Regulation/Legislation

Regulators are poised to begin exploring how to gather data on insurer use of credit information to determine premiums, and might even expand their study to examine other rating factors in underwriting.

A trade group representing medical liability insurers is voicing concern over a provision in the Senate healthcare reform bill that would encourage states to create tort reform programs, but allows participants to "opt-out" of the process.

Legislation extending the National Flood Insurance Program until Feb. 28 has passed Congress on an 88-10 vote.

Individuals and businesses hosting holiday parties should beware of "Dram Shop Liability" laws in their state, as those individuals and businesses could be held liable for alcohol-related incidents involving their guests.

The debate over whether the major brokerages should be allowed to earn contingency fees for delivering a certain volume or quality of business to carriers raged anew this year after Illinois eased restrictions over the practice.

The quietest storm season in more than a decade prompted Congress to keep postponing permanent resolution of one of the country's biggest insurance challenges--how best to reform the debt-ridden National Flood Insurance Program.