Safe Scooting

Understanding insurance coverages for electric rental scooters

Electric scooter sharing is a new phenomenon that has led to a new entrant in major city traffic lanes. There are hundreds of scooters in some cities, and that has created new insurance implications for riders, cities and insurance companies. Companies such as Lime, Bird and Spin rolled out scooter rentals in major cities throughout the U.S. during 2018. Scooters began arriving in Salt Lake City just a few months ago. The battery-powered rental scooters reach speeds of 15-20 mph and may or may not require proof of a valid driver’s license.

Are You Covered?

There have been many reports of accidents on motorized scooter rentals in this first year. Before you decide to rent a scooter, you should understand the insurance implications and know whether you are covered.

Unless the company policy indicates otherwise, assume you are not covered in case of an accident. You should rely on your health insurance for any medical injury you sustain. In case of an accident, you might not have any coverage if you are found liable for an accident or damage. Check your insurance policies to determine whether you are covered. Automobile insurance generally omits liability coverage for motor vehicles with fewer than four wheels. Although most homeowners policies provide some liability coverage even while you are away from your residence, it may be limited or excluded because the scooter is a rental.

Like any new trend, these issues may not be specifically addressed in your policy, and coverage will depend on the carrier and the specific language in your policy.

Understanding Your Scooter Insurance Options

Scooter Insurance: Regulations and requirements vary by state — often depending on the engine size. Most scooter rental companies offer rentals with engines smaller than 50cc. While most states do not require insurance for engines that small, they do recommend it. Scooter insurance will often cover damages resulting from a collision, your medical costs in an accident, and protects against damage you do to others or their property while operating a scooter.

Personal Liability Umbrella Insurance: Umbrella insurance is extra liability insurance. In addition to riding a scooter, if you frequently ride bikes or have outdoor attractions on your property, you should consider an umbrella policy. It provides coverage for injuries, property damage and some lawsuits.

Contact your insurance agent to determine what coverage might be the best fit for you.

Other Ways to Protect Yourself

Wear a helmet: You may not be required to wear a helmet while operating a rental scooter, but it is highly recommended.
Operate the scooter in right-hand lanes and bike lanes where possible: Your agreement with your scooter rental company will tell you to use streets and bike lanes. Riding motorized scooters on sidewalks is illegal in most cities, and you can be cited for doing so.
Keep the Road Code: Always pay attention to the road. Keep both hands on the scooter at all times, unless using hand turn signals.

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Safe Scooting

When Evacuating, Take A Minute For Insurance

Photographs are quick and easy — and they make a difference

Utah’s 2018 wildfire season has been particularly severe. As fires continue into fall, the Utah Insurance Department reminds homeowners that preparation is key when it comes to disasters.

“Even homeowners who are facing evacuation as a fire approaches can take action to prepare,” says Utah Insurance Commissioner Todd E. Kiser. “Knowing what you own is a critical factor in filing a loss claim. Take a few minutes today to photograph your possessions, whether or not you’re in a fire’s path.”

If your home is currently threatened by a wildfire, there are a number of things you can do to simplify the process if you need to file a claim.

Update your home inventory. Walk around your home and property and take photos of your possessions with your camera or smartphone. Save them on a portable computer, USB drive, or in the cloud (think services like Google Drive or iCloud). These photos can be used as evidence of your claims when the insurer is determining the value of your overall claim.
Plan for evacuation. Know your evacuation route and have a designated place to stay in case you cannot return immediately. If authorities order an evacuation, get out quickly. Remember to take the “Six Ps of Evacuation”: People, Pets, Prescriptions, Papers, Personal Needs, and Priceless Items.
Call your insurance agent. Ask them what’s covered under your policy. They can also tell you what to prepare for in the event of a loss.
Save all receipts. If you evacuate and need to stay in a hotel, those costs may be recoverable. If your home is damaged, make short-term repairs to prevent further damage and keep those receipts too.
Photograph any damage. If you suffer a loss, call your agent or insurer’s claims hotline as soon as it’s safe to do so. Take photos of any damage to your property or possessions, but do not throw anything out until an insurance adjuster has reviewed it.

Commissioner Kiser notes that all homeowners policies include coverage for fires, but they don’t always cover the same things. “It is critical for homeowners to read their insurance policies so they understand what is covered. Some policies cover other structures on the property, while others don’t. Some policies replace destroyed items, while others pay fair market value. Your insurance agent can help you understand how your policy applies to your situation.”

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When Evacuating, Take A Minute For Insurance

Develop Safe Habits to Avoid Distraction While Driving

When you take your focus off the road, you put yourself and others at risk

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic fatalities increased by 6 percent from 2015 to 2016. Distracted driving, speeding, alcohol impairment, and unrestrained passengers were the main culprits.

“Distracted driving is dangerous and all too often results in property damage, injury, or death,” said Utah Insurance Commissioner Todd E. Kiser. “Staying safe on the road starts with turning electronic devices off and focusing on driving while you’re in the driver’s seat.”

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides these tips to help you stay safe behind the wheel:

Maintain your vehicle. Get regular checkups and make sure your tires are properly inflated and the lights work.
Buckle up. Using a seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries after a crash. Yet thousands die each year as a result of being unrestrained.
Use smart driving positions. Keep both hands on the steering wheel, and position them at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock or 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock (depending on the size and style of your steering wheel).
Maintain speed limits. Obey all speed limits and watch out for hazardous road conditions.
Follow the 3-second rule. Keep 3 seconds of distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. That space assures your ability to properly react if something happens.
Map out your route. Know where you’re going or program your app before you turn the key — doing so while driving can be a major distraction.
Pay attention to the road. Limit your distractions, and never use electronic devices to text or surf the web while driving. Drunk or drug-impaired driving, speeding, and drowsy driving are dangerous. Take the “Keep the Road Code” pledge to be a focused, responsible driver.

WreckCheck App for Smartphones

Auto accidents happen to most people in the course of a lifetime. When it does, take some of the guesswork out of a tense situation with the NAIC’s WreckCheck™. This free mobile app for iPhone® and Android® smartphones outlines what to do immediately following an accident and walks users through a step-by-step process to create their own accident report.

If you don’t have a smartphone you can download a printable accident checklist and other tips for staying calm, safe and smart on the road.

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Develop Safe Habits to Avoid Distraction While Driving

Notice of Public Hearing of CVS Health Corporation’s Proposed Acquisition of Control of Aetna Health of Utah Inc.

Please take notice that the Utah Insurance Commissioner has received an application from CVS Health Corporation (“CVS Health”), a Delaware corporation, to acquire control of Aetna Health of Utah Inc. (“Aetna Health Utah”), a health maintenance organization domiciled in the State of Utah. Aetna Health Utah is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of, and controlled by, Aetna Inc. (“Aetna”). The acquisition of control will be accomplished pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, whereby CVS Health would acquire control of Aetna, with Aetna becoming an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CVS Health and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of CVS Pharmacy, Inc., a Rhode Island corporation which is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of CVS Health.

Pursuant to Utah Insurance Code § 31A-16-103, a public hearing before the Utah Insurance Commissioner regarding the acquisition of control of a Utah domestic insurer or health maintenance organization may be held. The public and all policyholders, enrollees, providers and other affected persons are hereby notified that a public hearing will be held regarding the acquisition of control of Aetna Health Utah by CVS Health on August 17, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. in the Snowbird Room, Room 3112 of the Utah State Office Building, 350 North State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114. During the hearing, the Utah Insurance Commissioner, or his designee, will receive evidence, testimony and oral and written arguments regarding the following issues:

Whether, after the acquisition of control, Aetna Health Utah would not be able to satisfy the requirements for the issuance of a license to write the line or lines of insurance for which it is presently licensed;
Whether the effect of the acquisition of control would substantially lessen competition in insurance in Utah or tend to create a monopoly in insurance;
Whether the financial condition of CVS Health would jeopardize the financial stability of Aetna Health Utah or prejudice the interest of its policyholders or any remaining securityholders who are unaffiliated with CVS Health;
Whether the terms of the acquisition are unfair and unreasonable to the securityholders of Aetna Health Utah;
Whether the plans or proposals CVS Health (if any) has to liquidate Aetna Health Utah, sell its assets, or consolidate or merge it with any person, or to make any other material change in its business or corporate structure or management, are unfair and unreasonable to the policyholders of Aetna Health Utah and are not in the public interest; and
Whether the competence, experience and integrity of those persons who would control the operation of Aetna Health Utah are such that it would not be in the interest of the policyholders of Aetna Health Utah and the public to permit the merger or other acquisition of control.

See Utah Ins. Code § 31A-16-103(8).

ANY ENROLLEE, PROVIDER OR OTHER AFFECTED PERSON IS ENTITLED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC HEARING AND MAY RECEIVE A SUMMARY OF THE CVS HEALTH APPLICATION OR OTHER NON-CONFIDENTIAL MATERIALS ON FILE WITH THE COMMISSIONER BY SENDING A REQUEST IN WRITING AND A COPYING FEE OF $.25/PAGE TO:

Locke Lord LLP
Attn: Tim Farber
111 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 443-0532 Direct
tfarber@lockelord.com

ALTERNATIVELY, ARRANGEMENTS TO REVIEW A COPY OF THE NON-CONFIDENTIAL FORM A APPLICATION MATERIALS MAY BE MADE BY CALLING DAN APPLEGARTH AT 801-538-9509.

IF YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC HEARING OR ANY PROCEEDINGS PRELIMINARY TO THE PUBLIC HEARING, PLEASE NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING, AT JILLWHITE@UTAH.GOV, NO LATER THAN THREE CALENDAR DAYS PRIOR TO THE HEARING THAT YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY AFFECT YOUR PARTICIPATION.

Dated this 8th day of August, 2018

Todd E. Kiser
Utah Insurance Commissioner

A Different Kind of Care Package

Review insurance options before sending your student off to college

It’s the end of summer and kids are back at school. For older students, that can mean college in another city or state. A parent’s insurance policy may cover a child even while the child is living outside the home, but not always.

“College is an exciting time in a young person’s life,” says Insurance Commissioner Todd E. Kiser. “Many students experience new things in new places, but that can mean they don’t have mom or dad to turn to for immediate help. Making sure they have the appropriate coverage in an emergency can give them — and you — peace of mind.”

Here are some things to consider when ensuring your student is covered:

Health insurance: Dependents are covered until they reach age 26 on any insurance plan that offers dependent coverage. However, out-of-state students could be outside the provider network and would need to travel to get in-network care. Buying a student health plan through the college or university may be a good option. Many schools offer resources to help determine the best course for your student.
Homeowners & renters insurance: A parent’s homeowners policy may cover a student and their belongings while they live in an on-campus dorm. A student living in off-campus housing, like a rented apartment, will need renters insurance to secure their possessions and liability.
Auto insurance: Auto insurance goes with the vehicle, so a student driving in another state will be fine. Talk to your agent to see if it would be better to keep them on a family policy or to get their own. If a student decides not to drive at school, you may want to discuss with your agent the option of taking them off your policy to potentially save some money.

“You can’t ensure that your kids will get good grades,” jokes Commissioner Kiser, “but the right insurance coverage can take away some of the ‘what-ifs’ that contribute to first-semester jitters.”

Press Release
A Different Kind of Care Package

Public Meeting Regarding Insurance Testing — August 23, 2018 at 3pm

PSI and representatives from the Utah Insurance Department will hold a webinar to discuss the testing program for insurance licenses. The objective of the webinar is to discuss the recently completed Exam Review Committee findings, review any exam content outline changes, view current exam pass rate statistics, and obtain feedback from any interested parties.

The pertinent information regarding the events is listed below. Please RSVP to Jason McCartney at jmccartney@psionline.com no later than Thursday, August 16, 2018.

WEBINAR DATE: Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 3-4 pm MST

Prior to the event, if you have any questions please contact Jason McCartney at jmccartney@psionline.com or 800-367-1565 x7318.

Attachment
Public Meeting Webinar Regarding Insurance License Testing

Insurance Tips for Wildfire Season

Five answers to common fire-related questions

Wildfire season has arrived in Utah. Summer’s higher temperatures and lower precipitation make it easier for fires to start and harder to put out. This can increase the number of damaged structures and homes in areas affected by wildfires.

“This time of year is especially hazardous for homes near wilderness areas,” said Utah Insurance Commissioner Todd E. Kiser. “But taking the appropriate steps early in wildfire season can be helpful if you need to file a claim. I always advise taking the first step of making a home inventory as a general precaution.”

These are some common questions that people ask during wildfire season:

How do I prove what possessions were lost in the fire?

The best way to prove your losses is to have a home inventory. This is a portfolio of your possessions that you can give your insurer during the claims process. With the rise of smartphones, it’s easy to take photos of your home and possessions and save them on a computer or in the cloud (think services like Google Drive or iCloud). These photos can be used as evidence of your claims when the insurer is determining the value of your overall claim.

What do I do after a fire?

Call your insurance agent or the insurer’s claims hotline as soon as it’s safe to do so. Your policy might require notification within a certain time frame, so get your insurance company involved as soon as possible. Describe the damage to your agent as best you can, and take photos of everything. Photos are helpful in documenting the extent of the damage and making sure you are fairly compensated for your losses.

What do I do if someone says they can fix my house?

If someone approaches you offering to fix your property, proceed with caution. Home repair fraud is common after disasters. Be wary of aggressive contractors or demands for up-front repair payment. If you have concerns, contact the Insurance Department at 801-538-3035.

How do I get my house repaired or rebuilt?

Work with your insurance agent. They can give you detailed timelines and requirements for repairs, as well as recommendations for local contractors. Your agent can offer advice and assistance as you go through the process of getting back to normal.

What happens while my house is being fixed?

The first thing to do is find a place to be safe. Many insurance policies will pay for hotel stays after a fire and while a home is being repaired. You’ll want to ask about any limitations — most policies will only pay for a set amount of nights. Secure what’s left as best you can. Your policy may cover losses due to a fire, but not subsequent losses due to weather damage or theft.

Commissioner Kiser notes that all homeowners policies include coverage for fires, but they don’t always cover the same things. “It is critical for homeowners to read their insurance policies so they understand what is covered. Some policies cover other structures on the property, while others don’t. Some policies replace destroyed items, while others pay fair market value. Your insurance agent can help you understand how your policy applies to your situation.”

Press Release
Insurance Tips for Wildfire Season

Notice of Public Hearing of American Enterprise Mutual Holding Company and American Republic Insurance Company’s Proposed Acquisition of Control of Great Western Insurance Company

Please take notice that the Utah Insurance Commissioner has received an application from American Enterprise Mutual Holding Company, an Iowa domiciled mutual insurance holding company (“AEMHC”), and American Republic Insurance Company, an Iowa corporation (“American Republic” and, together with AEMHC, the “Applicants”), to acquire control of Great Western Insurance Company, a Utah domestic insurance company (“GWIC”). The acquisition of control will be accomplished by American Republic purchasing all of GWIC’s issued and outstanding shares of capital stock from JAMEL, Ltd., a Utah limited partnership and sole securityholder of GWIC.

Pursuant to Utah Insurance Code 31A-16-103, the acquisition of control of a Utah domestic insurer requires a public hearing before the Utah Insurance Commissioner. The public and all policyholders, enrollees, providers and other affected persons are hereby notified that a public hearing will be held regarding the acquisition of control of GWIC by the Applicants on January 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 3112 of the Utah State Office Building, 350 North State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114. During the hearing, the Utah Insurance Commissioner, or his designee, will receive evidence, testimony and oral and written arguments regarding the following issues:

Whether, after the acquisition of control, GWIC would not be able to satisfy the requirements for the issuance of a license to write the line or lines of insurance for which it is presently licensed;
Whether the effect of the acquisition of control would substantially lessen competition in insurance in Utah or tend to create a monopoly in insurance;
Whether the financial condition of the Applicants would jeopardize the financial stability of GWIC or prejudice the interest of its policyholders or any remaining securityholders who are unaffiliated with the Applicants;
Whether the terms of the acquisition are unfair and unreasonable to the securityholders of GWIC;
Whether the plans or proposals the Applicants (if any) have to liquidate GWIC, sell its assets, or consolidate or merge it with any person, or to make any other material change in its business or corporate structure or management, are unfair and unreasonable to the policyholders of GWIC and are not in the public interest; and
Whether the competence, experience and integrity of those persons who would control the operation of GWIC are such that it would not be in the interest of the policyholders of GWIC and the public to permit the merger or other acquisition of control.

See Utah Ins. Code 31A-16-103(8).

ANY POLICYHOLDER, ANNUITANT OR OTHER AFFECTED PERSON IS ENTITLED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC HEARING AND MAY RECEIVE A SUMMARY OF THE APPLICANTS’ APPLICATION OR OTHER NON-CONFIDENTIAL MATERIALS ON FILE WITH THE COMMISSIONER BY SENDING A REQUEST IN WRITING AND A COPYING FEE OF $.25/PAGE TO:

American Republic Insurance Company
Attn: Ryan Cole
1010 N. 102nd Street
Omaha, NE 68114

ALTERNATIVELY, ARRANGEMENTS TO REVIEW A COPY OF THE NON-CONFIDENTIAL FORM A APPLICATION MATERIALS MAY BE MADE BY CALLING RYAN COLE AT (402) 496-8213.

IF YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC HEARING OR ANY PROCEEDINGS PRELIMINARY TO THE PUBLIC HEARING, YOU MUST NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING NO LATER THAN THREE CALENDAR DAYS PRIOR TO THE HEARING THAT YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY AFFECT YOUR PARTICIPATION.

Dated this 18th day of January, 2018