AAIS affiliates can still sign up for Thursday's web-based seminar demonstrating
features of the "Risk Meter"
online risk mapping application, developed by CDS Business Mapping,
Boston, Mass.
AAIS is sponsoring two Risk Meter seminars, one on
Aug. 10 and the other on Aug. 17. Each seminar will start at 1 p.m.
Central time (2 p.m. Eastern) and have the same content; registrants can
select the date they prefer. The seminars are open to all AAIS affiliates, and last about an hour. To register, 
Risk Meter provides online
access to more than 30 categories of geographic information related to
hazards at a location. The information provided specifies a location's
distance from coastlines, fault lines, and flood zones, as well as its
exposure to hail, tornadoes, wildfires, crime, and other hazards.
AAIS is currently providing free access to Risk Meter during a trial
period to all insurers that use the AAISdirect Internet
service, no matter which AAIS programs they use.
The web seminars will feature introductory remarks by Joseph Harrington,
AAIS director of communications, followed by a demonstration of
Risk Meter features by James Munson, director of consulting services for
CDS Business Mapping.
To sign up for AAISdirect service, contact
Rick Maka, director of marketing, at
rickm@AAISonline.com or by
calling 800-564-AAIS.
The "AAIS Main Event," an updated successor event to
AAIS's annual conference, is scheduled for April 22-24, 2007 in
Charleston, S.C. The exact site is under negotiation and will be
announced soon.
The new name signifies the importance of the meeting
as a venue for AAIS customers to network with each other and share
ideas.
Among other things, the program content and format
will be modified to strengthen the connection between AAIS and its
member companies, prospective new members, and business partners. The
program will be focused on product-related issues of strategic
importance to companies, and will feature more concurrent sessions and
small-group discussions.
For more information, contact Joseph Harrington,
director of corporate communications at
joeh@AAISonline.com or by
calling 800-564-AAIS.
In a recent
bulletin,
Connecticut's insurance department details procedures for insurers to
make use of the state's new personal lines "flex rating" law.
Under a
law enacted this year, a personal lines rate increase or decrease
can take effect in Connecticut immediately upon being filed with the
department, provided the overall statewide increase or decrease is not
greater than 6% for all coverages subject to the filing.
The bulletin states that an insurer submitting a
filing under the flex rating law must provide a statement that the
filing meets the requirements of the statute, and provide a separate
exhibit indicating the overall aggregate rate impact by territory and
towns in the territory.
In a recent
circular letter, New York Superintendent
of Insurance Howard Mills states that "adjusters and underwriters should
exercise care and responsible judgment in making determinations
regarding claims, cancellations, and non-renewals of policies" for
residents and businesses adversely affected by recent storms and
flooding in New York.
Mills reminds readers that he has statutory
authority to declare a moratorium on policy terminations, and can
otherwise suspend or modify cancellation and non-renewal provisions, in
areas of New York declared to be in a state of emergency due to a
disaster. He says that voluntary cooperation by insurers will help
determine whether he will find it necessary to use that authority.
AAIS member companies that use the
AAISdirect
Internet service can still authorize their agents to access an online
residential valuation service during a trial period.
For a limited time, AAIS is
offering free access to the
"Residential" valuation program
developed by e2Value, Inc., Stamford, Conn. This offer is extended to
every AAIS-affiliated company that uses AAISdirect, whatever AAIS
program a company uses.
In addition to their own personnel, AAIS affiliates
have the option during this trial period of giving their agents access
for the e2Value residential valuation program. Instructions and access
codes for agent use will be transmitted to AAISdirect users next
week. (Agent use of company codes is not permitted, and may block company users from accessing the
service.)
The e2Value residential valuation service provides
systematic valuation procedures for a wide range of residential
property, including high value homes, modular and kit homes, condos and
co-ops, alterations and additions, and more.
To sign up for AAISdirect service, contact
Rick Maka, director of marketing, at
rickm@AAISonline.com or by
calling 800-564-AAIS.
