California insurance regulators target GeoVera Insurance, imposing fines and requiring the company to make changes to underwriting

California insurance regulators have taken action against GeoVera Insurance Co., providers of residential earthquake insurance, this week. Regulators took notice of the company after having received a multitude of complaints from policyholders. According to these complaints, the insurer’s underwriting procedures are not as adequate as they are supposed to be. Regulators have investigated the matter and found that the insurer’s practices were indeed falling short of the state’s standards. GeoVera will be facing major changes as regulators look to make the company more compliant with state laws. The insurer will…

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India seeks alternatives to European maritime insurers as EU sanctions on Iran loom

As the European Union prepares to impose sanctions on Iran and breaks its trade agreement with the nation, the maritime insurance industry is facing a bleak and complicated future. Insurers will not be the only ones to suffer from the move, however, as countries that depend on oil from the Middle East will also feel the impact of the action. Even countries that do not rely on Iranian oil are claiming that the EU’s actions will have a major effect on their economies. Such is the case in India, where…

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New York insurance regulators and federal authorities claim victory over insurance fraud syndicate

Auto insurance fraud has been a major problem in the state of New York. For years, regulators and lawmakers have been working to combat fraud throughout the state, but it has been a difficult challenge to overcome. This week, regulators have claimed a major victory as state and federal authorities dismantled a massive auto insurance fraud ring. Regulators are calling it the largest insurance fraud syndicate that focused almost exclusively on exploiting New York’s no-fault insurance laws. The crime ring is comprised of 36 people in total. Ten doctors and…

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West Virginia legislators pass new law that gives consumers access to information on their insurance policies

The West Virginia House of Delegates has granted approval of a new legislation that would require insurance companies to disclose information regarding policies to consumers filing claims. The bill received support from both parties and passed with a 64-33 vote on Monday. The law aims to provide consumers with more understanding of how the insurance industry works and what they can expect to deal with when filing claims. It will also help consumers understand the limitations of their own policies and discover whether or not an insurer can deny a…

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Federal Housing Administration plans to raise premiums for mortgage insurance

According to a press release from the Federal Housing Administration, the agency intends to raise the premiums for up-front mortgage insurance by 0.75 percent in order to help to rebuild its insurance fund, which has been exhausted by the real estate crisis over the last few years. Also to see increases, will be the annual premiums that will be paid on the loans themselves. Carol Galante, the acting commissioner for the Federal Housing Administration, released the statement this week, which explained that by taking these actions, it will be possible…

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