Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-01-22
MISSIONER ENGLISH FORE.
Is DANGER IN MODIFICATION
OF PRESENT STATUTES.
kRELY ENDORSES
LAW IN REPORT
Return to Old System Would Dc.
be Property Owners Protection
by Now Enjoy - Blanchard Law
i In Force English Favors
'endrsnt Favorins MutuaIs.
to Tdmes.Republican.

al 10 IumeSsttePupllCau.
Moines, Jan. Pa repeal of
law at this time or modification OF
power now exercised by the state
he control Of rates would be most
brtunate and deprive property own
| the protection they now enjoy from
Sessive or disc iminatory rates.
nus does Sta ) Insurance Commits
her English eclare himself with
krence to thet fire insurance rating
which promises to play leading
in the legislation enacted by the
ty-seventh general assembly. In
annual report dled with Governor
Ming today the head Of the state in
ilce department devotes consider
space to a discussion Of the oper-
of the rating law and in the face
uch adverse criticism Of the law
fely endorses it.
insurance commissioner recon-
that inspectors be provided to
under the state department and
inspections Of risks where the
simposed are complained Of or ap-
10 be too high.
commissioner further recon-
that the present legislature
the law which restricts the or
Ltion OF mutual fire insurance
s.nies whereby Iowa organiza-
las well as foreign may operate
such wise and beneficial provi-
sof law as will insure safe and
It institutions" AS the law now
mutual company can be organ
pr the purpose Of transacting the
Bss Of fire or live stock insurance.
restriction was passed by, the
fifth general assembly because
unsatisfactory conditions re-
from the operations Of some OF
Pmpanies so organized.
Determination Barred. o., b.
discussing the fire rating law
issioner English declares under
Grafton it is entirely optional
rates a fire insurance company
.dopt but it is required that all
tiles of the same class be given
upon the same basis by the same
ny, thus making sure that all
rty owners with the same char
of risk will be treated alike.
anies may vary from bureau
by fling notice Of the percentage
luction with the insurance depart
as many have done, but all va
Ibns must be applicable to a class
(sks and not to an individual risk"
Commissioner English declares that
of the great sources OF misunder-
hiding as to the application Of the
Ing law is based upon. the erroneous
preston prevalent that the Blan-
|rd law. which prohibits insurance
tipanies from making any agreement
ether as to rates. has been repeal
This is not true" declares the
THAT statute is still
,rative and has been sustained by
federal court.
In the equalization process which
taken place during the short time
law has been effective. some rates
re been increased and others lower
/ says the commissioner, "but the
|eral trend Of rates as whole has
IN Slightly downward. AS stated in
vious reports the average rate paid
Iowa property owners per $1,000 OF
urance in force, has been less since
law has been operative than that of
7 previous year in. the history Of the
tie. Furthermore, rates filed by rat
bureaus and operative in Iowa are
yer than those of any other state in
ich this department has informa-
H."
n his further discussion Of the law
English declares: 1.-THE
oartment of insurance will put forth
Try effort to acceptably serve the in
ests Of the people Of Iowa under any
visions Of law which the legislature
its wisdom may see fit to enact. but
to report at this time that
, operation Of the rating law has so
fully justified the confidence Of the
Of insurance in its fair
IS, utility and value to the property
ners of the state. With all the va