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Property and Casualty Insurance Information from the Georgia Insurance Information Service                            2012 Hurricane Season Begins June 1st. Track Tropical Storm Alberto Southeastern Drought Alert The map provides an overview of the severity of the drought across the Southeast as of May 15th. For a detailed drought map of the U.S., Click here. RECALL ALERT JEEP/WRANGLER Model Year(s):2010 FORD/WINDSTAR, 1998-2003 FORD/WINDSTAR, 1999-2003 FORD/EXPEDITION, 2012 FORD/F-150 Model Year(s): 2011 FORD/F150 Model Year(s): 2012 FORD/MUSTANG Model Year(s):2012-2013 LINCOLN/NAVIGATOR Model Year(s): 2012 Click here to view recalls listed by the National Highway Traffic Administration. Safety and Recalls from Consumer Reports Recalls of interest will be featured here. Hot Wheels Classics: Chevrolet Corvette A Truly Hot Car – More Than One in 10 Stolen Over Past 30 Years Click here to view the report. Prevent Dog Bites—And a Lawsuit; Average Cost of Dog Bite Claims Is On the Rise Irresponsible Dog Owners Endanger Others; National Dog Bite Prevention Week Is May 19-25    The Insurance Information Institute reports Dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2011, costing nearly $479 million, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, the largest writer of homeowners insurance in the U.S., paid out more than $109 million as a result of its nearly 3,800 dog bite claims in 2011. Read more. Questionable Slip-and-Fall Claims Increase 12 Percent; Small Retailers May Be Prime Targets    One of the most popular examples used by the insurance industry to describe fraud is the manufactured slip-and-fall injury. Just the mention of the term conjures up images of a person writhing in pain on the floor of a supermarket while pointing a blaming finger at a nearby banana peel.    Without any doubt these kinds of accidents occur and innocent people sustain serious injuries as a result. That’s why most people and business owners carry insurance—to financially protect them and innocent victims should such an accident occur.    Unfortunately, there is a criminal element that sees slip-and-falls as an easy way to obtain money. While their acting skills are substantial, their ethics are not and all of us end up subsidizing their fraudulent income by paying more for goods and services.    What exactly is a fraudulent slip-and-fall claim? It is a claim where a person creates a false and potentially dangerous situation with the intent to fake a slip or fall for monetary gain.    Although many of these incidents are attempted against large businesses, NICB has learned of several attempts to extort money from small retail operators using the threat of slip-and-fall litigation to obtain cash payments from shop owners. In this example, a slip-and-fall artist fakes an injury at a small retail shop then tells the store owner that he will need medical treatment.    After a period of time, the “injured” person returns to the store to inform the shopkeeper that his out-of-pocket medical bills were, say, $1,500 and that he has no choice but to sue for reimbursement. At some point the store owner is told that he can pay that amount in cash to the victim and the victim will consider it a closed matter. This “pay-and-forget” option is often viewed by shopkeepers as an easy way out of a potentially costly mess. Unfortunately, it encourages more fraud.    Most of these slip-and-fall extortions are never reported to law enforcement or to insurance companies making it very difficult to gauge the extent of the problem.    In this report, NICB reviewed slip-and-fall questionable claims referred during the period of 1/1/2010 – 12/31/2011. In 2010, there were 1,944 referrals; in 2011, there were 2,168—an increase of 12 percent.    The five states generating the most slip-and-fall questionable claims from 2010-2011 were: California (667); New York (280); Texas (245); Illinois (230) and Florida (286).    The five cities were: New York (134); Los Angeles (127); Philadelphia (99); Chicago (63) and Las Vegas (62).    The full report is available here.    Anyone with information concerning slip-and-falls or other kinds of insurance fraud can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or by visiting our Web site at http://www.nicb.org. Or, iPhone or iPad users can download the NICB Fraud Tips to make it easy to quickly send a tip and get a response. Bicycle Safety and Insurance    Bicycling is increasingly popular, both as a sport and as a means of transportation. And bicycles can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars for a basic bike to thousands of dollars for specialized racing bikes. Whether you use your bicycle to commute to work or simply like to cycle around the block with your children, it is important to understand the rules of the road and protect your financial investment with the proper insurance.    Bicycles are covered under the personal property section of standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. This coverage will reimburse you, minus your deductible, if your bike is stolen or damaged in a fire, hurricane or other disaster listed in your policy.    If you are purchasing a new bike, keep the receipt and call your insurance agent or company representative immediately. If you own a particularly expensive bicycle, you may want to consider getting an endorsement that will provide additional coverage. Your insurance agent or company representative can review your coverage options with you. To learn more, Click here. Major Improvements to the Interior or Exterior of Your House Can Significantly Change Your Insurance Needs    Home improvement activity is expected to pick up in 2012, and if you are one of the many Americans planning to remodel your home this year, it is important to have the right amount and type of insurance both during and after the renovation, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).    A study by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University predicts that there will be a 5.9 increase in spending on remodeling projects in 2012.      ~ "If you plan to remodel your home, contact your insurance agent, broker or company representative. You want to be sure that you have all of the necessary insurance coverages during and after the renovation," pointed out Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. "Don't make the mistake of waiting until after your renovation is underway or you could find yourself dangerously underinsured."      ~ The I.I.I. points out the following four key steps when remodeling your home: 1. Talk to your insurance agent, broker or company representative before you start the project      ~ Let your insurance company know about your remodeling plans. Ask if you will need to update your homeowners insurance and whether you need other types of insurance to protect you financially during the project.      ~ If you are planning a simple, do-it-yourself project, only take it on if you are qualified to do the work. If friends or family are going to help out, make sure that you have sufficient liability protection in the event someone gets injured. This includes raising the amount of no-fault medical protection on your home insurance policy so that if someone is injured he or she can simply submit the doctor's bills to your insurance company; this can lessen the risk of being sued.       ~ If you are planning a bigger project, look into a getting a builder's risk policy (also known as a "course of construction" policy). It may be available as a stand-alone policy, or as an add-on to your homeowners policy. This coverage generally protects a home from damage incurred during construction, including wind and rain, theft of materials such as carpeting, tile or wood (though not the contractor's equipment), and vandalism. 2. Verify that your contractor has insurance coverage      ~ Ask to see a copy of your contractor's insurance policies. The contractor should have both a commercial business/general liability insurance policy and workers compensation. It is important that the workers remodeling your home be adequately insured so that if a worker is injured he or she does not sue you.      ~ If the contractor is not adequately insured or is unwilling to verify their insurance coverage, consider hiring someone else. 3. Keep records and receipts      ~ Take photographs before, during and after the renovation so that you have a visual record of all of the work done on your home.      ~ Keep copies of any contractor contracts, and receipts for work done and materials purchased.      ~ If you purchase new belongings as part of the remodeling, keep receipts and add the information to your home inventory. The I.I.I.'s free "Know Your Stuff" Home Inventory software helps make creating and updating a home inventory simple. The I.I.I. also has a companion home inventory iPhone app (search for "iii inventory" in the Apple app store). 4. Update your insurance coverage after the renovation      ~ Make sure that your insurance company knows about the improvements to your home. After a major renovation, you may need to increase the amount of insurance you have to rebuild your home. Be prepared to forward all records and receipts to your insurance company so that they can accurately assess your insurance needs.      ~ You may also need to purchase additional coverage for your personal possessions. If you have purchased art or other expensive items, find out whether you should purchase additional coverage in the form of a floater or endorsement. This is an individual policy for expensive items that provides a higher level of insurance coverage.      ~ Consider getting more liability protection if you added a swimming pool or hot tub as these are considered "attractive nuisances" and could leave your vulnerable to lawsuits. You may want to ask your insurance agent about getting an excess or umbrella liability policy as a cost-effective way to increase your overall liability protection.      ~ Ask about discounts. You may qualify for a discount of at least 5 percent if you installed stronger doors, smoke detectors, a burglar alarm or dead-bolt locks. Some companies may cut your premiums by as much as 15 or 20 percent if you install a sophisticated sprinkler system and a fire and burglar alarm that rings at the police, fire or other remote monitoring stations. If you updated the heating, plumbing or electrical systems you may get a reduction in your premium as this reduces the risk of fire and water damage. Adding storm shutters or shatter-proof glass, reinforcing your roof or purchasing stronger roofing materials may also reduce your insurance costs.      ~ If the alteration to your home was as a result of a major change in your life such as a marriage, the addition of a new child, establishing a home-based business or an elderly relative moving into your home, you may also need to reevaluate a number of other insurance needs. Now is a good time to discuss these major life events with your insurance professional to see if you should update your life insurance, get business insurance or secure other coverages. Georgia Arson Control Program Latest Rewards    The Georgia Arson Control Program provides rewards up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of one or more arsonists. So far, the program has awarded 660 awards including two approved Friday, April 20, 2012. The total amount awarded since the organization was formed by the state's property and casualty insurance companies is $1,617,850.    Arson fires in Georgia since 2004 have caused an estimated $14.3 million. From GIIS Executive Director David Colmans...Inside Insurance: What Happened In 365 Days Click here. Motorcycle Crash Data Update    The Insurance Information Institute has updated motorcycle crash data and related information.    2010 Crash Data: U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports in 2010, 4,502 people died in motorcycle crashes, up 0.7 percent from 4,469 in 2009.    According to the latest data available from the Federal Highway Administration, there were about 8 million private and commercial motorcycles on U.S. roads in 2009, compared with 134.9 million passenger cars.    Fatalities among motorcyclists age 50 and older increased by 119 in 2010, compared with 2009, whereas fatalities among motorcyclists under age 55 decreased by 1,391.    Some 106,000 motorcycles were involved in crashes in 2009, including property damage-only crashes, according to latest data from the NHTSA.    Motorcyclists were 25 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled in 2009 and five times more likely to be injured, according to NHTSA.    The fatality rate per registered vehicle for motorcyclists in 2009 was six times the fatality rate for passenger car occupants, according to NHTSA.    The National Insurance Crime Bureau said that motorcycle thefts fell 11 percent in 2010 from a year earlier, based on data from the National Crime Information Center of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Motorcycle thefts declined each year from 2006 to 2010 with the largest decrease occurring between 2008 and 2009. The top five makes stolen and the top five states in thefts for 2010 are shown below: TOP 5 MAKES STOLEN, 2010 1. Honda 12,260 2. Yamaha 9,853 3. Suzuki 8,969 4. Kawasaki 5,470 5. Unknown make 3,420 TOP 5 STATES IN MOTOR CYCLE THEFTS, 2010 1. California 5,662 2. Texas 4,394 3. Florida 4,148 4. North Carolina 2,649 5. Indiana 1,925 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. How Insurance Supports The Southeast and the U.S. Economy    One of the most important economic benefits an industry of many companies can provide is employment on a state-by-state basis. The insurance industry, made up of companies, their agencies and independent agencies that represent several companies, have a significant presence in the Southeastern state and the Nation. Insurance Industry Employment By State Alabama 26,149 Georgia 68,516 Florida 137,219 Mississippi 11,403 North Carolina 50,425 South Carolina 9,741 Tennessee 45,017 Kentucky 28,965 Southeaster States 377,435 United States 2,266,000 Source: Regional Economic Information System, Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce. To view the entire insurance industry U.S. employment state-by-state, click here. Georgia #3 In The Nation - NICB Reports Metal Thefts Increase 81 Percent Since 2008 -- FBI: “Copper Thefts Threaten U.S. Critical Infrastructure”    A new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) confirms what many Americans have learned through news reports and, unfortunately, their own experience that thefts of copper and other metals are occurring all over the nation. The report reviews metal theft claims from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011.    The NICB issued an initial report on metal theft in February, 2009. Since then, incidents dropped off slightly, but as today’s report shows, beginning in August, 2009, thefts steadily increased across the nation driven, once again, by rising prices for base metals—especially copper.    Whether the theft is an expensive personal irritant, like finding your catalytic converter has been stolen, or one that threatens public safety, as in the recent theft of copper wiring which blacked out runway approach lights at the Modesto, Calif., regional airport—metal thefts are increasing in frequency and severity.    In an unclassified intelligence assessment first released in 2008 and modified in 2010, the Federal Bureau of Investigation wrote, “Copper thieves are threatening US critical infrastructure…and present a risk to both public safety and national security.”    Entire stretches of highways have been plunged into darkness and traffic controls at busy intersections have been rendered inoperative—all due to thoughtless acts of greedy copper thieves. Even brass grave markers are disappearing from cemeteries. Yet, bold and often risky thefts sometimes turn out badly for perpetrators. In February, 2011, Gregory Allen Alexander of Roseville, Calif., was electrocuted as he attempted to cut through a high-voltage wire at a municipal sports complex in Sacramento. --------------------    The report identified 25,083 insurance claims compared with only 13,861 identified from the 2006-2008 report—an 81 percent increase.    The top five states generating the most metal theft claims are Ohio (2,398); Texas (2,023); Georgia (1,481); California (1,348); and Illinois (1,284).    The top-five Core Based Statistical Areas generating the most metal theft claims are Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL (963); New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ (921); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA (823); Dallas-Ft. Worth-Arlington, TX (674); and Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI (587). The full report can be viewed and downloaded Here. --------------------    Depending on the circumstances of the theft, these incidents may not generate an insurance claim, or even a police report. Consequently, comprehensive empirical data is elusive. While this report deals primarily with submitted insurance claims, the ultimate impact of this activity falls, to some degree, on all consumers. Losses to businesses and government entities are shared with customers and taxpayers through higher costs for goods and services and/or offsetting reductions in services.    Individuals can do their part to prevent these kinds of thefts by simply being vigilant in their neighborhoods and business communities. If dwellings remain unoccupied for extended periods of time, they become magnets for unlawful behaviors. Wire stripping is among the activities that are routinely discovered in these locations. Your best protection is simply paying attention. Talk with your neighbors and ask one that you trust to keep watch on your home if you will be away and return the favor. As always, you should report suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency. Unreported crime may breed more crime.    Anyone with information concerning metal theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or by visiting our Web site at www.nicb.org. Or, iPhone or iPad users can download the NICB Fraud Tips app to make it easy to quickly send a tip and get a response. The Impact of Global Natural Catastrophes in 2011    Significant natural catastrophes in 2011 included earthquakes, a major tsunami, volcanic activity, numerous major storms, tornados, floods, droughts, wildfires and more.    To see the significance and the amount of this very costly events, click on the world map, right, to view this global map from reinsurer MunichRe.    To view charts of insured catastrophe losses in the United States that totaled $35.9 billion in 2011, click here What coverage is included in a standard homeowners insurance policy?    To find out what the four essential coverages are in your homeowners insurance, Click here. Latest Statistics on Homeowners and Renters Insurance Claims -- Southeastern States    View the latest expenditures for Homeowners and Renters Insurance for Southeastern States and overall Claims Data for Homeowners and Renters Insurance by Loss and Type of Claim though 2009, the latest figures available: 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 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.