North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and Chief Criminal Investigator Al Koehler addressed Appalachian Risk Management & Insurance (RMI) majors along with Government and Justice Studies students and industry professionals in Raley Hall on November 17. Their talk was sponsored by the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center along with the RMI Society.

In his talk, Commissioner Goodwin covered the rate-making process. He outlined the extensive efforts that the Department of Insurance follows to assure that rates are not excessive or unfairly discriminatory, but adequate so that insurance companies are able to pay on claims. Goodwin also answered student questions related to the Department of Insurance and praised the “terrific Professors at Appalachian State” and the RMI program.

Joining Commissioner Goodwin was Chief Investigator Al Koehler. Koehler leads a team of 20 sworn Insurance fraud officers who are based across North Carolina investigating all types of fraudulent activities including false claims, jewelry fraud and annuity fraud cases. Koehler said that he feels fraud cases are increasing as a result of the economy, but noted that his office has recovered more than $10 million so far within 2011.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin speaks to RMI majors

 Chief Investigator Al Koehler speaks to RMI majors

NC Senator Dan Soucek and Patrick Molamphy of Rockingham listen to Commissioner Goodwin and Chief Investigator Koehler

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin

Chief Investigator Al Koehler