For more information, contact: Robert Luck, Consumer Attorney,
Phone: (608) 266-0082,
E-mail: robert.luck@oci.state.wi.us

Madison, WI - Commissioner of Insurance Connie L. O'Connell reports that OCI has taken the following administrative actions. In many of these cases the respondent denied the allegations but consented to the action taken.

OCI is responsible for overseeing the operations and marketing of insurance companies and agents in Wisconsin. OCI encourages anyone with a question or a complaint regarding an insurance company or agent to contact the office at this toll-free telephone number: 1-800-236-8517.

Jimmy L. Covington, 6810 N. Barien St. Apt. 4, Milwaukee, WI 53209, has had his application for an insurance license denied. This action was based on allegations of a criminal conviction substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct.

Vernon F. Hickman, 10315 Within Heights Dr., Bakersville, CA 93311, has had his application for an insurance license denied for 31 days. This action was based on allegations of failing to disclose 1995 state of Illinois administrative action for failing to pay taxes.

Amy S. Imhoff, 130 Kent St., Wausau, WI 54403, has had her application for an insurance license denied. This action was based on allegations of a criminal conviction substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct and nonresponse to OCI request for information.

Jeffrey P. Murphy, 6320 Monona Dr. # 206A, Madison, WI 53716, has had his insurance license revoked. This action was based on allegations of theft from customers and utilizing premiums for own use.

Latosha C. Skinner, 7847 S. Yale Ave. # D, Tulsa, OK 74136, has had her application for an insurance license denied. This action was based on allegations of a criminal conviction substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct.

Gerald E. Sonneson, N2873 County B, Kewaunee, WI 54216, has had his license suspended for 180 days. This action was based on allegations of failing to report two Wisconsin DFI administrative orders to OCI, selling unregistered securities of Capital Acquisitions, Inc. (promissory notes), PCO, Inc. (viatical settlements), LASCO (promissory notes), and Inrock (promissory notes), and assisting an unauthorized insurer, New England International Surety, totaling $700,000. All investments failed or were frauds. Sonneson invested and lost his own money in LASCO with his compensation being sales commissions. He was also sued by some customers.

Robert J. Stellflue, 6054 Blaska Dr., Sun Prairie, WI 53590, paid a forfeiture of $250.00 and has had his license suspended for 14 days. This action was based on allegations of failing to accurately and fully respond to inquiries from OCI.

Terry E. Wiseman, 637 10th Ct., Onalaska, WI 54650, has had his insurance license revoked. This action was based on allegations of failing to pay Wisconsin delinquent taxes due.

General Insurance Company of America, P.O. Box 34920, Seattle, WA 98124, paid a forfeiture of $500.00 and was ordered to cease and desist from utilizing the services of an intermediary agent who is not properly listed. This action was based on allegations of allowing an agent to submit applications prior to appointing the agent.

Globe American Casualty Company, 350 E. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46206, was ordered to cease and desist from returning a premium that is less than the pro rata unearned premium without providing proper notice to policyholders. This action was based on allegations of issuing an improper refund for an insurance policy.

Kenosha County Mutual Insurance Company, P.O. Box 115, Bristol, WI 53104, paid a forfeiture of $500.00 and was ordered to cease and desist from nonrenewing policies unless a proper nonrenewal notice is sent at least 60 days prior to the expiration date. This action was based on allegations of issuing an improper nonrenewal of an insurance policy.

Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company, 4343 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018, paid a forfeiture of $500.00 and was ordered to cease and desist from utilizing the services of an intermediary agent who is not properly listed. This action was based on allegations of allowing an agent to submit applications prior to appointing the agent.

Old Republic Insurance Company, P.O. Box 789, Greensboro, PA 15601, paid a forfeiture of $1,000.00 and was ordered to provide the information requested and promptly reply to all inquiries from the commissioner. This action was based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI.

Progressive Casualty Insurance Company, 6300 Wilson Mills Rd. W33, Mayfield Village, OH 44143, paid a forfeiture of $500.00 and was ordered to provide the requested information. This action was based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI.

Royal Indemnity Insurance Company, P.O. Box 1000, Charlotte, NC 28201, paid a forfeiture of $5,000.00 and was ordered to continue the policy issued to Gorman & Company, Inc. because of an improper cancellation notice and to provide the information requested. This action was based on allegations of issuing improper midterm cancellations of an insurance policy and failing to promptly respond to request for information.

Shell Motorist Club, Inc., P.O. Box 8610, Elmhurst, IL 60126, paid a forfeiture of $500.00 and was ordered to provide the information requested and respond promptly to all future inquiries. This action was based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI.

Tridell Financial, Inc., 400 N. Central Ave., Ste. # 104, Phoenix, AZ 85004, was ordered to cease and desist from advertising, doing, or purporting to do, an insurance business in Wisconsin unless it obtains a certificate of authority. This action was based on allegations of doing an insurance business without proper authority.

United Wisconsin Insurance Company, P.O. Box 2013, Milwaukee, WI 53201, paid a forfeiture of $500.00 and was ordered to cease and desist from canceling workers compensation policies midterm unless the reason for cancellation falls within one of the acceptable grounds set forth in Ins 21, Wis. Adm. Code, and is accurately stated in the notice. This action was based on allegations of issuing an improper midterm cancellation of a workers compensation insurance policy.

WEA Insurance Corporation, P.O. Box 7338, Madison, WI 53707, was ordered to cease and desist from changing an insured's rating basis from pool to individual as a direct consequence of the request of the insured to obtain claims data. This action was based on allegations of violating group health insurance laws.

Copies of Administrative Actions