Idaho — Roofing Replacement Red Flags: Unexpected weather such as hailstorms and severe wind can cause significant structural damage to homes, particularly the roof. Contractors serve an important role in the property building and repair process. Unfortunately, there are some contractors and public adjustors attempting to take advantage of you.
The Idaho Department of Insurance is sharing tips with consumers on what to be aware of should your roof need replacing. We urge caution if any of the following occurs:
- An adjustor knocks on your door unsolicited and says they are an insurance specialist/expert or can help you with your insurance claim.
- Advises you that your insurance company will or must pay for a full roof replacement.
- Emphasizes that your neighbor’s insurance paid to replace their entire roof.
- Promises services at no charge to you, free upgrades, or offers to waive your insurance deductible.
- Asks you to sign a contract without allowing you to review it before signing and before providing a detailed estimate.
- Is not able, or is unwilling, to provide you with references for other work they have performed.
- Is not willing to provide you with evidence of their Certificates of Insurance for General Liability and Workers’ Compensation.
Consumers can call DOI Consumer Affairs at 208-334-4319 with any questions or comments.
The DOI’s Roofing Contractor Red Flags flier can be found on our website at https://doi.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-07-06-Roofing-Contractor-Consumer-Flyer-scaled.jpg.
“Consumers should always be cautious when dealing with contractors and adjustors,” said Dean L. Cameron, Director of the Idaho Department of Insurance. “We hope Idahoans will utilize our Consumer Affairs section any time they have questions about insurance matters. Our priority is to protect citizens by providing free, unbiased assistance and advice.”
Montana — How to claim your Montana tax rebates: Montana’s $899 million rebates are available now. Click the link below and it will take you to the story. That story includes a link to information from the Montana Department of Revenue.
BTW, Montana Free Press is an excellent source of Montana news.
Source link: Montana Free Press https://montanafreepress.org/2023/06/16/how-to-claim-your-montana-tax-rebates-updated/?utm_medium=email&mc_cid=f53db41663&mc_eid=79ef56ff05
Oregon — Recently Adopted Rulemaking: Repeal relating to Disclosure of Information about Complaints Regarding Unlawful Claims Settlement Practices: The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation recently announced the following permanent rulemaking:
ID 26-2023: Repeal relating to Disclosure of Information about Complaints Regarding Unlawful Claims Settlement Practices
Repeal rule: 836-005-0405
Rule summary: Pursuant to ORS 731.264, a complaint made to DCBS against any person regulated by the Insurance Code, and the record of the complaint, is confidential and may not be disclosed except as otherwise provided by law. The statutory authority for OAR 836-005-0405 expired in 2021.
This means that, pursuant to ORS 731.264, DCBS can no longer release these records covered by the rule. Because of this, OAR 836-005-0405 must be repealed to align DCBS rules with applicable law and eliminate the possibility of any confusion regarding the disclosure of insurance complaint records under ORS 731.264.
Filed: June 29, 2023
Effective: July 1, 2023
Oregon — Recently Adopted Rulemaking: 2023 Coordination of Benefits and Medicare Part B Rulemaking: The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation recently announced the following permanent rulemaking:
ID 13-2023: 2023 Coordination of Benefits and Medicare Part B Rulemaking
Amended Rule: 836-020-0780
Rules summary: Amended to address Coordination of Benefit (COB) issues arising out of individuals being entitled to but not enrolled in Medicare Part B.
Filed: June 22, 2023
Effective: July 1, 2023
Oregon — Public hearings for 2024 health insurance rates scheduled for Aug. 4: The virtual public hearings for the 2024 requested rates for individual and small group health insurance plans has been rescheduled for August, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services announced today.
The hearings are now set for Friday, Aug. 4, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
In the meantime, Oregon consumers can look at the requested rates for 2024 and proposed plan coverage by county at https://dfr.oregon.gov/healthrates/Documents/2024-rate-and-county-coverage.pdf.
In the individual market, six companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average 3.5 percent to 8.5 percent increase, for a weighted average increase of 6.2 percent. That average increase is slightly lower than last year’s requested weighted average increase of 6.7 percent.
In the small group market, eight companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average 0.8 percent to 12.4 percent increase, for a weighted average increase of 8.1 percent, which is higher than last year’s requested 6.9 percent average increase.
The Oregon Reinsurance Program continues to help stabilize the market and lower rates. Reinsurance lowered rates by at least 6 percent for the sixth straight year.
A web address to watch the public hearings will be posted at oregonhealthrates.org. At the hearings, each insurance company will provide a brief presentation about its rate increase requests, answer questions from Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) staff, and hear public comment from Oregonians. The public also has the opportunity to comment on the proposed rates through Aug. 3 at https://oregonhealthrates.org.
The requested rates are for plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act for small businesses and individuals who buy their own coverage rather than getting it through an employer. For the second year in a row, every county has at least four companies available for people to buy insurance on the individual market. Deschutes County, which has four companies in 2023, is proposed to have five in 2024.
The division is analyzing the requested rates to ensure they adequately cover Oregonians’ health care costs. DFR must review and approve rates before they are charged to policyholders.
Preliminary decisions are expected to be announced in late July, and final decisions will be made in August after the public hearings and comment period ends. The hearings were previously scheduled for July 17-18.
Washington — Kreidler sends out Climate Risk Disclosure Survey to insurer: Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler sent out his annual Climate Risk Disclosure survey on June 30, requiring insurance companies with more than $100 million in written premiums in the United States in 2022 to respond.
“This survey is a continuation of the work my office, and my fellow insurance regulators, have done to strengthen the industry to meet the threats presented by climate change,” Kreidler said. “The information we gather in this survey will benefit both the industry and consumers in a meaningful way.”
The current version of the survey was developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Climate Risk and Executive Committee Task Force, of which Kreidler is a vice chair.
It aligns with the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure — the international standard for climate risk disclosure — and helps insurance regulators and the public better understand the climate-related risks to the U.S. insurance market.
Specifically, the Climate Risk Disclosure Survey provides:
Enhanced transparency about how insurers manage climate-related risks and opportunities.
Guidance on identifying good practices and vulnerabilities.
A baseline supervisory tool to assess how climate-related risks may affect the insurance industry.
Promotion of strategic management and shared learning for insurers to encourage continual improvement.
A vehicle for better-informed collaboration among regulators and interested parties on climate-related issues.
Alignment with international climate risk disclosure frameworks to reduce redundancy in reporting requirements.
The NAIC adopted the Climate Risk Disclosure Survey in 2010. In 2012, Washington — along with California and New York — first administered the survey to companies writing at least $300 million, and lowered the threshold to $100 million a year later. For reporting year 2021, 26 states and territories participated and more than 1,500 companies responded, representing nearly 80% of the national insurance market.
Survey responses are due on August 31, 2023. Survey results will be available this fall on the California Department of Insurance website.
Source link: Washington Department of Insurance — https://www.insurance.wa.gov/news/kreidler-sends-out-climate-risk-disclosure-survey-insurers?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=
Washington — Kreidler issues $40,863 in fines for violations in June: Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in June totaling $40,863 against insurance companies and insurance producers who violated state insurance laws and regulations.
Unauthorized insurers
Drico Insurance Company, Salt Lake City, Utah; fined $1,000 (order 23-0133).
Drico, a nonresident captive insurer, transacted insurance business in Washington without being registered to do so by the OIC.
Christian Care Ministry, Melbourne, Fla.; fined $33,363 (order 22-0132).
Christian Care Ministry, Inc. acted as an unauthorized insurer by offering its Manna Share disability income program in Washington between 2007 and 2020. The company was ordered to stop selling insurance in Washington and will cease all business operations in the state by December 31, 2023. The total includes a $20,000 fine and $13,363 for taxes, penalties and interest due.
Producers, agents & brokers
Aegis General Insurance Agency, Inc., Harrisburg, Penn.; fined $1,000 (order 23-0139).
Aegis transacted business in Washington under a name not registered with the OIC.
Columbia Insurance Specialties, Vancouver, Wash.; fined $5,000 (order 23-0110).
The agency opened a new insurance policy for a Washington consumer without first obtaining their knowledge or consent.
Randall McDonald, Mukilteo, Wash.; fined $250 (order 23-0079).
Francisco Alonzo, Othello, Wash.; fined $250 (order 23-0141).
