NU Online News Service, Dec. 06, 3:34 p.m. EST

In an effort to streamline the filing process for insurers and do a better job of distributing its resources, the New York State Insurance Department has started to implement a "modernization initiative."

"The department gave a lot of presentations to trade associations and we heard a universal theme that we could be more efficient," said Michael Moriarty, deputy superintendent for property and capital markets.

Superintendent James J. Wrynn assembled a department-industry working group and developed a list of recommendations to improve the rate-filing process.

"Cutting red tape and simplifying routine filings will help bring products to market faster and reduce costs," Mr. Wrynn said in a statement. "It will also allow the department to better protect consumers by focusing its limited resources on more complex products which warrant a more thorough review and on serious violations."

For instance, the department may expand the types of commercial insurers, or insurers of special or exotic risks, which are free from rate and form filing procedures.

With its budget stressed, the department is looking to focus its energy–and money–on substantive consumer matters, or issues that impact consumers, said spokesman David Neustadt.

Also among the recommendations is one to allow property and casualty companies to keep a loss cost multiplier on file at the department so companies do not have to file a new one each time, he said.

Not yet implemented is a suggestion to allow insurers to use catastrophic risk modeling in ratemaking for homeowners and commercial lines.

Under certain parameters, said Mr. Moriarty, the use "is warranted."

The insurance department is also looking to implement a standardized rate filing for private passenger flex rate filings. Mr. Moriarty said this new filing could be ready within a couple of months.

Also started is a "triage system" for filings to separate the complex from the simpler.

"It won't be a 'first in, first out' system any longer," Mr. Neustadt said. "Some filing will be expedited. The complex filings will get the attention they need for quicker approval."

Insurers are being giving checklists for filings so they can better understand what the department requires, and use of electronic filing has been expanded, he added.

Mr. Wrynn said the department will continue to issue updates on its progress to implement some of the other recommendations. Some require new legislation to work.

Special Reports /

N.Y. Regulators Look To Speed Rate Filings With New Initiatives

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