Events  Severe Weather Awareness Week for the state of Georgia will be February 6-10, 2012. The topics to be covered include:
Given the severe tornado outbreaks across Georgia in 2011, the Georgia Insurance Information Service urges all Georgians to pay particular attention to the list of activities and to watch this web site for preparedness information. |
Drought Alert The map provides an overview of the severity of the drought across the Southeast as of January 24th. For a detailed drought map of the U.S., Click here. |
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Rating the States: An Assessment of Residential Building Code and Enforcement Systems for Life Safety and Property Protection in Hurricane-Prone Regions Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi Show Wide Disparities  The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) conducted an analysis, evaluation, and comparison of regulations and processes governing residential building construction in the 18 states most vulnerable to catastrophic hurricanes along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. This analysis is the basis of a first of its kind, state-by-state rating of building code and enforcement systems that govern the design and construction of residential buildings. Unfortunately, because of differences in build- ing code adoption and enforcement across all states, or even across all jurisdictions within many states, building codes do not provide a uniform level of protection. The lack of uniformity results in real consequences for the people who live or own residential property in harm’s way.This report, “Rating the States: An Assessment of Residential Building Code and Enforcement Systems for Life Safety and Property Protection in Hurricane-Prone Regions,” combines IBHS’ engineering expertise and regulatory research to create a model for assessing the quality of residential building code and enforcement systems in hurricane-prone states. The ratings shine a much-needed spotlight on how states can take specific steps to improve their building code processes in order to better protect their citizens – and how citizens can understand the need for and, hopefully, demand stronger building codes. By examining the detailed rating elements, policymakers and other interested parties can find a clear roadmap to strengthening their residential building code system and improve their standing in this report. To view the entire report and more, click here. Georgia Georgia (66 points) has a mandatory statewide code (2006 International Residential Code); however, it is up to local jurisdictions to decide whether they will enforce the code. Georgia does not allow weakening amendments at the local level and has adopted a plumbing and electrical code. Georgia has passed a law that prohibits the requirement of residential sprinklers. Georgia has a program for certification of code officials that does not require code classes prior to certification. Their program requires continuing education, but there is no mechanism for disciplinary action against an inspector by the state. General contractors, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical contractors are required to be licensed in Georgia. They are all required to take an exam prior to licensing and are required to take continuing education. Each licensing body has a mechanism for disciplining contractors. Code adoption and enforcement - 31 Code official certification and training - 15 Contractor licensing - 20 Total - 66 View the entire report to compare Georgia's status to other Southern states. |
New Brochure On Motorcycle Antilock Brakes Provides Key Safety Info For Riders  Riding a motorcycle is safer when the bike is equipped with antilock brakes, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety explains in a new consumer brochure.“Motorcycle ABS: Why you want to ride with it” explains what antilock braking systems (ABS) do, how they work, and the key research on their safety benefits. The pamphlet, intended for distribution at rider training events and other venues, is meant to encourage riders shopping for new bikes to choose models equipped with the technology. Antilocks are standard on some motorcycles and are available as an option on many more. “Research shows that motorcycle antilocks dramatically cut the risk of a deadly crash,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “We want riders to understand how this technology works so they can make an informed choice.” Braking isn’t as simple on a motorcycle as it is behind the wheel of a car. Most bikes have separate brake controls for the front and rear wheels, and either wheel can lock up during hard braking. On a car, a lockup might result in a skid. On a motorcycle, it can mean a loss of balance and a potentially deadly fall. With ABS, a rider can brake fully without fear of locking up. The system automatically reduces brake pressure when a lockup is about to occur and increases it again after traction is restored. For more, click here. |
Rapid Exchange of Traffic Crash Information Helps Speed Up The Claims Process Auto insurers report that settling the traffic crash claims process is often slowed down considerably due to the time it takes to obtain completed accident reports from various law enforcement agencies across the state.The Georgia's motoring public is urged to download and print at least two copies of the attached form to keep in each vehicle. Should a traffic crash occur more than one vehicle, information can be exchanged on the scene and provided to the insurers of all vehicles involved. Taking this action and forwarding the completed form to the insurer as quickly as possible will greatly help speed up the claims process, according to claims adjusters and GIIS member companies The Georgia Insurance Information Service has teamed up with Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner Ralph Hudgens to alert motorists that this information exchange program will assist in the time it takes to report a claim and have it resolved. Click on Form To Open |
| Inside Insurance: Protect yourself from being uninsured in 2012 Click here to read more. |
| WARNING! Insurance Scams Involving Unsolicited Service Providers... If You Didn’t Request It - Reject It! Each year consumers pay more for their auto and homeowners insurance policies as a direct result of fraud. We’ve all heard the stories—unnecessary auto glass repairs, aggressive and exorbitant towing charges, needless home repairs, total roof replacements, sinkhole damage, solicitation of accident victims. These and other kinds of insurance scams contribute to an annual loss amount estimated to be $30 billion just within the property and casualty industry. Repair scams have one common element—a solicitation from an individual offering repair services. If a homeowner has requested an inspection or if an insurance company has authorized a vendor to conduct an inspection, that’s one thing. But an unsolicited, unexpected and random “inspection” visit from a service provider, whether it’s a glass repair technician, a roofer, or a structural engineer looking for sinkhole damage to your home could be the first step in a fraud scam. That is why the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) advises consumers to always consult their insurance company first before allowing anyone to perform any inspection or repair work that will be “covered” by their insurance. Essentially, an unsolicited contact with you is a key indicator of possible fraud. When someone knocks on your door for a roof inspection and you did not request it; when you are approached at a service station by a glass repair technician offering “free” repair work; when a contractor appears at your door to provide an estimate for replacing your storm-damaged siding—all of these are potentially fraud precursors. The NICB stresses, if you didn’t request it—reject it. To learn more about potential scams, and to spot them and what to do if approached, Click here to learn more and save an 11-point check list of what you can do. |
| A Firm Foundation: How Insurance Supports The Georgia Economy The insurance industry in Georgia has a significant impact on the state’s economy that extends well beyond its responsibilities to collect premiums and settle claims. It employs licensed professionals, pays taxes, and insurance companies help fund the construction of schools, roads, and healthcare facilities, and a variety of other public sector projects through their investments in municipal bonds. To view and/or download the document, Click here. |