FARMERS TO EXIT MED-MAL

The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies’ Truck Insurance Exchange® unit announced plans to discontinue its medical malpractice insurance line of business. Effective immediately, Farmers will no longer write new medical malpractice coverage and will begin the process to non-renew existing business beginning Jan. 1, 2004. The company told the Missouri Department of Insurance that it is withdrawing from medical malpractice coverage in all 18 states where the firm operates, including Texas. The decision is reportedly in keeping with Farmers’ strategic decision to focus on its core business lines.