Live Insurance News

Borrowing limit on National Flood Insurance Program raised by congress

January 7, 2013January 25, 2014 Dan

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) applaud the congressional action taken on January 4, 2013 to raise the borrowing limit for the NFIP, sending relief to badly damaged areas of the northeast still suffering after hurricane Sandy. A hearing on funding to help flood relief victims was scheduled for January 1, but was canceled by Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) just moments after the so-called fiscal cliff deal was approved by the House of Representatives. Lawmakers and politicians in the northeast protested, most notably Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) and…

Independent insurance agencies seeing major growth in US

October 26, 2012October 23, 2012 Nordstrom

Study shows promising trends for independent insurance agencies The number of independent insurance agencies, as well as the revenue they produce, is on the rise, according to a new study from Future One, a collaborative group comprised of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America and a group of independent agency companies. The study, called “2012 Agency Universe Study,” shows that independent agencies are becoming more popular throughout the U.S. The study provides some insight on why agencies may be growing more popular and what that could mean for…

MEMA releases flood insurance information for consumers

September 4, 2012April 30, 2013

MEMA information could help consumers understand their policies and file claims The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has released information that aims to help the victims of flood file flood insurance claims. Mississippi residents that have flood insurance receive their coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The majority of the state’s homeowners, however, do not have coverage that protects them from the damage caused by floods. Yet, many of these homeowners believe they are adequately protected by the coverage they receive through the state’s wind pool policies. MEMA…

Minnesota insurance agents concerned over commissions and a health insurance exchange

August 21, 2012April 30, 2013

Insurance agents voice their concern regarding exchange system Minnesota is making progress on establishing its own health insurance exchange, but the state’s plans have sparked concerns amongst insurance agents. Independent insurance agents have come together to make their concerns heard by state officials. The majority of the state’s health insurance is sold by these independent agents, who are worried that a health insurance exchange will make deep cuts in their commissions. If these concerns are justified, an insurance exchange could present a serious financial problem for Minnesota agents. How insurance…

Oregon shows insurance agents are vital to state exchange

April 18, 2012May 27, 2012 Live Insurance News

Health insurance agents in Oregon needed The state’s Health Insurance Exchange intends to train and utilize insurance agents to assist residents and small businesses that are uninsured to find the right plans by 2014 when the new health care mandate goes into effect. What has still not yet been entirely defined is specifically what role the agents will play and how that will influence consumers who could depend on them for their advice and suggestions. The Oregon Health Insurance Exchange board met last Thursday and, according to Kim Wirtz, an exchange…