The
THE VOICE OF TEXAS INSURANCE RE C O R D
INSURANCE
Published Since 1934 • Dallas, Texas February 25, 2010 • Vol. 76 No. 4
Risky Online Behavior exposes Many to Lawsuits
WARREN, N.J.—Nearly 30% of people have cleaned up their
social networking profiles for job interviews, and the economic downturn has made them more cautious about postings
on social media sites, according to a phone survey of 1,000
Americans sponsored by the Chubb Group of Ins. Cos.
More than one in four (27%) of respondents said they have
posted a comment on a news site or blog. One third of 18-
to 34-year-olds have posted a comment on news sites or
blogs. And 37% of those respondents making $100,000 or
more have posted a comment.
The survey results show that while some people are being
cautious about putting personal information online, many
are unaware of the liability exposures associated with posting comments to blogs or other Internet sites.
Shot in the Foot
“A foolish post or a tweet could cost you a job or even trigger
a libel lawsuit,” cautions Christie Alderman, vice president
of Chubb & Son and new product and services manager
with Chubb Personal Insurance. “We all should think twice
before posting any comment online.”
The survey also asked respondents about obtaining permission to share copyrighted online materials. Sixty
percent of respondents said they rarely or never obtain
permission to cut and paste articles, other information, or
artwork from copyrighted websites before emailing them
or printing them out and distributing them to others.
One in four (25%) respondents said they always obtain
permission.
continued on page 4
“Snowdaze” Pushes D/FW
Losses to $25 Million
DALLAS/FORT WORTH—The record snowfall in the Dallas/Fort Worth area
resulted in insured losses at $25 million. The snow accumulations of up to a foot
paralyzed the area’s transportation system and caused widespread damage from
falling trees and crashing roofs.
In This Issue
IIAT, Univ. of Dallas College of
Business Start Leadership Academy 3
SELLING STRATEGIES:
Are You A Sales Visionary? 6
Companies hemorrhaging
Billions in Auto Premium
8
ICT helps heart of Texas
Auto Theft Task Force
9
An estimated 4,200 claims came from auto, residential and commercial property
owners. The average claim was approximately $6,000.
“Boomerangers” and Parents
Face New Insurance Reality
10
continued on page 3
The snow began falling early Thursday, Feb. 11, and continued to fall for most of
the day. Thousands of residents were without electricity for several days as power
Industry Stability Continues to
Benefit Consumers
12
ICT Awards Scholarships to
SMU and UhD Students
14
ACORD Announces 2010 Board
15
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Market Pricing Remains
Stuck in the Doldrums
16
Automobile Injuries,
Fatalities Fall in Texas
20
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