Many insurance companies licensed to write homeowners insurance in Connecticut are seeking to implement new underwriting guidelines for issuing policies to coastal homeowners. Fearing increased claims associated with such properties because of major storms and hurricanes, insurers are taking steps to raise rates, increase windstorm deductibles, and require policyholders to install storm shutters. In September 2006, the Connecticut Insurance Department reached an agreement with one such insurer, Andover, to delay implementation of new underwriting guidelines by 90 days while it evaluates the availability of insurance along the coast.

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Dr. Kostantinos Psihramis says he wanted to make a difference when he relocated from Virginia to the southern Illinois town of Belleville in late 2005, filling one of two holes created when specialists left the area.

The urologist was concerned about the area's reputation as lawsuit-friendly but felt confident a new Illinois law limiting malpractice awards would help keep insurance rates reasonable.

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A federal appeals panel is asking the Mississippi Supreme Court to clarify when the clock starts ticking on the filing of certain medical malpractice claims.

Specifically, a panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals wants to know how Mississippi's statute of limitations applies in circumstances "where the alleged negligence is either the administration of a drug by a physician or the physician's failure to disclose about the risks of a drug, and experts disagree as to whether the drug caused the plaintiff's injuries.''

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Insurance, Liability and Dog Owners

* A Humane Society of the U.S. effort to help make it easier for dog owners to get homeowner insurance.
* Insurance companies that typically will cover dogs.
* News excerpts explaining insurance company concerns and issues.
* Ways to increase your chances of getting and keeping homeowner and renter insurance.
* A link to an excellent article about insurance-related dog law...links to some related news articles...and a recommended book about Dog Law.

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The Senate Banking Committee recently voted 20 to 1 to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) for seven more years. On September 19, the U.S. House of Representatives voted by a margin of 312 to 110 to extend TRIA for an additional 15 years. Final votes on this legislation will likely occur in both the House and Senate within the next few weeks—and your help is needed.

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