$3,452.50 a Month in Passive "AI Equity Checks" Ends March 25

If you didn't know...AI companies stole your data to train their models. AI firms are now legally obligated to pay a handsome monthly fee to a few special companies, who then distribute these checks to everyday Americans like you. And all you have to do to join them is to make an investment as low as $10.

Georgia Republicans push to limit lawsuits. But would that keep insurance rates from rising?

CHARLOTTE KRAMON
January 30, 2025

ATLANTA (AP) -- The pitch from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is simple: Putting limits on lawsuits will halt rising insurance costs.

The reality, though, is more complicated.

Changes could reduce liability insurance costs for businesses and commercial property owners. The evidence is mixed on whether it would drive large premium reductions for car and other types of insurance. And some researchers say efforts limiting lawsuits, often called tort reform, fattens insurers' profits more than it cuts the price of policies.

"The net impact is that it really improves insurer profitability," said Tyler Leverty, a business professor who studies risk and insurance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

When Kemp unveils his proposals Thursday, the Republican governor is likely to keep leaning on his argument that everyone's insurance rates are increasing because unfair lawsuits are on the rise and juries are awarding excessive damages.

The issue is Kemp's top priority this year after promising the Georgia Chamber of Commerce he would take action and instead pushed a law to have Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King gather data in 2024.

King said that lawsuits are driving insurance companies to reduce coverage for retail businesses, apartment owners, drivers and others. He said business owners in areas that insurers label as high crime are among those struggling the most. Companies that offer low-income housing have also complained.

"Go down to southeast Atlanta and talk to the small convenience owners having to close because they can't find insurance," King said.

Are unfair lawsuits and big jury awards real problems?

Some say there's no evidence that a nationwide litigation crisis is driving high insurance rates.

"I went in search of the data, and I have not found it," said Kenneth Klein, a law professor at California Western School of Law. "It's not to say it isn't happening. It's to say we cannot document it."

But Mike Iverson of Oakbridge Insurance and former president of the Independent Insurance Agents Association said insurance companies like predictability when determining rates and how to spread out losses.

In a well-known case, a jury awarded a man almost $43 million after a shooting in a CVS parking lot in Atlanta, arguing the company should have strengthened security. In another case, a Jonesboro mobile home park was ordered to pay $31 million to the daughter of a man who was shot and killed there.

Opponents note that few verdicts are that large and insurance companies are still profitable. They want lawmakers to demand more transparency on how they set rates.

"Whenever they want an excuse to raise rates or limit coverage they will always point to a verdict here and there and make all kinds of claims about how it's affecting their bottom line," said Joanne Doroshow, executive director of the Center for Justice & Democracy at New York Law School.

Studying how tort reform impacts premiums in other states is difficult because other factors are in play and there are different combinations of reform. Some saw benefits, but the research varies.

What drives rates?

Other factors that influence insurance rates include inflation, extreme weather, and the costs of labor and materials. It is normal for insurance markets to cycle through tough years where less coverage is offered as rates rise.

In many lines of coverage, including those not heavily impacted by lawsuits, insurers in 2022 were less profitable in Georgia than in several other states, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. A spokesperson said over a longer period, though, nothing is abnormal about Georgia's fluctuations.

King's report, using mostly auto insurance data, says the number of claims and the size of resulting payments have risen over the years, especially those involving lawsuits. Some numbers dropped in 2022 and 2023, but he said that was because the data is incomplete.

King also found that a greater percentage of legal claims are resulting in payments that hit the maximum dollar amount a policy covers.

The Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, which lobbies against tort reform, disputes King's conclusions.

Risk consultant David Stegall said the number of claims is in line with Georgia's high number of car accidents. Both claims and payouts have mostly been stable or falling, especially when adjusted for population growth and inflation, he said.

He also found that while Georgia residents pay between 11% and 68% more for car insurance than residents of other states, they are more than 200% more likely to be in an accident.

Adam Willis, president of trucking firm F&W Transportation, said his company's premiums have doubled over the last 10 years while fewer insurers offer full coverage. His company also has been sued more often, he said.

Defenders of the current system say the trade-offs of lawsuit limits are a bad deal.

"The governor says that limiting your right as a consumer will lower your insurance costs, but that is not only a bad idea for everyday citizens, it's just not correct," said state Rep. Tanya Miller, an Atlanta Democrat.

___

Kramon is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Kramon on X: @charlottekramon.

Continue Reading...

Popular

EEOC seeks to drop a gender discrimination case, signaling a big shift in civil rights enforcement

The federal agency that enforces workplace anti-discrimination laws has moved to dismiss its own lawsuit on behalf of a worker allegedly fired for his sexual orientation and gender identity, arguing that the case now conflicts with , according to court documents.

NAACP lists companies that dump DEI in its tactical spending guide for Black Americans

WASHINGTON (AP) — The NAACP wants Black Americans to steer their buying power toward companies that haven’t pulled back from programs under conservative pressure, and the nation’s oldest civil rights organization is listing have stood by — or reversed — past commitments to DEI.

22X Better Than Bitcoin... Without Crypto - Ad

For every $1,000 made in Bitcoin... you could have made as much as $22,000 with this strategy. legendary former hedge fund manager Larry Benedict calls it "Bitcoin Skimming." And get this... it's CRUSHING Bitcoin's returns. If you want to get in on the ground floor then watch this free interview NOW.

Berkshire Hathaway Adjusts Portfolio, Keeps Apple Stake Unchanged, Offloads Stakes in BofA

Berkshire Hathaway made significant adjustments to its portfolio in Q4 2024, reducing its investment in a number of stocks. However, its stake in Apple remains unchanged.

Trump orders US to ditch the penny. What's its connection to NASCAR's most impactful Daytona 500?

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla (AP) — Cease production of the penny, let collector’s gobble up what's left of the 1 cent coin, and there will still be one eternally glued to Dale Earnhardt’s old Chevrolet, the luckiest piece of loose change in NASCAR history.

What Bill O'Reilly Said Floored Me - Ad

Bill O'Reilly has trusted one expert for investment advice for over 20 years... Alexander Green. Now, Alex is revealing Trump's impact on YOUR Money, like how AI technology could amplify Trump's policies and details on 3 stocks that could rise 20-fold by 2029.

Michigan judge sentences Walmart shoplifters to wash cars in the parking lot

A Michigan judge is putting sponges in the hands of shoplifters, ordering them to wash cars in a Walmart parking lot when spring arrives.

What's Going On With Lucid Stock Today?

Lucid Group reports the launch of its Lucid Gravity Grand Touring in Canada, showcasing impressive specs and charging capabilities.

Legendary Tech Investor: "Forget Nvidia, Buy This Instead" - Ad

In February 2016, Jeff Brown picked Nvidia as one of his favorite stocks. Since then, shares have jumped enough to turn $1,000 into more than $230,000. If you missed out on those massive gains...

Trump and Crypto Industry Team Up To Fight Biden's 'Debanking' War on Digital Asset Firms

Trump and the crypto industry are uniting to challenge Biden's alleged 'debanking' campaign, which they claim targets digital asset firms.

AP reporter and photographer barred from Air Force One over 'Gulf of Mexico' terminology dispute

The White House barred a credentialed Associated Press reporter and photographer from boarding the presidential airplane Friday for a weekend trip with Donald Trump, saying the news agency’s stance on how to refer to the Gulf of Mexico was to blame for the exclusion. It represented a significant escalation by the White House in a four-day dispute with the AP over access to the presidency.

Elon's Social Security Shock? - Ad

New research reveals what Elon Musk could be planning in Washington D.C. and how it may impact your money. In short, Elon has much bigger plans than simply "draining the swamp." His next big project could bring about nothing short of a revolution in our economy... It could change the way you file and pay your taxes... collect Social Security... and how you travel. To do it, Elon will likely use the same strategy he's applied in every other business.

Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Adjusts Portfolio, Trims Chipotle and Boosts Nike

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has ramped up his stake in Nike by 15%, while simultaneously cutting back his investment in Chipotle Mexican Grill  by 14%.

What to stream: '1923' returns, Tate McRae, 'Reacher,' Baldwins' reality show and a 'Suits' spin-off

A modern reimagining of the graphic novel “The Crow” starring Bill Skarsgård plus Canadian pop musician Tate McRae offering her third album are some of the new television, films, music and games near you.

Legendary Wall Street Stock Picker Names No.1 AI Stock of 2025 - Ad

Marc Chaikin's system has detected another bewildering trend in the U.S. stock market. And he says this stock could shoot sky-high in the new year as a direct result. To hear it for yourself, click here. You'll get this stock's name and ticker symbol, absolutely free.

Honda Shares Are Up Today: What's Going On?

Honda Motor Company Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) shares are moving higher Friday following the company's release of its fiscal third-quarter financial results and the announcement that it terminated merger discussions with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Daughters of Target's late cofounder raise concern over company's pullback on DEI efforts

NEW YORK (AP) — The daughters of one of the cofounders of Target are expressing their alarm and shock at the discounter's recent moves to roll back its initiatives that have come under attack from conservative activists and of last month, .

More AI Patents Than Nvidia, OpenAI and Tesla Combined? - Ad

Most people have no idea this company exists. That's because it's on the inside of your smartphone, your computer, and everything else... 99% of Americans don't even know its name. Billionaires have been buying this $50 AI stock hand over fist...

What to know about Trump's buyout proposal for federal employees

President Donald Trump's administration is offering to federal employees to quickly reduce the government workforce. They don't have a long time to decide: The deadline is Feb. 6.

Top 3 Utilities Stocks That May Rocket Higher This Month

The most oversold stocks in the utilities sector presents an opportunity to buy into undervalued companies.

Warren Buffett's Investing Partner's Shocking Final Move - Ad

Before he passed away, Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's investing partner of 60 years, was rumored to have quietly made one final investment... Up until now, it has remained hidden from the public. It's potentially the smartest, most profitable, and most under-valued AI investment you can make today.

A food bank netted a huge haul of 13,000 fresh salmon. The catch? The fish were still alive

AUBURN, N.Y. (AP) — A New York food bank was offered a huge donation of fresh fish this month — but it came with a catch.

This Is the "New" Gold -- "MIT Miracle Metal" - Ad

MIT scientists just developed a brand-new metal... A metal that's shaping up to be, not only the biggest breakthrough in artificial intelligence... but in human technology. It's so valuable that some are referring to it as the "new gold".

DeepSeek News Plunges IT Hardware Stocks, But Analyst Sees 5 Bright Spots Among Tech Giants

IT hardware stocks dip after DeepSeek news, but analyst sees growth potential in Corning, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Western Digital, Seagate Technology and Apple due to specific catalysts.

Trump's Commerce Secretary nominee, Howard Lutnick, vows to sell his business interests in 90 days

WASHINGTON (AP) — Billionaire financier Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump's choice to lead the Commerce Department, said Wednesday that he would sell all of his business holdings within 90 days.

Elon Musk's Final Move - Ad

Elon Musk is DONE. He's finished. Because his latest project may be the last one he'll ever take on. I'm talking about his new, secretive AI startup. Elon's AI promises to be 100 times better than ChatGPT. That's why you need to get all the urgent details on what I call "Elon's #1 AI stock."

Trump creates council for 'energy dominance,' boosts natural gas exports and offshore drilling

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order formally creating a and directed it to move quickly to drive up already record-setting domestic oil and gas production.

Apple Surprises Users With Starlink Beta, Teams Up With Elon Musk's SpaceX And T-Mobile To Bring Satellite Texting For iPhone Users In iOS 18.3

Apple has partnered with SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring Starlink satellite texting to iPhones, with a limited beta test rolling out via iOS 18.3, marking a major step toward expanding connectivity in remote areas.

Three Companies Could Benefit Greatly From AI's Next Boom This Year - Ad

My 2025 AI Blueprint features three of what I call Nvidia's "Silent Partners." Some of the world's hottest companies are working with AI's undisputed leader, Nvidia. And I've identified three of them that appear to be well-positioned for the next AI boom in 2025. Everything you need to know about them in my 2025 AI Blueprint.

IRS will lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season

WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS will lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season, according to two sources familiar with the agency's plans, and cuts could happen as soon as next week.

Microsoft reports 10% quarterly profit growth as it works to show AI investments paying off

REDMOND, Wash. (AP) — Microsoft Corp. said Wednesday that its profit for the October-December quarter grew 10% from the same time last year as it works to capitalize on the huge amounts of money it has spent to advance its artificial intelligence technology.

"Boring Trade" Generates $185 Every Day. Like Clockwork. - Ad

Forget cryptos, pot stocks, and other "shiny object" investments. Instead, you could collect an average of $185 every day of the year with this "boring" trade strategy Forbes magazine says is "like finding money in the street."

The NBA's tech summit turns 25 this year, and its return to the Bay Area is a full-circle moment

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had no idea 25 years ago that the Tech Summit would turn into much of anything, much less one of the hottest tickets at All-Star weekend.

UK Treasury chief backs third runway at London's Heathrow Airport

LONDON (AP) — The U.K. government is backing the construction of a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport, Treasury chief Rachel Reeves said Wednesday.

Is This Defi Coin Your Next "10-Bagger" Investment? - Ad

Our #1 pick in decentralized finance is largely overlooked by mainstream investors (for now). This governance token could skyrocket as DeFi adoption surges with the smart money and institutions.

Stryker's Strategic Moves Impress Analysts, Spine Implant Sale and NARI Deal Set to Drive Future Growth

Wall Street analysts upgraded Stryker Corp (NYSE: SYK) after its Q4 report beat expectations, with strong sales and earnings growth projected for 2025.

Elon Musk Is 'Kind Of Glad' Many Didn't Pick Up A Tesla FSD Subscription: Here's Why

Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk said on Wednesday that the company will likely have to update hardware for customers whose vehicles are equipped with an older version of the AI hardware called Hardware 3, for it to achieve fully unsupervised autonomous driving with full self-driving (FSD) driver assistance software.

5-Second Trump Clip will Give You Chills - Ad

If you have any money in the markets, take a moment to see this presentation with a 5-second clip of a shocking prediction President Trump made during his victory speech... Because according to legendary investor Louis Navellier, who correctly predicted Trump's win... This prediction is about to become a reality.

Chubb CEO Expects $1.5 Billion Loss From LA Wildfires: 'California Is A Difficult Market For Insurance Companies'

Chubb held its fourth-quarter earnings call on Wednesday and addressed the future financial impacts resulting from the recent California wildfires. 

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright technicaltrading.org
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service