Declarations

Proximate Cause

“If the evidence shows the Thomas Fire or another peril covered by a homeowners insurance policy was the efficient proximate cause of mudflow damage, I expect insurance companies to step up and cover these financial losses.”

— California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones issued a formal notice to all property/casualty insurers reminding them of their duty to cover damages from a mudslide if it is determined that the burning of hillsides and vegetation by the Thomas and other fires in December was the “efficient proximate cause” of the mudslides.

Ready for Anything

“We’re ready for anything that may come our way. … It’s about not just feeling safe, but making sure people are in fact safe.”

— Minneapolis Police Commander Scott Gerlicher, whose department oversaw security for the 2018 Super Bowl. Minneapolis has a relatively small police department — fewer than 900 officers — so federal and state resources, as well as personnel from other cities, were deployed for the event, which was held Feb. 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.

Number One

“Let’s keep the consumer number one in our mind. The same homeowners that I represent as an insurance agent, [lawmakers] represent as a constituent, and we all ought to be working together regardless of the issue.”

— Doug Wiles, chairman of FAIA and president of Herbie Wiles Insurance Agency in St. Augustine, Fla., speaking at a march for assignment of benefit reform at the Florida Capitol on Jan. 24. Agents and consumer advocates organized the march and urged lawmakers to address what is being called an insurance crisis in the state.

Compliance Deadline

“The DFS compliance certification is a critical governance pillar for the cybersecurity program of all DFS regulated entities.”

— New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) Superintendent Maria T. Vullo said regarding the February 15 compliance deadline under DFS’ cybersecurity regulation. Regulated entities and licensed persons were required to file a statement electronically via the DFS cybersecurity portal covering the prior calendar. New York’s first-in-the-nation cybersecurity regulation became effective March 1, 2017.

The Only Option

“If the buyout doesn’t work and more money doesn’t come from insurance, walking away from it might be our only option.”

— Jacob Lerma, whose suburban Houston home was flooded during Hurricane Harvey, faces mounting expenses and hasn’t paid his mortgage in months. His insurance payout wasn’t enough to rebuild his home, and FEMA only offered a small loan. He’s hoping for a buyout from the city of Friendswood.