News
California Supreme Court Holds that Only the Class Representative Needs to Meet the Standing Requirements of Proposition 64 to Pursue a Representative Action
Following the passage of Proposition 64 on November 2, 2004, in order to bring a representative claim under the unfair competition law (“UCL”), a plaintiff must meet the following standing…
Dispute Between Securities’ Brokers Not Subject to FINRA Arbitration
Several insurers who act as broker-dealers in connection with the sale of “securities” find themselves litigating in Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) (formerly NASD) arbitrations when disputes arise. Sometimes, they prefer…
California Insurance Commissioner Unveils Proposed Rescission Regulations
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner unveiled his proposed regulations to, according to an LA Times article dated June 3, 2009, “combat the health insurance industry practice of dropping members with costly illnesses.” According…
California Supreme Court Restricts the Use of Business & Professions Code Section 17200
In a pair of cases, the California Supreme Court restricted the use of California Business & Professions Code Section 17200 et seq. One case affirmed what many expected, that…
Court of Appeal Complicates the Analysis of Mental and Nervous Disability Claims
Bosetti v. The United States Life Ins. Co., 175 Cal. App. 4th 1208 (2009) is an important California Court of Appeal decision that addressed whether a two-year benefits limitation on…
Duty to Defend Triggered by the Peculiar Risk Doctrine
In Amer. States Ins. v. Progressive Casualty Ins., 180 Cal. App. 4th 18 (2009), the California Court of Appeal addressed the “peculiar risk” doctrine in the context of an insurer’s…
President Proposes National Insurance Office
The Obama Administration is proposing the formation of a new office within the Treasury Department that would oversee the insurance industry. This announcement comes in the wake of statements from…