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December 12, 2007 News for property casualty insurers   Top Story    Bush's veto threat may complicate TRIA negotiations As the House of Representatives and the Senate are negotiating over the expansion and extension of the terrorism risk insurance program, President George W. Bush has threatened to veto the House's version of the bill. Insurers and property development firms are watching closely as Congress struggles over what to do with the controversial program. Reuters (12/11) , Business Insurance (12/11) White House urges House Democrats to approve terrorism insurance bill: The White House and House Republicans are putting more pressure on Democrats to accept the Senate version of a bill that would extend the federal backstop for terrorism insurance. Meanwhile, proposed amendments to the Senate version may arrive on the floor this week. National Underwriter (free registration) (12/11)   The Uses and Benefits of Location Intelligence in P&C Insurance Download a complimentary white paper with an informational overview on the use of Location Intelligence in Property & Casualty to enhance underwriting and policy rating, risk management, claims, and distribution.   ADVERTISEMENT   Industry Trends    Seventeen die as ice storm coats central U.S. Oklahoma and Missouri have declared states of emergency after a storm knocked out power lines serving hundreds of thousands of homes. Oklahoma Gas & Electric estimates up to one-third of customers in the state may be without power. The Associated Press/ClipSyndicate (12/12) , The Times (London) (12/11) Oregon governor warns retailers not to gouge consumers The governor of Oregon on Tuesday warned retailers not to take advantage of the victims of severe storms that struck the state. A new state law allows the governor to declare an abnormal disruption of the marketplace, a move that keeps merchants from charging unconscionably excessive prices for basic goods and services. American City Business Journals/Portland (12/11) State Auto to affiliate with Patrons Mutual State Auto Mutual's affiliation with Patrons Mutual will allow Patrons to become a regional hub for State Auto that will serve Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont. Connecticut regulators have approved the agreement, which is effective on Jan. 1. American City Business Journals (12/10) Insurance 2020: Now What? Exploring initiatives for innovation. New IBM study explains why the power of innovation does not come simply from the use of a specific technology to overcome a problem, but from a willingness to try something different.   Personal Lines  Many consumers find rental car coverage confusing Many travelers are unsure about whether to purchase insurance intended to cover damage to rental cars. A poll by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners found that 42% of consumers were "either thoroughly confused or had only a rough idea about insurance." Consumers should check their automobile insurance policy and credit card features to see if they provide sufficient coverage, experts say. USA TODAY (12/11) The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS) What's missing in your homeowners book of business? This free trial will show you what's missing and how easy it is to fill in the blanks with Insurance-ready DataTM from MSB. Seamlessly update your book with validated home characteristic data to improve underwriting accuracy and your bottom line. Interested in learning more about advertising in PCI SmartBrief? Contact Corey Thibodeau at 202.737.5500 ext. 267 or cthibodeau@smartbrief.com.     Commercial Lines  Opinion: California's state fund faces significant challenges California residents need more assurances that the State Compensation Insurance Fund will fulfill its fiscal responsibilities, the San Jose Mercury News editorial board writes. The board notes that two of the fund's executives were fired for mismanagement last April and that the fund currently has no chief executives for operations, finances or investments. The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.) (12/12)   Policy and Law  New leader of Florida senate is considered insurance expert Florida Republicans named Jeff Atwater Senate president on Tuesday. Atwater is considered an expert on insurance issues, and his new post will allow him to influence the state's legislature's agenda. Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (12/12) Public's opinions on health coverage create dilemma for candidates Recent polls have shown that the U.S. public wants changes to the health care system but that they also are satisfied with the cost and quality of their health coverage. This conflict in preferences makes it hard for presidential candidates to craft proposed overhauls to the health care system that will win the support of a majority of voters. The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) (12/11)   SmartQuote  There is no personal charm so great as the charm of a cheerful temperament." --Henry Van Dyke, author, educator and clergyman     Subscriber Tools       Print friendly format | Web version | Search past news | Archive | Privacy policy Advertise Sales Account Director:  Corey Thibodeau 202-737-5500 x 267 Download Media Kit   Read more at SmartBrief.com A powerful Web site for SmartBrief readers including: Breaking News Industry Home Competitor News Readers' Choice Press Releases Search Archive Grab our News Widget Get this RSS Feed Publish your Press Release       Recent PCI SmartBrief Issues: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 Monday, December 10, 2007 Friday, December 07, 2007 Thursday, December 06, 2007 Wednesday, December 05, 2007     Lead Editor:  Angela Giroux-Scheide Contributing Editor:  Karen Kantor     Mailing Address: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005     © 1999-2010 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information