greetings to the world - unisonsteadfast€¦ · consolidated union is licenced in 33 us states....
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the latest edition of unison
Times, which we are pleased to produce
thanks to contributions from our many
members around the world.
As the year approaches its end, we would
like to thank you most heartily for the
good and fruitful cooperation throughout
the year.
We wish you a successful conclusion to
2013, a pleasant and peaceful Christmas
holiday and a healthy and prosperous be-
ginning of 2014. Furthermore, we look for-
ward to continuing our good work togeth-
er in the new year.
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Christmas and Christmas and
New Year's GreetingsNew Year's Greetings
New MembersNew Members
Market InformationMarket Information
Member NewsMember News
InterviewInterview
AnnouncementsAnnouncements
Conferences & EventsConferences & Events
Christmas traditionsChristmas traditions
December 2013
Greetings to the World
“Happy Christmas” is what I chose to say
But other greetings are used for the day
By one and all during the festive season
And foreign languages are the reason
There's "Frolyke Kerstfeest" or "Joyoo Noel"
" “Felleeth Navidad" even "Glaydlig Yool"
"Kalla Kristoogenna", "Boo-on Natarlee"
"Boas Festas" or "Sheng Dan Kwhy Lee"
You could say "Frerlicker Vine-akten"
Or maybe "Roshdesrom Kristovim" then
So you can say it in very many ways
But please never say “Happy Holidays”! by Paul Curtis
Now that the Holidays and a New Year are near, we can reflect on our
past experiences. We can take a deep breath and be glad that we
have overcome the difficulties. Let us all take a few hours or days to en-
joy what is really important and precious in life, family, friends and people
who are not as fortunate.
With all my heart, I wish you all these rare but important moments of calm
and content, so we will have enough strength to face the challenges in
the coming year.
With sincere gratitude for a fantastic partnership,
Your
Wolfgang Mercier
Dear members and business partners,
As we are approaching the end of 2013,
we look back at many of the unfortu-
nate issues that our members, clients
and markets have suffered.
In spite of all the hurdles we have en-
dured, we have made it through and
are more prepared for the years ahead.
New members
Vogel & am Brunnen: www.amBrunnen.de
Contact: Mr Ralph am Brunnen,
Vogel & am Brunnen is a family-run insurance business
based in Dusseldorf with a 70-year-old tradition. It is fo-
cused on insurance for architects/engineers, construction
companies, commerce/industry and institutions.
Frischleder: www.frischleder.de
Contact: Mr Bernd Frischleder,
Frischleder is based in Cologne and offers not only corpo-
rate but also private insurance on the following main are-
as : Real Estate, Construction industry, Legal professionals,
owner-operated companies of the chemistry and metal
processing industries, pension plan, private insurance for
CEOs, associates and employees.
Quantum GR: www.qgr.com.do
Contact: Mr Ramón O. Alma, [email protected]
Quantum is one of the leading insurance brokers in the Do-
minican Republic and leading isnsurance broker in the pri-
vate insurance sector. Quantum works with selected part-
ners with more than 10 years of experience in risk under-
writing.
April Entreprise: www.april.com
Contact: Mr Hadrien Duplaix, [email protected]
April Entreprise in Lyon, France, was founded in 1988. The
insurance (broking) group offers Health insurance and in-
surance cover for professionals, companies and individuals
as well as communities in the domains of personal lines
and property and casualty, travel insurance and legal pro-
tection and services. April is present in 38 countries in Eu-
rope, North and South America as well as North and East
Asia.
Regions: www.regionsinsurance.com
Contact: Mr Frank Glenn, [email protected]
Regions is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) and
has 20 offices in further 8 states.
Did you know?
Vultures help to prevent
the spread of harmful
diseases, such as anthrax
and cholera, as their
powerful stomach acid
allows them to eat and
digest infected carcass-
es.
Dome F (South Pole)
is currently the coldest
place on earth. Re-
searchers recently meas-
ured the record temper-
ature of - 91.2 °C
(-122.2 °F). It is not advis-
able to go there, as
eyes, nose and lungs
freeze within a few
minutes. It can’t be ruled
out that there are places
even colder. They just
have not been discov-
ered yet.
As times have changed
and we face very inse-
cure job market situa-
tions, there is a new ten-
dency to rather rent or
buy a flat in the city than
a detached house in the
country for a lifetime.
Even seniors prefer inde-
pendent living and are
attracted by the cultural
offer of cities. Assisted
living is becoming more
and more popular.
Its services include Commercial Insurance and Group Employee Benefits, Wellness, Safety
& Loss Control, Legal Staff, Policy Analysis and Alternative Risk Finance in the domains of
Real estate, Healthcare, Transportation, Manufacturing, Energy, Marine, Construction,
Aviation and Hospitality. Regions is the 5th largest broker in the Southeast of the USA.
EB Incorporation: www.ebkorea.net
Contact: Mr Heon Joo, [email protected]
The Seoul-based insurance broker was founded in 2006. The focus of the company is on
Health and Benefits (e.g. Employee Benefits, Pension Plan consulting, Life and Health rein-
surance) and Property and Liability (e.g. corporate and capital risks, Marine, Construction
industry, Raw materials, Property Reinsurance, Captive Management).
NASCO: www.nascoinsurancegroup.com
Contact: Mr Marc Abi Aad, [email protected]
NASCO was founded in 1969 and disposes of subsidiaries in the United Arab Emirates, Sau-
di Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, France, Cyprus and Tunesia. NASCO is ranked, among other top
positions, Top 1 of reinsurance brokers in the MENA region.
Consolidated Union: www.consolidatedunion.com
Contact: Ms Linda Herd, [email protected]
The company was founded in 1987 and has an own Employee Benefits Marketing office.
Consolidated Union is licenced in 33 US states.
Unison Insurance Broking Services: www.unisoninsurance.net
Contact: Ms Sneha Shah, [email protected]
Unison was founded in 1998 and has subsidiaries in several major citiies in India. The com-
pany offers insurance as well as reinsurance services.
Wirtschaftsassekuranzmakler (WIASS): www.wiass-vorteile.de
Contact: Mr Harald Brand, [email protected]
WIASS is headquartered in Frammersbach near Frankfurt and Wurzburg. Its focus is on in-
surance for the following industries: Forwarding agents and carriers (throughout Germa-
ny), photovoltaics (worldwide: guarantee for inverters for up to 20 years for photovolta-
ics , special concepts for operators, installers, dealers and producers of photovoltaic sys-
tems).
Capstone: www.capstoneinsurance.com
Contact: Mr William J. Boswell, [email protected]
Capstone, headquartered in Greenville, SC (USA), was founded in 1995 and services cor-
porate as well as private clients in several fields, such as for example Aviation, BI, Builders
Risk, Crime, Cyber Liability, Fiduciary Liability, Pollution Liability, (Ocean) Cargo &
Transport.
2010
March 21, 2010: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act passes through Con-
gress.
March 23, 2010: President Obama signs ACA into law setting in motion a series of health
insurance reforms that will be implemented in steps over the next four years (and be-
yond).
Changes that came as a result of the health care law in 2010 include:
-Patient Bill of Rights-which includes coverage for children with pre-existing conditions,
allows adults to stay on parent insurance plan until age 26, abolishes lifetime limits on
coverage and allows consumers to appeal health plan decisions.
-Increase in funding for Community Health Centers
-Small business health care tax credit
2011
January 1, 2011: Seniors are eligible to receive prescription drug discounts. (Seniors who
reach the coverage gap commonly referred to as the ‘donut hole’ can receive a 50
percent discount on Medicare Part D covered brand name prescription drugs). Also,
Medicare recipients can now receive free preventive care. Insurance companies are
required to spend 80-85 percent of premiums on medical care (or be forced to offer
rebates).
2012
January 1, 2012: Most health plans are required to cover additional preventive health
services for women, such as certain cancer screenings and gestational diabetes
screenings for pregnant women.
Market Information USA
The Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act - Obama Care
(Timeline)
2009
February 2009: Newly elected President
Barack Obama announces to a joint session
of Congress his intentions of working with
them to devise a health care reform plan.
March 21, 2012: A projection from the Congressional Budget Office indicates the cost
to implement the health care reform law will be approximately $1.76 trillion over the
next 10 years.
June 28, 2012: The U.S. Supreme Court declares the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act constitutional by ruling that the individual mandate to purchase insurance
amounts to a permissible tax. The court also ruled that States could not be forced to
participate in Medicaid expansion.
November 2012: Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor announces that Ohio will leave operation
of Ohio’s health care exchange to the federal government. Ohio is one of 27 states
that left the exchanges up to the federal government (16 states plus District of Colum-
bia will run their own exchanges, while 7 will partner with the federal government).
2013
July 2013: U.S. Treasury Department announces the employer mandate portion of the
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (a provision that would require employers
with at least 50 employees to provide health insurance coverage to their workers),
which was supposed to have gone into effect in 2014, has been delayed to 2015.
October 1, 2013: Open Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace: Individuals
and small businesses in all 50 states and the District of Columbia can shop for insur-
ance on the newly created health insurance exchanges. The exchanges will match
people earning up to 400 percent of the poverty level with federal tax credits to help
subsidize the cost of insurance beginning in 2014.
December 15, 2013: Deadline for health insurance exchange purchasers who wish to
have coverage beginning on January 1, 2014.
2014
January 1, 2014: Coverage available through the health exchanges takes effect.
Insurance plans can no longer refuse to cover individuals based on pre-existing condi-
tions.
Most people will be required to have health insurance. Those without insurance will
have to pay a penalty. In 2014, the penalty will be $95 per adult and $47.50 per child,
up to $285 for a family, or one percent of family income (whichever is greater). People
with very low incomes and others may be eligible for waivers from the penalty.
March 31, 2014 -- Open enrollment within the health exchanges ends, which means
you can no longer enroll unless you qualify with a life event (birth, relocation, job loss,
etc.)
[…]
For more information on health care reform, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/.
Four outside experts were asked to come to congress and answer questions and give
their professional opinion. The outcome was not good.
One major flaw is security. All the personal financial and medical information could be
hacked. One expert used an apostrophe (;) and gained access to all those individuals’
personal information that had signed up.
Currently, we are learning that a person thinks they are registered and have coverage
because the information has not been reported to the insurance companies. This will
be fully known after 1 Jan14 when individuals seek medical help are lean there is no in-
surance.
Obama care is the law and must be implemented. In 2014, when the company plans
come up for renewal and cancelled we are looking at 100 million policies and families
seeking quotes from Obama care.
2014 is an election year. The Congress will be elected on 4Nov14. We see Democrats in
the House and Senate (who voted for this bill) running away from Obama care be-
cause they see themselves loosing re-election.
Regardless of the election results, this being President Obama’s signature bill for his ad-
ministration, he will veto any changes from the House and Senate. And to change the
law it will need votes from the House of Representatives, the Senate and the President.
This is a continuing saga with no answers or solutions until after the 2014 election.
As we say: a camel is a horse designed by politicians.
Obama care Act Update
(Reference to the Obama care Act Time line)
(Girard W. Grater/unisonBrokers USA: [email protected])
The 1 Oct 13 on line registration was to be active, the on line pro-
gram did not work. Individuals were not able to log in and get
quotes.
Since October and November are the anniversary dates of Medi-
cal Insurance (needs to be decided by 13 Dec) current insurance
companies sent cancellation notices to its individual policy holders.
The program they had to offer (by this new law) they were not able
to offer.
NOTE: Over 5 million policies were cancelled. There is usually more than one person on
these policies so the total individual losing their insurance well exceeds the 5 million.
Since the Government website was not operational, these individuals are stuck with no
insurance as of the expiration date.
(Doug Adams/Adams & Son, USA: [email protected])
The U.S. market place is in a hard market! Pricing changes are +5-12% on accounts with
no losses and more if there are losses. A number of accounts are being re-underwritten
and or cancelled as the underwriters change their appetite. It is creating a lot of re-work
for the same amount of business! With the increases the insureds are asking to bid their
cover out to many different markets, the markets are poorly equipped to handle the
increased volume……most underwriters are looking at insured’s websites to determine
what operations the insured is involved in………..as most websites are marketing tools
and boast of capabilities…the underwriters are assuming the client actually does such
things without asking or confirming…….and some underwriters are cancelling when they
read the website details.
Mexico
The New Federal Labor Law
(Juan Julio Buendia/MacAfee & Edwards, Mexico: [email protected])
The New Law is a clear proof that Mexico is trying to modernize its economic systems.
However, it is apparent that changes are very substantial. To evaluate the price of a
human life has never been easy and to determine, that the value of a mortal being
changed from 730 days of minimum wage to 5,000 is perhaps a subject to ask a magi-
cian. Nevertheless, with this change and its potential implications in the different Mexi-
can States can elevate this sum dramatically; please check in this issue, our technical
article for specifics.
So far we have achieved on an exclusive basis, an excess policy, readily available
for any corporation looking for a quick solution and to top one million dollars. Ask us
about this arrangement.
In order to obtain more information on this law, please see the “Federal Labor Law”
article in uniNet (country information Mexico) or do not hesitate to contact us and
we will send you a copy.
Having said that, we as Insurance
Advisors as well as the local Insur-
ance Industry are trying to deter-
mine, which limits to use for all re-
lated liabilities, so we are pushing
up the limits in autos and trucks as
well as in CGL Business.
The US insurance market is experiencing hard times
Member News
Slovakia
Alica Krsakova of MAI Slovakia honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award
(Natalia Zaborovska/MAI CEE: [email protected])
MAI CEE Insurance Brokers is proud to announce that the Slovak Association of Insurance
Intermediaries (SASP) and the Slovak Association of Risk Management awarded Mrs Alica
Krsakova their prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to the develop-
ment of the Slovak insurance industry and specifically the intermediary sector. The award
was given at the 2013 Slovak Insurance Broker and Agent Forum (SIBAF) I n Bratislava.
The new Hungarian Civil Code (effective as of 15 March 2014) will fundamentally
change the rules applicable to the liability of executive officers. Under the new legisla-
tion, a corporate entity and its executive officer will be jointly and severally liable vis-à-
vis third parties for damages caused by the executive in their capacity as an executive
officer. Hence, if third parties suffer damage due to the decisions or actions taken by
the company director whilst managing the company’s affairs, third parties may claim
damages directly from the director, and the director may be held liable with their per-
sonal assets.
Hungary
New D & O liability for legal bodies
Alica Krsakova opened MAI Slovakia in
2001 and remained as country manager
until April 2013 when she retired and hand-
ed over her responsibilities as managing
director to Mr Pavol Lim. In addition to the
challenges of building up MAI Slovakia, Ali-
ca was the President of the Slovak Associ-
ation of Insurance Intermediaries for sever-
al years.
MAI CEE Insurance Brokers are honoured that our former country manager has been rec-
ognized for her achievements in promoting the development of insurance intermediaries
in Slovakia. We congratulate Alica and thank her for her hard work and dedication dur-
ing a long and distinguished career.
MAI CEE Insurance Brokers are the leading independent insurance brokers in Central and
Eastern Europe with operations in thirteen countries and partners in a further twelve, giv-
ing them the ability to service all commercial and personal insurance needs in all the
countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the CIS, the Caucasus region and most of Cen-
tral Asia.
(Natalia Zaborovska/MAI CEE: [email protected])
Linyi, how and why did you come to Germany?
Before coming to Germany, I graduated as a Bachelor in German philology at Si-
chuan Foreign Language University. As I wanted to continue studying in this field, I
came to Germany and completed a Masters course in “German as a Foreign Lan-
guage” in Leipzig.
How have you learned about unisonBrokers?
As I wanted to work in a company with international business activities, I browsed
through the Internet for suitable vacancies. Intercultural communication was a key as-
pect in my studies. Therefore, I also considered this as a search criterion. unisonBrokers’
job offer particularly caught my eye and I applied.
What is your job at unisonBrokers?
I am an Account Assistant and mainly responsible for the contract management
(policy summaries, visit reports, claims reports and insurance portfolio summaries), the
database management (contract listing, changes etc.) and the procurement of
country information. Furthermore, I also service some networking clients.
What are, in your opinion, the biggest differences between Germany/Europe
and China?
Especially on a business level, I noticed that everyone directly expresses their opinion
in discussions. In China, this is usually not the case.
Furthermore, there are differences in the way of thinking of Chinese and Germans. In
China, we focus on the community, “we”. In Germany, it is rather “I”.
Many Germans also attach great importance to sports in order to stay healthy and fit.
They invest very much of their time and money. In China, sports are not so popular
with the people. However, I like to do some sports in my spare time, especially danc-
ing.
unisonTimes says 谢谢 (thank you) for the interview and wishes Linyi 一切顺利 (good
luck) and all the best for 2014!
Who is Linyi Fu?
Linyi Fu is an Account Assistant at unisonBrokers. She is of
Chinese origin and lived in Chongqing, the world’s largest
city (in terms of area), in the Southeast of China. 4 years
ago, she came to Germany to continue her studies in
Leipzig before starting her work at unisonBrokers in 2011.
Interview
Announcements
Al Nabooda
(Rajagopal Sukumar/Al Nabooda:
Al Nabooda Insurance Brokers from the
United Arab Emirates moved to their new
premises in the middle of this year:
Al Nabooda Insurance Brokers L.L.C
Al Ghazal Office complex
6th Floor, Satwa
Dubai
Brownrigg
(Troy William Brownrigg/Brownrigg:
Brownrigg also moved to their new offic-
es recently. The new address is:
Troy Corporate Center
840 West Long Lake Rd.
Suite 100
Troy, MI 48098
(Fabian Ritzau/Argo: [email protected])
ArgoGlobal SE, the European affiliate of the US insurer Argo Group, is now also li-
censed in Switzerland. The new office is situated in Zurich :
ArgoGlobal SE, Sliema, Zurich branch,
Dufourstrasse 101
8008 Zurich
Switzerland,
Tel: +41 44 266 62 68
Argo Global SE: New office in Switzerland
Independence Day 2014 in Hamburg
The Independence Day 2014 will take place from 4 - 6 June
in Hamburg in the „Le Royal Méridien“ hotel.
Just like this year, on 4 June, there will be Sightseeing as
well as the Welcome Drink (optional). The actual con-
ference will start one day later, on 5 June. The themes will
be „International Claims Management“ and „Joint Work-
ing Processes with main Insurance Carriers“.
We would already like to express our thanks for the regist-
rations up to today and are looking forward to a successful
conference with many participants.
The application form as well as further information can be
downloaded from our homepage:
(www.unisonbrokers.com),
Conferences & Events
A selection of Christmas traditions from all over the world
Mexico Popular Mexican Christmas traditions are the so-
called “posadas” (parades with fireworks in
which the search for shelter of Mary and Joseph
is staged) as well as the “Pinata”. The “Pinata” is
a pot made out of paper-mâché or clay usually
filled with sweets. One has to beat it with a stick
and blindfold to make it burst but everyone has
only 3 attempts!
Australia
Due to the very different climate, many Christmas
celebrations are outdoors. You can find lots of
Christmas barbecues in parks and on the beach
but also the traditional Christmas meal with turkey,
roasted vegetables and pudding.
Greece
On 24 December, children parade through the
streets with bells and drums and are often re-
warded with some money or sweets. That is also
when the Greek people light their Christmas fires,
which will burn for 12 days to keep away bad
trolls coming from the underworld.
Netherlands In the focus of the Dutch Christmas is (the evening of)
Saint Nicholas on 5/6 December. The people call it
“Sinterklaas” and one not only worships Saint Nicholas
for bringing presents but also as the patron saint of
sailors.
Russia As the Russians use the Julian calendar,
Christmas is only celebrated on 7 Janu-
ary. However, Christmas presents, which
are brought by Grandfather Frost (Dyed
Maroz), accompanied by a snowflake
(Snegorochka, a girl) and New Year (a
boy), can already be opened in the
morning of 1 January.
Sweden In the night of the 24 December, people place a
bowl of creamed rice for the troll Tomte on their
window sill. This tradition should prevent him from
being evil and play tricks on them. The Christmas
presents are brought by the Julbock. Julbocks are
often made of straw and are seen as the incarna-
tion of Thor, god of thunder, as well as symbolize
fertility (good harvests in the following year). In
several communities, one can even find life-size
versions of the goat.
Merry Christmas &
a Happy New Year!
„Who has eaten my Christmas cookies?“
Environmental plea: Think before you print!
Disclaimer: Information appearing in unisonTimes™ is checked for technical accuracy but is not intend-
ed to provide a basis of knowledge upon which advice can be given. unisonBrokers accepts no respon-
sibility for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material
included in this newsletter.
unisonBrokers AG
Cremon 32
20457 Hamburg
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0)40 80 90 729 0
Telefax: +49 (0)40 80 90 729 99
Website: www.unisonbrokers.com
Disclaimer: Information appearing in unisonTimes™ is checked for technical accuracy but is
not intended to provide a basis of knowledge upon which advice can be given. unisonBro-
kers accepts no responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from
action as a result of the material included in this newsletter
Editorial Team
Melinda Keller, Gunda Wrede, Florian Gude
Any news, ideas, suggestions, etc. will be welcome so please send your
thoughts to: