Oklahoma to Hold Hearing on Earthquake Insurance Rate Increases

Concerned about a competitiveness in the state’s earthquake insurance market, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak has ordered a public hearing to investigate rising rates. The May 24 hearing will include data gathered by the Oklahoma Insurance Department as well as comments from insurers and citizens.

“This is a proactive move to protect consumers,” said Doak. “We’ve seen some rate increase filings up to 100 percent come through the office and we want to make sure we have a reasonably competitive market. There needs to be a valid financial basis for any rate increase and healthy competition that benefits consumers.”

Under state law, property and casualty rates adhere to the “use and file” system. Under the “use and file” system, insurers may implement a rate increase then notify the Oklahoma Insurance Department after the fact. However, if the line of business is not competitive the rating laws revert to a “prior approval” system. Under a “prior approval” system, rates must be filed and approved before they can be used.

Concerns About Competitiveness

The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether there is a reasonable degree of competition in the Oklahoma earthquake insurance market. Commissioner Doak has concerns about the competitiveness of earthquake insurance because:

• Recent filings have not substantiated the need for increased rates.
• The prevalence of multi-line discounts makes it difficult for a consumer to switch carriers to get a lower price or a lower deductible on earthquake insurance.
• 70 percent of earthquake insurance policies in Oklahoma are sold by just a few companies.

Public Hearing

During the hearing, Commissioner Doak will consider:

• The number of insurers actively writing coverage
• Market share information
• Economic barriers that could prevent new carriers from entering the market
• Market concentration
• Whether long-term profitability for insurers in the market is reasonable
• The relationship between insurers’ costs and revenue

The hearing is scheduled for May 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Oklahoma Insurance Department, 3625 NW 56th St., Suite 100, Oklahoma City. Any person who wishes to be heard must notify the Department in advance by emailing General Counsel Gordon Amini atGordon.Amini@oid.ok.gov no later than May 17.