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Trump’s Hiring Freeze Throws Wildfire Fighters Into Disarray

Article 0 Comments Federal firefighters have found their jobs on the chopping block as a result of US President Donald Trump’s executive orders, with a hiring freeze simultaneously blocking reinforcements in the aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires and ahead of the upcoming fire season. “I know multiple people who were supposed to start work on Monday and were not able to,” said Rachel Granberg, a firefighter who serves as representative for the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), in an interview. A US District Court judge on Feb. 12 cleared the way for Trump’s buyout offers to millions of federal employees, overcoming a lawsuit by labor unions. Granberg warned that without an exemption to the Trump administration’s widespread hiring freeze, “we’re not going to have fire crews fully staffed.” Potential reductions to the approximately 18,000 federal firefighters, who are trained to battle blazes deep inside forests as well as at the intersection of cities and nature, would come at a time when their work has never been more crucial. Rising temperatures are contributing to faster-burning fires and ensuring blazes occur more frequently and torch more land. Climate change has also extended the burning season by two months in the...

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11 Steps for Referring to a Fellow Professional

As a financial professional, you can’t do everything. You might think you can, but licensing might be your first hurdle. If you are licensed to sell insurance, you are not licensed as a CPA to give accounting advice. In this circumstance, you might see the need to suggest they consult a fellow professional. How can you do this, both keeping the interests of your client foremost and not getting into trouble down the road?

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Aviva’s India Arm Hit With $7.5 Million Fine for Fake Invoice Scheme, Order Shows

Article 0 Comments Indian authorities have ordered British insurer Aviva’s local unit to pay $7.5 million in back taxes and penalties after an investigation found it created fake invoices to pay illegal commissions and claimed incorrect tax credits, an order shows. The tax demand is significant for Aviva’s India business, which recorded a profit after tax of only $10 million in the 2023-24 financial year. Aviva also faces stiff competition from rivals in India’s insurance market. To grow its business, Aviva India paid about $26 million between 2017 and 2023 to vendors who purportedly provided marketing services, but they were only a front to give Aviva’s agents excess commissions beyond regulatory limits, Indian tax authorities alleged in an August 3 notice Reuters reported last year. Using the clandestine system of fake invoices and cash payments, Aviva incorrectly claimed tax credits and evaded $5.2 million in taxes, authorities had alleged. After hearing Aviva’s defense, joint tax commissioner Aditya Singh Yadav ruled the company evaded tax of around 326 million rupees ($3.8 million), which it must pay with a 100% penalty, totalling 653 million rupees, or $7.5 million, according to a February 5 order reviewed by Reuters that has not been made...

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California Insurance Commissioner Rejects State Farm’s 22% Rate Request

Article 0 Comments California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara did not approve an emergency, interim 22% rate request from State Farm, instead calling a meeting with the carrier to get some answers about the carrier’s financial situation and more. State Farm General earlier this month asked the California Department of Insurance to immediately approve interim rate increases, including 22% average for homeowners. The carrier, the state’s top homeowners insurer, is partly blaming the devastating Los Angeles wildfires for the request. As of February 14, the carrier reported roughly 11,400 total home and auto claims, paying out more than $1.35 billion. In a letter Lara issued on Friday, he wrote: “Under the strict review laid out by Proposition 103, the burden is on State Farm to show why this is needed now. State Farm has not met its burden.” State Farm responded to a request for comment with a statement: “We are very disappointed the Commissioner ignored his department’s recommendation to take the critical and necessary step to approve State Farm General’s request for interim rate increases associated with our June 2024 filings.” According to the statement, by not approving the request it “sends a strong message to State Farm General about...

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California Wildfire Mitigation And Recovery Bill Package Introduced

Article 1 Comment California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and a group of state lawmakers are pushing a 10-bill legislative package designed to improve disaster preparedness and help protect wildfire survivors. The bills intended focus are on consumer protection, climate resiliency and market strength. Among the proposals are a statewide grant program to assist with wildfire hardening, protections for businesses against insurance non-renewals and measures to maximize insurance claim payouts by limiting public adjuster fees. The bills are: The California Safe Homes Act authored by Assembly Member Lisa Calderon provides state-tax-free funds to assist residents in purchasing fire-rated roofs and to develop non-ignition zones around properties. The act would establish a grant program at the California Department of Insurance using existing funds. The Business Insurance Protection Act, jointly authored by Senators Sasha Renée Pérez and Susan Rubio, aims to extend existing protections by broadening the commissioner’s ability to issue an insurance non-renewal and cancelation moratorium after emergency declarations following wildfires to include commercial policies, covering businesses, homeowners’ associations, condominiums, affordable housing units and non-profits. The Insurance Payment Protection Act (AB 597, authored by Assembly Member John Harabedian) is designed to ensure that wildfire survivors receive the maximum funds from their insurance...

iA Financial Group Announces the Acquisition of Global Warranty 0

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iA Financial Group Announces the Acquisition of Global Warranty

Quebec City, QC (Feb. 4, 2025) – iA Financial Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Global Warranty, a group of companies that are important independent warranty providers and administrators in the used vehicle market in Canada. Founded in 1987, Global Warranty does business with a network of over 1,500 automotive dealerships and more than 400 authorized repair centres across the country. Headquartered in London, Ontario, Global Warranty is a leading provider of vehicle warranties and other vehicle protection products. Global Warranty protects customers with warranty packages that are insured and provides excellent client service. Global Warranty has been a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business since March 1997 and enjoys a BBB Accredited Business Rating of A+. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the acquisition of Global Warranty. It is a well-run organization with a strong reputation and we are pleased to welcome this highly professional team into iA Financial Group,” said Gwen Gareau, Senior Vice-President, iA Dealer Services and iA Auto Finance. “This will increase our presence in the used vehicle warranty market, with long-standing operations in London, where our subsidiary Lubrico Warranty is also based.” “The acquisition of Global Warranty fits perfectly with iA Dealer Services’ growth...

Farmers Mutual Hail to Acquire Palliser Insurance 0

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Farmers Mutual Hail to Acquire Palliser Insurance

West Des Moines, IA (Feb. 4, 2025) — Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa (FMH) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Canadian company Palliser Insurance. Palliser is a leading crop hail insurance provider headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, offering crop hail insurance across Western Canada, supported by the industry’s largest network of agents and adjusters. Farmers Mutual Hail previously had a 20 percent share in the company, with FMH leaders serving on Palliser’s Board of Directors. Shannon Rutledge, FMH president and CEO, commented, “I am excited about this partnership and the impact it will have as we continue to expand and diversify our footprint. The regional expertise, knowledge, and accomplishments that the Palliser team brings with them will contribute to our long-term strategy of strengthening and enhancing our core crop insurance business.” Rutledge added how this move was a good fit for both companies as Palliser has been a partner company with FMH for over three decades, and FMH will continue to support Palliser’s ability to expand and grow their relationships. This is FMH’s first acquisition of a non-U.S.-based company. “FMH has been a valued business partner with Palliser since 2008, recognizing and respecting our important legacy, role,...

DKI Expands in Toronto, Welcoming DKI – Midtown 0

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DKI Expands in Toronto, Welcoming DKI – Midtown

Antigonish, NS (Feb. 7, 2025) — DKI Canada is pleased to announce the addition of DKI – Midtown to its growing network of franchisees. This exciting new partnership brings experienced restoration professional Adam Aayesh and his team into the DKI group, further solidifying DKI’s presence in the Toronto market. “We are thrilled to welcome Adam and his team as our newest DKI location.” Said Chris Schmidt, CEO of DKI Canada. “DKI is committed to providing exceptional disaster restoration services to homeowners and businesses across the country. Adam’s passion and enthusiasm makes him an excellent fit for DKI and provides expertise and compassionate support to even more residents and businesses in need, helping them recover quickly and effectively from unexpected disasters.” Adam brings many years of expertise in disaster restoration to Toronto, specializing in services ranging from fire and water damage restoration to mould remediation and emergency response. With a customer-first approach and a commitment to exceeding expectations, DKI – Midtown Toronto is poised to become a trusted partner for homeowners, businesses, and insurers in the area. “Their dedication to quality, innovation, and community aligns perfectly with our values, and we are confident that their addition will further strengthen the DKI brand in the...

QuickFacts Announces Strategic Partnership with IBAA 0

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QuickFacts Announces Strategic Partnership with IBAA

Toronto, ON (Feb. 14, 2025) – QuickFacts, a leader in innovative tools for insurance brokers, is thrilled to announce its new strategic partnership with the Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA). This collaboration is set to enhance the accessibility of QuickFacts’ software by providing exclusive benefits to IBAA member brokerages across the province. In partnership with IBAA, QuickFacts will focus on several key goals to strengthen the support provided to Alberta’s insurance brokers, including: Addressing the challenges posed by shifting regulations and emerging industry information. Creating resources that assist brokers in maintaining compliance and expanding their knowledge base. Delivering targeted educational content on operational topics that align with IBAA’s professional development initiatives. Reinforcing our mutual commitment to advancing the brokerage community and driving operational excellence within the industry. “Partnering with the IBAA allows our organizations to collaborate and bring significant value to Alberta brokerages in today’s competitive market,” says Jeff Barsalou, Chief Revenue Officer at QuickFacts. “We’re determined to help support the association’s activities and leverage technology to assist brokerages in their day-to-day operations, education, and training.” By taking advantage of QuickFacts software, IBAA members will be able to streamline their underwriting processes, improve overall efficiency, and enhance the level...

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Los Angeles Sees Mudslides With Heavy Rains

Article 0 Comments Heavy rains caused flooding and mudslides in Los Angeles late Thursday and early Friday, as authorities ordered evacuations and warned of potentially dangerous conditions across land burned by last month’s devastating wildfires. About half a foot of rain has fallen across the area, according to the National Weather Service. Strong winds were also reported, including 80 miles-per-hour gusts in the mountain areas near San Gabriel and San Luis Obispo. Authorities warned about possible downed power lines and damage to trees and roofs. Residents living near areas burned by the Palisades, Sunset and Hurst blazes were told to leave their homes by early Thursday, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Emergency officials warned residents to stay off the roads. Debris from a mudslide near Malibu swept one motorist’s vehicle off the road and into the ocean Thursday evening, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Erik Scott. Flood warnings and watches were canceled as the storm system started tapering off late Thursday, but forecasters warned that flooding and mudslides could continue well after the rain ends. The deluge was fueled by an atmospheric river, a plume of moisture from the Pacific that can contain as much water...