West

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  Analysis: Best Practices for Monitoring Property, Casualty and WC Claims

  By Steve Leveroni, Robin Hendrickson  |  June 18, 2013

  In claims management, preventive measures are still the best way to control costs. However, claims are going to occur, so having the right plan in place to manage them becomes critical.

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  Use of Opioid Painkillers in California WC Holding At Near-Record Highs

  By Bill Coffin  |  June 18, 2013

  Schedule II opoids, such as morphine, remain California's prescription drug of choice for injured workers

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  Royce Defends FIO, Questions NAIC's Credibility

  By Arthur D. Postal  |  June 17, 2013

  Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) makes the case for a strong FIO and downplays the role of the NAIC.

• Firefighters Begin to Tame Record-Breaking Colorado Wildfire

  By Keith Coffman, Reuters  |  June 17, 2013

  Assessment teams increased the number of homes destroyed to 485, the highest property loss total from a wildfire on record in Colorado.

• California Auto Insurance Rates Decrease, Bucking U.S. Trend

  By Mark E. Ruquet, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  June 14, 2013

  California auto insurance buyers are paying less for coverage than they were two decades ago while rates rose substantially for the rest of the country, says the Consumer Federation of America.

• Bond Insurer Attorneys Barred from San Bernardino Bankruptcy

  By Tim Reid, Reuters  |  June 14, 2013

  The judge overseeing the bankruptcy of San Bernardino, California, on Thursday disqualified a law firm from representing a major bond insurer in the case, because she said some of its lawyers had "switched sides."

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  Black Forest Wildfire Now Colorado’s Most Destructive; 380 Homes Burned

  By Anya Khalamayzer, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  June 14, 2013

  The wildfire that has menaced Colorado since June 11 is now the most destructive wildfire on state record, having destroyed about 380 homes.

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  "All Ears To The Ground" for Advancing Risks

  By Denise Tessier  |  June 14, 2013

  The industry talent shortage is getting worse, earthquake risk should be addressed on the national level, and other revelations plucked from spring industry conferences.

• Colorado Wildfire Destroys More Than 90 Homes

  By Keith Coffman, Reuters  |  June 13, 2013

  A fierce, wind-whipped wildfire destroyed more than 90 homes and menaced additional communities in and around Colorado City, forcing thousands of residents to flee.

• Wildfires Spread in Colorado

  By Staff Writer  |  June 12, 2013

  Wildfires are consuming thousands of acres in Colorado, destroying up to 100 homes and causing many more evacuations as federal officials struggle to mobilize and fight the blazes.

• Around the Industry: Hires & Promotions at Willis Group, Lockton, Sterling Risk

  By Staff Writer  |  June 12, 2013

  NationAir Aviation announces new division. National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research honors customer service represetatives. Assoc. of Professional Insurance Women awards honor.

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  New and Pending Regulations To Impact Claims, Underwriting Procedures

  By Kathy Donovan  |  June 12, 2013

  With differing effective dates, insurers must review and implement state-specific changes to several underwriting and claims functions.

• CIAB, PCI Voice Support for NARAB II Bill

  By Arthur D. Postal, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  June 7, 2013

  The Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers is urging the Senate to act promptly on legislation providing a mechanism for a true nonresident licensing reciprocity.

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  La. Senator Enlists N.Y., N.J. Cohorts in Attempt to Delay NFIP Rate Increases

  By Arthur D. Postal, PropertyCasualty360.com  |  June 5, 2013

  The venue for winning delays in increases in premiums for flood insurance properties is now moving to the must-do farm bill, which is being considered by the Senate this week.

• IASA Roundtable Helps CFOs See the Future

  By Dave Lenckus  |  June 4, 2013

  Concerning issues related to economics, reserving, analytics, regulatory concerns and healthcare, should CFOs be paying particular attention and why?

• Analysis: As Hurricanes Loom, Florida Insurance Lives on 'Borrowed Time'

  By David Adams, Reuters  |  June 3, 2013

  Florida has enjoyed a record run of seven years without a hurricane making landfall, but industry experts question whether Florida's state-controlled insurance system is able to cope in the long term.