IN THIS ISSUE JANUARY 2018 VOL 14 ISSUE 1
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3 Ways To Start Your Year With A Digital Clean Slate!
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No Premium, No Consideration, No Insurance
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Insurers Increasingly Protect U.S. Businesses And Customers From Cyberattacks
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Lloyd’s Pays $1.7BN So Far For Storms Harvey, Irma & Maria
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California Brothers Arrested For Running Staged Auto Accident Ring
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A.M. Best Upgrades Credit Ratings Of Lion Insurance Company
Texas Workers’ Compensation Costs Down 63% Since 2005
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State Farm, Aflac Settle In Multi-State Investigation Into National Life Claim For A Combined $600K
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Former Tennessee Deputy Ins. Commissioner Dead In Crash
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CA’s $15 Minimum Wage Law To Kill 400,000 Private Sector Jobs
Space: Battle Of The Billionaires - Musk Unveils Falcon Heavy Rocket
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Unbelievable Vintage Ads - Another In Our Series Of Ads From The 30s, 40s, 50s & 60s.
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Construction Company Owner Arrested Following $700,000 Workers’ Comp Scam
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The Insider Advisor: Network Marketing Equals Multi-Level Marketing
October California Wildfire Claims Top $9.4 Billion Statewide
Georgia Agent Arrested Charged With 32 Counts Of Felony Insurance Fraud
Successful Blue Origin Test Flight Launches And Lands Capsule And Rocket
FEATURES 30
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Aerion & Lockheed Martin Join Forces To Develop World’s First Supersonic Business Jet
Follow Liberalism To Its Logical End - This Is Where You End Up...
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No More Mister Nice Guy - Holding The U.N. Accountable Finally
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Just A Quick Comparison Between a Community Organizer & A Commander In Chief
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Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2017
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Neptune Flood Insurance Brings Certainty To Real Estate Market & Homeowners
Special Report! The First Supersonic Business Jet Is Coming!
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Kim Komando Barry Zalma
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Advertise
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Inside Track
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Insider Advisor
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Classifieds
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Say What?
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JANUARY 2018 INSURANCE - POLITICS - TECHNOLOGY - PEOPLE A Publication of AdMax Corp., Inc. Corporate Offices P.O. Box 31551 Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33420 Ron Manera, Publisher/Senior Editor Join Me On Linkedin: HERE Follow Me On Instagram: @rmanera 561.718.0745 • ron@insurmedia.com
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TECHNOLOGY
3 WAYS TO START YOUR YEAR WITH A DIGITAL CLEAN SLATE
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Really Cool Info - by Kim Komando
ere’s a New Year’s resolution for 2018: de-clutter your digital history. Your computer stores a huge amount of browsing data, and in places you might never think to look. This meticulous chronology makes you vulnerable to snoops and advertising trackers. The solution: eliminate it.
Your computer remembers the websites you visit, so it’s easier to access them later on, right? What’s the big deal?
Speaking of tracking, many people are unaware Google also tracks your physical location. You can see where and when you go on a map. Click here to learn about the Google tracking feature you didn’t even know you switched on.
Here are three ways to cover your tracks, using two of the biggest services on the internet. You may be surprised how closely these companies follow you, but you may be even more surprised by how much control you have over it. Later at the end of this post, don’t miss how to erase your search history on your phone. 1. Erase your Google search history Google’s mission is to know everything, so few are surprised that the world’s most famous search engine keeps close records of your browsing history. This might seem harmless at first: JANUARY 2018
on your computer, but in its own databases. So, you can’t just erase your search history from your browser and hope for the best. Google still knows all.
The good news is that you can delete all that data, and you don’t have to storm the Googleplex headquarters to do it. Instead, you can clear your history from the comfort of your personal computer, thanks to a little feature called “My Activity.” Google has dozens of basic But here’s another way to look features, and most people would at it: The tech giant knows never notice this option. But everything you’ve ever searched. if you click My Account in the If you have a Google account, the upper right corner, you can hit My corporation archives it, not just See Kim Komando Pg 40 Table of Contents
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CLAIMS & THE LAW
NO PREMIUM, NO CONSIDERATION, NO INSURANCE Expert Analysis & Commentary by Barry Zalma, Esq., CFE Why Wasn’t it Obvious that Failure to Pay Premium Fatal to Claim?
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nsurance is nothing more than a contract. For a contract to be formed there must be evidence of an offer, acceptance of the offer and payment of consideration. To acquire a policy of insurance the consideration required is called the premium. If the premium is not paid there can be no insurance. In the lengthy named case of Debra Allyn Nowakowski, Executrix Of The Estate Of Jesus Santiago, t/a Car Craft Audio And Car Craft Auto Corp. v. Selective Way Insurance
Company, a New Jersey Corporation, and Richards & Summers, Inc., a New Jersey Corporation; The Lynoxx Group, LLC, a New Jersey Limited Liability Corporation; Town Of
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Dover, a Municipal Corporation, Allen Bell, Jr., ire Chief Jon Filosa, and Town Of Dover Fire Department, Docket No. A-5416-15T1, Superior Court Of New Jersey Appellate Division (December 12, 2017) Debra Allyn Nowakowski (a/k/a Debra Allyn Koeppel) (Koeppel), Executrix of the Estate of Jesus Santiago (Santiago), t/a Car Craft Audio and Car
Craft Auto Corp. (Car Craft) (collectively plaintiffs) appeal from a December 4, 2015 order granting summary judgment to defendant Selective Way Insurance Company (Selective). The trial judge determined that Selective had properly canceled a policy of insurance for non-payment of premiums and, as a result, he dismissed the complaint in its entirety. When reviewing an order granting summary judgment, the appellate court must apply the same standard governing the trial court and it owes no deference to the motion judge’s conclusions on issues of law. The appellate court must look at the facts in the light most favorable to plaintiffs.
Barry Zalma, Esq., CFE, practiced law in California for more than 43 years as an insurance coverage and claims handling lawyer. He now limits his practice to service as an insurance consultant and expert witness specializing in insurance coverage, insurance claims handling, insurance bad faith and insurance fraud almost equally for insurers and policyholders. He also serves as an arbitrator or mediator for insurance related disputes. He founded Zalma Insurance Consultants in 2001 and serves as its only consultant. 6
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FACTS
strictly comply with the statutory requirements. An Selective issued a commercial insured need not actually insurance policy to Santiago receive a cancellation notice for the period of in order for it to be February 19, 2011 It is amazing to me that a lawyer effective, provided through February that the statutory 19, 2012. On or was willing to take this case proof of mailing has about February been satisfied. The up on appeal considering the 28, 2012, Selective determinative factor prepared an invoice facts recited by the appellate court. The is the mailing of the for the renewal of plaintiff admitted that she received the notice, not its receipt. the policy for one additional year. The invoice notified plaintiffs that a renewal premium was due on March 19, 2012.
were letting all policies lapse.” Selective declined insurance coverage on the fire loss for non-payment of premiums.
notice of cancellation and affirmatively decided not to pay the premium. Without consideration there can be no policy of insurance and the insurer properly refused to pay the claim.”
Koeppel had been married to Santiago. Koeppel acted as Santiago’s operations manager and handled Car Craft’s insurance needs. She testified that she and Santiago knew payment was due on March 19, 2012. Plaintiffs, however, intentionally failed to make the payment. On March 24, 2012, Selective issued a cancellation notice to plaintiffs. The notice stated that Selective would “continue [the insurance] coverage without lapse if full payment is received prior to [April 10, 2012].” Koeppel testified that she and Santiago received the cancellation notice and intended not to make the payment. Koeppel corroborated this intention by candidly admitting in her deposition testimony that “we JANUARY 2018
Plaintiffs sued alleging four causes of action against Selective: improper cancellation of the policy; interference with Santiago’s ability to secure insurance on the date of loss; breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing; and violation of the Consumer Fraud Act (CFA). Selective cross-moved for summary judgment contending that the undisputed facts demonstrated that it was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. The judge agreed and entered the orders under review. ANALYSIS Ordinarily, the cancellation of an insurance policy must Table of Contents
In general, courts have not required such compliance where the insured admits receipt of the cancellation notice. Here, plaintiffs admitted they purposefully declined to pay the premiums. According to Koeppel, the failure to pay the premiums meant Santiago and Car Craft were “out of insurance.” She further testified that “I understand that th[e] policy . . . was no longer paid. Policy No. S1757545 was no longer my policy. [Selective was] not going to help me if anything had happened.” The record reflects that plaintiffs concede on appeal, that plaintiffs chose not to pay the premium knowing that Selective would cancel the policy. Plaintiffs were uninsured on the date of loss because they See Zalma Page 37 www/underwritersinsider.com
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NEWS
INSURERS INCREASINGLY PROTECT U.S. BUSINESSES AND CUSTOMERS FROM CYBERATTACKS AND DATA BREACHES Study examines how insurers mitigate cyberrisk for small and medium-sized businesses
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EW YORK, October 30, 2017—More than half of U.S. small and mediumsized businesses (SMBs) experienced a cyberattack within the past year, yet only 14 percent of businesses felt prepared and protected, according to a recent white paper from the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). The white paper, Protecting Against #Cyberfail: Small Business and Cyber Insurance, examines how insurers are addressing the threat cyberattacks and data breaches pose to SMBs through a combination of innovative insurance products, risk management techniques and employee training.
resulting response costs arising out of the possession of private data,” said Sean Kevelighan, chief executive officer, I.I.I.
U.S. insurers reported collecting $1.35 billion in direct premiums written for cyber insurance in 2016, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Stand-alone Cyber-related cyber insurance policies policies cover the accounted for $921 million of costs arising from either that total (68 percent), while the came primarily from a cyberattack or a data balance endorsements on either a small breach, such as responding commercial or businessowners policy (BOP).
to lawsuits, repairing damaged infrastructure, and paying the ‘ransom’ demanded by cyber extortionists, among other potential exposures, such as business interruption expenses.”
The vast majority of cyber insurance claims involved the loss, exposure, or misuse of sensitive personal data. About half (48 percent) of the “Insurers foresee substantial data breaches of U.S. small growth coming from the SMB businesses in 2016 were caused segment, as these companies by either a negligent employee become aware of the possibilities or contractor, according to the of liability, especially a breach and Ponemon Institute. 8
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Typical cyber-related policies cover the costs arising from either a cyberattack or a data breach, such as responding to lawsuits, repairing damaged infrastructure, and paying the ‘ransom’ demanded by cyber extortionists, among other potential exposures, such as business interruption expenses. “Creating an affordable product that SMBs will be willing to buy is a key component in the insurance offering. Since different industry sectors represent different levels of exposure, pricing will vary depending on the type of SMB,” the white paper, co-authored by James Lynch, the I.I.I.’s chief actuary, and the I.I.I.’s Claire Wilkinson, a consultant, states. JANUARY 2018
NEWS
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NEWS
LLOYD’S PAYS $1.7BN SO FAR FOR STORMS HARVEY, IRMA AND MARIA
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he Lloyd’s market has now paid claims worth US$1.7bn in response to windstorms Harvey, Irma and Maria.
might also go towards repairing boats so fishermen can get back to sea, or mending machinery so farmers can re sow their fields. All of this helps local communities get back up and running again as quickly as possible.”
Earlier this year Lloyd’s estimated a total commitment of US$4.8bn Lloyd’s revealed that, over the for the three storms. past five years, the market has Lloyd’s brokers are receiving paid out $85bn in claims, an money from Lloyd’s managing average of $43m per day paid to agents within just five days policyholders around the world. of agreement so they can pay Commenting on the new claims policyholders promptly. campaign, Vincent Vandendael, Lloyd’s CEO, Inga Beale, said: “As Chief Commercial Officer, said: a market that’s been trading for 328 years, Lloyd’s understands the importance of honouring its promise to pay. This has always been the foundation of Lloyd’s trusted reputation. With total net financial resources of £28bn the market stands ready to support policyholders when they need us most.
“For too long we have not made the most of our claims service, which is one of our greatest attributes, with global reach, high service standards, financial security and focus on the policyholder. “Whether offering advice to mitigate risks, creating insurance policies that cater for new risks or honouring our promise to pay claims to help people get back on their feet after disaster strikes, insurers have a crucial role to play. It’s time they shouted this story from the rooftops.”
“As well as helping businesses reopen their doors, claims from the Lloyd’s market serve all manner of different purposes, such as restoring vital public services like power, so people can heat their homes, or clearing roads, railways and airstrips, so commerce can be restored or vital aid delivered to those in need. Claims payments 10
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NEWS
CALIFORNIA BROTHERS ARRESTED FOR RUNNING STAGED AUTO ACCIDENT RING Santa Clara County brothers arrested for running staged auto accident ring.
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ANTA CLARA, Calif. Brothers Angel Topete, 36, and Joshua Topete, 34, both of San Martin were arrested on numerous felony charges for allegedly running an organized auto insurance fraud scam involving more than 20 individuals and 18 staged collisions netting conspirators $210,000 in fraudulent auto insurance claims.
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“This large ring of family and friends allegedly conspired to defraud insurers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said Insurance
Commissioner Dave Jones. “The cost of insurance fraud is shouldered by consumers who pay higher premiums when insurers pass along their losses. Working with our task force partners is critical in combating the multi-billion dollar problem of insurance fraud.”
investigation revealed the Topete brothers conspired with family, friends and associates who posed as insurance consumers and filed fraudulent claims with six different insurers for collisions that were either staged or never occurred at all.
Evidence revealed many of the claims involved salvaged vehicles, new insurance policies and variations of a name used on other similar claims. In some cases, suspects purchased insurance policies and then intentionally crashed cars into one or more vehicles owned by co-conspirators. All Angel Topete, 36 (L) Joshua Topete, 34 parties then filed fraudulent claims, which resulted in insurers Silicon Valley Automobile Insurance paying the full value of the vehicles Fraud Task Force investigators after it was declared a total loss. initially received information about the crime ring in 2015. The two-year To date, 18 of the 22 suspects have been arrested and booked. Many are due in court this week. The Silicon Valley Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Fraud Division, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol investigates crimes involving organized automobile insurance fraud in Santa Clara County.
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NEWS
A.M. BEST UPGRADES CREDIT RATINGS OF LION INSURANCE COMPANY
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.M. Best upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to A (Excellent) from A(Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “a” from “a-” of Lion Insurance Company (Lion) (Holiday, Florida). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) has been revised to stable from positive. The rating upgrades reflect Lion’s balance sheet assessment, which is categorized as strongest by A.M. Best, with its surplus increasing in each of the past ten years, strength of reserves, and conservative investment portfolio. The ratings also reflect the company’s strong operating performance, with little
volatility, on a five and ten-year basis, as well as an appropriate enterprise risk management program, to support these results.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings.
Partially offsetting these positive rating factors is Lion’s limited business profile, with all business being sourced from an affiliate, South East Personnel Leasing, Inc. (SEPLI), under a high deductible policy and the concomitant credit exposure from that affiliate. Credit concern is mitigated by collateral funds received by Lion from SPLI that are well in excess of A.M. Best is the world’s oldest the actuarially determined losses and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. falling within the deductible.
TEXAS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COSTS DOWN 63% SINCE 2005
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each $100 of payroll dropped from $2.32 in 2003 to 86 cents in 2015, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance.
In Texas, the average premium for
The fact that fewer employees are filing workers’ compensation claims—a 28 percent drop since 2004, has contributed to the decline in premium costs. Non-fatal injury rates are also down 36 percent since 2005, an indication that employers are making workplaces safer.
ore Texas businesses are providing workers’ compensation insurance as the cost of coverage continues to decline. Premiums have fallen by 63 percent since 2005 as the Division of Workers’ Compensation worked to reduce costs and improve care through health care networks, a drug formulary, safer workplaces, and other reforms.
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More employees are getting treatment sooner. About 84 percent of injured employees receive non-emergency medical care within seven days of their injuries, compared to 76 percent in 2000. The average number of claims treated by physicians decreased over the last decade, from 21 claims per physician in 2000 to about 15 per physician in 2016. More injured employees are back at work within six months of their injury. www/underwritersinsider.com
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NEWS
STATE FARM, AFLAC SETTLE IN MULTI-STATE INVESTIGATION INTO NATIONAL LIFE CLAIM FOR A COMBINED $600,000 State Farm and Aflac have agreed to compare all company records against the DMF to determine whether there are unclaimed death benefits, search for those beneficiaries, and otherwise remit unclaimed proceeds to the appropriate state authority.
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ALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office), Florida Department of Financial Services, and the Florida Office of the Attorney General today announced national life claim settlement agreements have been signed with State Farm for $250,000 and Aflacfor $350,000. These settlement agreements facilitate the use of the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File to determine if the insured, annuitant, or account holder is indicated.
To date, state insurance regulators have either reached settlements or concluded the investigation of 30 of the top 40 companies constituting over 81% of the total market. Efforts continue to be focused on the examination of the remaining 10 insurers. State Farm and Aflac have agreed to compare all company records against the DMF to determine whether there are unclaimed death benefits, search for those beneficiaries, and otherwise remit unclaimed proceeds
to the appropriate state authority. Florida’s allocation of the collective multi-state settlement payments by the two companies is $41,759, which covers the costs of the investigations and future compliance monitoring. For more information, visit the Office’s “Life Claim Settlement Practices” webpage. To search or submit a request for unclaimed property, visit www.FLTreasureHunt.org, or call 1-88-VALUABLE or (850) 413-3089.
In its sixth year, this multi-state national effort has resulted in the successful return of more than $8.7 billion in unknown or lost policy proceeds to beneficiaries directly by the companies and over $3.25 billion delivered to the states’ unclaimed property programs, which continue efforts to locate and pay beneficiaries. 14
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(800) 229-2009 ext 3 Mention code UWI sales@accuagency.com Request more info at http:/ /accu.agency/UWI www/underwritersinsider.com Table of Contents
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THE INSIDE TRACK - BREAKING NEWS Malls Rotting Away?
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Image Credit: Creative Commons
s Sears, Macys, J.C. Penny and other major retailers continue to shutter stores across the nation, malls are losing their anchors and many smaller “specialty” retailers have an escape
clause in their leases should an anchor depart, creating a double-whammy for the mall operators. Experts predict that 25% of American malls will be closed within 60 months. To put that in perspective, that’s 300 malls out of a current population of 1,100. Where is all that shopping going? To Amazon, the mall buster, of course.
software solutions, today announced the introduction and immediate availability of the newest version of Tropics Breeze. Tropics Breeze 7.1 offers a wide range of new features, including the addition of SmartView technology, new interfaces, and the availability of Tropics Breeze as a cloud-ready, fully hosted solution delivered via a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. With this release, Tropics Breeze makes available new interfaces for: Vertafore ImageRight, Mitchell Bill Review, Mitchell CMS Compliance Reporting, Mitchell Managed Care Notes/Fee, and NCCI Experience Mods-onDemand.
Former Tennessee Deputy Ins Commissioner Dead in Crash
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ill Giannini, a former deputy commissioner Enhanced Version of of the Tennessee Dept. of Tropics Breeze Available Commerce & Insurance was killed in a head-on crash ropics, an Insurity on Interstate 40 between company, specializing Nashville & Jackson, TN on in workers’ compensation 12/14/2017 when his vehicle
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crossed the median and struck oncoming traffic. The other driver was injured but survived. Giannini served from 2011 until 2016 when he retired to start the ReSolve Consulting Firm. Giannini was considering a state senate race in 2018.
Bill Giannini
According to memphisflyer. com, “Giannini was a talented guitarist and had often performed to local audiences, on one memorable occasion in Memphis doing an extended version of the Lynyrd Skynyrd song “Free Bird” in tandem with another musically dexterous political figure, former Arkansas governor and onetime presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.” JANUARY 2018
THE INSIDE TRACK - BREAKING NEWS California’s $15 Minimum U.S. Gov’t Admits To Secret MileUp’s 2 Billion Wage Law To Kill 400,000 UFO Program Crowdsourced Miles Private-Sector Jobs Enable Pioneering Mobile ince 2007 the government Telematics Solution for had secretly been studying he Employment Policies Automotive and Institute recently UFOs according to recent Insurance Providers concluded a study showing a reports in the New York Times.
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Image Credit: By UBeR (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.
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gero, Inc., the largest B2B provider of driving assistance services to automotive manufacturers and insurance providers in North America, today announced that in early 2018 it will commercialize an accident detection and driver behavior platform validated in-market by the 2 billion driving miles of its highly successful MileUp app. MileUp is a groundbreaking approach to using mobile devices to crowdsource natural driving data, validating crash detection algorithms initially developed through extensive crash facility testing. MileUp was built using Amazon Web Services serverless architecture, as highlighted in Amazon CTO Werner Vogel’s keynote and separate breakout sessions at Amazon’s recent AWS re: Invent 2017 conference. JANUARY 2018
massive job loss, decimating CA’s workforce, resulting from the state’s new minimum wage law mandating a $15 minimum by 2022. Even before the bill was signed into law, economists
The program, known as the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) operated with a budget of $22 million under “excessive secrecy and internal opposition,” according to Pentagon official who only retired in October.
Life Settlement IRS Changes
T Economics 101 - As Wages Rise, Demand Shrinks
predicted 5-10% loss of low-income, low-skilled jobs. None of these facts will faze the progressives in California, however, where the justification for policy is far more about how that policy feels than if it actually accomplishes anything positive. Table of Contents
he 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the sweeping tax legislation passed by Congress and expected to be signed into law this week by President Trump, contains an important reform to the way the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has required calculating the taxable basis for life settlement transactions, a positive development for seniors who own a life insurance policy they no longer need or can afford. www/underwritersinsider.com
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NEWS
OCTOBER CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE CLAIMS TOP $9.4 BILLION STATEWIDE total claims as of December 1 and includes the destruction and damage for more than 21,000 homes, 2,800 businesses, and more than 6,100 private autos, commercial vehicles, and 788 losses involving other lines of insurance ACRAMENTO, Calif. – Two such as agricultural equipment and months after more than watercraft. 100,000 residents fled, as wind-whipped wildfires ripped Commissioner Jones visited the through northern and parts of wildfire zones throughout northern southern California, Commissioner California and met with residents Dave Jones revealed the latest at local assistance centers where statewide total of insured losses, he heard first-hand the harrowing which now tops $9.4 billion in stories of loss from victims who residential and commercial claims escaped with only minutes to from the October wildfires, which spare. are now counted among the most deadly and costly in the state’s history. The North Bay fires account for $9 billion in claimed losses alone.
Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announces updated insured claims statewide data
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Jones took extraordinary steps to assist wildfire victims by dispatching detectives from the department’s law enforcement team to educate residents about how to avoid being victimized by scam artists who prey on vulnerable residents after disasters and sending consumer services teams to every local assistance center to personally meet with consumers and help them begin the claims process and answer insurance-related questions. As of December 1, the department’s consumer services team assisted more than 2,000 individuals across
“These numbers not only represent staggering losses to tens of thousands of Californians,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “The October wildfires that devastated whole communities and tragically cost 44 people their lives have now proven to be the most destructive and deadliest in our state’s history.” The latest report is the result of a formal data call in which more than 260 insurers reported their 18
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the state, the majority of which with their insurer will find the were in Northern California. department’s consumer services team stands ready to assist at 800On December 9, 2017, the 927-4357. The department has Department of Insurance will host recovered more than $300 million the Insurance Recovery Workshop dollars for consumers since Jones for North Bay residents at the Glaser took office in 2011. Center—Unitarian Universalist Church in Santa Rosa from 10 a.m. Jones also signed a declaration of to 4 p.m. The workshop will include department experts and insurers an emergency, which allows the to provide wildfire victims with insurers to tap out-of-state claims one-on-one assistance with their adjusters from their other offices, specific insurance claim questions. which effectively expands their Consumers will also find experts claims adjuster workforce. When from the Contractors State License processing tens of thousands of Board and FEMA offering assistance, claims, this is an important step in as they work toward recovering and increasing the claims processing rebuilding their homes and their capacity for insurers and helping lives. speed the recovery and rebuilding Consumers that have any difficulty process. JANUARY 2018
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Jones also has an important caution for wildfire victims—be careful to check the license of contractors who solicit business—this is done quickly on the Contractors State License Board using a smart device. In November, Commissioner Jones issued a formal notice to insurers, licensed public adjusters, and admitted carriers to make sure all claims adjusters assigned to wildfire claims, including those not licensed in California, are properly trained on the California Unfair Practices Act, Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, and all laws relating to property and casualty insurance claims handling. www/underwritersinsider.com
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WORKERS’ COMP NEWS This Month’s Workers’ Comp Fraud Story Sponsored By MyPEOAgency.
GEORGIA AGENT ARRESTED CHARGED WITH 32 COUNTS OF FELONY INSURANCE FRAUD Yates, the former mayor of Franklin, Georgia, was caught collecting premiums and issuing certs for comp policies never in force.
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n investigation conducted by the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation’s Enforcement Division has led to the arrest of Michael “Brad” Yates. According to Enforcement Division Director Stan Bexley, Yates was arrested on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, and transported to the Heard County Jail where he has been charged with 32 Counts of Felony Insurance Fraud, and 1
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Felony Count of False statements to a State LawEnforcement Agency. Yates, age 45 and the former mayor of Franklin, is the owner of the Yates Insurance Services located at 1778 Franklin Parkway, in Franklin Georgia. The Enforcement Division’s investigation alleges that Yates fraudulently took premium dollars for
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workers’ compensation insurance policies that were never issued and instead issued his clients bogus certificates of insurance as proof that they had workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
insurance coverage to verify the certificate either by using the State Board’s website or by contacting the insurance company directly. All other lines of insurance coverage such as auto, home or general liability should be verified directly with Based on the evidence the insurance carrier. Workers’ Compensation fraud obtained during the affects everyone. investigation it has been determined that one false certificate created by Yates has cost a general contractor over $30,000.00 in additional premiums.
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In an attempt to conceal the fraud Michael “Brad” Yates, 45 from investigators, Yates submitted a client’s application and premium to the insurance company several months after the client had already paid Yates for the insurance coverage. To date it is alleged that Yates has fraudulently obtained over $14,000.00 in workers’ compensation premiums from his victims. This case is still under active investigation and it is anticipated that more victims and additional charges will be brought against Yates.
SIGN UP YOURSELF OR ANY ASSOCIATE AT THIS LINK
If any business owner in the Franklin or Heard County area has purchased workers’ compensation insurance through the Yates Insurance Agency or if you are a general contractor that has received a certificate for workers’ compensation insurance from the Yates Agency, you are asked to contact the State Board of Workers’ Compensation’s Enforcement Division at (404) 657-7285 or (800) 533-0682.
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The Enforcement Division encourages anyone who receives a certificate of workers’ compensation
JANUARY 2018
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BLUE ORIGIN TEST FLIGHT! LAUNCHES AND LANDS CAPSULE AND ROCKET
SPACE BATTLE OF THE BILLIONAIRES - MUSK UNVEILS FALCON HEAVY ROCKET
UNBELIEVABLE VINTAGE ADS
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othing illustrates the changes in our national culture better than vintage ads from the Mad Men era or earlier - many of which would be considered over-the-top sexist, politically incorrect or just plain goofy today.
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nostalgic glance back at a really cheap meal: 3 cheesburgers, fries and a “triple-thick” shake - all for 87 cents! You could have added an after-lunch cup of coffee and still kept your total cost under $1.00...
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NEWS
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OWNER ARRESTED FOLLOWING $700,000 WORKERS’ COMP SCAM Her actual workers’ compensation premium was $26,622. Had Zelaya not withheld her company’s true annual payroll and work description, the amount of her premium would have been $733,549.
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ACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced the arrest of Maria Cristina Romero Zelaya, owner of Miochosis Construction, Inc. Zelaya allegedly provided fictitious information when applying for workers’ compensation insurance coverage to obtain a lower premium. As a result, Zelaya illegally avoided paying more than $700,000 in premium payments and left her employees uninsured and vulnerable to workplace injuries.
service businesses totaling more than $5 million. The checks were found to be for various types of construction work that she withheld from her insurance company and were not covered by her workers’ compensation insurance policy.
Zelaya reported to her insurance underwriter that her company’s annual payroll was $200,000 and her company provided plastering and stucco services only. Based on this information, her workers’ compensation premium was After receiving a tip that Zelaya may $26,622. Had Zelaya not withheld have falsified information, from her company’s true annual payroll August 2, 2016 to August 2, 2017, and work description, the amount Department of Financial Services of her premium would have been (DFS) investigators determined $733,549. Zelaya cashed hundreds of payroll checks through local money Zelaya was arrested by DFS Division
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of Investigative and Forensic Services (DIFS) investigators and later transported to Duval County Jail December 7, 2017. She has been charged with knowingly concealing payroll, scheme to defraud and acting as an unlicensed money transmitter. This case will be prosecuted by the Assistant State Attorney Joe Licandro of the Duval County States Attorney’s Office. If convicted, Zelaya could face up to 60 years in prison.
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“The Final Authority on Everything!” WARNING!
The Advisor has been known to be politically incorrect and may send certain Millennials scurrying to their safe space. Also not recommended for Progressives who are easily offended. Please read at your own risk.
Network Marketing = Multi-Level Marketing
M
y brother-in-law is all excited about a company he started working with last month. The product mix is mostly personalcare items along with some vitamins and water-filters. He calls it “network marketing” but it sounds like multi-level marketing to me. I’d let him do his thing, but a day doesn’t go by when he isn’t calling, telling me to sell my agency and come work under him. The funny thing is I’m driving a new BMW and he’s driving a 12-year-old Buick with a door falling off. He’s got charts that show how I can make a guzillion bucks in just 26
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of these schemes can best be compared to religious cults – where new members are subjected to intense sloganeering, peer-pressure and promises of unbelievable wealth. Generally, the major effort is always to recruit more people, the next level, and somehow “they” are going to do all the selling so you won’t First, you are correct: “network have to. marketing” is nothing more than a euphemism for The meetings are intense, often multi-level marketing. MLM with audience participation, developers hope it carries less and “testimonials.” New of a negative stigma to recruits. recruits are immersed in this The psychology behind most alternate reality until they 2 years by recruiting just 7 people — and I “won’t really have to sell anything myself.” Oh yeah, there is also a small, but not insignificant, cash investment required to purchase “inventory.” What do I tell him so he will stop inviting me to the meetings? — J.B. Montgomery, AL
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Image Credit: Creative Commons
can no longer think clearly or objectively about the socalled “business opportunity.” Hence your brother-in-law actually recommending you sell your profitable agency so you can have the opportunity to double your income selling deodorant and shampoo to your friends and relatives. Rarely does a real business opportunity exist within these structures — except for the organizer and the top several players. Recruits are sold on the concept of “own your own business!” and “be your own boss!” when, in reality, they end up working a couple of months for pennies and then JANUARY 2018
wondering what to do with the average of one new victim to cartons of vitamins stacked in the scheme. Organizers know their garage. this in advance. Multi-level marketing works for the organizers because it exploits the hopes and dreams of unsophisticated individuals. They really care very little about their “downline” attrition. It’s all part of the game. Each newbie typically sells a couple of hundred dollars worth of product to close friends and relatives — then finds out quickly that nobody else wants to buy anything — and gradually gives up, having wasted a considerable amount of time, money and energy, after bringing in an Table of Contents
As to the old nonsense about just recruiting seven people and not having to really sell anything, just do the math: If you recruit seven people and each one of them recruit seven people and each of them recruit seven people and so on and so on (which is what is necessary for you to earn that guzillion bucks) your downline will require approximately 13.8 billion people after only 11 levels. That’s almost twice population of the Earth. www/underwritersinsider.com
the
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220/440 Lic. Ins Agent Needed - Boca
FREE CLASSIFIED RULES: Submit all ads online at: www.underwritersinsider. com/classifieds. Ads must be less than 501 characters plus a title line. Eligible free classifieds include help wanted, position wanted, personal ads, agency for sale/purchase, or the one-time sale of an item or items. Place Ad HERE! REGULAR CLASSIFIED RULES: Submit all ads online at: www.underwritersinsider. com/classifieds. Only $1.00 per word, including title line and response info. Payment must be received prior to print date. Ads run 3 mo.
Experienced Commercial 220 CSR Cape Coral/Fort Myers FL Established commercial lines agency seeking: self motivated, detail oriented professional. The successful candidate should have a minimum of 3 years experience in commercial lines, excellent computer skills, dependable, ability to follow up and follow through and have an unwavering commitment to the service your clients. Professional designations such as CIC, CPCU, CRM or ARM a plus. In return, you will have the opportunity to join a committed group of individuals in a growing, privately owned multi lines agency.Industry leading benefits and compensation package working with a group of experienced professionals low turnover environment. All Information and replies will be kept strictly confidential fairway34@hotmail.com 18-1
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440 or 220 in Boca Raton, Part Time or Full Time Experienced or Trainee; Agent and Customer Service Rep in family owned agency in Boca Raton. Full or Part time. (Flexible Hours) Personal Lines CSR; salary plus bonus. Commercial Agent; 50% commissions and residual. Most important Florida markets and several national markets available. We can compete with the “Big Boys” with our national affiliations. Email your resume to agencyops@gmail.com. or FAX to: 561-416-7221. EOE 17-2
Tampa Area Commercial Producer Agency Established 2006 seeks Outside Commercial Producer. Cutting Edge tech! Generous Comp and Possible Equity Buy In. Experience and FL 220 a must! Resume’ to info@nusurance.com 16-10
Agent/CSR wanted, Ft. Lauderdale Area
Independent P&C agency is seeking to employ a licensed agent and/or csr, with experience in nonstandard and standard auto, homeowners, commercial auto and property insurance. Fulltime position M-F 9am - 6pm and every other Saturday 9am - 3pm. Must have a GREAT attitude and know how to be a team player. Email resume to Marlinsii@aol.com. 17-11
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Looking for inside / outside lic. experienced sales rep. Must know QQ/QF, Semcat and other software packages. Efax resume to 561-829-2055. Great office. 16-11
Inside P&C Insurance Saleperson-NJ 1-3 years experience needed for a P&C Licensed saleperson. Leads, incentives and $40,000 base salary & benefits all provided in a convenient Parsippany modern location. jimb@mgainc.net 17-11
440 or 220 Needed in Tampa
Needed Agent or Customer service rep, must have knowledge of personal lines and have a great personality for established Family owned agency. Send resume. idcccorp@msn.com 17-10
Licensed P&C Sales & Service agent: Tampa, FL
We are seeking the right sales and service person to be a part of our team which is focused on continuing to grow a 24 year insurance Agency. If you are an experienced licensed professional who is proficient in sales of home, auto, flood, umbrella and other personal lines of insurance and who is also diligent in following up after the sale with quality customer service, we could be your professional home. info@danceferrentino.com 17-11 JANUARY 2018
Outside Ins Sales Rep - Must be licensed South Palm Beach Co. Need home based / office outside insurance sales rep. Must have experience cold calling, networking grps and referrals a must. Most know how to type up and prepare a property commercial risk including acords, loss runs, etc. Pls email resume to: jonathandrausch@hotmail.com 16-11
Fresh out of School Insurance Sales Person Needed
We are doing a cooperative hiring with one of our carriers. Must be energetic, sales and commission motivated. It is a 2 yr salary with a transition to 100% commission, there is unlimited growth potential based on how good you are. Must be able to travel for 3 weeks of training to Philadelphia. Interview process is lengthy, but once we find the right person we are ready to go! larrytalbert@talbertservices.com 17-11
Help us to expand our Agency (From Home)!! We are seeking a super energetic and motivated professional to work in a virtual capacity assisting us with recruiting and supporting professional sales agents across the United States and Canada. For detailed information on our company and this non-sales virtual opportunity please contact me at: Nicole.lang@harvardbenefits.com
Experience Commercial CSR Wanted Duluth GA We are a mid sized agency, looking to add to our family environment insurance agency. We are not related but have a great time together. Voted Best in Gwinnett for 7 yrs in a row. Best in Duluth 2 yrs. Must be able to handle a large volume of direct bill accounts. Multicarrier experience and Hawksoft Agency use is a plus. Bilingual is also good but not a requirement.
larrytalbert@talbertservices.com 17-11
Looking to buy a P&C agency in PB county. Please call
BROWARD COUNTY ENTRY LEVEL ACCOUNT MANAGER Growing MGA is looking for a highly motivated & responsible individual. Duties include managing accounts from our distribution channel --- quoting, binding and servicing multiple lines of business. Incredible opportunity for someone looking to learn and grow in a company. Send resumes to info@ everiskpro.com 17-4
SUBMIT YOUR FREE CLASSIFIED AD HERE
561-584-0732
Efax: (561) 829-2055 17-3
Insurance Agent With 220 License We are looking for Insurance Agent with License 220 In Kissimmee, Florida Are Full Time on Agency. Please call 407-847-2539 for Interview Ask for Alex Ramos alexinsurance@aol.com 17-6
Nicole.lang@harvardbenefits. com
220-440 Agent for Port St. Lucie Agency (PT-FT ?) Please fax your information to: (772)879-1002 or e-mail to: amerinsur@aol.com Thank You... amerinsur@aol.com 17-11
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AERION AND LOCKHEED MARTIN JOIN DEVELOP WORLD’S FIRST SUPERSONIC B TECH NEWS
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FORCES TO BUSINESS JET
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ASHINGTON D.C., December 15, 2017 – Two leaders in supersonic technology, Aerion and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to define a formal and gated process to explore the feasibility of a joint development of the world’s first supersonic business jet, the Aerion AS2. Over the next 12 months, the companies will work together to develop a framework on all phases of the program, including engineering, certification and production.
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Aerion Chairman Robert M. Bass stated, “This relationship is absolutely key to creating a supersonic renaissance. When it comes to supersonic know-how, Lockheed Martin’s capabilities are well known, and, in fact, legendary. We share with Lockheed Martin a commitment to the long-term development of efficient civil supersonic aircraft.” “We are excited to work with Aerion on their development of the next-generation, efficient See 1st Supersonic Biz Jet Pg 36
Image Credit: Aerion Corp
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NOTABLE QUOTABLES IN THE NEWS
SAY WHAT?
scandal and hyperbole, than that America and its allies recently managed to win a war that just two years ago consumed headlines and dominated political debate and helped Donald Trump himself get elected president Follow Liberalism To Its — and somehow nobody seemed to notice. Logical End, This is What You Get... I mean the war against the Islamic State, whose expansion was the defining foreign ll I want for Christmas is full policy calamity of Barack Obama’s second Communism now.” term, whose executions of Americans made the USA look impotent and whose Tweeting Kelly Oakes, a utopian experiment drew volunteers science editor at BuzzFeed drunk on world-historical ambitions and UK, incredibly wishing metaphysical dreams.” for “full communism now,” in spite of the NYT Columnist Ross Douthat, acknowledging rather stunning reality Trump handily won the war against ISIS in that communism was Iraq, although the nation’s mostly liberal responsible for over 100 media failed to take note. By loosening the million deaths in the rules of engagement and allowing the military past century. Earlier to do its job, Trump succeeded in routing the this year, another Islamic State, an evil force that grew quickly in BuzzFeed reporter, Blake “Communism Memorial” the power vacuum created by Obama’s weak Montgomery, tweeted, by Chris Brown is and feckless foreign policy. Douthat admitted “‘Victims of Communism’” licensed under CC BY 2.0 that the Trump administration’s triumph “does is a white nationalist talking point. Trump not fit into the narrative of Trumpian disaster just made Nov 7 Natl Day for Vics of in which our journalistic entities are all invest.” Communism.” The fetish for communism/ socialism shared by so many liberals is almost incomprehensible in the light of the Holding The U.N. Accountable - Finally misery, death and destruction so recently he United States will remember resulting from these failed political systems. this day in which it was NYT Columnist: Trump Wins singled out for attack in War Obama Could Not - Media this assembly.”
ImageAttribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A
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Hardly Notices...
America’s U.N. Ambassador here is nothing more Nikki Haley responding to characteristic of the Trump era, the always anti-Semitic with its fire hose of misinformation, U.N.’s condemnation of
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the U.S. moving it’s embassy to Jerusalem. 100 countries voted to condemn the U.S. for the move. The Trump Administration was taking names and shortly thereafter, Haley announced a $235 million cut to the U.S. funding of the U.N. budget.
No More Mister Nice-Guy
was roundly condemned and informed that he had no right to have an opinion about pink dresses on little boys, calling him “insecure” about gender and sexuality and not properly supportive of LGBTQ fluid gender norms. Hamilton hit all the right PC notes in a “deepest apology” thereby allowing the blogosphere buttercups to retreat to their safe spaces again.
L
et them vote against us. We’ll Just a Quick Comparison... save a lot. We don’t care. But this isn’t like it used to be where sis officially began its they could vote against you and then you butcherous run in early 2013 in pay them hundreds of millions of dollars. the midst of the power vacuum We’re not going to be taken advantage of created when Barack Obama foolishly and any longer.” prematurely pulled our troops out of Iraq. Obama discounted the group, calling them President Donald Trump, clearly changing the “the J.V.,” and devoted few resources to that way America plays in the sandbox with other fight until ISIS had grown to a monstrous nations at the U.N. in sharp, refreshing contrast size and capability overtaking vast regions to the previous, feckless administration where of Iraq so recently won with American blood diplomacy always meant “we lose.” and treasure. Once in the fight, Obama constrained the military with strict rules of engagement and a limited role, causing Intrepid Pro Racer the effort to stagnate. When leaving office, Cowed By Radical Left? Obama’s war fight against ISIS had made little progress in the prior 12 ’m so sad right now. months. We were told to be Look at my nephew. patient; it was a “generational Why are you wearing fight.”In spite of his arrogance a princess dress? Is this what and swagger, it was clear you got for Christmas? Why did Obama knew nothing of you ask for a princess dress for war fighting. Then came Christmas? Boys don’t wear Trump. In eight months, he princess dresses!” routed ISIS from Iraq and has them on the run in Syria. Top British Formula One race The difference between a car driver Lewis Hamilton in a Commander in Chief and a Snapchat video joking around about his community organizer. nephew in a pink dress. This, of course, sent the radical-left blogosphere into Blogger “PMagnum” commenting on two spazmotic fits of outrage where Hamilton vastly different military strategies.
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BACK ISSUES
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BACK ISSUES
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TECH NEWS Continued From Page 31
SUPERSONIC BIZ JET supersonic jet that will potentially serve as a platform for pioneering future supersonic aircraft,” said Orlando Carvalho, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. The MOU is the result of extensive discussions between Aerion and Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works® Advanced Development Programs team. For close to 75 years, Skunk Works has existed to create revolutionary aircraft that push the boundaries of what is possible.
Lockheed Martin, known for developing the world’s leading supersonic combat aircraft, the F-16, the F-35, and F-22, as well as the Mach 3+ SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft, is committed to fostering new innovations and developing supersonic technologies with civil and commercial applications.
Through that effort, the two companies developed a preliminary design of wing and airframe structures, systems layout, “Following our initial review of and preliminary concepts for a flyAerion’s aerodynamic technology, by-wire flight control system. our conclusion is that the Aerion AS2 concept warrants the further “We are grateful for Airbus’ investment of our time and contribution to the program,” said resources,” said Carvalho. Brian Barents, Aerion Executive Chairman. “We could not have “We are committed to remaining moved the program to this stage on the cutting edge of aerospace without their support.” technology and are excited to examine the contribution we In May 2017, GE Aviation announced might make to working with an agreement with Aerion to Aerion on making aviation history.” define a supersonic engine for the During the last two and a half years, AS2. The latest announcement with Lockheed Martin further positions Aerion as the leader in the nascent sector of civil supersonic aviation. About Aerion Corporation Aerion Corporation of Reno, Nevada, was formed in 2003 to introduce a new era of practical and efficient supersonic flight.
Image Credit: Aerion Corp
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Aerion advanced the aerodynamics and structural design of the AS2 through a previous engineering collaboration agreement with Airbus.
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Over more than a decade, Aerion has developed and demonstrated advanced wing technology in conjunction with NASA and other leading aeronautical institutions. This research includes breakthrough JANUARY 2018
NEWS work in supersonic natural laminar flow, the key enabling Continued From Page 7 technology behind the AS2 business jet.
ZALMA
The 12-passenger AS2 is expected to fly at a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 over water, and, where permitted by regulation, at speeds approaching Mach 1.2 without a sonic boom reaching the ground. Thanks to its unique supersonic natural laminar flow wing, the aircraft is expected to achieve long range (LA to Paris) and efficiency at supersonic and subsonic speeds. Once fielded, it will reduce trans-Atlantic trips by as much as three hours, enabling business leaders to fly roundtrip between New York and London in a day.
decided to let the policy lapse, and because they declined payment for insurance from another insurance company. Likewise, there is no credible evidence on this record that Selective engaged in bad faith, and plaintiffs have failed to make out a prima facie case of a violation under the CFA, assuming it even applies to the facts of this case.
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ZALMA OPINION
Statutes requiring proof of mailing is to protect the insured. Here, it was not necessary since the plaintiff admitted she received the notice of cancellation and did nothing. It is amazing to me that a lawyer About Lockheed Martin was willing to take this case up Headquartered in Bethesda, on appeal considering the facts Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a recited by the appellate court. global security and aerospace company that employs The plaintiff admitted that approximately 97,000 people she received the notice of worldwide and is principally cancellation and affirmatively engaged in the research, design, decided not to pay the premium. development, manufacture, Without consideration there integration, and sustainment of can be no policy of insurance advanced technology systems, and the insurer properly products, and services. refused to pay the claim. In November 2015, Aerion announced a fleet order from fractional aircraft fleet operator Flexjet for 20 AS2 aircraft. Aerion expects the AS2’s first flight in 2023 and certification in 2025.
JANUARY 2018
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MOST RIDICULOUS LAWSUITS OF 2017 There is always someone wishing to use the legal system in an attempt to enrich themselves - no matter how silly or trivial the injury...
HERE IBM TO COLLABORATE WITH LEADING FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES TO ACCELERATE QUANTUM COMPUTING
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To Visit Insider Sponsors, simply click on the Sponsor’s ad! JANUARY 2018
NEWS
NEPTUNE FLOOD INSURANCE BRINGS CERTAINTY TO REAL ESTATE MARKET AND HOMEOWNERS
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AMPA, FLA. (PRWEB) In less than three minutes and The Federal Emergency without elevation certificates, Management Agency homeowners can buy a policy (FEMA) recently published and save up to 25% off their flood guidance on how to handle a insurance. Neptune’s policy is potential lapse in the National backed by the world’s leading Flood Insurance insurance market, Program (NFIP), Neptune “A” rated Lloyd’s, which is set to and meets all Flood has the provisions expire December 22, 2017. In their required by no waiting period 9-page document, Bigger t-Waters they failed to which helps us provide Flood Insurance mention the immediate coverage to Reform Act of simplest solution, 2012, which which is not to rely customers referred to means mortgage on the debt-ridden us for a loan closing. c o m p a n i e s government accept the With Neptune’s robust backed program. coverage.
About Neptune Flood Inc. Neptune Flood utilizes advanced mapping technologies and aerial remote sensing to create sophisticated algorithms for the risk of flooding. This revolutionary approach to pricing flood insurance often results in superior coverage and savings over the NFIP of up to 25% and is available to homeowners in high risk and preferred flood zones.
Neptune Flood’s policies are backed by Lloyd’s of London, rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best. Neptune Flood is a Lloyd’s Coverholder, currently offering coverage in Florida, with authority coverage options and to provide flood insurance The fact is, there Don’t be held throughout the US. competitive rates, it’s are many private hostage by the flood insurance a win-win for everyone, g o v e r n m e n t ’s options, including said Garrett Mitchell, inability to timely Neptune Flood reauthorize the VP of Rocket MGA. Nation’s flood which offers better pricing, program. There higher limits and is a better way, coverage options not available Neptune Flood and other surplus through the NFIP. Currently lines, private flood carriers have offered solely in Florida, Neptune already provided more than will be available in 18 states in 25,000 homeowners in Florida early 2018. Unlike the NFIP, which with flood insurance this year. If has a 30-day waiting period once you’d like to get a Neptune Flood you apply, Neptune offers instant quote, please contact Rocket MGA coverage. at 1-800-269-3692.
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TECHNOLOGY
KIM KOMANDO
points on your Facebook account, click here for the steps along with other hidden Facebook settings to check.
use Google, and as handy as the service is, there are other ways to navigate around the web.
Activity >> Delete Activity By. A little box will appear, and you can change the Delete by Date field to All Time. Google takes pains to remind you how beneficial your search history is, but you now have the option to remove all this data for good.
Fortunately, you can wipe away your Facebook search history with a few clicks. To clear past searches, log in to Facebook and go to the upside-down triangle in the top-right corner. Click on Activity Log. The Activity Log is where Facebook tracks your actions within the site.
DuckDuckGo has a mission to keep users’ information private and to prevent personalized search results. The search engine includes nifty calculators and other tricks, and you can customize its interface with search shortcuts and an Instant Answers feature.
Click here for a detailed In the left column of the description of these steps Activity Log, under Photos, along with visual aides. Likes and Comments, click on the More link. Then scroll down 2. Erase your Facebook search and click on the Search link. history Here you’ll see a list of every Would you believe that Facebook search you’ve ever Facebook keeps the same made, organized by date. You kind of records as Google? If can clear searches individually anything, Facebook’s data is by clicking the crossed-circle even more personal, such as icon on the right.
You might be surprised by the quality of Instant Answers, which easily rivals Google’s Knowledge Graph. You can also make DuckDuckGo an extension of your browser and activate more privacy settings to keep your search history as protected as possible.
Continued From Page 5
clubs and pastimes, because of the tidbits we share with our Then click Remove in the box that appears. To clear every social network. search, click on the Clear Facebook also mines when Searches link located at the you’ve looked up an ex or a top-right of the list. neighbor. If someone accesses your account, even by accident, Click here for illustrated that information is fully instructions. available. 3. Use a covert search engine Facebook tracks where you’re Google has hundreds of logged in. You can erase that. millions of users around the Facebook also tracks you in world, and the company’s photos. You can review all name has become synonymous the photos tagged with you with “finding information.” But in them. To review these data remember, you don’t have to 40
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Click here to DuckDuckGo.
check
out
Ixquick calls itself the world’s most private search site. Ixquick doesn’t record your IP address, browser information or search history. The real magic of Ixquick is its “search by proxy” feature. This means that websites have no idea what IP address you’re using. As a customer browsing their pages, you are basically invisible. This feature does have the potential to slow down your searches, but that JANUARY 2018
will be a small price to pay for Here is how to do it: people who give their privacy top priority. • Open Settings • Tap Safari Click here to use Ixquick. • Scroll down and select Clear History and Website Data Bonus: Keep your browsing • Tap Clear History and Data history private on your phone to confirm Surfing the web on your • computer can leave a lot Google Chrome of breadcrumbs, but many If you are not using Apple’s people are even more cavalier default browser, there’s a good about their phones. So much chance you are using Google correspondence, banking, and Chrome. Here are the steps to social media flow through the clearing Chrome’s history: typical smartphone, and much of that information is tracked. • Open Google Chrome Meanwhile, you’re collecting • Open Settings a vast array of cookies and • Tap Privacy >> History temporary files, and these are • Tap Clear on-device History reflected in the advertising • Tap Clear on-device History to confirm that pops up on your phone. These ads say a lot about your • Firefox browsing history, and they are visible to anyone who catches To clear the history on Firefox, a glimpse of your phone. follow these steps: So how do you clear your browsing history and secure your privacy going forward? That depends on the device you use. Below are the steps but they might be a tad different for you, depending on the version of the browser you are using. Apple
• Tap the hamburger menu at the bottom of the page • Tap Settings • Go to Clear Private Data • Select items you want to delete • Tap Clear Private Data again - this will generate a popup menu warning that this action can’t be undone • Tap OK to confirm
Apple’s default browser is Safari. You are not able to clear your browsing history directly with Safari; you need to do it Opera through the gadget’s settings. JANUARY 2018
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Opera is a lesser known web browser but there may be some of you using it. Here are the steps to clear its history: • Tap the red “O” at the bottom of the browser • Tap Settings • Go to Clear. You can clear specific items like cookies or saved passwords, or you can Clear All • Tap Yes to confirm What questions do you have? Call my national radio show and click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to the Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet or computer. From buying advice to digital life issues, click here for my free podcasts.
Copyright 2017, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com www/underwritersinsider.com
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BECOME A CERTIFIED EXPERT IN CORPORATE PROPERTY INSURANCE AND A CERTIFIED EXPERT IN CORPORATE LIABILITY INSURANCE Now available from Illumeo and Barry Zalma!
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veryone involved in insurance – either as an insurer or as an insured – requires excellence in claims handling. Businesses need to deal with insurers who have an excellence in claimshandling mandate. Insurers who wish to profit need an excellence in property and/or liability claims-handling program. Everyone in business needs an insurer who has an excellence in property or liability claims-handling program in effect. Two comprehensive programs enabling insurance professionals to become Certified Expert in Corporate Property Insurance and/ or Certified Experts in Corporate Liability Insurance are available from Illumeo.com and https://www.illumeo.com/curriculum/certifiedexpert-corporate-property-insurance and https://www.illumeo.com/ curriculum/certified-expert-corporate-liability-insurance. The programs are complete courses of study providing education and training to allow insurance professionals, after completing the individual classes, to become a Certified Expert. The programs cover everything an employee, an officer, or a director of a corporation needs to know about the need to acquire proper insurance and to resolve any claim presented by the corporation to the insurer. Major topics of study include, but are not limited to: the importance of insurance; how to acquire insurance and understand an insurance policy; the methods used by insurers to investigate claims; the various types of insurance that corporations need; the duties and obligations of a public adjuster; and how The full curriculum of the courses and other courses from Barry Zalma are available at http:// www.ilumeo.com by entering in the search bar the word “zalma.”
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