- Bill 15 changes to prejudgement interest calculations will become effective on January 1, 2015.
- Many ride-sharing drivers are perplexed by the mixed messages that they receive and therefore opt for silence when it comes to informing their insurers. The situation is becoming problematic as ride-sharing programs expand and drivers are having accidents.
- As Uber collects a mountain of data from its ride-sharing app, it is very likely that the information will be used to expand into services, such as moving goods not just people.
- Once you get passed the rhetoric, what has become clear is that Uber has exposed flaws in taxi services in Canadian cities. Consumers look forward to reforms.
- California’s Department of Motor Vehicles will miss a year-end deadline to adopt a new set of rules for driverless cars and other cars of the future because there’s still no certainty that driverless vehicles are safe.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Insurance News - Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Tuesday, December 30, 2014:
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Insurance News - Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Tuesday, December 23, 2014:
- Over $1 million in stolen vehicles recovered and 7 people charged as police investigation nabs international car theft ring operating in Toronto, York Region and Durham Region.
- It appears Uber may be telling its California drivers that personal rather than commercial auto insurance is sufficient leaving them uncovered and driving illegally.
- Google unveiled its first prototype of a fully-functional, driverless car which has actually been built on a patchwork of auto parts.
- Not a surprise that Google is also seeking an auto industry partner to develop its driverless car because it does not want to be a car maker.
- The Nova Scotia government has changed its position on a controversial lawsuit to clawback a settlement award for an catastrophic claim involving a young woman with a severe brain injury.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Insurance News - Saturday, December 20, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Saturday, December 20, 2014:
- Smartphone applications and devices that record trip and vehicle data are set to infiltrate auto insurance at a rapid pace, bolstered by discounts of as much as 30 percent.
- A new Uber-like phone app lets stranded drivers summon the nearest tow truck. Is this a good or bad thing?
- It seems driverless cars do not do well in rain, snow and fog. Just like we humans.
- Given the size of the Ontario auto insurance market, recent auto insurance reforms (Bill 15) could impact on the entire Canadian P&C market.
- Not everyone is happy about Bill 15. Tow trucks organized a protest at Queen's Park regarding provisions in Bill 15 dealing with towing regulation.
- Uber's process for vetting potential drivers is receiving a lot of scrutiny.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Are Insurers Using Cost Control Tools Properly?
I noticed an interesting section at the end of a recent bulletin issued by FSCO regarding recent regulation changes that I reviewed in a recent post. Thrown in with the announcement of regulatory changes is a discussion on mileage expenses by health care providers.
The bulletin goes on to state that FSCO is aware that some health care providers are submitting mileage expenses to insurers to travel to an injured accident victim to provide services. Insurers are reminded that "authorized transportation expenses", as defined in the SABS, are intended to apply to expenses incurred by the insured person and not health care providers. Details of what can be claimed by insured persons are subject to the Superintendent’s Transportation Expense Guideline.
The bulletin also reminds insurers that hourly fees in the Superintendent's Professional Services Guideline include all administration costs, overhead, and related costs, fees, expenses, charges and surcharges. Insurers are not liable for any administration or other costs, overhead, fees, expenses, charges or surcharges that have the result of increasing the effective hourly rates, or the maximum fees payable for completing forms, beyond what is permitted under the Professional Services Guideline.
My guess is that these aren't just friendly reminders. More likely FSCO has become aware that health care providers are submitting for mileage and other expenses related to treatment of insureds, and insurers are paying them. While the industry is lobbying government to reduce costs in the system, insurers are paying for expenses that do not fall under the SABS.
Having worked for the government for many years I am fully aware of the amount of lobbying in which stakeholders partake. Insurance companies are not shrinking violets when it comes to lobbying efforts. There is a constant list of suggested changes presented to government officials to reduce the cost of auto insurance.
It was frustrating to work on endless changes to the system that will never be fully utilized. We now have a complex set of rules, many proposed by the insurance industry, that are not always being used. It is a system that is too complex for many to properly understand and use.
Yet the government keeps churning out more regulation and rule changes to drive down costs. But growing red tape and complexity likely have the opposite affect. Transactional costs keep going up for insurers, health care providers and legal representatives which ensures that the price of auto insurance in Ontario remains high.
As the service provider licensing system is rolled out and soon to be followed by a new minor injury protocol I wonder which direction costs will go - up or down.
The bulletin goes on to state that FSCO is aware that some health care providers are submitting mileage expenses to insurers to travel to an injured accident victim to provide services. Insurers are reminded that "authorized transportation expenses", as defined in the SABS, are intended to apply to expenses incurred by the insured person and not health care providers. Details of what can be claimed by insured persons are subject to the Superintendent’s Transportation Expense Guideline.
The bulletin also reminds insurers that hourly fees in the Superintendent's Professional Services Guideline include all administration costs, overhead, and related costs, fees, expenses, charges and surcharges. Insurers are not liable for any administration or other costs, overhead, fees, expenses, charges or surcharges that have the result of increasing the effective hourly rates, or the maximum fees payable for completing forms, beyond what is permitted under the Professional Services Guideline.
My guess is that these aren't just friendly reminders. More likely FSCO has become aware that health care providers are submitting for mileage and other expenses related to treatment of insureds, and insurers are paying them. While the industry is lobbying government to reduce costs in the system, insurers are paying for expenses that do not fall under the SABS.
Having worked for the government for many years I am fully aware of the amount of lobbying in which stakeholders partake. Insurance companies are not shrinking violets when it comes to lobbying efforts. There is a constant list of suggested changes presented to government officials to reduce the cost of auto insurance.
It was frustrating to work on endless changes to the system that will never be fully utilized. We now have a complex set of rules, many proposed by the insurance industry, that are not always being used. It is a system that is too complex for many to properly understand and use.
Yet the government keeps churning out more regulation and rule changes to drive down costs. But growing red tape and complexity likely have the opposite affect. Transactional costs keep going up for insurers, health care providers and legal representatives which ensures that the price of auto insurance in Ontario remains high.
As the service provider licensing system is rolled out and soon to be followed by a new minor injury protocol I wonder which direction costs will go - up or down.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Insurance News - Thursday, December 4, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Thursday, December 4, 2014:
- The Supreme Court of Canada grants Zurich Insurance leave to appeal ruling over Ontario 'Dispute Between Insurer' regulation (O. Reg. 283/95) from last May.
- Project Whiplash has produced a 2-year conviction and $1.3 million in restitution for operating a staged collision ring in the GTA.
- On and after December 1, Ontario auto insurers cannot pay service providers directly if they do not have a FSCO licence.
- An undercover investigator hired by the city of Toronto reports that Uber poses ‘real and urgent’ safety problems.
- Google has taught its driverless cars to be aggressive, Google cars now nudge into traffic to compete with pushy drivers.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
New Auto Insurance Regulations
In October the government posted a notice on their Regulatory Register inviting stakeholders who comment on proposed auto insurance regulation changes. The regulations have now been approved by the Ontario Cabinet. The regulations dealing with the licensing of service providers are effective December 1, 2014. The regulation amendment dealing with the interest on overdue payments is effective January 1, 2015.
Section 51 of the SABS (O. Reg. 34/10) has been amended (by O.Reg. 236/14) so that interest payments of 1 percent per month compounded monthly for overdue SABS payments only applies up to the date on which a mediation proceeding begins. Once the dispute reaches mediation the interest on overdue SABS payments is calculated at the prejudgment interest rate described in the Courts of Justice Act that is used for past pecuniary loss. The lower interest rate and is then payable until the date a settlement is reached or a decision is issued that finally disposes of the dispute.
Section 49.1 has been added (by O. Reg. 227/14) to the SABS (O. Reg. 34/10) to cover invoicing by unlicensed service providers. These providers must bill claimants using the Standard Invoice (OCF-21) and the claimant is to submit the invoice to their insurer. It is the responsibility of the insurer to provide HCAI with billing information from invoices submitted by claimants when they reimburse a claimant.
The Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices regulation (O. Reg. 7/00) has been amended (by O. Reg. 231/14). An unlicensed service provider may not advertise that they are a licensed provider. A licensed provider that has had their licence suspended or revoked may not continue to advertise that they are licensed.
The Administrative Penalties regulation (O. Reg. 408/12) has been amended (by O. Reg. 230/14) to deal with significant contraventions of the regulations that can involve or potentially lead to improper billing practices by service providers.
The Service Providers – Standards for Business Systems and Practices regulation (O. Reg. 90/14) is amended (by O. Reg. 228/14) to introduce a duty to report accurately to the Superintendent of Financial Services, in the periodic return established under section 288.4(5) of the Insurance Act, all information necessary to calculate any applicable fees established pursuant to section 121.1 of the Insurance Act.
The Service Providers – Listed Expenses regulation (O. Reg. 89/14) is amended (by O. Reg. 229/14) to allow licensed service providers to seek payment for outstanding accounts directly from claimants where a full and final settlement has been reached and signed between the insurer and the insured person that includes these amounts.
Section 51 of the SABS (O. Reg. 34/10) has been amended (by O.Reg. 236/14) so that interest payments of 1 percent per month compounded monthly for overdue SABS payments only applies up to the date on which a mediation proceeding begins. Once the dispute reaches mediation the interest on overdue SABS payments is calculated at the prejudgment interest rate described in the Courts of Justice Act that is used for past pecuniary loss. The lower interest rate and is then payable until the date a settlement is reached or a decision is issued that finally disposes of the dispute.
Section 49.1 has been added (by O. Reg. 227/14) to the SABS (O. Reg. 34/10) to cover invoicing by unlicensed service providers. These providers must bill claimants using the Standard Invoice (OCF-21) and the claimant is to submit the invoice to their insurer. It is the responsibility of the insurer to provide HCAI with billing information from invoices submitted by claimants when they reimburse a claimant.
The Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices regulation (O. Reg. 7/00) has been amended (by O. Reg. 231/14). An unlicensed service provider may not advertise that they are a licensed provider. A licensed provider that has had their licence suspended or revoked may not continue to advertise that they are licensed.
The Administrative Penalties regulation (O. Reg. 408/12) has been amended (by O. Reg. 230/14) to deal with significant contraventions of the regulations that can involve or potentially lead to improper billing practices by service providers.
The Service Providers – Standards for Business Systems and Practices regulation (O. Reg. 90/14) is amended (by O. Reg. 228/14) to introduce a duty to report accurately to the Superintendent of Financial Services, in the periodic return established under section 288.4(5) of the Insurance Act, all information necessary to calculate any applicable fees established pursuant to section 121.1 of the Insurance Act.
The Service Providers – Listed Expenses regulation (O. Reg. 89/14) is amended (by O. Reg. 229/14) to allow licensed service providers to seek payment for outstanding accounts directly from claimants where a full and final settlement has been reached and signed between the insurer and the insured person that includes these amounts.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Insurance News - Thursday, November 27, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Thursday, November 27, 2014:
- John Tory joins the Competition Bureau in speaking out against Toronto’s move to file an injunction in court against Uber ride-sharing service.
- A Toronto undercover investigation concluded that there are “real and urgent” safety problems with Uber, including issues with insurance coverage, driver screening and vehicle inspections.
- Meanwhile in California, ride-sharing service drivers from companies such as Uber and Lyft will soon be able to buy an amendment to their auto insurance coverage that will provide them with protection from the moment that they sign on and are waiting for a call to pick up a rider,
- Experts claim driverless cars could add $1.3 Trillion to U.S. economy from reduced accidents and productivity gains.
- Of course driverless cars could also open up employers to steal the last of your free time.
- Fraud has caused ridiculously high auto insurance rates in Detroit which now threatens the city's economic recovery by making it expensive for residents to stay in the city and discouraging newcomers.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Insurance News - Saturday, November 22, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Saturday, November 22, 2014:
- Bill 15, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014 passed this week with no changes. The bill when proclaimed will transfer accident benefit disputes to the Licence Appeal Tribunal, implement the oversight of the billing practices of health clinics, and introduce new rules governing tow truck operators and vehicle storage yard.
- The legal community was unable to convince the government to make changes to Bill 15 which means the new dispute resolution system will have no access to the courts and prejudgment interest will be reduced.
- This week the Ontario government released its Fall Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review (pages 71-72 deal with auto insurance).
- Driverless vehicles and smart cities can cut auto fatalities and CO2 emissions by 2025.
- Armed with analytics, predictive modeling and big data, insurers are moving to take on application fraud.
- Automakers adopt protocols to handle and protect consumer data in connected car era.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
It's Time That The Insurance Industry and Regulators Begin Accommodating Ride-Sharing Services
Uber, a San Francisco-based company estimated to be worth $17 billion (U.S.) is aiming to shake up the taxi business in Toronto.
Uber is reported to operate in more than 140 cities in 40 countries around the world, offering taxis, limos and car-sharing services, allowing customers to bypass traditional taxi companies and brokerages to request a ride using their smartphones.
When Uber first set up in Toronto in 2012, city of Toronto officials informed the company that it needed to get a brokerage licence. Uber disputed the request and has been insisting that it is not a taxi service, but rather a technology company, and therefore not subject to licensing requirements. The city has since hit Uber with 35 bylaw infractions and now the city is headed to court in an attempt to get an injunction to shut down the service.
Toronto Mayor-elect John Tory is correct. Uber and similar ride-sharing services aren't going anywhere. Consumers like these new services and that's why there are using them. Using a smartphone app, you will be told when the vehicle will arrive, who is the driver, the rating of the driver, the cost of the ride with tip and will allow you to pay for the ride without handling any cash. No need to be standing in the cold or wet on a street corner waving your arm frantically trying to get a passing cab to stop.
The current regulated taxi model is archaic and costly. The city limits the number of plate owners which has created wealth for plate owners who are often not the drivers. The dispatcher system is out of date when technology allows drivers and consumers to link up directly. However, there is a lot of money tied up in the current system. To make matters worse, the regulators appear to be very tied to the existing model.
The one thing that Uber is not short on is money. They will fight this court battle as they have in other jurisdictions. They typically come out on top. Regulators should be designing new regulatory models to accommodate new technologies not fight them. For example the Ontario Ministry of Transportation is working on a regulatory framework for driverless vehicles. The insurance regulator and the insurance industry needs to develop insurance products that reflect these new technologies whether it is driverless cars or ride-sharing services.
The insurance industry needs to recognize that ride-sharing is likely here to stay and properly underwrite these risks to protect drivers and their clients.
Uber is reported to operate in more than 140 cities in 40 countries around the world, offering taxis, limos and car-sharing services, allowing customers to bypass traditional taxi companies and brokerages to request a ride using their smartphones.
When Uber first set up in Toronto in 2012, city of Toronto officials informed the company that it needed to get a brokerage licence. Uber disputed the request and has been insisting that it is not a taxi service, but rather a technology company, and therefore not subject to licensing requirements. The city has since hit Uber with 35 bylaw infractions and now the city is headed to court in an attempt to get an injunction to shut down the service.
Toronto Mayor-elect John Tory is correct. Uber and similar ride-sharing services aren't going anywhere. Consumers like these new services and that's why there are using them. Using a smartphone app, you will be told when the vehicle will arrive, who is the driver, the rating of the driver, the cost of the ride with tip and will allow you to pay for the ride without handling any cash. No need to be standing in the cold or wet on a street corner waving your arm frantically trying to get a passing cab to stop.
The current regulated taxi model is archaic and costly. The city limits the number of plate owners which has created wealth for plate owners who are often not the drivers. The dispatcher system is out of date when technology allows drivers and consumers to link up directly. However, there is a lot of money tied up in the current system. To make matters worse, the regulators appear to be very tied to the existing model.
The one thing that Uber is not short on is money. They will fight this court battle as they have in other jurisdictions. They typically come out on top. Regulators should be designing new regulatory models to accommodate new technologies not fight them. For example the Ontario Ministry of Transportation is working on a regulatory framework for driverless vehicles. The insurance regulator and the insurance industry needs to develop insurance products that reflect these new technologies whether it is driverless cars or ride-sharing services.
The insurance industry needs to recognize that ride-sharing is likely here to stay and properly underwrite these risks to protect drivers and their clients.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
No New Auto Insurance Commitments in 2014 Ontario Fall Economic Statement
The auto insurance focus of this year's Ontario Economic Statement is consumer protection although not everyone is going to agree that these measures are strictly to protect consumers. The statement provides a summary of government activity that is ongoing.
The government claims it is taking steps to keep auto insurance affordable. As a result of the government’s Auto Insurance Cost and Rate Reduction Strategy, FSCO rate approvals fell by than six per cent on average from August 2013 to August 2014. Although it is not always clear what impact that will have on the paying public. However, the commitment was for an eight per cent reduction during that time period.
The government has taken action to address over half of the recommendations made by the Auto Insurance Anti‐Fraud Task Force, including key proposals to enhance the Financial Services Commission of Ontario’s (FSCO) investigation and enforcement authority and make it easier for individuals to report suspected auto insurance fraud.
Licensing of health service providers in the auto insurance system, a key Task Force proposal, will become fully effective on December 1, 2014.
The government is also committed to establishing a Serious Fraud Unit, whose initial mandate would include addressing auto insurance fraud. Establishing such a dedicated investigation and prosecution unit would be consistent with the Task Force’s conclusion that cases of suspected auto insurance fraud should be vigorously pursued and prosecuted where evidence warrants.
Bill 15, the Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014, is working its way through the legislative process and has recently had second reading and undergone a very brief review by a legislative standing committee. If passed, Bill 15 would:
The government claims it is taking steps to keep auto insurance affordable. As a result of the government’s Auto Insurance Cost and Rate Reduction Strategy, FSCO rate approvals fell by than six per cent on average from August 2013 to August 2014. Although it is not always clear what impact that will have on the paying public. However, the commitment was for an eight per cent reduction during that time period.
The government has taken action to address over half of the recommendations made by the Auto Insurance Anti‐Fraud Task Force, including key proposals to enhance the Financial Services Commission of Ontario’s (FSCO) investigation and enforcement authority and make it easier for individuals to report suspected auto insurance fraud.
Licensing of health service providers in the auto insurance system, a key Task Force proposal, will become fully effective on December 1, 2014.
The government is also committed to establishing a Serious Fraud Unit, whose initial mandate would include addressing auto insurance fraud. Establishing such a dedicated investigation and prosecution unit would be consistent with the Task Force’s conclusion that cases of suspected auto insurance fraud should be vigorously pursued and prosecuted where evidence warrants.
Bill 15, the Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014, is working its way through the legislative process and has recently had second reading and undergone a very brief review by a legislative standing committee. If passed, Bill 15 would:
- Transfer Ontario’s auto insurance dispute resolution system to the Licence Appeal Tribunal and make significant changes to help injured drivers settle disputed claims faster;
- Regulate the towing and vehicle storage industries through measures that tackle questionable practices; and
- Give the government authority to change the current 60‐day period that a vehicle can be stored after an accident, accruing charges, without notice to the owner.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Insurance News - Thursday, November 13, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Thursday, November 13, 2014:
- Transcripts for public hearings on Bill 15, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act 2014 are now available online.
- Owning a car is expensive. So is ridesharing services like Uber cheaper than owning a car?
- Why do so many consumers seek out "cheap" auto insurance given the expense of their new cars or trucks — easily $30,000, $40,000 or even $50,000 or more for high-end models?
- Driverless car researchers develop plans to prevent hacking on the highway.
- Your car may be programmed to kill you and 9 more fun facts about driverless vehicles.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Insurance News - Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Tuesday, November 11, 2014:
- Bill 15, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014 passes second reading and has just one day of public hearings.
- Toronto man charged with selling fake auto insurance some drivers on the road without coverage
- Will we need a learner's permit for self-driving cars?
- Utilities, taxis, construction and mining, government and public sectors, emergency services, public transportation and local delivery services will all likely have telematics installed on their vehicles.
- Fatal California accident will test Lyft's $1 million auto insurance policy.
- B.C. Transportation Minister says plainclothes transit agents posing as potential customers will be deployed to ensure taxis and their drivers are operating by B.C.'s rules, which are enforced to ensure passenger safety.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Insurance News - Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Wednesday, October 29, 2014:
- Quebec is not being as aggressive as Ontario with regard to telematics since the take-up for auto usage-based insurance products has been lackluster to date.
- It's hard to imagine tomorrow’s transportation infrastructure to support driverless cars when haven't gotten around to fixing today’s infrastructure.
- In New York insurers and and trial lawyers agree the state’s no fault insurance law needs reforming but they don't agree on how. Sounds like Ontario.
- New Jersey has a bill that today is advancing in the Legislature that would establish a program to allow people to obtain endorsements on their driver’s licenses to operate and test driverless vehicles.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Insurance News - Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Tuesday, October 28, 2014:
- Japanese insurer is about to launch a smartphone service that warns drivers when their vehicles are approaching locations where traffic accidents frequently occur.
- Companies such as Google and Amazon may pose some of the biggest threats to insurers, as consumers increasingly trust technology behemoths to provide services such as insurance.
- A recent study concluded that Americans wasted $124 billion sitting in traffic in 2013 and traffic cost the average household $1,700 a year.
- Insurance Bureau of Canada warns UberX drivers about insurance coverage (or lack of it).
- The use of anti-fraud technology by insurers in North America is on the rise however, many companies are still struggling with the deployment of proactive predictive analytics tools because of resource constraints, according to a study.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Ontario's Rate Reduction Strategy Likely To Fall Short
This week FSCO released rate filings approved for third quarter of 2014. Nine insurers, representing 26.65% of the market based on premium volume, had rates approved in the third quarter of 2014. Approved rates decreased on average by 0.11% when applied across the total market.
In the backdrop is the Ontario government's commitment to reduce rates in the province by 15% before August 15, 2015. The chart below breaks down the quarterly rate approval changes following the announcement of the rate reduction strategy last year. The third quarter of 2013 has been included although many of the rate approvals for that quarter may have been filed well before the strategy was announced.
The accumulative rate reductions approved by FSCO during this period have been under 6%. With just 10 months remaining, the government is considerably short of its target with no real strategy to bring down rates another 9-10%.
In the backdrop is the Ontario government's commitment to reduce rates in the province by 15% before August 15, 2015. The chart below breaks down the quarterly rate approval changes following the announcement of the rate reduction strategy last year. The third quarter of 2013 has been included although many of the rate approvals for that quarter may have been filed well before the strategy was announced.
Quarter | Rate Change |
2013 – 3Q | -0.68% |
2013 – 4Q | -3.98% |
2014 – 1Q | -1.01% |
2014 – 2Q | +0.22% |
2014 – 3Q | -0.11% |
Bill 15, the Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014 will likely be passed by the legislature within the next 10 months. The Bill contains provisions to transform Ontario's auto insurance dispute resolution system into a more robust system. Other provisions would regulate the towing and vehicle storage industries through measures that tackle questionable practices. The bill would amend provisions in the Repair and Storage Liens Act and give the province authority to change the current 60-day period that a vehicle can be stored after an accident, accruing charges, without notice to the owner. The government has also served notice through the Regulatory Register that it will reduce the rate of interest on overdue SABS payments.
However, all of these initiatives as well as the proposed legislation to regulate the towing industry and the expected introduction of a new minor injury protocol could not possible bring down rates a further 9% in less that a year.
However, all of these initiatives as well as the proposed legislation to regulate the towing industry and the expected introduction of a new minor injury protocol could not possible bring down rates a further 9% in less that a year.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Insurance News - Friday, October 17, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Friday, October 17, 2014:
- Studies show voice activated smartphones, dashboard infotainment systems can distract drivers.
- No surprise here that OPP statistics indicate that speeding and distracted drivers are the leading causes for road fatalities.
- An interesting article on how connectivity is enabling a new paradigm for auto mobility.
- Volvos will soon have a 360 degree accident avoidance systems in its cars that will plot 'escape routes' to avoid crashes.
- A Wall Street Journal article on how driverless cars with change retirement.
- The Ontario government is behind on its rate reduction commitment but still insists it will deliver.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Update On Fraud
It has been nearly two years since Ontario's Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force delivered its final report to the Liberal government. The task force's final report was the result of a 16-month review and contained 38 recommendations dealing with fraud prevention, fraud detection, investigation and enforcement, as well as regulatory responsibilities.
Following the release of task force report, it seems as if every auto insurance announcement released by the Ontario government has mentioned fraud. This is a strong indication that the government is very aware of the impact of fraud. To its credit, the government and the industry began implementing task force recommendations as soon as the report hit the streets. Despite all the work undertaken to implement the task force recommendations there still remain recommended action that are outstanding.
MORE POWER TO FSCO
The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) and the insurance industry have created educational material in different media that instruct consumers at critical moments - such as when they learn to drive, select an insurer, collide with another vehicle or make an insurance claim - on how to avoid, detect and report improper activity. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and FSCO are active on social media, providing consumers with valuable tips and information.
It is now easier to report suspected fraud. Both IBC and FSCO operate fraud hotlines that consumers can use to provide anonymous tips of suspicious activity.
The government amended Ontario's Insurance Act in 2013 to enhance FSCO's powers. The Superintendent is now able to investigate anyone who was previously in the business of insurance; licensed service providers; or anyone else the superintendent considers may be engaged in unfair or deceptive acts or practices. This would include examining records, books and other information held by a licensed service provider.
A number of regulatory changes also became effective in 2013 specifically to combat fraud. The government has amended the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) so that claimants play a more active role in helping to detect and prevent fraud. As well, the list of unfair or deceptive acts or practices has been expanded.
Insurers now have the ability to examine a claimant under oath, where this is necessary to determine which insurer should be responsible for coverage, without prejudice to the right for an examination under oath with respect to questionable claims.
Finally, the government has broadened the terms of reference for the required review by the superintendent of Part VI of the Insurance Act to reflect the additional powers and responsibilities assigned to FSCO. In addition, the amended Insurance Act provision now requires the review to be conducted at least every three years.
A WORK IN PROGRESS
Although there has been considerable progress made in developing tools and mechanisms to combat fraud, there are still outstanding task force recommendations. The previous government's minority status and the recent election have contributed to delays in implementing a number of recommendations. Now that the Liberals have returned to power with a majority, it is expected that adoption of the remaining task force recommendations will accelerate.
A positive sign was the introduction of Bill 15, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014 shortly after the spring election.
Should Bill 15 be passed by the legislature - and there is no reason to believe it will not be - it will implement a number of outstanding task force recommendations.
Included are provisions to transform Ontario's auto insurance dispute resolution system into a more robust system. Responsibility would be transferred to the Licence Appeal Tribunal under the Minister of the Attorney General.
Other provisions would regulate the towing and vehicle storage industries through measures that tackle questionable practices. The bill would amend provisions in the Repair and Storage Liens Act and give the province authority to change the current 60-day period that a vehicle can be stored after an accident, accruing charges, without notice to the owner.
In 2013, the insurance industry established CANATICS, or Canadian National Insurance Crime Services, a not-for-profit organization focused on using state-of-the-art analytical tools to identify potentially suspicious claims in insurance industry pooled data, to facilitate further investigation by individual insurers. CANATICS recently added a 10th insurer as a member and now has access to data from 75% of the market based on direct written premiums in Ontario. CANATICS is expected to begin operations in 2015.
Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI) has developed the Professional Credential Tracker to assist regulated health professionals in preventing their identities from being misused by health care facilities. HCAI continues to look at additional anti-fraud tools.
FSCO is well on its way to licensing health clinics that treat and assess auto insurance claimants and to sanction clinics that are not following FSCO's business-practice standards. FSCO has a wide range of sanctions at its disposal, including the ability to limit or curtail a facility's access to HCAI. The licensing system is expected to be operational in December 2014.
There are a number of other ongoing initiatives identified by the task force that the insurance industry is eager to see completed. FSCO continues to lead the work on developing treatment protocols for minor injuries that are based on scientific evidence. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation is still working on its Electronic Collision System project.
MORE WORK TO BE DONE
Although it is anticipated that Bill 15 will pass, there are still a number of legislative and regulatory changes recommended by the task force that the government has not acted on. There still has been no legislation introduced to protect individuals who report suspected fraud from reprisals and retribution. The government has also not amended the regulation to permit insurers to collect a cancellation fee from claimants who fail to attend a medical examination without a good reason, and to suspend income replacement benefits when there is compelling evidence the claimant has submitted a fraudulent claim for medical or rehabilitation accident benefits.
There were also a number of recommendations that dealt with information sharing that have yet to be developed. There is a need for protocols for active information sharing about suspicious cases among the investigative divisions of FSCO, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. In addition, protocols are needed to permit FSCO investigators to exchange information with investigators from relevant federal entities (such as the Canada Revenue Agency). The insurance industry is still waiting for these regulatory bodies and agencies to begin work out these issues.
The task force report contained several recommendations directed at introducing greater transparency with respect to independent assessments that have not been implemented. This includes requiring insurers to disclose publicly how they choose and assess the performance of independent medical examiners they refer consumers to see. Health regulatory colleges are also expected to work together to develop professional standards, guidelines and best practices to improve the quality of independent assessments of auto insurance claimants conducted by their members.
The fight against fraud is far from over but progress has been made. Under prevention, consumer awareness has been enhanced and a new licensing system for service providers will soon be operational. The industry will be in a better position to detect fraud when CANATICS is fully operational next year. FSCO's powers have been expanded to allow for more effective fraud investigation and enforcement. All this would not have been possible without the co-operation of government, the insurance industry, police services and service providers.
Following the release of task force report, it seems as if every auto insurance announcement released by the Ontario government has mentioned fraud. This is a strong indication that the government is very aware of the impact of fraud. To its credit, the government and the industry began implementing task force recommendations as soon as the report hit the streets. Despite all the work undertaken to implement the task force recommendations there still remain recommended action that are outstanding.
MORE POWER TO FSCO
The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) and the insurance industry have created educational material in different media that instruct consumers at critical moments - such as when they learn to drive, select an insurer, collide with another vehicle or make an insurance claim - on how to avoid, detect and report improper activity. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and FSCO are active on social media, providing consumers with valuable tips and information.
It is now easier to report suspected fraud. Both IBC and FSCO operate fraud hotlines that consumers can use to provide anonymous tips of suspicious activity.
The government amended Ontario's Insurance Act in 2013 to enhance FSCO's powers. The Superintendent is now able to investigate anyone who was previously in the business of insurance; licensed service providers; or anyone else the superintendent considers may be engaged in unfair or deceptive acts or practices. This would include examining records, books and other information held by a licensed service provider.
A number of regulatory changes also became effective in 2013 specifically to combat fraud. The government has amended the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) so that claimants play a more active role in helping to detect and prevent fraud. As well, the list of unfair or deceptive acts or practices has been expanded.
Insurers now have the ability to examine a claimant under oath, where this is necessary to determine which insurer should be responsible for coverage, without prejudice to the right for an examination under oath with respect to questionable claims.
Finally, the government has broadened the terms of reference for the required review by the superintendent of Part VI of the Insurance Act to reflect the additional powers and responsibilities assigned to FSCO. In addition, the amended Insurance Act provision now requires the review to be conducted at least every three years.
A WORK IN PROGRESS
Although there has been considerable progress made in developing tools and mechanisms to combat fraud, there are still outstanding task force recommendations. The previous government's minority status and the recent election have contributed to delays in implementing a number of recommendations. Now that the Liberals have returned to power with a majority, it is expected that adoption of the remaining task force recommendations will accelerate.
A positive sign was the introduction of Bill 15, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014 shortly after the spring election.
Should Bill 15 be passed by the legislature - and there is no reason to believe it will not be - it will implement a number of outstanding task force recommendations.
Included are provisions to transform Ontario's auto insurance dispute resolution system into a more robust system. Responsibility would be transferred to the Licence Appeal Tribunal under the Minister of the Attorney General.
Other provisions would regulate the towing and vehicle storage industries through measures that tackle questionable practices. The bill would amend provisions in the Repair and Storage Liens Act and give the province authority to change the current 60-day period that a vehicle can be stored after an accident, accruing charges, without notice to the owner.
In 2013, the insurance industry established CANATICS, or Canadian National Insurance Crime Services, a not-for-profit organization focused on using state-of-the-art analytical tools to identify potentially suspicious claims in insurance industry pooled data, to facilitate further investigation by individual insurers. CANATICS recently added a 10th insurer as a member and now has access to data from 75% of the market based on direct written premiums in Ontario. CANATICS is expected to begin operations in 2015.
Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI) has developed the Professional Credential Tracker to assist regulated health professionals in preventing their identities from being misused by health care facilities. HCAI continues to look at additional anti-fraud tools.
FSCO is well on its way to licensing health clinics that treat and assess auto insurance claimants and to sanction clinics that are not following FSCO's business-practice standards. FSCO has a wide range of sanctions at its disposal, including the ability to limit or curtail a facility's access to HCAI. The licensing system is expected to be operational in December 2014.
There are a number of other ongoing initiatives identified by the task force that the insurance industry is eager to see completed. FSCO continues to lead the work on developing treatment protocols for minor injuries that are based on scientific evidence. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation is still working on its Electronic Collision System project.
MORE WORK TO BE DONE
Although it is anticipated that Bill 15 will pass, there are still a number of legislative and regulatory changes recommended by the task force that the government has not acted on. There still has been no legislation introduced to protect individuals who report suspected fraud from reprisals and retribution. The government has also not amended the regulation to permit insurers to collect a cancellation fee from claimants who fail to attend a medical examination without a good reason, and to suspend income replacement benefits when there is compelling evidence the claimant has submitted a fraudulent claim for medical or rehabilitation accident benefits.
There were also a number of recommendations that dealt with information sharing that have yet to be developed. There is a need for protocols for active information sharing about suspicious cases among the investigative divisions of FSCO, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. In addition, protocols are needed to permit FSCO investigators to exchange information with investigators from relevant federal entities (such as the Canada Revenue Agency). The insurance industry is still waiting for these regulatory bodies and agencies to begin work out these issues.
The task force report contained several recommendations directed at introducing greater transparency with respect to independent assessments that have not been implemented. This includes requiring insurers to disclose publicly how they choose and assess the performance of independent medical examiners they refer consumers to see. Health regulatory colleges are also expected to work together to develop professional standards, guidelines and best practices to improve the quality of independent assessments of auto insurance claimants conducted by their members.
The fight against fraud is far from over but progress has been made. Under prevention, consumer awareness has been enhanced and a new licensing system for service providers will soon be operational. The industry will be in a better position to detect fraud when CANATICS is fully operational next year. FSCO's powers have been expanded to allow for more effective fraud investigation and enforcement. All this would not have been possible without the co-operation of government, the insurance industry, police services and service providers.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Insurance News - Monday, October 6, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Monday, October 6, 2014:
- How do you determine the appropriate premium fro a driverless car?
- Here is a list of America's most ticketed cars.
- Volvo is the only car company on the planet to make a commitment to develop and build cars that result in zero deaths or serious injuries by 2020. But the deadline appears to more marketing than a real goal.
- Some experts think new car technology may not lower insurance rate.
- Ontario health minister orders inspection and investigation reports on private clinics made public.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Ontario Ministry of Finance Has Provided Notice On Intent To Introduce New Rules For Service Providers
The Ministry of Finance is proposing to amend O. Reg. 7/00 to make it an unfair or deceptive act or practice (UDAP) for a person who provides or offers to provide goods or services for the benefit of a person who claims statutory accident benefits to communicate any false, misleading or deceptive information regarding their business or billing practices, services provided, or any other matter related to licensing.
This UDAP is intended to apply to both licensed and unlicensed service providers. An unlicensed service provider may not advertise that they are a licensed provider. A licensed provider that has had their licence suspended or revoked may not continue to advertise that they are licensed. This amendment would ensure that consumers can identify licence holders and avoid confusion about what licence holder status means. This will also discourage inaccurate claims about what a licence signifies.
In addition, the Ministry is proposing regulatory amendment to allow the Superintendent to apply variable administrative monetary penalties (AMP) to deal with significant contraventions of the regulations that can involve or potentially lead to improper billing practices. The service provider would have the opportunity for a hearing before the Financial Services Tribunal on the proposed AMP.
The Ministry is also proposing to amend O. Reg. 90/14 (Service Providers – Standards for Business Systems and Practices) to introduce a duty to report accurately to the Superintendent of Financial Services, in the periodic return established under section 288.4(5) of the Insurance Act, all information necessary to calculate any applicable fees established pursuant to section 121.1 of the Insurance Act.
The Ministry is proposing to amend O. Reg. 89/14 (Service Providers – Listed Expenses) to prohibit licensed service providers from invoicing claimants directly - they will receive direct payment from insurers. The proposed amendment will allow licensed service providers to seek payment for outstanding accounts directly from claimants in prescribed situations (where a full and final settlement has been reached and signed between the insurer and the insured person that includes these amounts).
Finally the Ministry is also proposing to amend O, Reg. 34/10 (SABS) to require claimants who go to unlicensed service providers to obtain specified billing information from their service provider and submit this information to their insurer when seeking reimbursement.
The SABS would also be amended to require insurers to provide HCAI the billing information when they reimburse a claimant for a "listed expense". These amendments will ensure the continuity of robust and more complete data collection by HCAI. It will avoid possible loss of data that may otherwise occur when claimants are invoiced directly by service providers who are not licensed to be paid directly through the central processing agency.
The Ontario government's Regulatory Registry is inviting stakeholders and interested parties to provide comments on these proposed regulations (that have yet to be made public). The deadline for comments is November 6, 2014.
Ontario's Regulatory Registry provides information on new proposed regulatory initiatives that could affect Ontario businesses and recently approved regulations that affect business. Regulations are approved by the provincial Cabinet.
Once a regulation is approved, a plain language summary of the regulation is posted on the Registry website, with a link to the regulation posted on the Government of Ontario's e-Laws website.
This UDAP is intended to apply to both licensed and unlicensed service providers. An unlicensed service provider may not advertise that they are a licensed provider. A licensed provider that has had their licence suspended or revoked may not continue to advertise that they are licensed. This amendment would ensure that consumers can identify licence holders and avoid confusion about what licence holder status means. This will also discourage inaccurate claims about what a licence signifies.
In addition, the Ministry is proposing regulatory amendment to allow the Superintendent to apply variable administrative monetary penalties (AMP) to deal with significant contraventions of the regulations that can involve or potentially lead to improper billing practices. The service provider would have the opportunity for a hearing before the Financial Services Tribunal on the proposed AMP.
The Ministry is also proposing to amend O. Reg. 90/14 (Service Providers – Standards for Business Systems and Practices) to introduce a duty to report accurately to the Superintendent of Financial Services, in the periodic return established under section 288.4(5) of the Insurance Act, all information necessary to calculate any applicable fees established pursuant to section 121.1 of the Insurance Act.
The Ministry is proposing to amend O. Reg. 89/14 (Service Providers – Listed Expenses) to prohibit licensed service providers from invoicing claimants directly - they will receive direct payment from insurers. The proposed amendment will allow licensed service providers to seek payment for outstanding accounts directly from claimants in prescribed situations (where a full and final settlement has been reached and signed between the insurer and the insured person that includes these amounts).
Finally the Ministry is also proposing to amend O, Reg. 34/10 (SABS) to require claimants who go to unlicensed service providers to obtain specified billing information from their service provider and submit this information to their insurer when seeking reimbursement.
The SABS would also be amended to require insurers to provide HCAI the billing information when they reimburse a claimant for a "listed expense". These amendments will ensure the continuity of robust and more complete data collection by HCAI. It will avoid possible loss of data that may otherwise occur when claimants are invoiced directly by service providers who are not licensed to be paid directly through the central processing agency.
The Ontario government's Regulatory Registry is inviting stakeholders and interested parties to provide comments on these proposed regulations (that have yet to be made public). The deadline for comments is November 6, 2014.
Ontario's Regulatory Registry provides information on new proposed regulatory initiatives that could affect Ontario businesses and recently approved regulations that affect business. Regulations are approved by the provincial Cabinet.
Once a regulation is approved, a plain language summary of the regulation is posted on the Registry website, with a link to the regulation posted on the Government of Ontario's e-Laws website.
Insurance News - Thursday, October 2, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Thursday, October 2, 2014:
- Death, drones and driverless cars: how Google wants to control our lives.
- Here's how technology is being used to fight insurance fraud.
- Google is Uber's biggest investor. See where this is headed.
- New Minimum Capital Test Guidelines for P&C insurers coming in 2015.
- FSCO has received service provider licensing applications from 2,712 healthcare facilities. FSCO also maintains a public registry of licensed service providers.
- OSFI warns of lower underwriting profits if Ontario auto insurance rates are reduced by 15%.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Ontario Ministry of Finance Has Provided Notice On Intent To Change The Interest Rate On Disputed SABS Claims
The Ministry of Finance is proposing to amend the SABS (O. Reg. 34/10) so that when there is a dispute in respect of an insured person's entitlement to, or amount of statutory accident benefits, interest on overdue SABS payments is calculated at the prejudgment interest rate described in the Courts of Justice Act that is used for past pecuniary loss, and is payable from the date on which a mediation proceeding is commenced and ends on the date a settlement is reached or a decision is issued that finally disposes of the dispute.
The Ontario government's Regulatory Registry is inviting stakeholders and interested parties to provide comments on these proposed regulations (that have yet to be made public). The deadline for comments is November 6, 2014.
Ontario's Regulatory Registry provides information on new proposed regulatory initiatives that could affect Ontario businesses and recently approved regulations that affect business. Regulations are approved by the provincial Cabinet.
Once a regulation is approved, a plain language summary of the regulation is posted on the Registry website, with a link to the regulation posted on the Government of Ontario's e-Laws website.
The Ontario government's Regulatory Registry is inviting stakeholders and interested parties to provide comments on these proposed regulations (that have yet to be made public). The deadline for comments is November 6, 2014.
Ontario's Regulatory Registry provides information on new proposed regulatory initiatives that could affect Ontario businesses and recently approved regulations that affect business. Regulations are approved by the provincial Cabinet.
Once a regulation is approved, a plain language summary of the regulation is posted on the Registry website, with a link to the regulation posted on the Government of Ontario's e-Laws website.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Insurance News - Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Tuesday, September 30, 2014:
- An engineer has developed a system that uses a small black box, plugged in under a car’s steering column, to block incoming and outgoing texts and prevent phone calls from reaching the driver.
- A Kansas City hospital allegedly didn’t file health insurance claims for some patients injured in auto accidents, which allowed it to avoid the deep discounts typically required by health insurers. It could then seek more money for its medical services, mainly from auto insurance settlements.
- Audi of America became the first company to receive an official California DMV permit to test driver-less vehicles on the state’s public roads, followed by competing automaker Mercedes-Benz and Internet giant Google.
- Is using a smartwatch behind the wheel a ticketable offence under the country's distracted driving laws? Both MTO and the OPP are unsure.
- Typical insurance policies won't cover people participating in the "sharing economy" by renting out their their car for a driving service, Oregon's insurance commissioner warns.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Uber Toronto Battles Regulators Over Its Ride-Sharing Service
Uber, a San Francisco-based company estimated to be worth $17 billion (U.S.) is aiming to shake up the taxi business in Toronto.
Uber is reported to operate in more than 140 cities in 40 countries around the world, offering taxis, limos and car-sharing services, allowing customers to bypass traditional taxi companies and brokerages to request a ride using their smartphones.
When Uber first set up in Toronto in 2012, city of Toronto officials informed the company that it needed to get a brokerage licence. Uber disputed the request and has been insisting that it is not a taxi service, but rather a technology company, and therefore not subject to licensing requirements. The city has since hit Uber with 35 bylaw infractions and the parties are headed to court. Although, there are some indications that parties are holding discussions.
Hailo, a British company, launched a similar service in 2012 but took a much different approach to Uber. It chose to obtain a brokerage licence. The Hailo app connects customers with taxi drivers, without the need to go through a central dispatch system. This allowed Hailo to be onside with regulators but not with traditional taxi companies who typically charge drivers an average fee of about $600 a month for dispatch services. Hailo is reported to have 2,000 drivers signed up which works out to about 20% of all licensed taxi drivers in the city. Some companies have disciplined drivers for using the Hailo or Uber app.
In London, England, the transport regulator has ruled that Uber be allowed to operate legally until the courts consider a challenge filed by a local taxi drivers’ association. Other jurisdictions are trying to block Uber from operationg. Virginia issued a cease-and-desist order this year and in Pittsburgh, a judge order a halt to operations until the state’s public utility commission has completed a review.
Uber currently operates limo services under UberBLACK and Uber SUV and a taxi service is called UberTAXI. These are traditional services in a sense but use a smartphone app rather than a dispatcher. The drivers carry appropriate auto insurance for a taxi or livery service. The problem arises under UberX which allows ordinary drivers who have been pre-screened to pick up passengers in their own vehicles. Uber claims that drivers undergo criminal background checks and although the vehicles are not mechanically inspected, the do undergo a visual inspection.
The problem with UberX is that their drivers’ personal auto insurance policies are likely invalid while carrying a paying passenger. Uber says it has a $5 million insurance policy that will cover any liabilities that arises while transporting passengers.
In California, state regulators threatened to shut down Uber and other rider-sharing companies over the insurance issue. A deal was finally worked out regarding insurance coverage after a bill was introduced in the state legislature dealing with the issue. The problem gained prominence after an Uber driver struck and killed a 6-year-old girl in San Francisco while on his way to pick up a passenger on New Year's Eve. Because no passenger was in the car yet, Uber denied responsibility.
In each jurisdiction they operate in, Uber has confronted and won over regulators through a combination of negotiations, hardball tactics and making use of consumer demand for their service. It is only a matter of time before Toronto falls under the Uber spell.
Uber is reported to operate in more than 140 cities in 40 countries around the world, offering taxis, limos and car-sharing services, allowing customers to bypass traditional taxi companies and brokerages to request a ride using their smartphones.
When Uber first set up in Toronto in 2012, city of Toronto officials informed the company that it needed to get a brokerage licence. Uber disputed the request and has been insisting that it is not a taxi service, but rather a technology company, and therefore not subject to licensing requirements. The city has since hit Uber with 35 bylaw infractions and the parties are headed to court. Although, there are some indications that parties are holding discussions.
Hailo, a British company, launched a similar service in 2012 but took a much different approach to Uber. It chose to obtain a brokerage licence. The Hailo app connects customers with taxi drivers, without the need to go through a central dispatch system. This allowed Hailo to be onside with regulators but not with traditional taxi companies who typically charge drivers an average fee of about $600 a month for dispatch services. Hailo is reported to have 2,000 drivers signed up which works out to about 20% of all licensed taxi drivers in the city. Some companies have disciplined drivers for using the Hailo or Uber app.
In London, England, the transport regulator has ruled that Uber be allowed to operate legally until the courts consider a challenge filed by a local taxi drivers’ association. Other jurisdictions are trying to block Uber from operationg. Virginia issued a cease-and-desist order this year and in Pittsburgh, a judge order a halt to operations until the state’s public utility commission has completed a review.
Uber currently operates limo services under UberBLACK and Uber SUV and a taxi service is called UberTAXI. These are traditional services in a sense but use a smartphone app rather than a dispatcher. The drivers carry appropriate auto insurance for a taxi or livery service. The problem arises under UberX which allows ordinary drivers who have been pre-screened to pick up passengers in their own vehicles. Uber claims that drivers undergo criminal background checks and although the vehicles are not mechanically inspected, the do undergo a visual inspection.
The problem with UberX is that their drivers’ personal auto insurance policies are likely invalid while carrying a paying passenger. Uber says it has a $5 million insurance policy that will cover any liabilities that arises while transporting passengers.
In California, state regulators threatened to shut down Uber and other rider-sharing companies over the insurance issue. A deal was finally worked out regarding insurance coverage after a bill was introduced in the state legislature dealing with the issue. The problem gained prominence after an Uber driver struck and killed a 6-year-old girl in San Francisco while on his way to pick up a passenger on New Year's Eve. Because no passenger was in the car yet, Uber denied responsibility.
In each jurisdiction they operate in, Uber has confronted and won over regulators through a combination of negotiations, hardball tactics and making use of consumer demand for their service. It is only a matter of time before Toronto falls under the Uber spell.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Insurance News - Monday, September 15, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Monday, September 15, 2014:
- Uber and Lyft have been waging an aggressive fight to avoid taking full responsibility for making sure drivers have the right kinds of insurance.
- Google's driverless cars could be disruptive to Uber's current business mode by moving away from car ownership.
- What will self-driving cars mean for your auto insurance?
- Driverless cars move closer to reality as Audi and Cadillac plan to bring driverless features to their cars in 2016.
- California regulators putting the brakes on carpooling services offered by rideshare firms such as Lyft, Uber and Sidecar.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Insurance News - Monday, September 8, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Monday, September 8, 2014:
- Japanese property and casualty insurance companies plan to let crime syndicate members buy auto insurance so that victims can be compensated in the event a gangster causes an accident.
- Usage-based insurance (UBI) policies are slowly gaining traction with Canadian drivers, but experts say uptake will remain slow until privacy concerns are allayed.
- However, a Towers Watson survey shows the number of consumers in the U.S. with a UBI policy has nearly doubled.
- According to a new research report, shipments of OEM embedded telematics systems worldwide are forecasted to grow from 8.4 million units in 2013 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.6 percent to reach 54.5 million units in 2020.
- Toyota is not planning on developing a driverless car but instead will focus on improved safety systems including monitoring for distracted driving.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Insurance News - Friday, September 5, 2014
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Friday, September 5, 2014:
- Ontario plans to reintroduce their road safety bill (formerly Bill 173) with $1,000 fines and 3 demerit points for texting while driving.
- ICBC wants to base auto insurance rates to cover the rising cost of injury claims due to distracted driving.
- One of the issues of self-driving vehicles is legal liability for death or injury in the event of an accident. If the car maker programs the car so the driver has no choice, is it likely the company could be sued over the car's actions?
- Florida’s third-party bad-faith lawsuit environment may have resulted in more than $800 million in additional auto liability claim payments in 2013.
- The economic cost of motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. is the equivalent of 1.9 percent of the $14.96 trillion Gross Domestic Product which is nearly $900 billion.
- New era of self-driving cars will transform cities.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
HCAI Data: Assessments Continue to Be a Significant Proportion of Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses
The IBC has now published the standard HCAI reports for the first half of 2014. The document provides over 75 pages of aggregate data collected by HCAI going back to 2011. HCAI was made mandatory on February 1, 2011.
The standard reports are published on an “accident half year” basis. In accident half year statistics, the experience of all claims with accident dates in the same accident half year is grouped together. The accident half years are defined as calendar half years, with January to June being the first half and July to December being the second half for each of the stated years.
Assessment costs continue to be a significant portion of medical and rehabilitation expenses following the 2010 reforms. Those reforms introduced a $2,000 per assessment cap on both insurer examinations and assessments conducted by healthcare providers. As well, provider assessments now fall under the overall medical and rehabilitation cap.
Based on data from the General Insurance Statistical Agency (GISA), the total cost of all assessments in 2010 was approximately $ 1 billion. In 2010, assessments represented approximately 40% of all medical and rehabilitation expenses.
The chart below sets out insurer exams and provider assessments per accident half year as a percentage of all medical and rehabilitation expenses using available HCAI data. Note that the cost of assessment is not really falling as suggested by the chart. The data is not fully developed and since assessments continue to be a significant cost in older claims, the numbers will continue to grow over time. What is significant is that assessments continue to be close to 40% of all medical and rehabilitation expenses once the data is fully developed.
What has changed is the cost of medical and rehabilitation under the SABS with the reduction in the standard medical and rehabilitation cap and the introduction of the minor injury treatment cap.
The standard reports are published on an “accident half year” basis. In accident half year statistics, the experience of all claims with accident dates in the same accident half year is grouped together. The accident half years are defined as calendar half years, with January to June being the first half and July to December being the second half for each of the stated years.
Assessment costs continue to be a significant portion of medical and rehabilitation expenses following the 2010 reforms. Those reforms introduced a $2,000 per assessment cap on both insurer examinations and assessments conducted by healthcare providers. As well, provider assessments now fall under the overall medical and rehabilitation cap.
Based on data from the General Insurance Statistical Agency (GISA), the total cost of all assessments in 2010 was approximately $ 1 billion. In 2010, assessments represented approximately 40% of all medical and rehabilitation expenses.
The chart below sets out insurer exams and provider assessments per accident half year as a percentage of all medical and rehabilitation expenses using available HCAI data. Note that the cost of assessment is not really falling as suggested by the chart. The data is not fully developed and since assessments continue to be a significant cost in older claims, the numbers will continue to grow over time. What is significant is that assessments continue to be close to 40% of all medical and rehabilitation expenses once the data is fully developed.
What has changed is the cost of medical and rehabilitation under the SABS with the reduction in the standard medical and rehabilitation cap and the introduction of the minor injury treatment cap.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Asbestos and mesothelioma compensation lawyers
People who have been exposed to asbestos will be unaware of any damage to their health until they experience symptoms many years later. Asbestos has been linked to many illnesses, some of which are very serious.
As many symptoms generally appear years after the exposure to asbestos it is common for people to make a claim long after their employment has ceased. Asbestos exposure can also occur outside of work for instance from overalls or from neighbouring factories.
Only accredited injury lawyers specialising in asbestos illnesses are listed on this page.
Diseases caused by exposure to asbestos
- Asbestosis – a condition affecting the tissue of the lungs, this can cause a shortness of breath and carries an increased risk of developing more serious illnesses
- Mesothelioma – a form of cancer which can develop in the outer lining of the lungs
- Lung cancer – where cancerous tumours develop in the lungs
- Pleural thickening - thickening and hardening of the pleura (the lining surrounding the lungs)
Claiming compensation following exposure to asbestos
If you have an illness resulting from exposure to asbestos at work, you have the right to seek compensation. Asbestos related illness compensation can help provide financially for those with lifelong illnesses.Only accredited injury lawyers specialising in asbestos illnesses are listed on this page.
Source : apil.org.uk
Friday, August 29, 2014
Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma Law Firm With Proven Mesothelioma Lawyers Ready To Help Your Family
As one of the nation’s leading mesothelioma law firms, Simmons Hanly Conroy has a proven track record. Every asbestos attorney and mesothelioma lawyer at the Firm is committed to helping families affected by mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases.
Our mesothelioma lawyers have been working with peoplediagnosed with mesothelioma since 1999, and in that time our asbestos lawyers have represented thousands of individuals from all areas of the United States.
Our asbestos lawyers have seen firsthand the pain amesothelioma diagnosis can cause and are passionate about helping victims and families affected by mesothelioma.
At the Firm, each mesothelioma lawyer focuses on providing clients with the personal attention they deserve. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our asbestos attorneys will travel to you, no matter your location.
Mesothelioma Attorneys.
How an Insurance Attorney Can Help a Public Adjuster
By working together on litigating insurance claims, public adjusters and attorneys can obtain beneficial outcomes for their client. In their partnership, each will use their unique skill set to recover the maximum possible compensation for the claimant.
Once individuals contact their insurance company about property damage or other losses, the insurance company will send a claims adjuster to assess the damage and decide on a settlement amount. To obtain support, the claimant may hire a public adjuster, who may assist by analyzing the damage and negotiating an appropriate settlement, based on the claimant’s coverage.
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who has been trained to evaluate insurance policies, prepare claims, and obtain compensation for the claimant. Public adjusters can be extremely helpful when beginning the initial stages of making a claim. Most charge for their services on a contingency fee basis, so claimants won’t have to pay them anything unless a settlement is reached. Others, however, may still expect a percentage of the proposed claim, so discussing wages with the public adjuster before retaining their services is a good idea.
In the event that the insurance company is not agreeing to a fair settlement, the claimant may want to pursue litigation, which will require the services of a lawyer. Public adjusters and lawyers that are working together will usually provide the best outcome for the claimant. While the lawyer can protect the claimant’s right in a courtroom, the public adjuster can do the leg work and may even find additional damage that should be covered. Working together, the public adjuster and the lawyer can each use their specific skill set to the victim’s benefit.
A public adjuster cannot sue an insurance company, so an attorney’s involvement at this point is absolutely vital. If an insurance company acts in bad faith, then a public adjuster has no leverage to use against them. By partnering with an attorney to take on the case, the claimant may then begin a lawsuit. Without an attorney, the public adjuster may settle for a claim much lower than the victim deserves or perhaps even get nothing.
It is important to note that if the insurance company accepts your claim and provides a fair settlement from the outset, no public adjuster or insurance attorney is needed. If the insurance company denies your claim, offers a settlement lower than what you deserve, or acts in bad faith, then you should obtain legal assistance. An experienced lawyer will review your case and make sure that all is in order before litigating. Large insurance companies often take advantage of claimants that do not have the resources to stand up for themselves. An attorney will protect their client’s rights from unethical insurance agencies and make sure that a fair settlement is negotiated.
Before hiring a public adjuster or an attorney for representation, a claimant should be sure to fully research their background and successes. Only retain services from individuals who have proved themselves to be ethical and effective.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Luis A. Mena
Luis A. Mena, a Miami litigation attorney, has been in the insurance legal field for over 15 years. He is known as one of the top lawyers in the state, having received an AV Preeminent® rating by Martindale-Hubbell® and been named as one of the Florida Super Lawyers®. As a former insurance defense attorney, he saw the tactics that insurance companies use to deny claims. He decided to work for the claimants, using his unique perspective to better protect their rights. His insurance litigation firm is located in Miami and he provides personalized service and tailored solutions for each client.
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A public adjuster is a licensed professional who has been trained to evaluate insurance policies, prepare claims, and obtain compensation for the claimant. Public adjusters can be extremely helpful when beginning the initial stages of making a claim. Most charge for their services on a contingency fee basis, so claimants won’t have to pay them anything unless a settlement is reached. Others, however, may still expect a percentage of the proposed claim, so discussing wages with the public adjuster before retaining their services is a good idea.
In the event that the insurance company is not agreeing to a fair settlement, the claimant may want to pursue litigation, which will require the services of a lawyer. Public adjusters and lawyers that are working together will usually provide the best outcome for the claimant. While the lawyer can protect the claimant’s right in a courtroom, the public adjuster can do the leg work and may even find additional damage that should be covered. Working together, the public adjuster and the lawyer can each use their specific skill set to the victim’s benefit.
A public adjuster cannot sue an insurance company, so an attorney’s involvement at this point is absolutely vital. If an insurance company acts in bad faith, then a public adjuster has no leverage to use against them. By partnering with an attorney to take on the case, the claimant may then begin a lawsuit. Without an attorney, the public adjuster may settle for a claim much lower than the victim deserves or perhaps even get nothing.
It is important to note that if the insurance company accepts your claim and provides a fair settlement from the outset, no public adjuster or insurance attorney is needed. If the insurance company denies your claim, offers a settlement lower than what you deserve, or acts in bad faith, then you should obtain legal assistance. An experienced lawyer will review your case and make sure that all is in order before litigating. Large insurance companies often take advantage of claimants that do not have the resources to stand up for themselves. An attorney will protect their client’s rights from unethical insurance agencies and make sure that a fair settlement is negotiated.
Before hiring a public adjuster or an attorney for representation, a claimant should be sure to fully research their background and successes. Only retain services from individuals who have proved themselves to be ethical and effective.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Luis A. Mena
Luis A. Mena, a Miami litigation attorney, has been in the insurance legal field for over 15 years. He is known as one of the top lawyers in the state, having received an AV Preeminent® rating by Martindale-Hubbell® and been named as one of the Florida Super Lawyers®. As a former insurance defense attorney, he saw the tactics that insurance companies use to deny claims. He decided to work for the claimants, using his unique perspective to better protect their rights. His insurance litigation firm is located in Miami and he provides personalized service and tailored solutions for each client.
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Criminal Law - a Guide to Penal Law
Criminal law involves a system of legal rules designed to keep the public safe and deter wrongful conduct. Those who violate the law face incarceration, fines, and other penalties. The American criminal justice system is both complex, and adversarial in nature. With the exception of minor traffic violations, accused individuals will require the assistance of an attorney.
Specific crimes and the consequences for violating them are found in penal codes enacted by legislators at the local, state, and federal levels. Less serious crimes are classified as misdemeanors. These typically carry a maximum of up to one year in the county jail. Examples include petty theft, possession of small amounts of controlled substances, and first-offense drunk driving.
Crimes of a more serious nature are classified as felonies. These carry punishments of a year or more in state or federal prison. Felonies include violent crimes like murder, burglary, and rape, as well as white collar crimes like embezzlement and money laundering.
When questions arise as to how criminal statutes should be interpreted, judges and lawyers turn to previously issued court opinions dealing with the same issues. This principal is known as “stare decisis.” It means that once a court issues a decision involving a given set of circumstances, that ruling is binding precedent for similar disputes that come before the court on a later date.
Law enforcement agencies have the responsibility of investigating alleged crimes. Procedural rules are in place to ensure police officers respect the constitutional rights of the citizens they investigate. When a defense attorney challenges the legality of a criminal prosecution, most times the dispute is a result of procedural violations by the police.
Protecting Your Rights.
Each stage of a criminal prosecution presents traps for defendants who are not familiar with the court system. Criminal defense attorneys are trained to prevent their clients from doing or saying things that will increase the likelihood of conviction. But when legal counsel has not been hired or appointed, accused individuals can unknowingly waive their rights and harm their own interests.
For example, following an arrest, law enforcement will question a suspect in regards to the crime. The officers will inform the suspect of his or her “Miranda rights” (right to remain silent, right to an attorney), and then attempt to elicit a confession. Without a lawyer present, defendants can make incriminating statements that will later be used against them in court.
In both misdemeanors and felonies, an arraignment will be held in open court. The judge will explain the nature of the charges to the defendant and ask for a plea. Without the assistance of an attorney, defendants will often plead guilty at this initial stage. By doing so, they are giving up important rights, as well as the opportunity to negotiate the terms of their sentence beforehand.
Discovery proceedings are another critical stage in a criminal case. This is when the defendant can demand that the prosecutor turn over copies of all of the evidence gathered by law enforcement. In DUI and DWI cases especially, the police reports, lab results, video recordings, and other items will likely determine whether the case settles or continues on to trial. To make informed decisions, the defendant must obtain these materials.
If the state fails to offer a plea bargain the defendant is willing to accept, the case will proceed to trial. This is the time to question witnesses and present argument to the jury. Conducting a trial is not for the layperson to attempt. Legal training is needed to perform effective cross-examination, comply with the rules of evidence, and so forth. After all, the outcome may determine whether the defendant walks free, or goes to jail.
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
- Are 3D Printed Plastic Guns Legal?The arrival of 3D printing technology has led to some amazing new possibilities for things like replicating broken parts, creating amazing works of 3D art, and manufacturing entire items from patters found online. But, as is usually the case with any new technology, someone finds a way to use it for something sinister. Several creators invented 3D printed plastic guns and made plans available online. But, are these 3D printed plastic guns legal?
- How Do You Get Out of Jail After an Arrest?Generally, one can get out of jail by posting bail. Bail is usually cash or a piece of property pledged to the court as part of a promise that the defendant (the person who has been arrested) will return to court when ordered to do so.
- How Much Can You Legally Get Away With Saying to a Cop?First, a word of warning: doing anything to aggravate a police officer is a really bad idea. Not only are these hard working men and women who likely want to make the world a better place through their work, but they are trained bad asses with guns, handcuffs, and nightsticks and they can really make your life unpleasant.
- How to Get a Criminal Record ExpungedExpungement refers to the process of sealing arrest and conviction records. Virtually every state has enacted laws that allow people to expunge arrests and convictions from their records, but the details will vary from state to state.
- Is a Polygraph Test Admissible as Evidence?Have you ever wondered why, in a system of justice that relies so heavily upon people telling the truth, every witness is not strapped to a polygraph machine (i.e., a lie detector)? It is a logical question that leads to others about how interrogations and investigations are conducted when polygraphs are used. So, is a polygraph test admissible as evidence?
- Saying No to Police SearchesPolice are trained to believe in their authority and trained to perform their interactions with private citizens with confidence and strength.
- Victimized by the Law: Weird Examples of Penalties Against Crime VictimsFor example, we have all heard the stories about the burglar who breaks into a home and injures himself then suing the homeowner.
- What Happens if I Am Not Read My Rights?While many believe that if they are not “read their rights” they will escape punishment for criminal acts, it is not quite so clear cut. Instead, if one is not read their rights, then any evidence obtained from the suspect prior to being advised of their Miranda Rights may be inadmissible as evidence at trial.
- What is an Alibi and How Does it Work?In simplest terms, an alibi is merely evidence that demonstrates a defendant in a criminal case was somewhere other than the scene of a crime at the time that the crime occurred.
- What is the Difference Between Jail and Prison?At the most basic level, the fundamental difference between jail and prison is the length of stay for inmates.
- What Kinds of Defenses Can I Use in a Criminal Case?All people accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty, either in a trial or as a result of pleading guilty.
- When Should You Accept a Plea Bargain in your Criminal Case?Under that kind of stress, it can be very tempting to accept the first plea offer made to you by the prosecutor.
ARTICLES ABOUT CRIMINAL LAW
- Cedar Hill, TX Speeding and WarrantsWere you recently pulled over in Cedar Hill, or another Dallas County city, for driving over the speed limit, and subsequently written a speeding ticket? Points will be added to your driving record if you plead guilty. If you choose to challenge the violation instead, a local speeding ticket attorney may be of assistance to you, even if you hold a CDL. The Municipal Court will issue a warrant for your arrest if you do not respond to your citation before it becomes overdue.
- Carrollton, Texas Speeding and WarrantsYou may have recently been pulled over and written a speeding ticket by a police officer in Carrollton, Texas, or in a nearby Dallas County town. If you have decided to dispute the violation in an effort to keep points off your driving record, you may benefit from legal representation provided by an area speeding ticket attorney, even if you have a CDL. The Carrollton Municipal Court will issue a warrant for your arrest if you fail to respond to your citation before it goes past due.
- Internet Crimes Can Amount to a Wide World of Trouble - Also Larceny Basics in Las VegasFor individuals dealing with internet crimes in Las Vegas Nevada or Larceny charges, here are a few details about what this means to you.
- Balch Springs, TX: Speeding and WarrantsHave you been pulled over by law enforcement in Balch Springs, or in another Dallas County city, and written a ticket for speeding? If you are not able to afford points on your driving record, you may choose to dispute your violation rather than plead guilty to it. A speeding ticket attorney may be able to defend against your speeding ticket in the Municipal Court. The court will issue you a traffic warrant if you do not respond to your citation before it becomes outstanding.
- When Is Drunk Driving A Felony?Many people travel to the state of Florida from other states as it is the home to many popular vacation spots. While on vacation, many people may consume alcohol while enjoying the beautiful beaches, plentiful clubs and bars, and luxurious weather. Sometimes an out-of-town guest can consume too much alcohol before getting behind the wheel of an automobile.
- Addison, TX Speeding and WarrantsLaw enforcement in Addison, Texas, and in other Dallas County cities, does not let motorists get away with driving over the speed limit. Have you been written a speeding ticket by an Addison police officer? Even if you have a CDL, a traffic ticket attorney may be able to help you dispute your speeding violation and keep points off your driving record. If you do not respond to a citation written to you, the Municipal Court will issue you an arrest warrant.
- State Troopers Pull Over Speeding Drivers in Cooke CountyHas a State trooper issued a speeding ticket to you in Cooke County? No matter whether you hold a CDL or Class C driver's license, you have a right to dispute your ticket if you would rather not see points added to your driving record. An attorney who has previously defended clients in Cooke County may be able to defend against your violation as well. If you do not respond to your speeding ticket before it becomes outstanding, the Cooke County Justice Court will issue you a warrant.
- Trial by Jury in FloridaA brief overview of the jury trial process in the State of Florida.
- Were You Recently Pulled over for Speeding in Valley View?Class C drivers and CDL holders in Valley View, Texas, and all over Cooke County, who are pulled over and written tickets for speeding may consider disputing their tickets if they cannot afford points added to their driving records. While drivers can challenge their speeding violations on their own, a traffic ticket attorney may also be able to help with this endeavor. The Municipal Court regularly issues arrest warrants for drivers who neglect their speeding citations.
- Police Write Tickets to Speeding Drivers in RosstonThe Rosston Police Department works every day to catch speeding drivers and issue them tickets. If you are a CDL holder or Class C motorist written a speeding violation in Rosston, or in another Cooke County town, a local traffic ticket lawyer may be able to help you dispute the citation in court. If you do not act in a timely manner upon receiving your ticket, the Municipal Court will issue a warrant for your arrest.
- All Criminal Law Articles
CRIMINAL CODE BY STATE
- Alabama - Title 13A
- Alaska - Title 11
- Arizona - Title 13
- Arkansas - Title 5
- California Penal Code
- Colorado - Title 18
- Connecticut - Title 53a
- Delaware - Title 11
- District of Columbia - Title 22
- Florida - Title XLVI
- Georgia - Title 16
- Hawaii
- Idaho - Title 18
- Illinois - Chapter 720
- Indiana - Title 35
- Iowa - Title XVI
- Kansas - Chapter 21
- Kentucky - Titles XL, L
- Louisiana
- Maine - Titles 17 and Titles 17A
- Maryland - Crimes and Punishments
- Massachusetts - Title I
- Michigan
- Minnesota - Chapters 609-624
- Mississippi - Title 97
- Missouri - Title XXXVIII
- Montana - Title 45
- Nebraska - Chapter 28
- Nevada - Title 15
- New Hampshire - Title LXII
- New Jersey - Title 2C
- New Mexico - Chapter 30
- New York - Penal
- North Carolina - Chapter 14
- North Dakota - Title 12.1
- Ohio - Title 29
- Oklahoma - Title 21
- Oregon - Chapters 161-169
- Pennsylvania- Title 18
- Rhode Island - Title 11
- South Carolina - Title 16
- South Dakota - Title 22
- Tennessee - Title 39
- Texas Penal Code
- Utah - Title 76
- Vermont - Title 13
- Virginia - Title 18.2
- Washington - Title 9
- West Virginia - Chapter 61
- Wisconsin - Chapters 938-951
- Wyoming - Title 6
CRIMINAL LAW - US
- ABA Criminal Justice SectionThe American Bar Association is a national organization of attorneys dedicated to improving the legal system. The Criminal Justice Section contains news and events for anyone interested in the penal system.
- Bureau of Justice StatisticsBJS collects facts and figures relating to crime in the United States. Here you can learn about the prevalence of crimes involving violence, property damage, drugs, human trafficking, identity theft, and more.
- Crimes and Criminal Procedures, Title 18 - United States CodeThe USC consists of all federal laws in the United States. Title 18 deals with crimes, punishments, and criminal procedure. This searchable online version is presented by Cornell Law School in Ithaca, NY.
- Differences between Civil and Criminal Law in the USThis concise essay by Dr. Ronald B. Standler describes how criminal prosecutions and private civil lawsuits differ in terms of protections and potential liabilities for defendants.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)The FBI website is a great resource for information about the investigation of terrorism and other federal crimes. The “Most Wanted” section allows visitors to provide tips about victims and fugitives in high profile cases.
- Federal Rules of EvidenceCornell Law School sponsors this indexed version of the court rules governing the presentation of evidence in federal court. These rules apply in criminal and civil cases.
- Federal Sentencing Guidelines ManualsThe sentencing guidelines are rules meant to create a uniform system for imposing punishment in federal criminal court. Check back regularly for the latest updates to the manuals.
- National Center for Victims of CrimeWith so much focus on the accused, the victims of crimes sometimes feel neglected by the system. The National Center for Victims of Crime is designed for victims and advocates looking to engage one another, find support, and spread awareness.
- National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS)National Criminal Justice Reference Service offers extensive reference and referral services information to support research, policy, and program development to anyone interested in crime, victim assistance, and public safety including policymakers, researchers, and the general public.
- Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)The OVC administers the Crime Victims Fund, providing substantial funding to state victim assistance compensation programs and services that help victims heal. For those looking to pursue a career as a victim’s advocate, the site offers online training and education.
- United States Department of JusticeThe Justice Department, led by the Attorney General, is the federal agency in charge of enforcing federal laws. Their website is constantly updated with news articles, blog posts, and other criminal justice resources.
CRIMINAL LAW - EUROPE
CRIMINAL LAW - INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS REGARDING CRIMINAL LAW
- Coalition for the International Criminal Court
- European Criminal Law Academic Network (ECLAN)
- Guide to Electronic Resources for International Law - ASIL
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- International Criminal Law Bureau (ICLB)
- International Criminal Law Network (ICLN)
- International Criminal Law Society (ICLS)
- UN - Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
PUBLICATIONS REGARDING CRIMINAL LAW
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