NCJ Number
80542
Date Published
1981
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the status of insurance industry efforts to combat arson in the areas of legislation, criminal and civil prosecution, and public education.
Abstract
Insurance companies are grouping together to attack such legislation as the FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) plan which was established by the States to provide property insurance in urban and other areas not covered by the insurance industry. Insurers argue that the FAIR plan fails to assess actual property values and fails to require applicant background checks, among other objections. The insurance industry is also combating legislation that subjects it to criminal and civil liability. A chart lists the arson reporting immunity legislation, and a table illustrates the rapid rise of arson in the United States. The insurance industry is attempting to educate the public about arson for profit schemes through the development of numerous films and printed material. An arson information checklist and eight endnotes are included.