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Although each state appoints its own Insurance Commissioner with jurisdiction limited to that state, the Commissioners have long recognized the need to coordinate their activities. It would be significantly unfair if there were major differences in the scope and cost of insurance between states. Just imagine a state line passing down the middle of an exurb. On one side, insurance companies offer generous coverage, superior service and all at modest rates. On the other, the insurance companies have a reputation for limited coverage, hostility when it comes to handling claims and high premium rates. Since the law prohibits people from buying insurance cover across state lines, the accident of where customers live would doom them to a good or bad insurance experience. Hence, there's a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) where all the Commissioners meet to exchange ideas and, where possible, agree consistent policies. This effort is supported by the Center for Insurance Policy Research and a number of joint working groups on the different types of insurance.

Not surprisingly, the NAIC and its various working groups are viewed with some degree of hostility by the insurance industry. The insurers prefer to be able to pick off the Commissioners state by state behind closed doors. Once the Commissioners begin to exchange information, it limits the power of the insurers to lobby. This has prompted a number of attacks on the Association. Most recently, the Republican party challenged the NAIC to explain its status under the Dodd-Frank Act as reformed. In particular, it was asked whether it accepted the rule that all its meetings should be open-door. This is very important to the lobbyists. If those representing consumers are allowed to make presentations without the insurers being allowed to rebut what might be damaging, the Commissioners might decide to move into a more proactive role to police insurers for the benefit of consumers.
As an example, let's look at a recent report issued by the Consumer Affair Committee. It adopted work done by the Consumer Federation of America alleging low-income drivers were being hit by higher premium rates for coverage less generous than offered to more affluent drivers. The supposed reasons for this discrimination were the risk factors used by most insurers, namely: ZIP code, jobs, educational attainments and credit rating. This is not the first time it's been alleged the low- and medium-income drivers are disadvantaged. We all know the ZIP-code lottery on premium rates and the suggestion this produces a result that not only discriminates on the basis of income, but also on the basis of race given that many areas with the worst ratings are predominantly Latino or African American.

When it comes to car insurance rates, there's no doubt there's a case to be answered by the insurance industry. The question for the NAIC was whether the industry was prevented from making its case at this particular meeting. The question of credit-rating is hot right now with the issue getting on to the 2012 electoral ballot in Massachusetts. Consumer groups are more actively pushing policies to force the insurers to focus on the individual driver's safety record. It's going to be interesting to see how industry representatives defend the current car insurance rates at the next public meeting of the NAIC.

One of the new "games" to play in reputation management is to suggest your business is in some way friendly to the environment. An increasing percentage of the population believes you run a better business if it is more sustainable and "green". In this, there's actually an ironic benefit. Insurance companies also believe you should run your business in ways that reduce risk. This means keeping all your policies, processes and procedures under review to ensure they are safe. If you find ways to reduce the risk of claims, the insurer will respond with discounts. So, for example, your business may benefit if both the public access and the employee-only parts of your premises are redesigned in a more environmentally friendly way. If you use paint that does not fume and has reduced levels of toxicity, this reduces any risk of allergic reactions and illnesses.
Using natural light wherever possible, fitting LED lights and generally using power-efficient equipment reduces heat and the risk of fire. It also makes the premises more comfortable and popular with customers. Ask your insurer whether there are incentives to upgrade the building by fitting energy-efficient systems. If you comply with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, the Insurance Information Institute reports that, as from 2010, there are more than twenty insurers offering up to 10% discount on premium rates. One of the factors you might want to consider is the use of solar or wind power. Ignoring the capital cost to produce enough electricity to allow you to "go off the grid", one of the main worries is the risk of outages. Some insurers are now offering specialized business interruption coverage to boost confidence.
When it comes to the vehicles used in the business, some of the commercial auto insurers offer discounts if you buy or lease hybrids. Even though you may not be impressed by the claimed threats of global warming or climate change, the insurance industry is firmly on the side of reducing emissions. The better the fuel-economy of your fleet, the lower the premium rates are likely to be. Similarly, the idea of pay-as-you-go will both save you money on the premium rates if you reduce milage to the absolute minimum and persuade your employees to drive more safely. The more safely and efficiently you run the fleet, the lower the premium payments. It also makes an excellent add-on to your marketing to show how much you care about the environment and that you are committed to reducing America's dependence on imported oil. If you build environmental factors into your current risk management system, there's a real chance of improving your bottom line, negotiating discounts on your business insurance rates, and giving yourself some marketing copy that will enhance your reputation with green customers. In this instance, there's no reason why your skepticism about climate issues and other environmental factors should stand in the way of improved profits. Talk this through your your business insurance advisor to find out what your state's insurance industry has on offer if you do decide to become more eco-friendly.