Top National Insurance Stories in 2007

Top National Insurance Stories in 2007 :
“The debate over climate change captured the world’s attention, including the insurance industry’s, in 2007, while major hurricanes spared the United States’ coastline. The soft market took hold of virtually all segments of the insurance market and even buyers in catastrophe-prone regions saw some rate relief. The sub-prime mortgage meltdown seems to have spared much of the industry but the directors and officers market is likely to feel the heat. The safety of products made in China and elsewhere was called into question and manufacturers and parents dealt with hundreds of product recalls. Agency compensation was again a topic of concern as a handful of carriers banned the use of contingent commissions at the beginning of 2007 while a few carriers introduced new supplemental incentive plans to reward profitable agents. One of the world’s largest insurance brokers made headlines for producing less than stellar results, while wildfires, floods and other natural disasters prompted several legislative initiatives in states and on Capitol Hill. And in the last days of 2007, the renewal of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act became reality.
The following are the top 10 news stories of the year, Top Insurance Stories:

2008 Top Safety Picks Vehicles

“Thirty-four vehicles earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2008. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute’s tests. Winners also have to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC), which research shows can significantly reduce the risk of crashing…..” From the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety

11 NEW WINNERS FOR 2008

Midsize cars
Audi A3 Honda Accord

Small car
Subaru Impreza equipped with optional electronic stability control
MinivanHonda Odyssey

Midsize SUVs
BMW X3BMW X5
Hyundai Veracruz built after August 2007Saturn VUE built after December 2007Toyota Highlander
Small SUVHonda Element
Large pickupToyota Tundra

Ford Motor Developing Child Crash Test Dummies

Ford Motor Developing Child Crash Test Dummies:
“A high-tech insert, similar in size and shape to a 6-year-old’s abdomen, is being developed for crash test dummies to help improve vehicle safety for children.
The prototype is part of an effort to make pediatric crash dummies and crash tests more real world, leading to better vehicle restraints, according to a Ford Motor Co. release.

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The Dearborn-based automaker is developing the prototype. Partners in the collaboration include Wayne State University in Detroit, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Takata Corp., which makes automotive safety systems…..” Insurance Journal