Rain triggers Astoria dike breach, Ore. City mudslide
NWCN - Contractors work on a home on Newell Ridge Road in Oregon City that has begun shifting from a mudslide. ASTORIA, Ore. -- A dike breach threatening homes near Astoria and a mudslide that may wash away an Oregon City home are just two of numerous

CEO of state's `last resort' insurer not happy about growth
KATC 3 - BATON ROUGE, La. -- Growth is good for most businesses but the chief executive officer for Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is sorry to predicting a 40 percent to 50 percent growth rate in the coming one to two years for his company

Votran boardings up 3.3% for 2005
Orlando Business Journal - Higher fuel prices, population growth and service enhancements meant more Volusia residents took advantage of the county's Votran transportation system in 2005, estimates from the agency show. During fiscal 2005, Votran recorded more than 3.4 million

Homeowner grants pending
Biloxi Sun Herald - JACKSON - A bill pending in Congress would establish grants of up to $150,000 for some whose homes were left uninhabitable by Hurricane Katrina, Gov. Haley Barbour says. The grants are part of the $29 billion hurricane-recovery package that's

Sen. Cochran announces agreement for hurricane recovery assistance
Biloxi Sun Herald - JACKSON, Miss. - Congressional Republicans have come to a hefty hurricane relief agreement, Sen. Thad Cochran said Sunday. Cochran, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that he has negotiated a deal to provide more than $29

Scouts returning to Mississippi
Town Online - A fter flying back to Norton Dec. 1 from Waveland, Mississippi where they were aiding with hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Norton-based Tulpe Lodge Boy Scout members plan to drive back in January. Dustin Benoit, leader and member of Tulpe Lodge

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel - Click here or call 1-877-READ-SUN. Insurers pretty much formed a queue in Tallahassee this year, rate requests in hand. And, according to Newton's Third Law of Rate Increases, certain neighborhoods in South Florida often had to swallow triple or

Who do politicos fear most?
Bradenton Herald - Which Republican candidate for governor would Democrats prefer to take on in November, Charlie Crist or Tom Gallagher? And would Republicans rather face U.S. Rep. Jim Davis or state Sen. Rod Smith in the gubernatorial general election? "Rod Smith

Sen. Cochran announces agreement for hurricane recovery assistance
Biloxi Sun Herald - JACKSON, Miss. - Congressional Republicans have come to a hefty hurricane relief agreement, Sen. Thad Cochran said Sunday. Cochran, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that he has negotiated a deal to provide more than $29

Uproar in Lee over firing of chief
Rome Daily Sentinel - T OWN OF LEE -- The Lee Center Fire Department's ability to serve the town is in question, after about 30 members turned in their gear Monday night following their longtime chief's removal by the Board of Fire Commissioners. The five-member board, at

Insurance rates set to jump in 2006
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Hurricane Katrina made 2005 the costliest year by far for the U.S. insurance industry. This year, businesses and consumers will help insurers pay for last year's estimated $57. 6 billion in storm-related losses through higher property and casualty

Metro area land prices soar higher
Orlando Business Journal - In the metro Orlando market, land prices shot up nearly 40 percent in 2005 and could increase another 25 percent in 2006. That's the assessment of one real estate and development specialist, Terry Delahunty, a partner in the law firm of Foley

Storms driving up insurance rates
News-Star - BATON ROUGE -- Look for your insurance premiums to go up an average of 15 percent next year to help the state-backed Citizens Insurance Plan rebuild its emergency stash after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. After that year-long increase expires, you'll

A.M. Best assigns Attorneys' Title an A- rating
Orlando Business Journal - A.M. Best Co. gave a financial strength rating of A- (excellent), with a stable outlook, to Attorneys' Title Insurance Fund Inc. Orlando-based Attorneys' Title received the positive rating for its "solid capitalization, favorable operating results

Homeowner grants pending
Biloxi Sun Herald - JACKSON - A bill pending in Congress would establish grants of up to $150,000 for some whose homes were left uninhabitable by Hurricane Katrina, Gov. Haley Barbour says. The grants are part of the $29 billion hurricane-recovery package that's

Devices zapped, owners jolted
Newsday - June Mirando watched Saturday night television into the wee hours in her Bay Shore home on Nov. 19, a small reading lamp burning dimly nearby. Around 1 a.m., as her husband Tony slept, the lamp became unusually bright and the television began to

Welcome to maconareaonline.com
Macon Daily - Dec 31 3:23 AM
Free & Easy Quotes. 100+ Companies Compare & Save on Insurance Now! Visit your local broker for home & personal belongings coverage! Keep things easy: homeowners insurance online. Get a quote now.Save to My Web

Benchmarks should help determine rate of sinking
The Daily Comet - Jan 02 1:07 PM
HOUMA -- A federal study in October showed property in Terrebonne Parish in general is sinking. Now, its time to find out how much the land has sunk in each area.Save to My Web

Insurance scarce for home buyers
New Orleans Times-Picayune - Dec 23 7:18 AM
After Hurricane Katrina destroyed their raised Lakeview cottage, Cecil and Mary Beth Haskins were relieved to find a new place to call home, a Black Pearl neighborhood shotgun with a side gallery, high ceilings and beautiful wide-plank pine floors.Save to My Web

A who's who of who puts fear in politicos' hearts
St. Petersburg Times - Dec 24 10:27 PM
Which Republican candidate for governor would Democrats prefer to take on in November, Charlie Crist or Tom Gallagher ? And would Republicans rather face U.S. Rep.Save to My Web

Preventing Crime in 2006
WIBW-TV Topeka - Jan 02 8:07 PM
The police department ended 2005 keeping a close eye on armed robberies and they've switched focus to another crime. Lieutenant Jerry Stanley says it's common to see an increase in armed robberies as we head into the holidays.Save to My Web

Insurance rates pinch homeowners
St. Petersburg Times - Dec 25 10:28 PM
Pasco will suffer the highest increases in the state, and proposed bills in Tallahassee face opposition from lawyers and insurers.Save to My Web

Insurer's methodology could prove costly
Orlando Sentinel - Dec 24 4:10 AM
All policyholders must help pay for Citizens' decision not to penalize those whose homes were underinsured. A decision by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. about calculating hurricane claims has left all of Florida's insurance consumers paying more to bail out the company, a newspaper reported Friday. Save to My Web

A Painful lesson By Greg Cima gcima@pantagraph
Pantagraph - Dec 27 10:44 PM
BLOOMINGTON - Julie Crowe woke to 10-inch flames around her chest. A burning candle she thought she blew out four hours earlier sat on a coffee table less than two feet away, as did a broken lighter that was also on fire. Flames had spread to the corner of the table, an ottoman and her blanket.Save to My Web

From Maine to Virginia, Courts Tackled Insurance in 2005
Insurance Journal - Dec 29 10:52 PM
From Maine to Virginia, many of the insurance headlines in 2005 dealt with compensation and reinsurance probes, just as they did across the country, casting the industry's reputation in a bad light.Save to My Web

Cajun communities face harsh reality: they may have to move
Austin American-Statesman - Dec 26 9:33 PM
After Rita, Louisiana officials suggest moving coastal towns inland.Save to My Web

With Coastline in Ruins, Cajuns Face Prospect of Uprooted Towns
New York Times, United States - Dec 26, 2005 Agency. How will aging parents and grandparents climb those stairs? Will anyone provide flood and homeowners' insurance? At what cost?

Cabinet races are overshadowed, but well worth watching
Gainesville Sun, FL - 6 hours ago While the CFO doesn't set homeowners insurance rates, the CFO does serve as a citizens advocate on insurance issues and investigates insurance fraud.

Sedgwick CMS Holdings Agrees to Acquisition by Fidelity National
PR Newswire (press release), NY - Dec 27, 2005 FNF is also provider of specialty insurance products including flood insurance, homeowners insurance and home warranty insurance.

Citizens failed to enforce penalties
St. Petersburg Times, FL - Dec 22, 2005 t find coverage in the private market, was created in 2002 when the state Legislature merged the windstorm and the state's last-resort homeowners insurance pool

Lawmakers wary of fee-weary voters
Orlando Sentinel, FL - Jan 3, 2006 see their bills climb by almost $12, the latest boost in a series of increases that have sent the cost of phone service, homeowners' insurance, gasoline and

What lies ahead?
Bradenton Herald, United States - Dec 25, 2005 After a year of spiraling property values, a lack of affordable housing, plenty of condo conversions and high homeowners insurance, 2006 is expected to see

Travelers to Offer Hybrid Owners Across U.S. 10 Percent Discount on Auto Insurance
The Auto Channel - Jan 05 5:13 AM
HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 5 -- Travelers personal lines, a member of St.Save to My Web

Wildfires Rage in Texas and Oklahoma; At Least 4 People Killed in Blazes
Insurance Journal - Dec 29 8:07 AM
At least three people in Texas and one in Oklahoma have died as the result of wildfires that have plagued the two rain-starved states in recent days. The Dallas Morning News reported that aSave to My Web

A D V E R T I S E M E N T
The Union - Dec 24 8:38 AM
Jeff and Merideth Wright do not want your sympathy, simply your ear. The Nevada City couple and their two young children did not feel the strength of Hurricane Katrina, but their Gulfport, Miss., home did, ruined by 100-mph winds and a sea that surged through it.Save to My Web

Tapping into home equity
The Tucson Citizen - Jan 05 5:00 AM
WASHINGTON - Juanita and Joe Sanders of St. Louis were trying to figure out how to pay for a new roof two years ago when their son came up with a suggestion: a reverse mortgage.Save to My Web

Insurance company owner involved in community
The News-Press - Dec 27 10:27 PM
Tami Baker is very current when you start asking questions about the insurance industry, but mention the words "growth and Lehigh Acres" and a passion is discovered.Save to My Web

A Painful lesson By Greg Cima gcima@pantagraph
Pantagraph - Dec 27 10:44 PM
BLOOMINGTON - Julie Crowe woke to 10-inch flames around her chest. A burning candle she thought she blew out four hours earlier sat on a coffee table less than two feet away, as did a broken lighter that was also on fire. Flames had spread to the corner of the table, an ottoman and her blanket.Save to My Web

Christmas fire destroys home
Bainbridge Island Review - Dec 28 1:09 AM
Firefighters said the blaze in the 5,000-square-foot home (above) was difficult to put out, because of its location at the end of narrow roads.Save to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Alabama Educators
dBusinessNews.com - Birmingham: Intergraph and Tyonek Team for U.S. Government FIGHTER Program; Team to Provide Federal Agencies with Security, Infrastructure, Technical Support and Services Birmingham -- Intergraph Corporation (NASDAQ: INGR) today Birmingham

Hit by Rita, Louisiana towns may move inland
Austin American-Statesman - About half of the 5,400 Cameron Parish homes and commercial buildings examined by the Army Corps of Engineers after Hurricane Rita were destroyed or ruined. Now some planners are proposing moving entire communities inland. "If we could get 100

Insurance rates set to jump in 2006
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Hurricane Katrina made 2005 the costliest year by far for the U.S. insurance industry. This year, businesses and consumers will help insurers pay for last year's estimated $57. 6 billion in storm-related losses through higher property and casualty

Vassalboro planners OK biodiesel plant
MaineToday.com - VASSALBORO -- Planners have unanimously approved a biodiesel manufacturing plant on Riverside Drive. At Tuesday's meeting, Planning Board members found that Randall Bean had a complete application and that his plans met all criteria in the town's

Katrina victims may lose ruined home
The Union of Grass Valley, CA - Dec 23, 2005 Their homeowners insurance is paying only 20 percent for wind damage and they had no flood coverage - as most in the area didn't - because of its Lloyd's of

Loans for tornado recovery available
Ames Daily Tribune, IA - Dec 31, 2005 a small state. Bowman said that all of the people in two out of the five most affected counties had homeowners insurance. In the

Take action against devastating insurance rate hikes
St. Petersburg Times - Re: Citizens asks for huge hike, Dec. 16. In my work with families that have children with disabilities, it is common knowledge that those families struggle financially when, as so often is the case, one parent (usually the mother) must give up her

Legislators fear voter backlash over rising cost of government fees
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel - TALLAHASSEE Many Florida legislators are beginning to fear that a rising tide of fee increases steadily washing over state voters in recent months may sink some incumbents seeking re-election this year. Most South Florida electric customers will

Citizens failed to enforce penalties
St. Petersburg Times - TALLAHASSEE - A little-noticed decision by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. about how to calculate hurricane claims means the rest of Florida's insurance consumers will end up paying more to bail out the company from hurricane losses. Upper

Katrina survivors left in the lurch
Pioneer Press - ATLANTA - Phyllis Jackson-Agee thought she'd done everything she was supposed to do. The New Orleans Realtor had flood insurance as well as

Unhappy holiday outlook from Electronics Arts
Orlando Business Journal - Video game giant Electronic Arts Inc. warned after markets closed on Tuesday that its earnings and revenue for the next two quarters will be "well below" estimates. Redwood City, Calif.-based EA (Nasdaq: ERTS), whose EA Tiburon division is in

Future of Gulf Coast Homeowners Insurance Murky, S&P Warns
Consumer Affairs - Dec 19, 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wrecked much of the Gulf Coast and may have also done permanent damage to the insurance business, a report from Standard & Poor's

Rising sinkholes claims may bring tighter rules
St. Petersburg Times, FL - Dec 29, 2005 "We have a 60 percent increase statewide in homeowners insurance rates, yet we have not been hit by a hurricane," said state Rep.

Assignment: New Orleans
Springfield Connection, VA - Dec 8, 2005 that many because of the cost. It s usually as expensive as homeowners insurance, she said. It depends on what zone you

Insurance scarce for home buyers
Times Picayune, LA - Dec 23, 2005 "Everything was still so uncertain.". But problems getting homeowners insurance on their new home nearly scuttled the real estate closing.

Insurance mediation to begin
2theadvocate.com, LA - Dec 22, 2005 Louisiana hurricane victims unhappy with claims settlements offered by their homeowners insurance companies will soon have a free alternative to costly, time

Consumers Underinsured for Major Life, Work Events, Survey Shows
PR Newswire (press release), NY - Dec 20, 2005 since 2003 -- including a structural change such as adding a room, porch or deck -- nearly 40 percent had not updated their homeowners insurance, or weren't

AG REILLY SEEKS RATE REDUCTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS IN 140 COMMUNITIES
Massachusetts Attorney General, MA - 7 hours ago BOSTON -- Attorney General Tom Reilly is seeking reductions, ranging from 2.1 to 14.2 percent, in the cost of homeowners insurance for residents in 140

Revised maps give hope to homeowners
St. Petersburg Times, FL - Dec 22, 2005 FEMA flood zone maps triggered fears of soaring homeowners insurance, but county map revisions took many relieved residents out of the flood zones.

Rules overlooked for underinsured
Tampa Bay's 10, FL - Dec 23, 2005 market. It was created in 2002 when the Legislature merged the windstorm and the state's last-resort homeowners insurance pools.

5 Steps to Preparing and Filing Your Homeowners Insurance Claim
About - Cities & Towns, NY - Dec 12, 2005 1.Give immediate notice to your insurance company of your homeowners insurance claim. Call your agent of any damages you feel you

III: Claims in Louisiana Equal to 25 Years of State's Homeowners
Insurance Journal - 22 hours ago The record total of homeowners insurance claims payments resulting from the 2005 hurricanes in Louisiana is enough to wipe out all homeowners premiums paid in

Building, labor costs go through the roof
Times Picayune, LA - Dec 15, 2005 Leading homeowners insurance companies say they'll make every effort to replace what policyholders lost -- if they have the right policies for coverage.

Lawmakers wary of fee-weary voters
Orlando Sentinel, FL - Jan 3, 2006 see their bills climb by almost $12, the latest boost in a series of increases that have sent the cost of phone service, homeowners' insurance, gasoline and

Future of Gulf Coast Homeowners Insurance Murky, S&P Warns
Consumer Affairs - Dec 19, 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wrecked much of the Gulf Coast and may have also done permanent damage to the insurance business, a report from Standard & Poor's

Allstate Kicks Near $1 Million for Charity in 2005
Business Wire (press release), CA - Jan 5, 2006 Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate

Fires Impact Insurance, Commissioner Holland Offers Help
Alva Review Courier, OK - Dec 29, 2005 "With the increased likelihood of fire, it is imperative that Oklahomans make sure their homeowners insurance policies are up to date and current," said

Figuring tax deduction for casualty losses
Bankrate.com - Dec 28, 2005 We had some of our glass doors and windows blown out by Hurricane Wilma. Our homeowners insurance company has paid us for some of the other damages.

FEMA Urges Floridians to Buy Flood Insurance
Insurance Journal - Dec 6, 2005 Risk: Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States; Just inches of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage; Homeowners insurance doesn't

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Texas Educators
[Press Release] PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 21 9:21 AM
Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Texas effective Sept. 16, 2005.Save to My Web

Allstate Offers Advice for Minimizing Flood Danger, Damage
[Press Release] Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 29 3:12 PM
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.----Dec. 29, 2005--With Northern California rivers and reservoirs at their highest levels in seven years and with additional storms forecasted over the coming week, Allstate urges residents to be prepared in case floods threaten your family, home and belongings.Save to My Web

CEO of La.'s 'Last Resort' Insurer not Happy About Growth
Insurance Journal - Jan 04 8:38 AM
Growth is good for most businesses but the chief executive officer for Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is sorry to predicting a 40 percent to 50 percent growth rate in the coming oneSave to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Alabama Educators
[Press Release] PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 21 8:52 AM
Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Alabama effective Nov. 16, 2005.Save to My Web

Home without a house
Hampton Roads Daily Press - Dec 25 4:20 AM
Back in New Orleans, members of the Summers family work to rebuild their lives and homes damaged by Katrina.Save to My Web

From Maine to Virginia, Courts Tackled Insurance in 2005
Insurance Journal - Dec 29 10:52 PM
From Maine to Virginia, many of the insurance headlines in 2005 dealt with compensation and reinsurance probes, just as they did across the country, casting the industry's reputation in a bad light.Save to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Oregon Educators
[Press Release] PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 21 9:16 AM
Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Oregon an average of 4.6 percent effective Oct. 16, 2005.Save to My Web

Wildfires Rage in Texas and Oklahoma; At Least 4 People Killed in Blazes
Insurance Journal - Dec 29 8:07 AM
At least three people in Texas and one in Oklahoma have died as the result of wildfires that have plagued the two rain-starved states in recent days. The Dallas Morning News reported that aSave to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Maryland Educators
The Auto Channel - Dec 21 3:13 PM
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 21, 2005 -- Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Maryland effective Jan. 1, 2006. The rate reductions apply to customers and prospects who are members of the education community.Save to My Web

Building, labor costs go through the roof
Times Picayune, LA - Dec 15, 2005 Leading homeowners insurance companies say they'll make every effort to replace what policyholders lost -- if they have the right policies for coverage.

Dangerous dog?
Ocala.com, FL - 22 hours ago from Chiefland. Asked whether she would adopt Rocky, King said she feared he would jeopardize her homeowners insurance. A spokesman

Insurance program expects boom
The Daily Advertiser, LA - Jan 2, 2006 State Farm and Allstate are the two largest homeowners insurance companies in Louisiana. But, state Sen. "Your homeowners (insurance) is going to spiral.

Bills, slow insurance drain evacuees' patience
Atlanta Journal Constitution (subscription), GA - Dec 17, 2005 "My house is still sitting the way it was, or the way it has been since August.". Soon, her homeowners' insurance will be up for renewal.

Inside Actual Memo From Judge Handling Ric Flair Divorce w
Wrestling-News.com, NY - Dec 7, 2005 for insurance on H, $25 for "car--other," $129 for personal property insurance, $283 for those very well-cared-for pets, $463 for homeowners insurance, $30 for

Homeowners insurance bills will increase to cover borrowing plan
KATC, LA - Dec 15, 2005 LCPI, created in 2003 as a state-sanctioned "insurer of last resort", provides homeowners insurance to those who couldn't get it on the open market.

Financial musts for every woman
The News Journal, DE - Dec 10, 2005 starts with having a will, living will and medical power of attorney as well as health insurance, long-term disability insurance, homeowners insurance and life

Travelers to Offer Hybrid Owners across US 10 Percent Discount on
Business Wire (press release), CA - Jan 5, 2006 hybridtravelers.com. Travelers, the second largest writer of auto and homeowners insurance through independent agents, is a member of St. Paul

Future of Cliff St. hangs in abeyance
Barre Montpelier Times Argus, VT - Dec 29, 2005 Cooper, director of the insurance division of Vermont's Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration, typical homeowners' insurance policies don

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for North Dakota Educators
The Auto Channel - Dec 21 3:13 PM
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 21, 2005 -- Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in North Dakota an average of 7.0 percent effective Jan. 16, 2006. The rate reductions apply to customers and prospects who are members of the education community.Save to My Web

Insurance program expects boom
KATC3 - Jan 02 9:07 AM
BATON ROUGE, La. Terry Lisotta, chief executive officer for Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, is sorry to say he is predicting a 40 percent to 50 percent growth rate in the coming one to two years for his company's business. Citizens was created January first, 2004.Save to My Web

Family finances: Don't wait until creek rises. Check out flood insurance now
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Jan 05 9:42 PM
After New Orleans' hurricane fiasco, in which many residents were surprised to learn that they had no flood insurance, we checked out our flood insurance policy extra carefully.Save to My Web

Sedgwick CMS Holdings Agrees to Acquisition by Fidelity National Financial
Real Estate News - Dec 28 1:12 PM
RISMEDIA, Dec. 29Sedgwick CMS Holdings, Inc. has announced the signing of definitive agreements whereby Fidelity National Financial, Inc. will acquire Sedgwick CMS Holdings, Inc. for approximately $635 million. The principal selling shareholders are Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. through its risk and insurance services firm Marsh Inc., and Trident II, L.P., a private equity fund managed by Save to My Web

Downed trees deadly in St. Tammany
New Orleans Times-Picayune - Jan 02 11:04 PM
Richard Adam grew up near the bayous of St. Tammany Parish and had enough grit to endure Army Ranger training and war itself.Save to My Web

Benchmarks should help determine rate of sinking
The Daily Comet - Jan 02 1:07 PM
HOUMA -- A federal study in October showed property in Terrebonne Parish in general is sinking. Now, its time to find out how much the land has sunk in each area.Save to My Web

Sedgwick CMS Holdings Agrees to Acquisition by Fidelity National Financial
Real Estate News - Dec 28 1:12 PM
RISMEDIA, Dec. 29Sedgwick CMS Holdings, Inc. has announced the signing of definitive agreements whereby Fidelity National Financial, Inc. will acquire Sedgwick CMS Holdings, Inc. for approximately $635 million. The principal selling shareholders are Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. through its risk and insurance services firm Marsh Inc., and Trident II, L.P., a private equity fund managed by Save to My Web

Mine action delayed
Pittsburgh Live - Dec 30 9:19 PM
On Thursday, Maureen and Ryan Wiggins believed that the federal Office of Surface Mining would offer fast action on their North Huntingdon Township home, which began collapsing this month, apparently from mine subsidence.Save to My Web

Insurance headaches await residents
Visalia Times-Delta - Jan 04 5:02 AM
Residents whose homes were damaged by Monday's flooding faced the realization Tuesday that their homeowners insurance policies may not do them any good.Save to My Web

Jewelers Mutual names Syverson as director
National Jeweler, NY - Jan 4, 2006 statement. "Homeowners [insurance] companies are excluding coverage for luxury items in many states we're looking to fill that gap.".

Insurance scarce for home buyers
Times Picayune, LA - Dec 23, 2005 "Everything was still so uncertain.". But problems getting homeowners insurance on their new home nearly scuttled the real estate closing.

Meet Inc. Innovator Jeff Mills
Appleton Post Crescent, USA - Dec 26, 2005 A Some homeowners (insurance) carriers automatically cover jewelry. Usually you have a limit of coverage. It could be $1,000 or $2,000.

Loan Protector's EasyData(SM) Streamlines Insurance Tracking for
Business Wire (press release), CA - Dec 19, 2005 EasyData has saved lenders time and money by providing up-to-date, digital homeowners insurance information from more than 85 insurance carriers.

Insurance thicket imperils comeback
Chicago Tribune, United States - Dec 12, 2005 that the flooding was caused by storm surges and levee breaches directly attributable to Katrina's winds, and wind damage is covered under homeowners insurance

From Maine to Virginia, Courts Tackled Insurance in 2005
Insurance Journal - Dec 29, 2005 the nation's oldest insurers with roots in the 1700s and one of only a handful of companies still selling perpetual homeowners insurance policies, terminated

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Maryland Educators
The Auto Channel - Dec 21 3:13 PM
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 21, 2005 -- Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Maryland effective Jan. 1, 2006. The rate reductions apply to customers and prospects who are members of the education community.Save to My Web

Allstate Kicks Near $1 Million for Charity in 2005
[Press Release] Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance - Jan 05 9:23 AM
NORTHBROOK, Ill.----Jan. 5, 2006--The phrase, "it's up, and it's good" had added meaning in 2005, thanks to a pair of generous "good hands." Allstate's inaugural "Good Hands" field goal net program was a resounding success this college football season, helping to raise more than $950,000 in funds for university academics and hurricane relief.Save to My Web

Figuring tax deduction for casualty losses
Bankrate.com via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 28 3:00 AM
Some Katrina-related tax breaks may be extended to victims of hurricanes Rita and Wilma, says our tax adviser.Save to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Georgia Educators
The Auto Channel - Dec 21 3:13 PM
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 21, 2005 -- Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Georgia effective Nov. 16, 2005. The rate reductions apply to customers and prospects who are members of the education community.Save to My Web

Scouts returning to Mississippi
Town Online - Dec 30 12:25 AM
After flying back to Norton Dec. 1 from Waveland, Mississippi where they were aiding with hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Norton-based Tulpe Lodge Boy Scout members plan to drive back in January.Save to My Web

Wisconsin Insurance Rates Likely Not Impacted by Hurricane Katrina
Insurance Journal - Jan 03 8:37 AM
This year, businesses and consumers will help insurers pay for last year's estimated $57.6 billion in storm-related losses such as Hurricane Katrina through higher property and casualty insurance polSave to My Web

Sinking feeling stirs landowners
The News-Review - Dec 29 11:44 AM
GREEN Rain threatens Duane and Jodee Corwin's home. But as it falls all they can do is watch the back of their property as it slowly slips from the hill.Save to My Web

CEO of La.'s 'Last Resort' Insurer not Happy About Growth
Insurance Journal - Jan 04 8:38 AM
Growth is good for most businesses but the chief executive officer for Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is sorry to predicting a 40 percent to 50 percent growth rate in the coming oneSave to My Web

Insurer's decision to cost customers
Bradenton Herald - Dec 23 12:11 AM
TALLAHASSEE - A little-noticed decision by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. about how to calculate hurricane claims means the rest of Florida's insurance consumers will end up paying more to bail out the company from hurricane losses.Save to My Web

Today's Budget Tomorrow's Plan
Intelligent Enterprise Magazine - Jan 01 2:06 AM
Better access to information is a leading theme in readers' 2006 IT budgets, with document management, portals, dashboards and enterprise reporting all comanding more investment. Mobile and wireless solutions and service oriented architecture top future technology adoption plans, but here's why security trumps all other trends behind the spend.Save to My Web

Revised maps give hope to homeowners
St. Petersburg Times - Dec 22 10:14 PM
FEMA flood zone maps triggered fears of soaring homeowners insurance, but county map revisions took many relieved residents out of the flood zones.Save to My Web

Fidelity National Financial, Inc. Announces Acquisition of Sedgwick CMS Holdings, Inc.
[Press Release] PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 27 5:00 AM
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. , a Fortune 500 provider of products and outsourced services and solutions to financial institutions and the mortgage, insurance and real estate industries, today announced the signing of definitive agreements to acquire Sedgwick CMS Holdings, Inc. , an industry leading provider of outsourced insurance claims management services to large corporate and public Save to My Web

AUBURN
King County Journal - Jan 04 3:36 AM
A 20-year-old bike rider was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries Tuesday morning after he was hit by a SeaTac police officer on her way to work, according to the King County Sheriff's Office.Save to My Web

Insurer's methodology could prove costly
Orlando Sentinel - Dec 24 4:10 AM
All policyholders must help pay for Citizens' decision not to penalize those whose homes were underinsured. A decision by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. about calculating hurricane claims has left all of Florida's insurance consumers paying more to bail out the company, a newspaper reported Friday. Save to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates For Iowa Educators
[Press Release] PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 21 9:54 AM
Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Iowa an average of 3.0 percent effective Nov. 8, 2005.Save to My Web

Future of Cliff St. hangs in abeyance
The Times Argus - Dec 30 7:14 PM
MONTPELIER Over the years, the three Bentley children's main worry about living across the road from a cliff was losing a basketball or soccer ball down below.Save to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates For Iowa Educators
The Auto Channel - Dec 21 3:14 PM
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 21, 2005 -- Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Iowa an average of 3.0 percent effective Nov. 8, 2005. The rate reductions apply to customers and prospects who are members of the education community.Save to My Web

Insurance rates pinch homeowners
St. Petersburg Times - Dec 25 10:28 PM
Pasco will suffer the highest increases in the state, and proposed bills in Tallahassee face opposition from lawyers and insurers.Save to My Web

What lies ahead?
Bradenton Herald - Dec 25 12:14 AM
After a year of spiraling property values, a lack of affordable housing, plenty of condo conversions and high homeowners insurance, 2006 is expected to see more of the same, with some twists, according to local industry experts.Save to My Web

When a home trumps houses
DailyRecord.com - Dec 19 5:43 AM
Her parents raised eight children in the house and built a business in the backyard that still supports three generations of her family. She lives on her pension as a postal worker, and the tree service owned by one of her brothers pays the property taxes and the homeowners' insurance.Save to My Web

Who do politicos fear most?
Bradenton Herald - Dec 26 12:08 AM
Which Republican candidate for governor would Democrats prefer to take on in November, Charlie Crist or Tom Gallagher? And would Republicans rather face U.S. Rep. Jim Davis or state Sen. Rod Smith in the gubernatorial general election?Save to My Web

Insurer's methodology could prove costly
Orlando Sentinel - Dec 24 4:10 AM
All policyholders must help pay for Citizens' decision not to penalize those whose homes were underinsured. A decision by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. about calculating hurricane claims has left all of Florida's insurance consumers paying more to bail out the company, a newspaper reported Friday. Save to My Web

Rules overlooked for underinsured
Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Submit a press release: It's easiest to contact our beat reporters directly. If we don't have a reporter who covers your area of interest, please contact one of our editors. Click here for more information. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A decision by

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Oregon Educators
[Press Release] PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 21 9:16 AM
Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Oregon an average of 4.6 percent effective Oct. 16, 2005.Save to My Web

Mine action delayed
Pittsburgh Live - Dec 30 9:19 PM
On Thursday, Maureen and Ryan Wiggins believed that the federal Office of Surface Mining would offer fast action on their North Huntingdon Township home, which began collapsing this month, apparently from mine subsidence.Save to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for New Hampshire Educators
[Press Release] PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 21 9:32 AM
Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in New Hampshire an average of 4.0 percent effective Oct. 1, 2005.Save to My Web

Homesick `Katrina Kid' finds a welcome
San Jose Mercury News - Dec 22 9:40 AM
In his baggy shorts and navy blue school T-shirt, Troy Adam blends in with other students at Bellarmine College Prep -- until you hear his to-die-for Louisiana drawl.Save to My Web

AUBURN
King County Journal - Jan 04 3:36 AM
A 20-year-old bike rider was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries Tuesday morning after he was hit by a SeaTac police officer on her way to work, according to the King County Sheriff's Office.Save to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Georgia Educators
The Auto Channel - Dec 21 3:13 PM
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 21, 2005 -- Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Georgia effective Nov. 16, 2005. The rate reductions apply to customers and prospects who are members of the education community.Save to My Web

Sedgwick CMS Holdings Agrees to Acquisition by Fidelity National Financial
Real Estate News - Dec 28 1:12 PM
RISMEDIA, Dec. 29Sedgwick CMS Holdings, Inc. has announced the signing of definitive agreements whereby Fidelity National Financial, Inc. will acquire Sedgwick CMS Holdings, Inc. for approximately $635 million. The principal selling shareholders are Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. through its risk and insurance services firm Marsh Inc., and Trident II, L.P., a private equity fund managed by Save to My Web

Insurance rates set to jump in 2006
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Jan 02 8:09 PM
Hurricane Katrina made 2005 the costliest year by far for the U.S. insurance industry.Save to My Web

Today's Budget Tomorrow's Plan
Intelligent Enterprise Magazine - Jan 01 2:06 AM
Better access to information is a leading theme in readers' 2006 IT budgets, with document management, portals, dashboards and enterprise reporting all comanding more investment. Mobile and wireless solutions and service oriented architecture top future technology adoption plans, but here's why security trumps all other trends behind the spend.Save to My Web

Grant proposal crucial to coast homeowners, Barbour says
Jackson Clarion-Ledger - A bill pending in Congress would establish grants of up to $150,000 for people whose homes were left uninhabitable by Hurricane Katrina, Gov. Haley Barbour says. The grants are part of the $29 billion hurricane-recovery package that's included a

Scouts returning to Mississippi
Town Online - A fter flying back to Norton Dec. 1 from Waveland, Mississippi where they were aiding with hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Norton-based Tulpe Lodge Boy Scout members plan to drive back in January. Dustin Benoit, leader and member of Tulpe Lodge

Storms driving up insurance rates
News-Star - BATON ROUGE -- Look for your insurance premiums to go up an average of 15 percent next year to help the state-backed Citizens Insurance Plan rebuild its emergency stash after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. After that year-long increase expires, you'll

WIND OR WATER?
Biloxi Sun Herald - T he wind came first. It pried off boards and shot debris into windows at Ron Peresich's home on Biloxi's Back Bay. It tore off rooftops and buckled walls in Bud Ray's Long Beach neighborhood. In Bay St. Louis, Kelvin Schulz watched the wind peel

Insurance program expects boom
KATC 3 - BATON ROUGE, La. Terry Lisotta, chief executive officer for Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, is sorry to say he is predicting a 40 percent to 50 percent growth rate in the coming one to two years for his company's business. Citizens

Mine action delayed
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - On Thursday, Maureen and Ryan Wiggins believed that the federal Office of Surface Mining would offer fast action on their North Huntingdon Township home, which began collapsing this month, apparently from mine subsidence. On Friday, the couple said

Local merchants, homeowners ponder pros and cons of flood insurance (Marin Independent Journal)
After 23 years of forking over annual flood insurance premiums, Mary Rathbun says her claim payoff from the weekend's storm damage will likely be a wash.

Fasano bills put the interests of consumers first (St. Petersburg Times)
This is in reference to Arthur Hayhoe's letter criticizing Sen. Mike Fasano and Rep. John Legg for working on legislation to rein in the continued increases of homeowners insurance.

Lawmakers have plan to pay for Citizens (Orlando Sentinel)
Hurricane-related sales tax would be used to back Florida's home insurer of last resort. Florida's homeowners would no longer have to bail out state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. should it have losses from future storms if the Legislature approves a plan that two state legislators will push during this spring's session.

Plan addresses Citizens debt (Sun-Sentinel)
Florida's homeowners would no longer have to bail out state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. should the company have losses from future storms, if the Legislature approves a plan that two South Florida lawmakers will push during the upcoming session this spring.

$2,500 insurance advance no gift (The Times Leader)
Some insured homeowners with Hurricane Katrina claims have been confused by settlements that deduct the $2,500 insurance companies initially offered to cover living expenses.

Hurricane victims complain about not receiving insurance funds. (The Times)
The issue THE GIST OF IT: Some mortgage companies are not releasing insurance funds to homeowners to pay repair bills as they occur.

Insurance headaches await residents (Visalia Times-Delta)
Residents whose homes were damaged by Monday's flooding faced the realization Tuesday that their homeowners insurance policies may not do them any good.

$2,500 insurance advance no gift (The Times Leader)
Some insured homeowners with Hurricane Katrina claims have been confused by settlements that deduct the $2,500 insurance companies initially offered to cover living expenses.

Fasano bills put the interests of consumers first (St. Petersburg Times)
This is in reference to Arthur Hayhoe's letter criticizing Sen. Mike Fasano and Rep. John Legg for working on legislation to rein in the continued increases of homeowners insurance.

Travelers to Offer Hybrid Owners Across U.S. 10 Percent Discount on Auto Insurance (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Travelers personal lines, a member of St. Paul Travelers , today announced plans to implement a 10 percent discount* on auto insurance to hybrid vehicle owners in the United States beginning in February 2006.

Can You Afford That House?
... to your property or its contents, you'll need homeowners insurance. Depending on the type of coverage ...

Scouts returning to Mississippi
Town Online - A fter flying back to Norton Dec. 1 from Waveland, Mississippi where they were aiding with hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Norton-based Tulpe Lodge Boy Scout members plan to drive back in January. Dustin Benoit, leader and member of Tulpe Lodge

Fire victims lose temporary shelter
Daytona Beach News-Journal - DAYTONA BEACH -- After 11 today, a family who lost their home in a fire a week ago will have nowhere to go. Samuel and Lovely Butts, three of their children, and their three grandchildren -- the youngest is 2 -- will be out on the street after they

Barbour: Grant Proposal Crucial To Coast Homeowners
16 WAPT - JACKSON, Miss. -- Gov. Haley Barbour said a bill pending in Congress would establish grants of up to $150,000 for people whose homes were left uninhabitable by Hurricane Katrina. The bill has passed the House and could be voted on by the Senate this

Fire victim's dream deferred
Free Lance-Star - Yvonne Eppolito of Spotsylvania holds one of her new dogs, Stella, a Chihuahua. Eppolito lost her home, nearly all of her possessions, 11 dogs and five cats to a 2004 fire. Her insurance policy wouldn't cover the house's replacement cost. Eppolito

Gay Financial Planning in 2006
gfn.com - The holidays are over. Your extra time off has come and gone, school is back in session, winter marches on, and it s a brand new year. For many, this time of year marks a return to what might be called more serious pursuits, including making good

Sen. Cochran announces agreement for hurricane recovery assistance
Biloxi Sun Herald - JACKSON, Miss. - Congressional Republicans have come to a hefty hurricane relief agreement, Sen. Thad Cochran said Sunday. Cochran, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that he has negotiated a deal to provide more than $29

Legislators fear voter backlash over rising cost of government fees
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel - TALLAHASSEE Many Florida legislators are beginning to fear that a rising tide of fee increases steadily washing over state voters in recent months may sink some incumbents seeking re-election this year. Most South Florida electric customers will

Who do politicos fear most?
Bradenton Herald - Which Republican candidate for governor would Democrats prefer to take on in November, Charlie Crist or Tom Gallagher? And would Republicans rather face U.S. Rep. Jim Davis or state Sen. Rod Smith in the gubernatorial general election? "Rod Smith

Katrina survivors left in the lurch
Pioneer Press - ATLANTA - Phyllis Jackson-Agee thought she'd done everything she was supposed to do. The New Orleans Realtor had flood insurance as well as


Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel - Click here or call 1-877-READ-SUN. Insurers pretty much formed a queue in Tallahassee this year, rate requests in hand. And, according to Newton's Third Law of Rate Increases, certain neighborhoods in South Florida often had to swallow triple or

Owning certain breeds could make it difficult to get homeowners
Meadville Tribune - Dog owners, take heed: Your pet may keep you from buying

Bank of America to issue branded American Express cards
Orlando Business Journal - Bank of America Corp. has reached an agreement with American Express Inc. , calling for the issuance of Bank of America branded American Express cards. The deal calls for the Charlotte, N.C., bank to issue and market the cards through more than 5,800

Successful investing for your 30s
Contra Costa Times - Tick down the financial "do's" for a 30-something, and Samya Ghuloum looks every bit the textbook model. She is paying down her $8,000 in credit cards and school loans, steadily plugging money into a 401(k) and has just closed on her first home. The

Sen. Cochran announces agreement for hurricane recovery assistance
Biloxi Sun Herald - JACKSON, Miss. - Congressional Republicans have come to a hefty hurricane relief agreement, Sen. Thad Cochran said Sunday. Cochran, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that he has negotiated a deal to provide more than $29

Citizens failed to enforce penalties
St. Petersburg Times - TALLAHASSEE - A little-noticed decision by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. about how to calculate hurricane claims means the rest of Florida's insurance consumers will end up paying more to bail out the company from hurricane losses. Upper

Rules overlooked for underinsured
Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Submit a press release: It's easiest to contact our beat reporters directly. If we don't have a reporter who covers your area of interest, please contact one of our editors. Click here for more information. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A decision by

Scouts returning to Mississippi
Town Online - A fter flying back to Norton Dec. 1 from Waveland, Mississippi where they were aiding with hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Norton-based Tulpe Lodge Boy Scout members plan to drive back in January. Dustin Benoit, leader and member of Tulpe Lodge

Fire victims lose temporary shelter
Daytona Beach News-Journal - DAYTONA BEACH -- After 11 today, a family who lost their home in a fire a week ago will have nowhere to go. Samuel and Lovely Butts, three of their children, and their three grandchildren -- the youngest is 2 -- will be out on the street after they

Katrina survivors left in the lurch
Pioneer Press - ATLANTA - Phyllis Jackson-Agee thought she'd done everything she was supposed to do. The New Orleans Realtor had flood insurance as well as

Personal Inflation Could Be Higher Than Gov't Predictions
WISH-TV - 2005 was certainly a wild year for weather as well as energy costs, but it was a mild year for inflation. According to Uncle Sam, overall prices only rose about 4 percent, or about 2 percent excluding food and energy. Inflation for most things you

Katrina victims may lose ruined home
Union - Jeff and Merideth Wright do not want your sympathy, simply your ear. The Nevada City couple and their two young children did not feel the strength of Hurricane Katrina, but their Gulfport, Miss., home did, ruined by 100-mph winds and a sea that

Online from DeRidder, La.
DeRidder Beauregard Daily News - Jan 03 10:58 AM
BATON ROUGE (AP) - Growth is good for most businesses but the chief executive officer for Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is sorry to predicting a 40 percent to 50 percent growth rate in the coming one to two years for his company's business.Save to My Web

Protect your family
CNN Money - Jan 02 4:11 AM
These days it's sometimes hard to know what to worry about more -- the weak economy, the volatile stock market, unemployment or our usual concerns about families and friends.Save to My Web

Allstate Offers Advice for Minimizing Flood Danger, Damage
[Press Release] Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 29 3:12 PM
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.----Dec. 29, 2005--With Northern California rivers and reservoirs at their highest levels in seven years and with additional storms forecasted over the coming week, Allstate urges residents to be prepared in case floods threaten your family, home and belongings.Save to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Illinois Educators
[Press Release] PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 21 8:15 AM
Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Illinois an average of 8.2 percent effective Sept. 16, 2005.Save to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Maryland Educators
[Press Release] PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 21 9:10 AM
Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Maryland effective Jan. 1, 2006.Save to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for Utah Educators
The Auto Channel - Dec 21 3:15 PM
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 21, 2005 -- Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in Utah an average of 4.4 percent effective Oct. 16, 2005. The rate reductions apply to customers and prospects who are members of the education community.Save to My Web

Strive to be financially fit in 2006
Florida Today - Jan 02 11:08 PM
What you can do to get your budget back in shape Tips from local financial experts to get that ballooning budget back into shape: 1. Start a budget: Take stock of your monthly expenses and see where you can cut down or cut out. Do you really need that expensive coffee on the way to work?Save to My Web

Horace Mann Lowers Auto Rates for North Dakota Educators
[Press Release] PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 21 9:18 AM
Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced it has lowered auto insurance rates in North Dakota an average of 7.0 percent effective Jan. 16, 2006.Save to My Web

Beachwalk Condominiums in Long Beach
SunHerald.com, MS - Dec 28, 2005 They're just telling me to hurry up and build them," May said. "They had flood and homeowners insurance.". All the condos were sold before Katrina.

Fire victims lose temporary shelter
Daytona Beach News-Journal, FL - Dec 29, 2005 Samuel Butts said he has homeowners insurance, but the policy only covers the structure and does not provide for accommodations in light of an unexpected

AIA Says No to State Catastrophe Fund in New York
Insurance Journal - Dec 13, 2005 preparedness. "A CAT fund also would have the potential of raising premiums for non-homeowners insurance policies across New York state.".

Hurricanes may bring higher insurance rates
North Lake Tahoe Bonanza, NV - Dec 28, 2005 According to insiders from Insurance Information Institute to the national Consumer's Union, policy holders may see rates go up on homeowners insurance as a

Top Story 7: Penn Township Landslides and the Manor Mudslide
Gateway Newspapers - Dec 21, 2005 None of the affected residents was covered by their homeowners insurance since the slide was from surface and groundwater movement. But not all was lost.

Settlement reached in explosion lawsuit
Longview News-Journal - State Farm insurance company, which insured 11 Kilgore residents who had homes damaged in a fireworks warehouse explosion more than two years ago, has reached an out-of-court settlement with the warehouse owner, Joseph Lamb. State Farm filed a

On narrow Hooper Island, man works to keep the sea at bay
Daily Times - HOOPER ISLAND -- Richard White once told reporters he drank bottled water because his well was contaminated by saltwater. He could tie a boat to his century-old home sandwiched between the Chesapeake Bay and the Honga River and row away. Then came

Katrina survivors left in the lurch
Pioneer Press - ATLANTA - Phyllis Jackson-Agee thought she'd done everything she was supposed to do. The New Orleans Realtor had flood insurance as well as

Successful investing for your 30s
Contra Costa Times - Tick down the financial "do's" for a 30-something, and Samya Ghuloum looks every bit the textbook model. She is paying down her $8,000 in credit cards and school loans, steadily plugging money into a 401(k) and has just closed on her first home. The

Storms driving up insurance rates
News-Star - BATON ROUGE -- Look for your insurance premiums to go up an average of 15 percent next year to help the state-backed Citizens Insurance Plan rebuild its emergency stash after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. After that year-long increase expires, you'll

Ore. communities tally flood, OT costs
kgw.com - It may a little bit drier, but residents and businesses are still feeling the remnants of a week-long rain storm. kgw.com photo/Viewer Lucinda Riecke A kayaker attempts to salvage lost items and check on the neighbors near Barclay Meadows, 7 miles

Rules overlooked for underinsured
Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Submit a press release: It's easiest to contact our beat reporters directly. If we don't have a reporter who covers your area of interest, please contact one of our editors. Click here for more information. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A decision by

Sedgwick CMS Holdings Agrees to Acquisition by Fidelity National
dBusinessNews.com - Offering comprehensive Web design services to new economy enterprises across a wide range of platforms and technologies, Web Design Studio takes pride in delivering big-business Internet solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. Nashville

Take action against devastating insurance rate hikes
St. Petersburg Times - Re: Citizens asks for huge hike, Dec. 16. In my work with families that have children with disabilities, it is common knowledge that those families struggle financially when, as so often is the case, one parent (usually the mother) must give up her

Scouts returning to Mississippi
Town Online - A fter flying back to Norton Dec. 1 from Waveland, Mississippi where they were aiding with hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Norton-based Tulpe Lodge Boy Scout members plan to drive back in January. Dustin Benoit, leader and member of Tulpe Lodge

Hurricane victims complain about not receiving insurance funds. (The Times)
The issue THE GIST OF IT: Some mortgage companies are not releasing insurance funds to homeowners to pay repair bills as they occur.

Insurance rate increase hits snag (Cape Cod Times)
By CHRISTIE SMYTHE Staff Writer Some homeowners insured through the state's property insurer of last resort, the Massachusetts FAIR Plan, will get a break from expected significant rate increases for 2006 - thanks to an unusually arduous rate-setting process expected to drag well into the spring.

Insurance headaches await residents (Visalia Times-Delta)
Residents whose homes were damaged by Monday's flooding faced the realization Tuesday that their homeowners insurance policies may not do them any good.

Liberty Mutual seeks 25% percent homeowners rate hike (Palm Beach Post)
Liberty Mutual Group, one of the state's largest homeowners insurers, said Tuesday it wants to raise premiums by an average of 24.9 percent statewide.

Flood insurance demand increasing (Monterey County Herald)
SACRAMENTO - Demand for flood insurance in northern California is swelling along with the rise in the Sacramento region's rivers. An unusually high number of worried homeowners, many eyeing river conditions while remembering New Orleans, are signing up for coverage, say insurance agents.

Insurers: It's best to stay patient (The Sacramento Bee)
There's no better time to be covered by flood insurance than a day when 62 homes are knee deep in muddy water. Ask Jon Rice, treasurer of Sacramento's Woodside Homeowners Association.

Waiting for a bailout / Owners without flood insurance suffering (San Francisco Chronicle)
Holly Hopper thought she could live without flood insurance for her garden and home furnishings store in San Anselmo. "It's a huge chunk of money, and I played roulette and didn't win," said Hopper, owner of Grasshopper on San Anselmo Avenue....

Some Reconsidering Flood Insurance Following Storms (KXTV)
Flooding and scarily-high rivers and streams in a number of Northern California communities has many residents considering buying flood insurance.

Barbour says grant proposal crucial to coast homeowners
Biloxi Sun Herald, USA - Dec 19, 2005 when the hurricane hit Aug. 29. Grant recipients also must have had other homeowners' insurance. "We're not bailing out irresponsible

Insurance scarce for home buyers
Times Picayune, LA - Dec 23, 2005 "Everything was still so uncertain.". But problems getting homeowners insurance on their new home nearly scuttled the real estate closing.

Devices zapped, owners jolted
Newsday, NY - Dec 28, 2005 Dec. 23 that it was not responsible for the damages and that they instead could use their homeowners' insurance to cover costs.

Future of Cliff St. hangs in abeyance
Barre Montpelier Times Argus, VT - Dec 29, 2005 Cooper, director of the insurance division of Vermont's Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration, typical homeowners' insurance policies don

Mine action delayed
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA - Dec 30, 2005 percent of the home's value. Homeowners' insurance doesn't cover losses related to mining, she said. Maureen Wiggins claimed she

Today's Budget Tomorrow's Plan
I