Report Report - Ohio Department of Insurance - State of Ohio

Accomplishments
Department Investigating Home Repair Contractors
Committing Insurance Fraud
The Department started investigating home repair contractors believed
to be committing insurance fraud. The agency also investigated situations
where it appeared contractors were violating Ohio insurance laws. In
order to combat insurance fraud committed by unscrupulous contractors,
the Department implemented new techniques to detect and investigate
situations where it is believed home repair contractors have committed
insurance fraud. The Department also issued guidance to the home
repair industry, and established protocols for insurers who suspect a
contractor of fraud.
Ohio Auto and Homeowners Insurance Rates
Increase Slightly in 2008
The average rates for the state’s top 10 private passenger auto insurers increased
0.8 percent in 2008. The average rates for the state’s top 10 homeowners
increased by 6.9 percent in 2008. While there were rate increases in 2008, Ohio
still has the 13th lowest auto insurance and 6th lowest homeowners
insurance average premiums in the country, according to the most recent
figures from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
“Insure U” Information Expanded
The Department launched Insure U for Small Business En Espanol section
on the Ohio Department of Insurance web site and added new topic areas
for consumers in four life situations: domestic partners, single parents,
grandparents raising grandchildren and members of the military. The
comprehensive public education program, provided by the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), is designed to assist small
businesses and consumers with information about business risks and
insurance options.
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www.insurance.ohio.gov