Housing Section Documents
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF WISCONSIN
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Plaintiff,
v.
AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL
INSURANCE COMPANY,
Defendant.
_______________________________
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR
THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED
PEOPLE, [NAACP], et al.,
Plaintiffs,
v.
AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL
INSURANCE COMPANY,
Defendant.
_______________________________
CONSENT DECREE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY
- AMERICAN FAMILY'S HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE INITIATIVES
- Injunctive Relief
- Statement of Nondiscrimination
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Sales agents
- Policy offerings
- Activities within the predominantly African American community
- Training
- Marketing to persons insured through the Wisconsin Insurance Plan.
- Underwriting
- INCREASED POLICY EFFORTS AND ADJUSTMENTS
- Increased policy efforts
- Adjustments to remedial plan
- RACIALLY NON-DISCRIMINATORY STANDARDS
- TESTING
- CREATION OF CLASS COMMITTEE
- MONETARY RELIEF
- Community-based relief
- Interest rate subsidies
- Financing cost assistance
- Homeownership counseling
- Emergency home repair program
- Administration and reporting requirements
- Individual compensation
- Named plaintiffs
- Persons denied insurance
- Persons receiving repair cost policies
- Persons deterred from seeking insurance
- Claims processing
- Claims administrator
- Processing claims
- Administration and operation of the claim fund
- RECORD-KEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
- GENERAL ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS
- CLAIMS OF THE UNITED STATES
- RELEASE OF CLAIMS BY PRIVATE PLAINTIFFS AND PLAINTIFF CLASS
- RETENTION OF JURISDICTION
ATTACHMENT A: Record-keeping and reporting requirements
ATTACHMENT B: Area of increased policy efforts
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF WISCONSIN
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Plaintiff,
v.
AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL
INSURANCE COMPANY,
Defendant.
_______________________________
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR
THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED
PEOPLE, [NAACP], et al.,
Plaintiffs,
v.
AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL
INSURANCE COMPANY,
Defendant.
_______________________________
CONSENT DECREE
- INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY
The United States, together with the National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People, [NAACP] and African
American homeowners in Milwaukee (collectively
"the private plaintiffs"), have alleged that American Family Mutual Insurance
Company [American Family] has violated the Fair Housing Act
(Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988), 42 U.S.C. 3601, et seq,., by
failing to offer homeowners insurance in the predominantly
African American community in the City of Milwaukee1 to the
same extent and on the same terms that it has offered homeowners
insurance in the majority white areas of the city and its
surrounding suburbs. In addition, the private plaintiffs have
asserted violations of the Civil Rights Acts of 1870 and 1866, 42
U.S.C. 1981 and 1982, and the Wisconsin Open Housing Law, Wis.
Stats. §101.22. In 1992, the United States Court of Appeals for
the Seventh Circuit ruled that the claims asserted in this case
are covered by the Fair Housing Act, and in the same year, this
Court certified the private plaintiffs' case as a class action.
The parties agree that this Court has jurisdiction to consider
and resolve these claims pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 3614(a) and 28
U.S.C. 1331 and 1343, and has supplemental jurisdiction of the
claims based on Wis. Stat. §101.22.
There has been no factual finding or adjudication with
respect to any matter alleged in or arising out of either
complaint. By agreeing to this consent decree, American Family
neither admits nor denies the claims of the United States or the
private plaintiffs. Nevertheless, the parties to these actions,
having consulted with counsel, freely and voluntarily enter into
this consent decree to resolve the claims raised in this
litigation. All parties agree that the terms of this consent
decree, which include provisions for flexibility and appropriate
adjustments, provide the best overall means of resolving this
case. The parties further agree that such terms are consistent
with American Family's own plans and efforts to expand its
business in the predominantly African American community.
American Family recognizes that it can and will expand its
business in the predominantly African American community, and
that the terms of the consent decree provide a reasonable means
of doing so and for resolving the claims presented in these
cases. This consent decree is the product of negotiations among
the parties designed to achieve several remedial objectives
shared by the parties, including: (1) compensating for past
disparities in the availability of American Family insurance in
the predominantly African American community in Milwaukee; (2)
enhancing the availability of American Family homeowners
insurance in that area in the years to come; (3) offering such
insurance to qualified applicants in all segments of the
Milwaukee metropolitan area; and (4) investing in the future of
that community through these steps.
The parties have agreed to work cooperatively to resolve
issues that might arise as implementation proceeds, and to
petition this Court for relief only if the issues cannot be
resolved through good-faith negotiations. The decree is
organized as follows: Part II sets forth American Family's
homeowners insurance initiatives, which include the specific
steps the company is taking and will take in connection with its
homeowners insurance business to meet the objectives of this
decree. Part III sets forth the procedures to be used to measure
American Family's progress and to make appropriate adjustments
under this decree. Part IV provides a means for insuring that
American Family's standards, practices, or procedures taken as
part of this decree do not create unnecessary barriers to
insureds in the predominantly African American community. Part V
describes the testing procedure that American Family will
establish to review the future performance of its agents and
employees. Part VI creates a class committee, Part VII describes
the provisions for monetary relief, and Part VIII describes the
record-keeping and reporting procedures. Parts IX through XII
establish the general enforcement provisions, the resolution of
claims of the United States, the release by the private
plaintiffs and the plaintiff class, and the length of the decree,
respectively.
Now, therefore, the United States, the private plaintiffs
and American Family agree to judgment in this case in accordance
with the following terms:
- AMERICAN FAMILY'S HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE INITIATIVES
- Injunctive Relief
American Family, its officials, employees, sales agents, and
through them, their employees, and successors are enjoined from
engaging in any act or practice that unlawfully discriminates by
intent or effect on the basis of race or color in the provision
of homeowners insurance, imposing on the basis of race different
terms or conditions for the availability of homeowners insurance,
or making any statement that indicates any preference,
limitation, or discrimination based on race or color.
- Statement of Nondiscrimination
Within thirty (30) days following the entry of this Order,
American Family will reissue its corporate policy statement of
nondiscrimination, reaffirming that it does not tolerate any form
of racial discrimination. The reissuance of this policy
statement will include the following points:
- American Family welcomes insurance business equally from all portions of the areas in which it does business.
- American Family does not discriminate against any insured on the basis of race or color and the race or color of an insured shall not be a factor in any decision made with respect to the insured or the prospective insured.
- the race or ethnicity of the area in which a home is located shall not be a factor in any decision made with respect to a homeowners insurance policy.
- the statement will direct American Family's employees, sales agents, and sales agent's employees to disregard any previous instructions, if any were received, that implied or stated that the racial or ethnic characteristics of the insured or the geographic area was a legitimate consideration or that the company did not desire business from certain areas of Milwaukee.
Further, American Family will incorporate this statement into all
manuals provided to all employees and sales agents concerning
homeowners insurance or personnel issues. American Family also
will continue its current efforts to ensure that equal
opportunity principles are carried out in all aspects of its
insurance operations.
- Marketing
- Advertising
- American Family will mail a notice to non-
condominium, owner-occupied single-family residences2 in
the predominantly African American community of Milwaukee
informing them of the availability of American Family
homeowners insurance in the area, the desire of the company
to sell policies in the community, and the name and
telephone number of a person they may contact for further
information.
- American Family will continue to contract with an
established market research firm or institution to determine
and implement effective advertising strategies in African
American communities.
- All advertising undertaken pursuant to the terms
of this decree will be at the expense of American Family and
at no cost to its agents.
- During the term of this decree, American Family
will continue to place a one-half page advertisement each
year in the Milwaukee Black Pages or a comparable
publication. The advertisement will highlight the
availability of homeowners insurance and will instruct
readers how and where to contact an American Family agent.
- During the term of this decree, American Family
will place advertisements in the Milwaukee Community
Journal, Inc., the Milwaukee Courier, Inc., the Milwaukee
Star, the Milwaukee Times Weekly, or comparable African
American publications. American Family has determined that
to be effective such advertisements should be approximately
a quarter-page in size per week. The company may vary the
size and frequency of the advertisements, and the choice of
publications for its advertising campaigns, as long as an
average of one-quarter page per week is met for each one-
year period. These advertisements will be for homeowners
insurance, and the majority will consist of display
advertisements with human models in conformity with
paragraph 1(i), below.
- American Family will create special point-of-sale
materials, in addition to its current more broadly-directed
materials, specifically to promote homeowners insurance to
minority home buyers and place the materials in offices
serving the predominantly African American community. These
materials may include, but need not be limited to, posters,
brochures, and counter cards.
- American Family will develop a brochure describing
its various homeowners insurance programs and policy types.
The company will distribute the brochure through such
channels as real estate and housing professionals serving
the African American community, church and community groups,
and retail outlets in the African American community.
American Family will distribute at least 2,500 of these
brochures per year and will annually distribute copies of
such brochures to each real estate agency that is known to
serve the predominantly African American community.
- All of American Family's advertising for
homeowners insurance products and promotional materials,
including advertising undertaken pursuant to the Co-
operative Advertising Agreement or the Metropolitan
Marketing Plan, will contain an equal housing opportunity
logotype, statement, or slogan as described in the Fair
Housing Advertising regulations of the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development, 24 C.F.R. Part
109. American Family will continue to follow the guidance
of Tables I and II of Appendix I to 24 C.F.R. Part 109 in
selecting appropriate type size as well as a slogan,
statement, logotype, and other standards for advertising.
- American Family's advertising in Milwaukee County,
including advertising undertaken pursuant to the Co-
operative Advertising Agreement or the Metropolitan
Marketing Plan, that uses human models in videos,
photographs, drawings, or other graphic techniques will
reasonably represent African American as well as white
residents of the Milwaukee area. Models, if used, will
portray persons in an equal social setting and indicate to
the general public that the insurer's products are available
on a racially nondiscriminatory basis.
- American Family has determined it will place two
thirty-second spots each weekday and one thirty-second spot
each weekend during each year of this decree on radio
stations WKKV, WMCS, WNOV, or comparable stations oriented
to the African American community. All of this advertising
will emphasize homeowners insurance products. American
Family may vary the frequency of the spots and choice of
stations for its advertising campaigns, as long as the above
overall total is met for each one-year period.
- In all television and radio advertisements and
promotions for homeowners insurance, the statement
"Equal Housing Opportunity" will be stated audibly. In the
alternative, if a television advertisement or promotion for
homeowners insurance includes a written statement appearing
on the screen, the nondiscrimination statement may so
appear; the nondiscrimination statement must continue to
meet the requirements set forth in Appendix I to 24 C.F.R.
Part 109 and must appear on the screen as long as any other
written statement appears.
- During the term of this decree American Family
representatives will use their best efforts to appear on
radio and/or television programs that are expected to reach,
among others, predominantly African American audiences, at
least three to four times per year to discuss homeowners
insurance issues.
- American Family will advertise job openings,
particularly those for sales agent, underwriter, and claims
representative, on an ongoing basis in the Milwaukee area
during the term of this consent decree in a manner that will
reach potential African American applicants, including
advertisements in African American-oriented publications
such as the Milwaukee Community Journal, the Milwaukee
Courier, the Milwaukee Star, and the Milwaukee Times Weekly. American Family will also communicate the existence of such
openings to the Wisconsin Job Services and to organizations
dedicated to the interests of African Americans and other
minorities, such as the Milwaukee branch of the NAACP,
Project Equality of Wisconsin, Inc., Northcott Neighborhood
Housing, Inc., East Side Housing Action Coalition, OIC,
Career Youth Development, and the Milwaukee Urban League.
The company will also solicit referrals from its African
American employees and agents.
- Sales agents
- American Family has determined and will continue
not to distinguish on the basis of the types of homeowners
insurance in paying sales agents' commissions in Milwaukee
County.
- American Family will devise sales strategies to
assist agents in originating more policies in the
predominantly African American community.
- American Family will make its best efforts to hire
or designate, within six (6) months following the entry of
this Order, at least four (4) additional sales agent
positions who will maintain their offices in the
predominantly African American community. American Family
will take steps to provide adequate support to promote the
success of these agent positions.
- Each American Family sales agent in Milwaukee
County will maintain a log containing the name and address
of all persons inquiring about homeowners insurance, and a
brief description of the information and services provided.
These logs will be maintained during the term of the decree
and will be subject to inspection pursuant to the provisions
of Section 1(h) of Part B in Attachment A, infra.
- American Family will direct, in writing, each of
its agents that the agent shall not discriminate on the
basis of the applicant's race or color, or the racial or
ethnic characteristics of the neighborhood in which the
house is located. The directive also will notify the agent
that this is a requirement of the agent's contract with
American Family and that noncompliance with this requirement
shall result in termination of the agent's contract or other
appropriate disciplinary action.
- Policy offerings
American Family will make the following policy offerings in
Milwaukee County:
- American Family has introduced and will maintain a
new homeowners insurance product known as a Custom Value
replacement cost homeowners policy and will make
modifications to the eligibility guidelines for several
existing insurance products, as described below.
- American Family has decided to and will eliminate
its requirement that the market value of a home must be
eighty (80) percent or more of the estimated replacement
cost to obtain a homeowners insurance policy which provides
replacement cost coverage.
- A homeowner can obtain a Custom Value replacement cost homeowners policy if the market value of the home is ten (10) percent or greater and less than eighty (80) percent of the replacement cost and the amount of insurance purchased is less than eighty (80) percent of the replacement cost of the dwelling. Under this policy American Family will not prorate the payment of any claims up to the policy limits. These Custom Value policies will be identical to American Family's HO-1 and HO-3 policies in coverages, terms, and conditions, except as to the differences in coverage amounts described above.
- A homeowner can obtain a Custom Value homeowners insurance policy in any coverage amount from ten (10) to seventy-nine (79) percent of the home's estimated replacement cost if the market value of the home to be
insured is between forty (40) and seventy-nine (79) percent of its estimated
replacement cost. A homeowner can obtain a Custom Value policy in any coverage amount up to one and a half times the market value of the home if the market value of the home to
be insured is less than forty percent of the
home's estimated replacement cost.
- A homeowner can obtain a standard replacement
Form 1, 2, or 3 homeowners policy if the
market value of the home is at least forty
(40) percent of the replacement cost and the
amount of insurance purchased is at least
eighty (80) percent of the replacement cost.
- A homeowner can obtain a Gold Star
replacement cost homeowners policy if the
market value of the home is at least fifty
(50) percent of the replacement cost and the
amount of insurance purchased is at least one
hundred (100) percent of the replacement
cost. American Family will also require that
homes covered by a Gold Star policy meet
those specified objective standards directly
related to a reduction in the risk of loss or
damage to the home.
- American Family has decided to and will eliminate
the requirement that a property must be of a certain minimum
value and that a potential insured must purchase a minimum
amount of homeowners insurance. A minimum basic premium of
eighty-eight ($88.00) dollars for a home in the City of
Milwaukee with masonry construction and ninety-five ($95.00)
dollars for a home with frame construction will be charged
to cover administrative, loss, and processing costs. For
the year ending March 31, 1996, the minimum basic premium
amount will provide a maximum of twenty thousand dollars
($20,000) of insurance coverage, with a two hundred and
fifty dollar ($250.00) deductible. American Family may
adjust the minimum premium by the same percentage as the
percentage of adjustment approved by the Wisconsin Office of
the Commissioner for Insurance for American Family Form 3
replacement cost homeowners insurance policy.
- American Family has decided that the premium for
the Custom Value coverage will be calculated by multiplying
a factor for the percentage the requested amount of coverage
is of the home's estimated replacement cost by the premium
American Family charges for Form 3 coverage at the full
replacement cost. A minimum basic premium of eighty-eight
($88.00) dollars for a home in the City of Milwaukee with
masonry construction and ninety-five ($95.00) dollars for a
home with frame construction will be charged to cover
administrative, loss, and processing costs. American Family
may adjust the minimum premium by the same percentage as the
percentage of adjustment approved by the Wisconsin Office of
the Commissioner for Insurance for American Family Custom
Value Form 3 replacement cost homeowners insurance policy.
- Activities within the predominantly African American community
- American Family will continue and expand its
relationship with those persons and organizations active in
real estate-related occupations in the predominantly African
American community as one means of implementing its decision
to increase the availability of American Family's homeowners
insurance in that area.
- American Family will compile a list of such
persons and organizations by contacting
representatives from such organizations as
the Milwaukee branch of the NAACP and the
Urban League, scanning real estate
advertisements in African American
publications, driving through the African
American residential community, seeking input
from real estate professionals, and
contacting representatives from financial
institutions primarily serving the African
American community of Milwaukee. American
Family also will present, within ninety (90)
days following the entry of this Order, a
copy of the list to the United States and
counsel for the private plaintiffs who may
provide American Family with the names of
additional individuals and/or organizations.
- American Family will invite those persons and
organizations to a meeting, to be held in the
predominantly African American community
within thirty (30) days after the list
identified above has been presented to the
United States and to counsel for the private
plaintiffs at which American Family will
present its plans for increasing the
availability of its homeowners insurance in
the community, and request the assistance of
those in attendance for obtaining referrals
for homeowners insurance policies.
- American Family has designated an individual with
extensive underwriting expertise in homeowners insurance
programs in the predominantly African American community to
serve in the position of Urban Underwriter, and will
maintain that position during this decree.
- American Family has hired and will continue to
employ an Urban Marketing Director and a Regional Urban
Marketing Manager. Their duties include determining product
needs and effective advertising strategies in the African
American community of Milwaukee. The Urban Marketing
Director and the Regional Urban Marketing Manager have been
charged with the development of a comprehensive Urban
Marketing Program. American Family will undertake the
market research necessary for the Urban Marketing Program to
be most effective in meeting the insurance needs of the
predominantly African American community in Milwaukee.
Among the Manager's and the Director's responsibilities will
be the collection of referrals of prospective insureds
pursuant to this decree and the dissemination of this
information to sales agents. Every six (6) months American
Family will prepare a report indicating the number of
referrals, by source, the number of referrals by agent, and
the number of referrals who obtained American Family
Insurance. This report will be included in the company's
semi-annual reports submitted under the procedures set forth
in Part B of Attachment A to this decree.
- Representatives from American Family, including,
but not limited to the Great Lakes Regional Vice-President,
the Wisconsin East sales state director, the Regional Urban
Marketing Manager, the Urban Marketing Director, the Urban
Underwriter, and the Vice-President of Marketing, will meet
each year during the term of this decree with
representatives from the Milwaukee branch of the NAACP, the
Urban League, and at least two other community or civic
groups active in the predominantly African American
community who are recommended by the NAACP, to discuss ideas
for improvements, if such improvements are necessary, in
American Family's homeowners insurance practices covered by
this decree as well as its marketing activity in the
predominantly African American community. Counsel for the
private plaintiffs will notify the United States of the time
and place of the meeting and invite the United States to
send one or more representatives.
- Training
- Within sixty (60) days following the entry of this
Order, American Family will send each of its officers,
employees, sales agents, and through the sales agents, their
employees a letter informing them of the entry of this
decree and advising them that a copy of this decree will be
provided, at American Family's expense, to any such person
who desires one. The letter will be accompanied by a
summary of this decree and a copy of a notice explaining the
employee's and/or agent's duties and obligations under this
decree as well as those imposed by Title VIII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1968. American Family will send a copy of the
summary and notice to the United States and to counsel for
the private plaintiffs. American Family also will inform
its officers, employees, sales agents, and, through the
sales agents, their employees that any breach of, or failure
to comply with, the terms and conditions of this decree
shall subject them to dismissal, contract termination, or
other appropriate disciplinary action.
Further, American Family will inform each current
officer, employee, sales agent and, through the sales
agents, their employees that American Family cannot lawfully
and will not reprimand, penalize, or otherwise retaliate in
any way against any such person who provides information
regarding American Family's compliance with Title VIII
and/or this decree or who opposes any non-compliance. Each
person receiving the summary and notice will execute a
statement acknowledging that he or she has received, read,
and will act in accordance with their terms and conditions.
American Family will provide a copy of the form of the
statement to the United States and to counsel for the
private plaintiffs. The company will retain copies of the
signed statements at a central location.
- American Family has developed and is implementing
a comprehensive training program for all employees, sales
agents, and the sales agent's employees. Such training may
include, but is not limited to, training sessions, staff
meetings, compliance updates in newsletters, videotapes, and
seminars. American Family contracts with outside
consultants to provide some of this training. At a minimum:
- All American Family employees, sales agents,
and the sales agent's employees have received
or will receive training on marketing, sales,
and service to a racially and/or culturally
diverse market.
- All American Family employees with any
responsibility for the underwriting of
homeowners insurance policies in Milwaukee
County including, but not limited to,
Regional Personal Lines Underwriters,
Supervisors, Property Staff Analysts, Area
Underwriting Managers, and the Regional
Underwriting Manager and all American Family
sales agents in Milwaukee County also will
receive specialized courses in the
underwriting of homes in urban areas. At its
option, American Family may propose that the
courses for the agents be conducted
separately from the courses for those
employed in an underwriting capacity with the
company.
- American Family will complete the training
identified above for Milwaukee area employees, sales agents,
and sales agent's employees within six (6) months following
the entry of this Order and will supplement this training as
the company deems appropriate.
- American Family will ensure that each new employee
or agent receives a copy of the letter described in
paragraph 5(a), above, shortly after the commencement of his
or her employment or agency relationship with American
Family. Within one hundred-eighty (180) days after the
beginning of his or her employment or agency relationship
with the company, American Family will provide such persons
with the appropriate training pursuant to this Section.
- To promote an understanding of the initiatives
American Family is taking to promote homeowners insurance in
this community, American Family will include an article on
this topic in the American Family newsletter and/or
magazine.
- Marketing to persons insured through the Wisconsin Insurance Plan
American Family has developed and will continue the program
it currently is operating in conjunction with the Wisconsin
Insurance Plan [WIP] to recruit those homeowners in the
predominantly African American community who currently obtain
their homeowners insurance from WIP to become American Family
homeowners insurance policy holders. It is the parties'
objective that the insurance products described in this decree
result in an increase in the number of persons currently insured
through WIP who will be eligible for American Family Insurance.
- On a quarterly basis, American Family will request
WIP to supply the files for those properties in the
predominantly African American community that might qualify
for American Family insurance.
- If, after a review of the property, American
Family determines the home does not qualify for American
Family insurance, the underwriter will determine what
repairs, if any, can be made to make the home insurable by
American Family. American Family will inform the WIP
insured, by letter, that the home will be eligible if the
specified repairs are made within a reasonable period of
time. The letter also will inform the WIP insured that
American Family rates will likely be lower than the rates
the insured is paying under the WIP program. The letter
also will encourage the insured to contact the assigned
underwriter, whose name and telephone number will be
indicated on the letter, if they need more time to complete
the repairs, disagree with the extent of the repairs
necessary, or have any questions.
- If American Family determines it can not insure
the property, it agrees to inform the WIP insured, by
letter, of the basis of the decision and to contact the
property owner within one year to determine if the property
may be insured through American Family at that time.
- Underwriting
- American Family has reviewed its underwriting practices
and decided to revise its underwriting standards to ensure that
each underwriting decision is based on the individual
characteristics of the home. (Determinations regarding the
applicant's credit are addressed separately in paragraph 4(f)
below.)
- American Family will institute, within ninety (90) days
following the entry of this Order, a procedure to ensure that its
underwriting standards are applied uniformly in Milwaukee County.
- If American Family determines, in reviewing an
application, that a home in the predominantly African American
community does not qualify for American Family homeowners
insurance or that an existing homeowners insurance policy must be
cancelled or not renewed, it will determine what repairs, if any,
can be made to render the property insurable. American Family
will inform the applicants or insureds by letter that they will
be eligible for insurance by American Family (or that the
insurance can be continued without interruption) if the specified
repairs are made within a reasonable period of time. The letter
also will include the name and telephone number of the agent and
of the underwriter and shall encourage the applicants or the
insured to contact American Family if they need more time to make
the necessary repairs, disagree with the extent of the repairs,
or have any questions.
- American Family will disseminate these revised
underwriting guidelines to its sales agents, underwriters, and
other appropriate employees within ninety (90) days following the
entry of this Order. The revised underwriting guidelines will
provide that:
- American Family's revised underwriting guidelines
shall be based on objective standards that are directly
related to the risk of loss or damage and that can be
applied uniformly, such as the condition of a roof, heating,
wiring, or plumbing. No determination with respect to the
provision of American Family homeowners insurance shall be
made on the basis of factors which do not meet these
standards, including but not limited to such factors as the
age of the dwelling or the racial composition of the area
where the home is located.
- The decision on the eligibility of a home for
insurance, and the decision as to the type of policy that
will be issued, will be based on the individual
characteristics of the home. American Family agrees not to
take into consideration the condition or other
characteristics of the homes in the surrounding neighborhood
and may take into consideration the condition of an adjacent
home only if it presents an identifiable risk to the home
for which insurance is sought. For example, American Family
agrees the mere fact that an adjacent home is not itself in
insurable condition may not be a basis for declining
insurance.
- The decision to inspect a home will also not be
based on the racial composition of the area where the home
is located, or on the age of the home. Further, American
Family's revised underwriting guidelines will identify those
items which it will consider during interior and exterior
inspections which could lead to an identifiable risk of
loss. The guidelines will further establish objective
standards and the forms to be used for determining whether
those items examined during an inspection are in acceptable
condition.
- All underwriting decisions made to reject, cancel,
or non-renew insurance on properties located in the
predominantly African American Area, or to condition
insurance on repairs being made on such properties shall
require the concurrence of the designated Urban Underwriter,
identified in paragraph 4(b) of Section C in Part II of this
decree.
- Copies of the revised guidelines and any forms
will be provided to the United States and to counsel for the
private plaintiffs within ninety (90) days following the
entry of this Order.
- American Family has determined that the continued
use of information obtained from credit bureau reports is
helpful as part of its underwriting process for homeowners
insurance. At the same time the company has decided to
insure that its standards regarding the use of credit
information are objective and the company will train
underwriters on how to evaluate credit information and
reports. To this end, American Family will limit the
consideration of a person's financial and credit status to
objectively defined circumstances where financing and credit
circumstances demonstrate a likelihood that the person will
take action to cause losses covered by his or her insurance
policy and/or present false or inflated insurance claims.
American Family will for the purposes of making homeowners
insurance underwriting decisions:
- Insure that the standards for identifying
those instances where a credit bureau report
is required, and for evaluating and making
decisions based on credit information, are
objective, and within ninety (90) days
following the entry of this Order, provide
copies to the United States and to counsel
for the private plaintiffs.
- Limit the authority to request a credit
bureau report to members of the underwriting
department.
- Institute a training procedure for all
underwriters in the elements of ordering
credit bureau reports and evaluating credit
bureau reports and information.
- Require, for all policies in the
predominantly African American community, the
concurrence of the Urban Underwriter, as
identified in paragraph 4(b) of Section C in
Part II of this decree, and the Area
Underwriting Manager, with any decision not
to approve an application for homeowners
insurance, whether bound or unbound, or any
decision to cancel or not to renew an
existing homeowners insurance policy which is
based, at least in part, on credit
information or information obtained from a
credit bureau report.
- Identify and record, pursuant to paragraph
1(e) of Section B of Attachment A, all
instances in Milwaukee County where it
requests a credit bureau report (a) during
the consideration of an application, whether
bound or unbound, for homeowners insurance,
or (b) in connection with a decision to
cancel or not renew an existing homeowners
insurance policy.
- Identify and record, pursuant to paragraph
1(f) of Section B of Attachment A, the
results of a semi-annual audit of a
statistically valid sample of Milwaukee
County homeowners policies particularly
recording all instances found in that audit
where a credit bureau report was not
requested, even though the company standards
required a credit bureau report.
- If American Family takes any adverse action with
respect to a homeowners policy or an application, whether bound
or unbound, for homeowners insurance in the predominantly African
American community, it agrees to notify, according to state
requirements, the insured by letter which fully explains the
reason(s) for such action. The letter will include the name and
telephone number of the underwriter as well as that of the
insured's sales agent and will encourage the applicant or insured
to call the underwriter and/or agent if the person has any
questions or has any additional information that might affect the
basis for the action taken.
- INCREASED POLICY EFFORTS AND ADJUSTMENTS
- Increased policy efforts
American Family is committed to increasing substantially the
availability of all of its homeowners insurance products in the
predominantly African American community and will make its best
efforts to do so. The company recognizes however, and the other
parties acknowledge, that it will take some time for American
Family to achieve this goal fully.
It is American Family's objective that as a result of the
steps it is taking in connection with this Order, after this
Order has been in effect for one year, American Family will be
able to report significant additional growth in homeowners
insurance policies within the affected community.3 After the
end of the first year of this Order, taking into account the
first year's experience, American Family and the parties will be
able to specify the expected further growth in the area at the
end of the second and each of the following two years.
- Adjustments to remedial plan
If American Family can demonstrate that a standard,
practice, or procedure required by this decree is causing,
contrary to the company's objectives, significant problems for
the company and that it is reasonable to change the practice, it
may notify the United States and counsel for the private
plaintiffs and request consent for a modification.
- The submission will specify the change(s) the company
proposes to make to this decree and describe fully why such a
change is necessary.
- If the United States or the private plaintiffs do not
object to the modification(s) proposed by the company within
forty-five (45) days after their receipt of American Family's
submission and proposal, the company may implement the proposed
modifications. Should the United States or counsel for the
private plaintiffs inform the company within the forty-five day
period that the company's proposal is contrary to the remedial
objectives of this decree, the parties agree to meet and confer
regarding the company's proposed modifications; in such
instances, the forty-five day period for the company to implement
the change(s) is tolled. During these meetings the United States
and/or the private plaintiffs agree to evaluate thoroughly the
company's arguments in support of the proposed modification and
the company agrees to give full and careful consideration to the
United States' and/or the private plaintiffs' proposals. In
addition, the parties agree to allocate a period of not more than
sixty (60) days after receipt of the company's notification in
which to conclude these discussions.
- Within ten (10) days after the close of the
negotiations, the United States and/or counsel for the private
plaintiffs will inform American Family whether they object to the
implementation of the modifications proposed by the company. If
the United States or the plaintiff objects, American Family may
petition the Court for an order allowing the proposed change(s),
but in no event shall a modification be allowed that would result
in racially discriminatory barriers to the availability of
homeowners insurance, unless it is supported by a legal
justification for which no less discriminatory alternative
exists.
- RACIALLY NON-DISCRIMINATORY STANDARDS4
- American Family is committed to using racially non-
discriminatory standards in its insurance practices. Should the
United States or the private plaintiffs determine, as the result
of their review of any of the semi-annual reports, prepared
pursuant to Attachment A of this decree, or from any other
source, that a standard, practice, or procedure affecting
American Family's homeowners insurance operations is racially
discriminatory in violation of the Fair Housing Act or the terms
of the injunction in this decree, the United States or the
private plaintiffs will so notify the company of the basis for
their conclusion. In this regard, American Family will be alert
to any practices of the company that could be creating barriers
that discriminate on the basis of race and it will pay particular
attention to (1) the effect of the revised underwriting
guidelines it is instituting pursuant to this Order, and (2) the
effect of the usage of credit bureau reports. American Family
will notify the United States and the private plaintiffs if it
determines that any of its standards, practices, or procedures
could be operating to discriminate on the basis of race.
- American Family will review its use of any
standard, practice, or procedure identified by the United
States or by the private plaintiffs and, within thirty (30)
days after such notification, will propose an alternative
standard, practice, or procedure which remedies the problem,
unless American Family believes there is no violation or
that there is a legal justification for this standard,
practice, or procedure.
- If, within forty-five (45) days after receipt of
American Family's evaluation and any proposed modifications,
the United States and the private plaintiffs do not object
to the company's position, the company may deem its
standard, practice, or procedure justified or the
modifications accepted, whichever is applicable. Should the
United States or counsel for the private plaintiffs inform
the company within the forty-five (45) day period that it
may be necessary to take additional steps to remedy the
problem or if there is disagreement on the issue of legal
justification, the parties agree to meet and confer; in such
instances, the forty-five day period for the company to
implement the changes is tolled. During these meetings the
United States and the private plaintiffs agree to consider
all options which will address the company's business needs
but which do not result in the use of unlawfully
discriminatory standards, and the company agrees to give
full and careful consideration to the United States' and the
private plaintiffs' proposals. In addition, the parties
also agree to allocate a period of not more than sixty (60)
days after receipt of American Family's evaluation and/or
proposal in which to conclude these discussions.
- If after the conclusion of the sixty-day period,
the parties have not reached an agreement on the steps
necessary to eliminate the discriminatory practice, on the
issue of the existence of a violation, or of a legal
justification, any party may request the Court to resolve
the matter.
- TESTING
American Family will enter into a contract, at its
expense, with an independent civil rights organization with
demonstrated experience and qualifications in discrimination
testing in Milwaukee County, to develop and implement a program
to test for racial discrimination in American Family's provision
of homeowners insurance in Milwaukee County. The testing
organization will first submit a proposal to American Family
outlining the methodology, cost, and approach to be used. The
proposal will have a minimum of fifty (50) paired tests per year.
Once the proposal is finalized and accepted by American Family,
the company will submit the proposal to the United States and to
counsel for the private plaintiffs who shall have the right to
approve the proposal and the organization and such approval may
not be unreasonably withheld. American Family will review the
testing results with the relevant individual employees and sales
agents and will use the results to determine how to address any
concerns with them and whether changes in training are necessary.
American Family will provide, in its semi-annual reports referred
to in Attachment A, copies of all tests to the United States and
to counsel for the private plaintiffs and will make the tests
available at other times upon reasonable notice. American Family
also will summarize and report the results of these tests
pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 1(k) of Section B in
Attachment A. The United States and/or the private plaintiffs
may conduct independent testing.
- CREATION OF CLASS COMMITTEE
No later than ten (10) days following the entry of this
Order, the plaintiff class shall select seven (7) members of the
class to serve as a Class Committee to consult with their counsel
with regard to any decisions necessary to be made by private
plaintiffs under this decree, and to make other decisions
regarding the implementation of this decree. The Class Committee
and class counsel, acting jointly with the United States, shall
have the authority to take such steps as are necessary to
implement efficiently those matters delegated to them in Section
VII of this decree.
MONETARY RELIEF
American Family agrees to compensate those persons the
United States and the private plaintiffs believe have been
injured as a result of the company's practices challenged in this
litigation. The compensation provisions are designed to
alleviate the impact of the lack of quality homeowners insurance
in the predominantly African American community. The
availability of such insurance is one factor that helps combat
neighborhood deterioration; conversely, the lack of such
insurance is one factor which contributes to such conditions.
The components of this compensation are $9.5 million ($9,500,000)
in community-based programs to address the effects described
above and $5 million ($5,000,000) in monetary compensation for
aggrieved persons. American Family, as set forth in a separate
document, also agrees to pay the costs and attorneys' fees
incurred by the private plaintiffs. The specific components of
the monetary relief summarized above are as follows:
- Community-based relief
- Interest rate subsidies
American Family, through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic
Development Authority [WHEDA] and the City of Milwaukee's [City]
special lending programs, and in partnership with the commercial
lending institutions in the City of Milwaukee, will make
available interest rate subsidies for loans to purchase and
repair homes in the predominantly African American community in
Milwaukee that are in need of rehabilitation or repair. These
loan subsidies will be made available to low- and moderate-income
households in owner-occupied, single-family homes in the
predominantly African American community.
The WHEDA program will be implemented by commercial lenders
pursuant to underwriting standards established by WHEDA. The
existing WHEDA underwriting standards will be applicable to these
special loan programs. In underwriting loans under the City's
program the participating financial institutions shall utilize
their respective, established underwriting guidelines for low-
and moderate-income borrowers.
- Home mortgage and repair loans
- These loans are for the purchase and repair
of homes in the predominantly African
American community that have experienced
deterioration or are otherwise in need of
rehabilitation or repair.
- The loans offered through WHEDA will be at
interest rates that are no more than four (4)
percentage points below the rate then in use
by WHEDA. Payment will be made by American
Family to WHEDA for the amount of the
subsidy.
- The loans offered through the City's special
programs will be at interest rates that are
no more than four (4) percentage points below
the prevailing market rate for home
mortgages. Payment will be made by American
Family to the City for distribution to the
participating lenders on a per-loan basis.
- Should the United States and the private
plaintiffs decide to establish geographic
areas within the predominantly African
American community to assure an equitable
distribution of interest rate subsidies
throughout the community, WHEDA and the City
will coordinate efforts to assure such a
result. The allocation of funds among these
areas may be further adjusted by the United
States and the private plaintiffs.
- The total amount of the interest rate
subsidies paid by American Family under this
home mortgage and repair loan program will be
four million dollars ($4,000,000). Seventy-
five (75) percent of the total amount of
interest rate subsidies shall be offered in
connection with loans made through WHEDA with
the remaining twenty-five (25) percent
offered through the City's special programs.
Approximately equal amounts in interest rate
subsidies will be made available annually
through the term of this decree, as adjusted
by demand. The subsidy amount for any
specific year shall be available on a first-
come, first-serve basis.
- Home improvement loans
- These loans are designed for the improvement
and rehabilitation of homes in the
predominantly African American community
which are already owned by the borrower.
- The loans offered through WHEDA will be at
interest rates that are no more than four (4)
percentage points below the rate then in use
by WHEDA. Payment will be made by American
Family to WHEDA for the amount of the
subsidy.
- The loans offered through the City's special
programs will be at interest rates that are
no more than four (4) percentage points below
the prevailing market rate for home
improvement loans. Payment will be made by
American Family to the City for distribution
to the participating lenders on a per loan
basis.
- Should the United States and the private
plaintiffs decide to establish geographic
areas within the predominantly African
American community to assure an equitable
distribution of interest rate subsidies
throughout the community, WHEDA and the City
will coordinate efforts to assure such a
result. The allocation of funds among these
areas may be further adjusted by the United
States and the private plaintiffs.
- Consistent with WHEDA and the city's current
programs, the parties anticipate that the
loans offered will provide fixed-rates for a
term of fifteen years and will have no equity
requirements.
- The total amount of the interest rate
subsidies paid by American Family under this
home improvement loan program will be one and
a half million dollars ($1,500,000).
Seventy-five (75) percent of the total amount
of interest rate subsidies shall be offered
in connection with loans made through WHEDA
loan with the remaining twenty-five (25)
percent offered through the City's special
programs. Approximately equal amounts in
interest rate subsidies will be made
available annually through the term of this
decree, as adjusted by demand. The subsidy
amount for any specific year shall be
available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Financing cost assistance
- American Family, through the City of Milwaukee,
will make available to low- and moderate-income borrowers
financing cost assistance for home mortgage and repair loans
or home improvement loans for single-family, owner-occupied
homes in need of repair or rehabilitation in the
predominantly African American community.
- To satisfy this obligation, American Family will
deposit one and one-half million dollars ($1,500,000) in an
interest-bearing account designated by the United States and
the private plaintiffs within ten (10) days following the
entry of this Order.
- These funds will be used by the City of Milwaukee
through its Department of City Development [DCD] to
supplement its existing programs as applied in the
predominantly African American community in order to provide
grants for financing cost assistance, including down
payments, closing costs, mortgage insurance premiums, and
appraisal fees. A portion of these funds will be disbursed
through non-profit community groups which provide housing
services in the predominantly African American community.
- Grants for financing cost assistance will be
provided by the DCD and/or non-profit community groups which
provide housing services in the predominantly African
American community in accordance with the qualifying
criteria and program requirements established for the
homebuyer assistance programs currently administered by the
DCD.
- DCD will coordinate this program with WHEDA and
participating lending institutions so that financing cost
assistance may be made available for persons obtaining the
loans provided under the interest subsidy program
established in paragraph 1 of this Section.
- Consistent with the requirements of the homebuyer
assistance programs currently administered by DCD, the total
amount of the financing cost assistance provided per loan
transaction under this program shall be no more than the
amount permitted by the underwriting standards of the
organization or institution providing the financing funds
and in no event shall be more than three thousand dollars
($3,000).
- Homeownership counseling
- American Family, through the City of Milwaukee,
will help provide homeownership counseling for low- and
moderate-income, first-time home buyers seeking to purchase
single family owner-occupied homes in need of repair or
rehabilitation in the predominantly African American
community.
- To satisfy this obligation, American Family will
deposit five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in an
interest-bearing account designated by the United States and
the private plaintiffs within ten (10) days following the
entry of this Order.
- These funds will be used to supplement existing
homeownership counseling support programs operated by or
through DCD. DCD will distribute funds to qualified
participating non-profit groups serving the predominantly
African American community, which shall provide the
counseling. Such funds will be limited to the funding of
homeownership counseling provided in connection with the
prospective purchase and repair of homes in the
predominantly African American community.
- Subject to the approval of the United States and
the private plaintiffs, counseling will be provided in
accordance with the qualifying criteria and program
requirements that are established by DCD's homeownership
counseling support programs or community-based organizations
offering such programs by or through DCD, and/or are
consistent with any applicable requirements of the lender.
- Emergency home repair program
- American Family will make available funds, as
described below, to help cover a portion of the costs needed
to make emergency repairs in homes in the predominantly
African American community that have experienced
deterioration or are otherwise in need of rehabilitation or
repair. American Family will do this by providing funds to
supplement programs that are currently being administered by
DCD. Consistent with the requirements of these programs,
DCD will make grants and loans for the repair and
improvement of homes in the predominantly African American
community. The loans will have below-market interest rates
and favorable repayment terms.
- Currently, DCD is also considering a new form of
assistance for home repair, similar to the Maintenance
Reserve Program currently operating in the City of Kansas
City, Missouri. If DCD determines that such a program is
feasible and appropriate, then, with the approval of the
United States and the private plaintiffs, a portion of the
funds allocated for home maintenance and repair shall be
allocated for the establishment and operation of such a
program. Persons with low or moderate incomes who own
single-family, owner-occupied homes in the predominantly
African American community would be eligible to participate
in this program.
- Within ten (10) days following the entry of this
Order, American Family will deposit two million dollars
($2,000,000) for the programs provided for in paragraphs
4(a) and 4(b), above, in an interest-bearing account
designated by the United States and the private plaintiffs.
- Loans issued pursuant to this program will be
provided in accordance with the qualifying criteria and
program requirements established for the DCD home repair
loan programs or with other criteria and requirements that
may be approved by the United States and the private
plaintiffs.
- Administration and reporting requirements
- American Family will obtain from WHEDA and the
City a report which lists, on an annual basis, the interest
rate subsidies made under their respective loan subsidy
programs established in paragraph 1 of this Section. The
report shall include, at least, the following items:
- A listing of each loan made pursuant to the
interest rate subsidy programs, including the
address of the property secured by the
mortgage, the loan amount, the subsidy
amount, the lender, and the loan type;
- A calculation of the total interest
subsidies paid by American Family
pursuant to each such program for that
year.
American Family will provide a copy of these reports to the
United States and to the plaintiffs.
- One year after the entry of this Order, and on an
annual basis thereafter, WHEDA and the City will review the
operation of their respective interest subsidy programs with
the parties to this decree. Based upon that review, and
after full consideration of the views of American Family,
the United States and the private plaintiffs will determine
whether any changes in these programs should be made.
- Any monies not paid from the interest rate subsidy
programs established above shall be deposited in one of the
programs established in paragraphs 2 through 4 of this
Section, or shall be paid to one or more charitable or
community organization(s) who will use such money for the
physical improvement and rehabilitation of housing in the
predominantly African American community. After consulting
with American Family and seriously considering its views,
the United States and the private plaintiffs will determine
how the funds will be disbursed.
- Within ninety (90) days following the entry of
this Order, the United States and the private plaintiffs
shall disburse to the DCD at least $300,000 for the
financing cost assistance program; at least $100,000 for the
home ownership counseling program; and at least $400,000 for
the emergency home repair program.
- Thereafter, on an annual basis, the United States
and the private plaintiffs will disburse to DCD such amounts
from the respective interest-bearing accounts as are
necessary to fund each program for the next year. At any
time, DCD may petition the United States and the private
plaintiffs for an additional allocation of funds for the
programs it is administering in accordance with this decree
pursuant to paragraphs 2 through 4 of this Section. The
United States and the private plaintiffs may grant any such
request it deems reasonable and appropriate.
- American Family will have the opportunity to sell
homeowners insurance to those persons obtaining financial
assistance from WHEDA or the City under the terms of this
decree. Upon receipt of a completed application for
financial assistance under this decree, WHEDA and the City
will advise the company of the name and address of the
applicant and the type of assistance provided.
- Except as set forth below in this paragraph, the
funds which form the principal of the interest-bearing
accounts established in paragraphs 2 through 4 of this
Section shall be used exclusively to fund the programs in
each respective paragraph. The United States and the
private plaintiffs have determined that the interest earned
on such funds may be used for the attorneys' fees, costs,
and expenses of the private plaintiffs for the
administration and processing of claims and for performing
the private plaintiffs' duties under this decree, provided
that the Class Committee agrees that any fees, costs, and
expenses of counsel for the private plaintiffs are
reasonably incurred, and further provided that the United
States and the Class Committee agree that any other fees,
costs, or expenses incurred by the private plaintiffs are
reasonably incurred and are consistent with the purposes of
this decree. Once all such fees, costs and expenses are
paid, the United States and the private plaintiffs will
invest any interest remaining in any of the interest-bearing
accounts in one or more of the community-based relief
programs established in paragraphs 2 through 4 of this
Section.
- It is the parties' expectation that to the maximum
extent possible the programs administered by WHEDA and the
City will take advantage of their existing personnel and
programs and not use funds from this decree to pay for
operational expenses.
- Within ten (10) days following the entry of this
Order, the United States and the private plaintiffs shall
jointly select a trustee to administer the funds in the
interest-bearing accounts established in paragraphs 2
through 4 of this Section. The trustee shall be responsible
for the administration of the fund, including the payment of
any applicable taxes.
- The DCD will provide a semi-annual report
regarding the expenditures from the programs established in
paragraphs 1 through 4 of this Section to American Family,
the United States and counsel for the private plaintiffs.
- At any time during the term of this decree, WHEDA
or the DCD may recommend changes to the amounts allocated to
the programs established in paragraphs 1 through 4 of this
Section. The DCD may implement any changes in allocation
that are approved by counsel for the United States and for
the private plaintiffs.
- Subject to the approval of the United States
and the private plaintiffs, the DCD may issue
additional guidelines governing the internal operation
and administration of the programs established in
paragraphs 1 through 4 of this Section. The DCD will
provide counsel for the United States and for the
private plaintiffs with any such guidelines.
- If the United States and the private plaintiffs
determine that WHEDA or the DCD is not administering the
programs established in paragraphs 1 through 4 of this
Section in accordance with the terms of this decree, they
shall notify the applicable entity of their concerns and
shall afford it a reasonable opportunity to correct any
deficiencies. If the United States and the private
plaintiffs determine that such concerns have not been
addressed, they may direct that any remaining funds for
these programs be administered by another appropriate entity
or be allocated amongst the other programs established
pursuant to this decree. The United States and the private
plaintiffs may take such action only if both parties agree
that such action is the only appropriate alternative.
- Individual compensation
The United States and the private plaintiffs have determined
that four categories of persons will be eligible to file claims
for compensation and the amount of compensation to be paid in
each category is based on the type of injury associated with the
covered conduct.
- Named plaintiffs
Within thirty (30) days following the entry of this Order,
each of the named plaintiffs and the Milwaukee Branch of the
NAACP shall receive ten thousand dollars ($10,000) from the claim
fund. The named individuals will be eligible to file claims
pursuant to the provisions set forth below.
- Persons denied insurance
- Persons denied insurance are eligible to share in
the claim fund. To be eligible in this category, a claimant
must establish that he or she owned and resided in an owner-
occupied, single-family home in the predominantly African
American community at any time during the period between
July 27, 1984, and the date that all parties have signed
this decree, and that at some point during that time the
claimant:
- applied for American Family homeowners
insurance but were denied insurance because
American Family rejected the application or
cancelled the insurance within sixty days of
issuance; or
- inquired of an American Family agent about
obtaining homeowners insurance but did not
obtain insurance from American Family because
the agent told the claimant that he or she
could not obtain such insurance with American
Family or the agent referred the claimant to
another company or to the Wisconsin Insurance
Plan; or
- inquired of an American Family agent about
obtaining homeowners insurance but did not
complete an application because of action or
inaction on the part of the agent or
employee; or
- obtained American Family homeowners insurance
but were later denied such insurance because
American Family cancelled or non-renewed the
policy.
- African Americans who did not reside in the
predominantly African American community during the relevant
period are also entitled to share in the claim fund as
persons denied insurance if they establish that they owned
and resided in an owner-occupied single-family home in the
City of Milwaukee at any time during the period between July
27, 1984, and the date that all parties have signed this
decree and that during that time:
- they met the requirements of paragraphs
(a)(i) or (a)(iv) of this category; and
- they were denied homeowners insurance because
of race or color.
- All claimants who seek compensation as persons
denied insurance must submit any reasonably available
information regarding the condition of their home which
indicates that the home was insurable during the approximate
time period that they were denied insurance by American
Family. No person shall be entitled to share in the claim
fund if it is determined that the person was denied
insurance because the home posed a significant hazard which
clearly justified the denial of insurance.
- Three million dollars ($3,000,000) will be
allocated to compensate those persons denied insurance. An
equal share will be allocated for each claim in this
category but in no event shall the amount paid per claim
exceed $15,000 nor, in the case a person submitting multiple
claims, shall any person receive a total of more than
$15,000 for all claims under this category.
- Persons receiving repair cost policies
- Persons who received repair cost policies are
eligible to share in the claim fund. To be eligible in this
category, claimants must establish that they owned and
resided in an owner-occupied, single-family home in the
predominantly African American community any time during the
period between July 27, 1984, and the date that all parties
have signed this decree, and during that time:
- they received an homeowners insurance policy
from American Family which did not provide
insurance on a replacement cost basis; and
- they would have purchased a replacement cost
policy if it had been offered.
- One million five hundred thousand dollars
($1,500,000) will be allocated to compensate those persons
in this category. Any person who, as a holder of an
American Family policy, suffered a loss which exceeded a
policy limit that was less than the policy limits for a
standard replacement cost homeowners policy (HO-3) shall be
compensated for the difference between the amount of the
loss that would have been covered under a standard
replacement cost homeowners policy and the amount the
insured received from American Family in settlement of the
claim. Once all of these claims have been paid, an equal
share will be allocated for each claim in this category but
in no event shall the amount paid per claim exceed $2,000
nor, in the case of a person submitting multiple claims,
shall any person receive a total of more than $2,000 for all
claims under this category. However, any compensation for
actual loss shall not be included in computing that amount.
- Persons deterred from seeking insurance
- Persons deterred from seeking American Family
insurance are eligible to share in the claim fund. To be
eligible in this category, claimants must establish that
they owned and resided in an owner-occupied, single family
home in the predominantly African American community at any
time during the period between July 27, 1984, and the date
that all parties have signed this decree, and during that
time:
- they had an interest in applying for
insurance from American Family; and
- they were deterred from applying because they
reasonably concluded (based on objective
facts) that it was futile to apply for
American Family homeowners insurance because
the company would not offer them a policy
because of their race or color or because of
the location of their home; and
- they otherwise would have applied for
insurance with American Family.
- A claim that the person was deterred from applying
shall not be sufficient if it is based merely on publicity
concerning this litigation or a general assertion that
American Family discriminated on the basis of race or color.
- All claimants who seek compensation as persons
deterred from applying for insurance from American Family
must submit any reasonably available information regarding
the condition of their home which indicates that the home
was insurable during the relevant time period. No person
shall be entitled to share in this portion of the claim fund
if it is determined that the home posed a significant hazard
which clearly would have justified the denial of insurance.
- A total of four hundred, twenty thousand dollars
($420,000) will be allocated to compensate persons in this
category. An equal share will be allocated for each claim
in this category but in no event shall the amount paid per
claim exceed $1,000 nor, in the case a person submitting
multiple claims, shall any person receive a total of more
than $1,000 for all claims under this category.
- Claims processing
- Claims administrator
- The United States and the private plaintiffs will
jointly select a claims administrator.
- The duties of the claims administrator will
include the following:
- Preparing, printing, publishing, and mailing
of all notices, claims forms, and monetary
distribution documents;
- Tracking the return of claims forms;
- Arranging for the authentication, review, and
distribution of claims;
- Initial resolution of disputes regarding
claims;
- Verification of fund balances and all record-
keeping activities concerning the
administration of the fund;
- Reporting, on a quarterly basis, to the Court
and all parties on the status of the fund,
including the name and address and the amount
received by each claimant; and
- Any other duties which may be necessary to
carry out the provisions of this decree.
- The costs necessary to retain a claims
administrator and to identify and compensate victims will be
paid from the claim fund.
- Processing claims
- The period for filing claims shall begin forty-
five (45) days following the entry of this Order and shall
run for a period of six months. Claims received prior to
the claims period shall be accepted. The process of
determining each claimant's eligibility as well as the
payment of all valid claims shall be completed within one
(1) year of the date for filing a claim. The deadline for
requesting a claims form will be ten (10) days prior to the
end of the period for filing claims.
- Within six (6) months of the deadline for
submitting claims, the claims administrator shall make an
initial determination of whether each claimant is entitled
to relief, and, if so, the amount to which each claimant is
entitled. The claims administrator shall forward each such
determination to the United States and to private plaintiffs
within thirty (30) days after the determination. The United
States and the private plaintiffs shall review this
determination and shall make a final decision with respect
to each such claim. If the United States and the private
plaintiffs do not reach an agreement on whether the claims
administrator's determination should be changed within sixty
(60) days, the initial determination shall be final.
- Shares of the claim fund will be distributed based
upon ownership and occupancy of a single-family home in the
predominantly African American community
["eligible property"]. Claims may be submitted by the household that
owns or owned each eligible property. Persons who are or
were owners of more than one eligible property may submit
claims for each eligible property (provided that categories
limits set forth above are not exceeded), and successive
property owners may each submit claims for the same property
provided each such household meets the eligibility
requirements of the appropriate category and are not related
by blood or marriage. If the property was owned by one or
more persons who no longer reside in the same household for
reasons such as divorce or legal separation, each person
will be paid in proportion to that person's share in the
ownership of the share of each.
- Upon reasonable notice to American Family, the
company will make reasonable efforts to make documents or
records available for inspection to the claims administrator
which will aid the claims administrator in determining
whether a claimant is entitled to relief, and/or the amount
to which the person is entitled.
- The United States and the private plaintiffs, in
consultation with the claims administrator may amend the
guidelines set forth above and/or may develop additional
guidelines on the amounts to be distributed to persons in
each of the categories identified above, and additional
procedures and guidelines for determining whether a person
is entitled to relief and the amount to which each claimant
shall be entitled. The United States and the private
plaintiffs will timely inform American Family of such
procedures and guidelines and any changes in the limit on
the amount paid per claim or to a person shall be approved
by American Family. Any such changes will not affect
American Family's total monetary obligation under this
decree.
- At the beginning of each month, the claims
administrator shall provide American Family with the names,
addresses, and telephone numbers of each claimant so that
the company can discuss with that person his/her future
interest in purchasing American Family homeowners insurance.
Counsel for the private plaintiffs will make their best
efforts to encourage claimants to pursue the purchase of
American Family insurance policies to help fulfill the
objectives of this Order.
- Administration and operation of the claim fund
- No amount shall be paid to any claimant from the claim
fund unless and until the claimant:
- executes a declaration setting forth the claim
unless the claimant previously testified under oath to the
circumstances surrounding the claim; class counsel will
provide any assistance necessary for the completion of these
declarations; and
- if the claimant is entitled to relief under this
decree but is not a member of the certified class, the
claimant executes a general release releasing American
Family from any claims that the claimant may have against
the company as of the date of entry of this Order. The
United States and counsel for the private plaintiffs shall
prepare this release and submit it to American Family for
its approval.
- Any person who receives compensation from this fund is
not precluded from participating in the initiatives described in
Section A of this Part.
- Within ten (10) days following the entry of this Order,
American Family will deposit five million dollars ($5,000,000)
for individual compensation in an interest-bearing account
designated by the United States and the private plaintiffs. The
United States and the private plaintiffs have determined that the
interest earned on this fund may be used for attorneys' fees,
costs and expenses of the private plaintiffs and their counsel
for the administration and processing of claims and for
performing the private plaintiffs' duties under this decree,
provided that the Class Committee agrees that any fees, costs,
and expenses of counsel for the private plaintiffs are reasonably
incurred, and further provided that the United States and the
Class Committee agree that any other fees, costs, or expenses
incurred by the private plaintiffs are reasonably incurred and
are consistent with the purposes of this decree. Once all such
fees, costs, and expenses are paid, the United States and the
private plaintiffs will invest any interest remaining in one or
more of the community-based relief programs identified in Section
A of this Part of the decree.
- Within ten (10) days following the entry of this Order,
the United States and the private plaintiffs shall jointly select
a trustee to administer the fund in the interest-bearing account
established in paragraph 3, above. The trustee shall be
responsible for the administration of the fund, including the
payment of any applicable taxes.
- If a balance remains after the payment to all persons
in one of the described categories, the United States and the
private plaintiffs will allocate the remaining amount to the
other categories, so long as no person in any category receives
more than the maximum allowed for each category.
- Once all claims, fees, costs, and expenses are paid
pursuant to this Part of the decree, the United States and the
private plaintiffs will apply the remaining funds to the programs
established in Section A of this Part of this decree.
- American Family Mutual Insurance Inc., and its
respective parents, subsidiaries, directors, officers, agents,
insurers, attorneys, and employees shall have no duty,
obligation, or liability with respect to any determination of a
person's eligibility for any form of relief under Section B of
this Part of this decree or for decisions as to the amounts
awarded or for any aspect of the relief provided in this Part of
this decree.
- RECORD-KEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
In order to fully and effectively implement the terms of
this decree American Family will maintain records and provide
reports, on a semi-annual basis, as provided in Attachment A to
this Order.
- GENERAL ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS
The parties have agreed to work cooperatively to resolve any
issues that might arise as implementation proceeds, and to
petition this Court for relief only if those issues cannot be
resolved through good-faith negotiations. Unless the resolution
of the matter is governed by a more specific procedure set forth
in this decree, any party may identify the issue(s) it believes
are in question and give notice to the other parties. Within
forty-five (45) days after receipt of such notice, the parties
agree to meet and confer regarding the issues raised. During
these meetings the parties agree to evaluate thoroughly and give
full and careful consideration to the matters in dispute. The
parties further agree to allocate a period of not less than
thirty (30) days following the initial meeting in which to
conclude these discussions.
If, after the conclusion of this thirty-day period, the
parties have not resolved the dispute(s), any party may request
the Court to resolve the matter.
- CLAIMS OF THE UNITED STATES
The entry of this consent decree resolves the claims raised
by the United States in its complaint.
- RELEASE OF CLAIMS BY PRIVATE PLAINTIFFS AND PLAINTIFF CLASS
Upon entry of this Order, the defendant, American Family
Mutual Insurance Inc., and its respective parents, subsidiaries,
directors, officers, agents, insurers, attorneys, and employees
shall be, and hereby are, fully released and forever discharged
from any and all claims, demands, charges, complaints, rights,
and causes of action of any kind, known and unknown, by the
private plaintiffs, the plaintiff class, and each of its members
who do not timely request exclusion from the class, that arise
out of or are related to the incidents of discrimination alleged
in the complaint, which occurred at any time until the date the
Court has approved this decree. The entry of this Order fully
settles the allegations that have been, could have been, or in
the future might be claimed or asserted against the defendants or
the defendants' agents in this case by the private plaintiffs,
the plaintiff class and/or members of the plaintiffs class based
on the allegations which were or could have been raised in the
plaintiffs' complaint. This release shall survive the
termination of this decree. This release shall not release any
claims by an American Family insured based on his or her
contractual rights as a policy holder.
- RETENTION OF JURISDICTION
The Court will retain jurisdiction for a period of five (5)
years following the date of entry of this Order. At the
conclusion of this five-year period, the consent decree will
expire without any action by any party thereto. The United
States or the private plaintiffs may petition the Court to extend
the Court's jurisdiction, and the Court shall extend its
jurisdiction, if it has a reasonable basis for concluding that
the remedial objectives of this decree have not been achieved and
that American Family has not taken all reasonable steps under the
decree to achieve the remedial objectives.
DONE this _____ day of _____________, 1995.
____________________________
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Approved as to form and content:
Attorneys for the United States:
DEVAL L. PATRICK
Assistant Attorney General
KERRY ALAN SCANLON
Deputy Assistant Attorney General
PAUL F. HANCOCK
ROBERT S. BERMAN
SUSAN BARBOSA FISCH
TIMOTHY MORAN
Attorneys, Housing and Civil Enforcement Section
Civil Rights Division
Department of Justice
P.O. Box 65808
Washington DC 20035
202/514-3828
THOMAS P. SCHNEIDER
United States Attorney
Eastern District of Wisconsin
517 E. Wisconsin AV
Milwaukee WI 53202
414/297-1700
Attorneys for the NAACP plaintiffs:
WILLIAM H. LYNCH
Suite 404
625 N. Milwaukee AV
Milwaukee WI 53202
414/289-9200
HALL, PATTERSON & CHARNE
James Hall, Jr
Patrick Patterson
324 E. Wisconsin AV
Milwaukee WI 53202
414/273-2001
SUTTON & KELLY
Walter Kelly
1409 E. Capitol
Milwaukee WI 53211
414/961-0802
NAACP SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION FUND
Dennis Courtland Hayes, General Counsel
Willie Abrams, Assistant General Counsel
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore MD 21215
410/486-9196
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION
Gretchen E. Miller, Cooperating Attorney
Hall, Patterson & Charne
324 E. Wisconsin AV
Milwaukee WI 53202
414/273-2001
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF WISCONSIN FOUNDATION
Peter Koneazny, Legal Director
207 East Buffalo
Milwaukee WI 53202
414/272-4032
LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE
James Walrath, Litigation Director
229 E. Wisconsin AV
Milwaukee WI 53202
414/765-0600
NAACP LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND
Elaine R. Jones
Theodore M. Shaw
Victor Bolden
99 Hudson ST
New York NY 10013
212/219-1900
Attorneys for the defendant American Family Mutual Insurance Company
AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
James F. Eldridge
Executive Vice-President
Corporate Legal & Secretary
6000 American Pkwy.
Madison WI 53783
608/249-2111
FOLEY & LARDNER
Thomas L. Shriner, Jr.
Richard M. Esenberg
Brian W. McGrath
777 E. Wisconsin AV
Milwaukee WI 53202
414/271-2400
PATTON BOGGS, L.L.P.
John L. Oberdorfer
2550 M Street, N.W.
Washington DC 20037
202/457-6000
ATTACHMENT A
RECORD-KEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
- Record-keeping
- During the term of this decree, American Family will
retain, electronically, or by other means, all applications, both
bound and unbound, and other materials submitted for homeowners
insurance on owner-occupied homes located in Milwaukee County and
all documents and notices relevant to any underwriting decisions
related to those policies, particularly those work sheets used to
calculate the replacement cost of the home. American Family also
will retain in a central location all records relating to its
obligations under this consent decree, including, but not limited
to, its advertising, recruitment, and compliance activities.
- During the term of this decree, the United States and
counsel for the private plaintiffs, after reviewing the reports
submitted by American Family and upon reasonable written request
shall be provided access to individual homeowners insurance
application files in Milwaukee County, both bound and unbound, to
monitor American Family's processing and evaluation of homeowners
insurance applicants. Except for related judicial proceedings,
the United States and counsel for the private plaintiffs will
keep all records and information relating to individual
applicants or insureds confidential to protect the applicants'
privacy rights and American Family's business interests.
- Reporting
- American Family will report to the United States and to
counsel for the private plaintiffs on a semi-annual basis for the
period of this decree. The first reporting period shall conclude
six (6) months following the date of the entry of this Order.
All reports will be submitted within thirty (30) days after the
close of the semi-annual time period and will include the
following information:
- A report in machine-readable format (except for
items xiii and xiv, which may be reported on microfilm
or paper) for all homeowners insurance applications,
both bound and unbound, on owner-occupied homes located
in Milwaukee County received during the respective
reporting period. The report shall contain the
following information:
- The policy number of the application.
- The date the application was entered.
- Whether the application was bound or unbound.
- The agent selling the policy.
- The address of the property for which the
insurance was sought.
- Whether the application was for Gold Star,
replacement cost, custom value, or other
homeowners insurance policy coverage.
- The amount of coverage for the dwelling
(Coverage A).
- The market value of the dwelling.
- The estimated replacement cost of the
dwelling.
- The premium charged for the insurance
coverage (exclusive of the premium charged
for any endorsements).
- The amount of the deductible.
- Any endorsements to the policy.
- Whether a physical inspection was made ofthe property and, if so, the reasons for the inspection.
- The action American Family took on the
application, including any requesting repairs
to be made to the dwelling.
- A report in machine-readable format for all
homeowners insurance policies in effect on owner-occupied
homes located in Milwaukee County on the last day of the
respective reporting period. The report shall contain the
following:
- The policy number and the inception year of
the policy.
- The agent selling or servicing the policy.
- The address of the property covered by the
insurance.
- Whether the policy provides Gold Star,
replacement cost, custom value, or other
homeowners insurance policy coverage.
- The amount of coverage for the dwelling
(Coverage A).
- The premium charged for the insurance
coverage (exclusive of the premium charged
for any endorsements).
- The amount of the deductible.
- Any endorsements to the policy.
- A report in machine-readable format for all
homeowners insurance policies on owner-occupied homes
located in Milwaukee County which were cancelled or non-
renewed during the respective reporting period. The report
shall contain the following:
- The policy number and the inception year of
the policy.
- The agent selling or servicing the policy.
- The address of the property covered by the
insurance.
- Whether the policy provides Gold Star,
replacement cost, custom value, or other
homeowners insurance policy coverage.
- The amount of coverage for the dwelling
(Coverage A).
- The premium charged for the insurance
coverage (exclusive of the premium charged
for any endorsements).
- The amount of deductible.
- Any endorsements to the policy.
- Whether the decision to cancel or non-renew
the policy was made by the insured or
American Family.
- Whether the action was a cancellation or a
non-renewal.
- If the action was taken by American Family,
the specific basis of the decision.
- A report in machine-readable format (except for
item vii, for which the claim files will be made available
for good cause) for all activity resulting from claims filed
under homeowners insurance policies in Milwaukee County
during the respective reporting period. The report shall
contain the following:
- The policy number.
- The type of claim (e.g., theft, fire.)
- The date of occurrence.
- The date American Family entered the claim.
- The date and the latest amount of loss
reserve American Family set aside for the
claim.
- The date and amount paid.
- Whether American Family investigated the
claim, and, if so, the reasons for conducting
the investigation as well as the results of
the investigation.
- A listing of all applications and policies in
Milwaukee County, by policy number, for which credit bureau
reports were requested, the reason for the request, and, if
the policy was cancelled, not renewed, or not approved, the
reason for such action.
- A listing of a statistically valid random sample
of all policies in Milwaukee County, by policy number, and
whether although the company standards required a credit
bureau report during the consideration of an application,
whether bound or unbound, for homeowners insurance or the
decision to cancel or not renew an existing policy, such a
report was not requested.
- A report of all advertising conducted pursuant to
this consent decree, including the media names, types, and
frequencies. The report will include representative copies
of all advertising.
- A summary report or copies of all sales agents'
logs identified in paragraph 2(d) of Section C of Part II of
this decree which report shall contain the address of each
inquiry and indicate whether the inquiry resulted in an
application for homeowners insurance and, if so, the action
American Family took on the application. Upon reasonable
written notice, American Family will make copies of the
sales agents' logs available to the United States and the
private plaintiffs for inspection.
- A summary report of the dates, descriptions, and
results of all market research; and the dates, groups
contacted, and matters discussed in all community outreach
meetings.
- A report of all compliance training, the dates
held, instructors, content, audience, and the number of
individuals who attended.
- American Family will also preserve the results of
any tests of their agents or employees, conducted pursuant
to Part V, and report to the United States and to counsel
for the private plaintiffs a summary of the test results and
any sanctions or disciplinary actions taken in response to
the test findings.
- A report on referrals as described in paragraph
4(c) of Section C of Part II of this decree.
- Within thirty (30) days following the entry of this
Order, American Family shall provide the United States and the
private plaintiffs with the information described in paragraph
1(b) of this Section, which shall be current as of the date of
entry of this Order by the Court.
- Copies of all notices, correspondence, reports, or
documents required to be provided by one party to the other under
this consent decree will be mailed to the following addresses:
Chief, Housing and Civil Enforcement Section
- Civil Rights Division
Department of Justice
P.O. Box 65998
Washington DC 20035
William H. Lynch, Esq.
- Suite 404
625 N. Milwaukee AV
Milwaukee WI 53202
Associate General Counsel
- Corporate Legal
American Family Mutual Insurance Company
6000 American Parkway
Madison WI 53783
ATTACHMENT B
AREA OF INCREASED POLICY EFFORTS
The following area shall constitute the definition of the
area of increased policy efforts as set forth in Section A of
Part III of the decree:
All of those portions of postal zip codes 53205, 53206,
53208, 53209, 53210, 53212, and 53216 which are located in the
City of Milwaukee except those areas in the postal zip codes
listed below:
in 53208
- (a) The area bounded by 52nd, Vliet, and 60th Street, and North Avenue; and
(b) The area bounded by Hawley Road, Fairview Avenue, and the Menomonee River.
in 53210
- (a) The area bounded by North Avenue, 52nd, Wright, and 60th Streets; and
(b) The area bounded by Center Street, 76th Street, Burleigh Street, Appleton Avenue, Moltke Avenue (as extended to Appleton Avenue), 64th Street, and Avondale Avenues.
in 53216
- (a) The area bounded by Lisbon Avenue, Burleigh Street, and 76th Street.
1 According to the 1990 Census, the overwhelming majority (78.2%) of African Americans in Wisconsin reside in the City of Milwaukee, in a discrete, well-defined geographic area. Further, the census indicates that as of 1990, almost ninety percent of the city's African American population resided within the area bounded by the following streets: the stadium Freeway from Interstate 94 to North Avenue, North Avenue to 51st Street, 51st Street to Hampton Boulevard, Hampton Bulevard east to the Milwaukee River, and south along the Milwaukee River to Interstate 94, and wet on INterstate 94 to the intersection with Stadium Freeway. For purposes of this decree, this area shall be referred to as the "predominantly African American community."
2 For all purposes of this Order, the term "Single-family home" shall mean any owner-occupied one- to four-unti dwelling.
3 For the purposes of this decree, the area defined in Attachment B to this decree will be used to measure American Family's progress in achieving the remedial objective of enhancing the availability of homeowners insurance in the predominantly African American community.
4 This section shall not apply to standards, practices, or procedures that are not identified or implemented pursuant to Section II in this decree, if the standard, practice or procedure in question was known or reasonably could have been known to the United States or the private plaintiffs through their investigations of the company and litigation of these cases.