It Figures

19.1%

State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. is seeking a statewide average 19.1 percent homeowners rate hike in Louisiana. Coastal residents would bear the brunt of the increase, which would average about $229 per policyholder, according to the Associated Press. State Farm received an average 8.3 percent increase last year in Louisiana after asking for 13.7 percent. Policyholders in Lake Charles and Lafayette would see average increases of 35.2 percent if the request is approved by regulators. The average increase in New Orleans would be 30.4 percent. By contrast Shreveport would experience a 5 percent decrease. AP

5.3%

The Texas Department of Insurance, the Office of Public Insurance Counsel and Farmers Insurance Company reached a settlement in a dispute over a 9.8 homeowners insurance rate increase filed by Farmers in June 2009. Farmers has agreed to reduce the overall increase on its Texas Family Home Policy by 5.3 percent. It would not be retroactive and no refunds would be involved. The change is expected to become effective on March 16.

10%
For the third year in a row, Louisiana Medical Mutual Insurance Company will be returning a dividend to all LAMMICO policyholders in Louisiana and Arkansas. Nearly 6,000 policyholders will receive a 10 percent dividend. The total dividend declared is approximately $5.1 million.

4%
Baton Rouge, La.-based LUBA Workers’ Comp policyholders’ claims fell more than 4 percent in 2009 compared with 2008. The top categories of accidents — slips, trips and falls — dropped 6.4 percent from 2008. Motor-vehicle accidents rose by 21.8 percent but the company said when the total number of injury claims is considered, the number of auto accidents was within the typical range.