Tennessee Lawmaker’s Suggestion for Handling Traffic Tickets: Ignore, Burn Them

A Republican Tennessee lawmaker says getting a traffic camera ticket isn’t a problem – he just burns them. State Rep. Andy Holt set such ticket ablaze on May 26 and posted the video to Facebook. A news release issued in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Alabama Jury Awards $5.5 million to Family of Man Killed in Crane Accident

A west Alabama jury has awarded $5.5 million to relatives of a man who died when a crane toppled over in 2012. The Tuscaloosa News reports that jurors in Hale County returned the verdict May 17 in the death of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Risk Strategies Establishes Florida Footprint With Acquisition of Atlass Insurance

Risk Strategies Company, a privately held, national insurance brokerage and risk management firm, has acquired Florida-Based Atlass Insurance Group, significantly adding to the resources of its Private Client practice. Founded in 1981, Atlass Insurance is an insurance brokerage and risk …

from News – Insurance Journal

GOES-R Satellite Promises Less Art, More Science in Storm Forecasting

For forecasters trying to better pinpoint the havoc of storms, the future begins next year. That’s when the test phase for the new GOES-R satellite should be complete, providing the  National Weather Service with an improved tool to track lightning, …

from News – Insurance Journal

California Senate OKs Bill to Avert License Suspensions for Minor Offenses

The California Senate on Tuesday passed legislation by state Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, that stops the automatic suspension of driver’s licenses for people who fail to appear in court on minor traffic offenses or fail to pay fines for …

from News – Insurance Journal

School Bus Firm Agrees to Settle California Safety Suit for $11.5M

An attorney representing mechanics for a school bus company says the company has agreed to pay $11.5 million to settle a California lawsuit claiming they used unsafe buses to transport San Francisco students. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that two …

from News – Insurance Journal

Map Shows Buildings That May Not Survive Quake in Oregon’s Largest City

Portland, Ore. officials have released a map and database showing about 1,800 unreinforced masonry buildings that may be vulnerable to shaking during an earthquake if they are not structurally retrofitted. These buildings were generally constructed before the 1960s using brick …

from News – Insurance Journal

Access Health CT Helping 18K Enrollees Find New Plans

Connecticut’s health insurance marketplace is helping up to 18,000 people who no longer qualify for Medicaid health coverage to enroll in private insurance plans. Access Health CT says it will begin reaching out on June 2 to help enrollees find …

from News – Insurance Journal

Adventure Seekers Barely Escape Flooded Kentucky Cave

The operator of a Kentucky spelunking attraction says he is analyzing what happened last week after 19 people barely escaped a flooded cave by trudging through neck-deep water to reach the caverns only exit. David Foster, executive director of the …

from News – Insurance Journal

South Carolina’s Memorial Day Weekend a Wet One Thanks to Tropical Depression

Heavy rains from Tropical Depression Bonnie dissipated over South Carolina on Monday, as a wet Memorial Day holiday weekend came to an end in the area. The depression fell apart early in the day about 45 miles north of Charleston, …

from News – Insurance Journal

NYC Plans to Issue Salt-Warning Fines as Lawsuit Continues

New York City plans to start enforcing a first-of-its-kind requirement for chain restaurants to use icons to warn patrons of salty foods after getting an appeals court’s go-ahead on May 26 to start issuing fines. But it’s not the final …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ohio Gun Shop Faces $194K in Fines for Workplace Hazards

Federal safety and health investigators say employees of an Ohio gun shop may face life-long health damage because their employer continues to expose them to lead hazards and has failed to establish a respiratory protection program. The U.S. Department of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Health Insurers Seek Big Premium Increases in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s insurance regulators are starting a review of health plans for coverage next year through the federal marketplaces, including several that seek premium increases in excess of 40 percent. The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance said the proposed premium increase for …

from News – Insurance Journal

Uber Appeals Pennsylvania’s $11.4M Fine

Ride-hailing company Uber is asking Pennsylvania’s utility regulators to reconsider the record-setting $11.4 million fine they issued against it. The Public Utility Commission fined San Francisco-based Uber in April for operating in Pennsylvania for six months in 2014 without the …

from News – Insurance Journal

At Least 6 Dead, 2 Missing After Floods in Texas, Kansas

Authorities in central Texas have found two more bodies along flooded streams, bringing the death toll from flooding in the state to six. It was unclear Sunday whether a body found in Travis County near Austin was one of the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Aspen Appoints Global Leaders for Surety and Credit & Political Risk

Aspen Insurance, the insurance segment of Bermuda-based Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd., has announced the appointments of Mike Toppi as global head of Surety Risk and Paul Sanders as global head of Credit & Political Risk. These appointments are part of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Federal Reserve PLans June 3 Meeting on Insurance Carrier Capital Rules

The U.S. Federal Reserve will hold an open meeting next Friday on proposals, in the works for more than five years, for capital requirements and other rules for insurance companies. The central bank’s announcement on Friday came a week after …

from News – Insurance Journal

California Commissioner Lowers Workers’ Comp Advisory Rate

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones adopted and issued a revised advisory pure premium rate, lowering the benchmark to $2.30 per $100 of payroll for workers’ compensation insurance. The change is effective July. This is a 10.5 percent reduction compared with …

from News – Insurance Journal

VALE Acquires Onyx Transportation Services in California

VALE Insurance Partners has acquired 100 percent of the assets of San Francisco, Calif.-based Onyx Transportation Services LLC, the program administrator for Onyx Insurance Company Inc., a risk retention group specializing in the transportation industry. The program administrator will now …

from News – Insurance Journal

Zurich Names Anderson to Lead Trade Credit, Political Risk Unit

Property/casualty insurer Zurich has named Dave Anderson to be head of Credit & Political Risk, effective immediately. A 14-year veteran of Zurich, Anderson since 2012 has been global business development director for Credit & Political Risk. In his new role, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Sompo Launches Model to Evaluate Wind Farm Risks

The Sompo group companies have launched a model for evaluating risks to onshore and offshore wind farms. The model was created by Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc. (SJNK), Sompo Risk Management & Health Care Inc. (SRMHC) and Sompo Canopius AG (Sompo …

from News – Insurance Journal

Supreme Court to Hear State Farm’s Appeal of Katrina False Claims Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear an appeal by State Farm contesting a jury finding that the insurance company defrauded the federal government when assessing damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 along the Gulf of Mexico …

from News – Insurance Journal

U.S.-EU Continue Talks on Insurance Regulation Covered Agreement

Trade representatives for the United States and the European Union, who met May 24 and 25 to negotiate a bilateral covered agreement on regulations for insurers and reinsurers, on Friday issued a joint statement indicating they have not reached  final …

from News – Insurance Journal

Copyright Claim Targets Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’ Vocal Riff

Canadian pop star Justin Bieber and the co-writers of his 2015 smash hit “Sorry” are being sued for allegedly stealing a vocal riff from another artist who said she used it on her own song a year earlier. In a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Americans on Road to Driving Record Number of Miles

American drivers logged a record number of miles in the first three months of the year, as travel rose 4.2 percent to 746 billion miles, the U.S. Transportation Department said on Friday. In March this year, Americans drove 273.4 billion …

from News – Insurance Journal

Nexus Signs 3-Year Capacity Deal with XL Catlin to Write Financial Lines in Asia

Nexus Underwriting, the independent specialty managing general agent (MGA), has signed a three year underwriting capacity deal with XL Catlin in Asia through XL Insurance Co. SE. Through its new branch based in Hong Kong, Nexus Underwriting Asia (HK) will …

from News – Insurance Journal

Delta Lloyd to Sell 30.2% Stake in Wealth Manager Van Lanschot to Raise Capital

Delta Lloyd NV started selling its entire 30.2 percent stake in wealth manager Van Lanschot NV as part of the insurer’s plan to boost capital. A total of 11.3 million existing depository receipts of Van Lanschot are on sale at …

from News – Insurance Journal

China Likely to Adopt Cyber Rules for Insurers Despite Foreign Business Concerns

Controversial cyber security regulations for China’s insurance industry, now before the World Trade Organization (WTO), could soon take effect despite efforts by foreign business groups to persuade Beijing to change tack. Those groups say the draft measures are vague and …

from News – Insurance Journal

NCCI Seeks to Raise Florida Workers’ Comp Rates by 17% in Light of Court Ruling

Florida businesses could soon be paying almost 20 percent more for workers’ compensation coverage. In response to a recent decision from the Florida Supreme Court, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) filed a 17.1 percent rate increase with the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Purifoy Elected President of Combined Agents of America

The independent insurance agency network, Combined Agents of America LLC (CAA), has elected Mack Purifoy to serve as president for the coming year and secretary David Wellmann to serve as secretary. Purifoy owns Purifoy & Company Insurance in Temple, Texas. Wellman …

from News – Insurance Journal

South Carolina Insurance Head Talks Lessons Learned After Historic Flood

  South Carolina’s coastal property insurance market is strong, but the state’s significant catastrophe risk remains an ongoing threat and not one that should be taken lightly. That is the message South Carolina Insurance Director Raymond Farmer hopes to get …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ohio Court: Insurance Department May Take Over Health Insurer

The state’s insurance department is taking over a company that provides health insurance to nearly 22,000 residents, mainly in central Ohio. The move affects those holding InHealth Mutual policies from Coordinated Health Mutual Inc. The suburban Columbus-based company is organized …

from News – Insurance Journal

Under Missouri Bill, Insurance Department Would Review ACA Rate Hikes

Health insurance companies would no longer be able to raise rates for Affordable Care Act consumers in Missouri without review by a state agency under a measure awaiting the governor’s signature. Advocates say the change is long overdue. Missouri is …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oklahoma Insurance Exec to Picked to Lead Louisiana Citizens Insurance

A former Oklahoma insurance executive has been chosen to head the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state’s property insurer of last resort. Richard Newberry has been named the new chief executive officer. The Advocate reports state Insurance Commissioner Jim …

from News – Insurance Journal

Senn, Ex-CEO of Zurich Insurance, Commits Suicide

Former Zurich Insurance boss Martin Senn has committed suicide six months after leaving the company under a cloud, a tragedy that comes less than three years after Zurich’s finance chief took his own life. Senn, 59, shot himself at his …

from News – Insurance Journal

RIC Taps Kaneko and Clansen in California

RIC Insurance General Agency Inc. has named Garett Kaneko senior vice president of sales and marketing and Tom Clansen vice president of commercial lines. Both will be based in California. Garett will work out of RIC’s headquarters in Santa Rosa …

from News – Insurance Journal

EPIC Names Tan Surety Manager in Northern California

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has named Nick Tan surety manager. Tan will be based in EPIC’s San Ramon, Calif. construction services practice and report to Brian Quinn, regional director of property/casualty. Tan will be responsible for providing surety consulting …

from News – Insurance Journal

XL Catlin Adds Rectification Expense Coverage to Contractors’ Policies

XL Catlin’s Environmental insurance business has added new protection to its Contractor’s Professional and Pollution Legal Liability insurance to help contractors and environmental consultant clients absorb the costs of fixing an issue or mistake. The new coverage addresses contractor professional …

from News – Insurance Journal

New York Police to Step Up Enforcement Over Memorial Day Weekend

The New York State Police and local law enforcement statewide will be stepping up patrols to combat drunk and impaired driving this Memorial Day weekend, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced. Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel holidays …

from News – Insurance Journal

New York Bill Aims to Expand Contraception Insurance Coverage

Advocates, lawmakers, and physicians are calling for the passage of a bill that would provide insurance coverage for all FDA approved contraceptive drugs and products in New York. The Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act would guarantee co-pay free coverage, allow access …

from News – Insurance Journal

PIANY’s Priority Legislation Introduced to Address CE Requirements

The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. (PIANY) said New York State Assembly has introduced a PIANY-drafted bill (A.10378) that would eliminate the need for agents and brokers to take duplicate continuing-education courses for both their individual and …

from News – Insurance Journal

USAA to Close Wealth Management Office in Philadelphia

The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) will close a wealth management office located in Philadelphia, effective July 19, according to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice the company filed this month with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and …

from News – Insurance Journal

NOAA’s 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast: 45% Chance of Near-Normal; 30% Above Normal

Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center say the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, will most likely be near-normal, but they also say this season is particularly difficult to pin down because there is …

from News – Insurance Journal

Travelers & Novae Join Lloyd’s Construction Consortium; Capacity Rises to $320M

Two insurers, Travelers and Novae, have joined the Construction Consortium at Lloyd’s to offer greatly increased underwriting capacity for the largest construction risks in the world across all major onshore construction and engineering risk categories. The consortium was launched in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Missouri Insurance Regulator: Aetna/Humana Plan Would Limit Competition

Missouri’s insurance department has dealt a setback to a proposal by the nation’s third-largest health insurer to buy another insurance company. State Insurance Director John Huff says Aetna’s planned purchase of Humana would sap competition from an already concentrated market. …

from News – Insurance Journal

North Dakota Governor: Oil Industry ‘Solid’

North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple told industry and government officials on May 25 that the state’s unprecedented oil boom that made it the economic darling of the nation is far from going bust. “From our perspective, we think that this …

from News – Insurance Journal

Arkansas Court Backs $3M Judgment Against Gerber over Workers’ Time

Arkansas’ highest court says a baby food manufacturer must pay more than $3 million to workers for the time they spent dressing and undressing into uniforms and protective gear. The state Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling that Gerber …

from News – Insurance Journal

Flooded Homeowners Allege Negligence in Suit Against City of Houston

A citizen’s group and homeowners who have recently suffered repeat flood damage sued Houston, Texas, in federal court, alleging the city backed improvements at a commercial development they say were made without putting in adequate drainage. Residents Against Flooding and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Hackers Target 12 SE Asian Banks, Revealing Campaign Against SWIFT Network

Investigators are examining possible computer breaches at as many as 12 banks linked to SWIFT’s global payments network that have irregularities similar to those in the theft of $81 million from the Bangladesh central bank, according to a person familiar …

from News – Insurance Journal

Heffernan Names Northington Assistant Vice President in Southern California

Heffernan Insurance Brokers has named Paula Northington assistant vice president of employee benefits in its Orange County, Calif. office. Northington began her career in the financial services industry with Private Ledger Financial Services. She moved into a leadership role at …

from News – Insurance Journal

Early Season Storm Could Roil Southeast Coast’s Memorial Day Weekend

A storm that would be named Bonnie threatens holiday cookouts and celebrations along the U.S. coast from North Carolina to Georgia over the Memorial Day weekend. If the low-pressure system now northeast of the Bahamas develops, it will become the …

from News – Insurance Journal

With Hurricane Season About to Open, Forecasters Keeping Eye on East Coast

When the Atlantic  hurricane season starts next week, the most active area might just be off the U.S. East Coast. At this time of year, passing cold fronts that linger over waters warmed by the late spring sun can trigger …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ropner Insurance Services Appoints 6 New Brokers as Part of Ongoing Expansion

Ropner Insurance Services Ltd., the Lloyd’s and London market broker, has appointed six new brokers as part of its ongoing expansion, following the Global Risk Partners Ltd.-backed management buyout last year: Gary Watson and Stewart Alliston have joined the international …

from News – Insurance Journal

Jury Sides with Google; Oracle Loses $9 Billion Copyright Claim

Google won a jury verdict that kills Oracle Corp.’s claim to a $9 billion slice of the search giant’s Android phone business. Oracle contended that Google needed a license to use its Java programming language to develop Android, the operating …

from News – Insurance Journal

AXA Sells SunLife, Names Top Team Including Harlin as CFO, Olivier to Lead P/C

AXA SA sold its SunLife unit in the U.K. to Phoenix Group Holdings and announced the top-management team that will work with incoming Chief Executive Officer Thomas Buberl when he takes the helm in September. Gerald Harlin will become group …

from News – Insurance Journal

Towergate Launches Specialty London Markets U/W Division; 2 DUAL Execs Hired

Towergate Underwriting has formed a Specialty London Markets underwriting division, by hiring two market leading talents in this important and undeveloped specialist opportunity for the group. John Murphy and Glenn Marshall will join upon leaving DUAL, an international underwriting agency, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Credit Suisse Sells Operational Risk Bonds, Insuring Rogue Trading, Cyber Crime

Credit Suisse has sold bonds worth 220 million Swiss francs ($222 million) to help insure against certain operational risks such as rogue trading and cyber crime, a source familiar with the matter said on Thursday. The bonds were marketed to asset managers, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Liability Insurer Accuses Surgical Robot Maker of Hiding Injury Claims

It’s health insurers’ cardinal rule: disclose pre-existing conditions. Now comes a case in which that familiar decree involves not a patient, but rather a $1.5 million surgical robot known as the da Vinci system. Two insurance companies say da Vinci’s …

from News – Insurance Journal

Hurricane Center Updating Storm Surge Maps for North Carolina’s Outer Banks

New storm surge maps for the Outer Banks of North Carolina will be available this summer. The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reported that the National Hurricane Center will release the maps to predict where and how deep flooding would be in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Texas’ Coastal Wind Insurer Expects $4.9B in Funds for 2016 Hurricane Season

While its reinsurance plans for the 2016 hurricane season haven’t yet been nailed down, Texas’ insurance company of last resort for wind and hail along the Texas coast expects to have around $4.9 billion in available funds for paying claims …

from News – Insurance Journal

Unsealed Records Show Drug Firms Flooded Rural West Virginia With Painkillers

Information about pill shipments that prescription drug distributors being sued by the state had sought to keep secret show that the firms flooded rural West Virginia with hundreds of thousands of painkillers. The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports a Boone County judge …

from News – Insurance Journal

Judge: Plaintiffs in University of Tennessee Discrimination Suit Owed $460K in Fees

A federal judge has recommended that former Tennessee associate director of sports medicine Jenny Moshak and two ex-Lady Volunteers strength coaches should recover more than $460,000 in attorneys’ fees as part of the settlement in their lawsuit against the university. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oklahoma Insurance Regulators: No Authority to Approve ACA Rate Hikes

The Oklahoma Insurance Department does not have statutory authority to approve or deny rate increases filed by insurers on the federal health insurance exchange, state regulators say. Oklahoma, along with Texas, Missouri, Alabama and Wyoming, is a direct enforcement state …

from News – Insurance Journal

Indiana Department of Insurance Approves Anthem’s Cigna Acquisition

The health insurer Anthem Inc. announced it has received approval from Indiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Stephen W. Robertson for the acquisition of Cigna HealthCare of Indiana Inc., a subsidiary of Cigna Corp. On July 23, 2015 Anthem and Cigna …

from News – Insurance Journal

Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill Closer to Passage in Ohio

A proposal to legalize medical marijuana in Ohio has squeaked through a critical Senate panel over opposition of some Republicans and Democrats. The Senate Government Oversight & Reform Committee’s 7-to-5 vote sets the stage for probable passage of the bill …

from News – Insurance Journal

Sanchez Appointed Vice President at Texas-Based LevelFirst

LevelFirst, the wholesale broker and MGA binding facility owned by IIAT Services Co., has named Kelley Sanchez as vice president. Sanchez will underwrite new business opportunities with the Transportation Division. She has more than 10 years’ experience in the industry. Sanchez …

from News – Insurance Journal

Stortzum Joins Alliant’s ProQuest Division in Chicago

Lawyers professional liability specialist Nate Stortzum has joined the ProQuest division of Alliant Insurance Services as vice president. Stortzum is based in Chicago Prior to joining ProQuest, Stortzum was Midwest regional manager for the IronPro division of Ironshore. There, he was …

from News – Insurance Journal

Washington Summit Inserts Insurance Industry into Climate Change Discussion

It may not be a climate change summit for the ages like the meeting in Paris last year in which world leaders hashed out a historic agreement to reduce carbon emissions, but it does have two things in common with …

from News – Insurance Journal

RIC Names Dahl Personal Lines Manager in Nevada

RIC Insurance General Agency Inc. has named Gary Dahl its personal lines manager. Dahl will be based at RIC’s Reno, Nev. office and will report to Jeff Gans, chief operating officer. Dahl has more than 30 years of personal lines …

from News – Insurance Journal

The Unpleasantness of Selling and Buying Insurance

Do you have a minute to talk about your death? It isn’t easy to sell life insurance. Investing in a mutual fund, you feel like you’re saving money. Purchasing insurance, you feel like you’re spending it. “It’s not a pleasant …

from News – Insurance Journal

California School District Aide Busted for Felony Workers’ Comp Fraud

An employee of a Southern California school district has been arrested on charges of workers’ compensation fraud for allegedly racking up $33,000 in treatments and disability payments. Juanita Denise Schmittle, 50, of Baldwin Park, Calif., was arrested by California Department …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ironshore Names Houvenagle Wholesale Branch Executive for West Coast

Ironshore Inc. has named Tara Houvenagle wholesale West branch executive for the Western region. Houvenagle, who is based in Ironshore’s St. Louis, Mo. office, will report to Joseph L. Boren, president of U.S. field operations. In her additional role as …

from News – Insurance Journal

Massachusetts AG Launches Child Labor Awareness Initiative

With summer jobs approaching, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has launched an effort to educate teenagers, parents, and employers about the state’s youth employment laws. “Because of committed employers across Massachusetts, tens of thousands of young people will have an …

from News – Insurance Journal

Massachusetts Emergency Workers Responding to More Opioid Overdoses

It all starts with a $20 to $30 purchase. That’s the average street price of heroin today, according to Framingham, Massachusetts, Police. But if that one purchase is a bad batch, too strong, or if the user injects too much, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Tornadoes Destroy Homes in Western Kansas, Damage Assessment Begins

Crews were evaluating the damage Wednesday after tornadoes destroyed several homes and left two people critically injured in western Kansas as a series of severe storms swept across the Plains. Meanwhile, one person drowned in central Oklahoma after a vehicle …

from News – Insurance Journal

North Dakota Company Settles Federal Racial Discrimination Suit for $250K

A Williston, N.D.-based oil field service company will pay $250,000 to a worker it fired after he complained of harassment to settle a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The lawsuit filed a year …

from News – Insurance Journal

Omaha Bills Minnesota Excavator that Struck Gas Line, Causing Explosion

The city of Omaha, Neb., has billed a Minnesota excavation company nearly $104,000 for the costs of fighting a fire that erupted after a natural gas explosion. The city and safety regulators say North Central Service of Bemidji, Minn., workers …

from News – Insurance Journal

House Lawmakers Kill Louisiana License Plate Reader Proposal

Lawmakers in the House have spurned a proposed program that would allow law enforcement agencies to automatically scan motorists’ license plates. The House and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 7-3 to kill the Senate-backed bill by Lake Charles Sen. Ronnie Johns, …

from News – Insurance Journal

South Dakota Reminds Surplus Lines Insurance Brokers of Policy Filing Changes

The South Dakota Division of Insurance has issued a bulletin to surplus lines insurance brokers of changes in store for the filing of surplus lines policies. The changes are due to the wind down of the Nonadmitted Insurance Multi-State Agreement …

from News – Insurance Journal

More than 200 Homes Damaged in Wyoming Flooding

Officials say four homes were destroyed and 200 more were damaged by flooding in Wyoming. The Ranger reported that the American Red Cross says flood waters in the Wind River Basin destroyed the Fremont County homes in early May. The …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oregon Church Sued for $5M for Alleged Unreported Abuse

A woman is suing a northwestern Oregon church over claims that its leaders kept quiet about reports from her daughter that she was being sexually abused by her father. The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that the $5 million suit filed this week says …

from News – Insurance Journal

Johnson & Johnson Gets Sued by California over Marketing for Pelvic Mesh

California has accused Johnson & Johnson of failing to warn doctors and patients about the severity and frequency of complications associated with its pelvic mesh devices. According to the lawsuit filed by the state’s attorney general on Tuesday, J&J and …

from News – Insurance Journal

EPIC Adds Perata to Golf Insurance Services Team in California

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has named Jake Perata an insurance broker/producer for the firm’s Sacramento, Calif.-based golf insurance services practice. Perata is responsible for new business development and the design and management of insurance and risk management programs for golf industry …

from News – Insurance Journal

Loan Data Discredits View That Millennials Do Not Want Cars

Millennials are less interested than older folks in owning their own cars, right? Wrong, according to auto loan data showing young Americans are increasingly active in the car buying market. Despite the widely-held belief that millennials will become an increasingly …

from News – Insurance Journal

Congress on Brink of First Update to Toxic Chemical Law in 40 Years

Legislation with bipartisan support that would revamp U.S. chemical safety law for the first time in decades is advancing in Congress, winning overwhelming passage in the House of Representatives as backers sought quick Senate action. Senate leadership aides said the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Travelers Promotes Toczydlowski to President, Business Insurance; Spadorcia Retires from Personal Insurance

The Travelers Companies Inc. announced that Greg Toczydlowski, executive vice president, has been promoted to president of Business Insurance. Toczydlowski most recently served as executive vice president and president, Small Commercial, Business Insurance Technology and Operations. Since joining Travelers in 1990, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Kids’ Car Seats, Ridesharing Popularity Prompt Focus on Back Seat Safety

Crash-test dummies, who have dutifully endured thousands of simulated accidents from the front seat, are about to get a ride in the back. Regulators are making the move as part of a new emphasis on the safety of back-seat passengers, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Hulk Hogan Privacy Suit Enjoys Litigation Financing from Tech Billionaire Thiel

Billionaire investor Peter Thiel is helping wrestler Hulk Hogan bankroll his lawsuit against Gawker Media, according to a report in Forbes. Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, in March won a $140 million jury verdict against Gawker in a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Are Ridesharing Drivers Safer Than Average American Drivers?

Ridesharing drivers are safer drivers than the average American behind the wheel, according to research by Boston-based Aite Group. The researchers, using driving analytics data, conclude that average consumers are safer catching an Uber or a Lyft or entrusting their kids …

from News – Insurance Journal

Global Risk Partners Completes Acquisition of LONMAR

Global Risk Partners Ltd., the insurance broking and managing general agency (MGA) investment vehicle, has completed its backing of the management buyout of LONMAR Global Risks, the London-based specialist Lloyd’s broker. Originally announced last month, the transaction was subject to regulatory …

from News – Insurance Journal

Dutch Insurer NN Group Plans to Buy Back Shares Worth $559 Million

NN Group NV, the second-biggest Dutch insurer, said it will buy back as much as 500 million euros ($559 million) of shares over the 12 months from June as it returns excess capital to investors. First-quarter operating profit was little …

from News – Insurance Journal

Long Named Marketform’s Claims Director, Moving from XL Catlin

Marketform, the specialist Lloyd’s insurer, announce it has appointed Sharon Long to its executive team as claims director. Long’s appointment further strengthens the new leadership team that is driving the transformation of Marketform, the company said in a statement. Long …

from News – Insurance Journal

Swiss Re’s List of Emerging Risks Range from Blockchain Tech to Human Cyborgs

A fragmented Internet, continued experimentation with monetary policy and another round of economic crises in emerging markets top Swiss Re’s latest roundup of emerging risks to watch out for. Beyond those top three, the reinsurance giant covers everything from human-induced …

from News – Insurance Journal

PartnerRe Reshapes $16B Investment Portfolio Under Elkann/EXOR’s Leadership

PartnerRe exited junk bonds and shifted funds into property as the reinsurer reshaped a $16 billion investment portfolio after being acquired by John Elkann’s EXOR SpA. EXOR’s approach is to focus on holdings that “we know and understand very well,” …

from News – Insurance Journal

Pennsylvania Advises Insurers on Arson, Insurance Fraud Reporting Rules

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department recently issued a notice to advise and remind insurers of their obligations under the state’s law in the reporting of suspected arson and insurance fraud. The department also said in its notice, “Arson and Insurance Fraud …

from News – Insurance Journal

ESIS Launches Healthcare Industry Risk Management Practice

ESIS, Inc., Chubb’s risk management services division, has launched a new industry practice dedicated to serving the claims and risk management needs of healthcare organizations and life sciences firms. The ESIS Healthcare Industry Practice includes a full range of claims …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida ‘Drug Pusher’ Doctor Sentenced to 25 years for Patient Deaths

A federal judge in Tampa, Fla., has sentenced a 76-year-old doctor to 25 years in prison for the deaths of three patients who were prescribed pain medications at his clinic. U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore told Edward Neil Feldman …

from News – Insurance Journal

South Carolina Bar Sued For Overserving Motorcyclist Who Crashed, Killed Passenger

A bar in Columbia, S.C., has been accused of serving so much alcohol to one of its underage patrons that he became extremely intoxicated and crashed his motorcycle, killing a 19-year-old woman who was riding with him. The State of …

from News – Insurance Journal

QBE Appoints DeMares to Lead Latin American Growth From Miami

QBE European Operations has appointed Alfonso De Mares as Business Development manager for Latin America. Alfonso joined QBE European Operations’ International Markets division in April and will be based in Miami. Reporting to Tim Harris, director of Overseas Business Development, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Miami Artist Lawsuit Against Against Apple, Design Firm Dismissed

A lawsuit filed by artist Romero Britto against Apple Inc. and a design firm claiming misuse of his distinctive images and colorful style has been dismissed. Miami federal court documents show the 2015 lawsuit was dropped last week. No details …

from News – Insurance Journal

XL Catlin, A.J. Gallagher to Offer ‘Lifestyle’ Coverage for Art Collectors in New York

XL Catlin and A.J. Gallagher have formed an exclusive underwriting agreement to offer a lifestyle insurance program for young and new art collectors in New York City. The policy, known as “Five for Five”, features five specialized insurance coverages – …

from News – Insurance Journal

Aon Benfield Enhances Poland Flood Model

Impact Forecasting, Aon Benfield’s catastrophe model development team, has launched a new version of its catastrophe model to enhance understanding of the financial impact of floods in Poland. Aon Benfield is the global reinsurance intermediary and capital advisor of Aon …

from News – Insurance Journal

Martin Picked to Serve as CFO at LCTA Workers’ Comp

Louisiana-based insurance carrier, LCTA Workers’ Comp (LCTA), has hired Christine Martin as chief financial officer (CFO). A certified public accountant, Martin brings more than 20 years of financial management experience to the casualty insurance company. In her new role, Martin …

from News – Insurance Journal

Investigators: Fraud Schemes Rampant Among Houston Tow Truck Drivers

Houston is a bad place to have to have your vehicle towed, according to law enforcement officials and insurance investigators. There have multiple reports of vehicles being towed and towing services charging victims thousands of dollars to retrieve their cars, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oklahoma Commissioner: 4 Insurers Have 55% Earthquake Market

Data released at a May 24 hearing to determine the competitiveness of earthquake insurance coverage in Oklahoma shows that four insurance companies have 55 percent of the market in the state. That’s a concern for Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak, …

from News – Insurance Journal

West Virginia Motorcyclist Wins $500K in Suit Against Travelers, Truck Driver

A jury has awarded more than $500,000 to a motorcyclist in South Charleston, W. Va., who was injured in a lumber spill wreck. The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports jurors reached the verdict last week in Larry Keeling Jr.’s case. Keeling’s attorney …

from News – Insurance Journal

AIG to Offer Crowdfunding Investor Protection in UK and Canada

American International Group, Inc., has launched a new product for the global crowdfunding investment industry. This new insurance product was developed specifically to protect investors on equity crowdfunding platforms against issuer fraud. Crowdfunding platforms enable innovators to fund their ideas …

from News – Insurance Journal

American Family Insurance Signs Baseball’s Jeter as Brand Ambassador

Madison, Wis.-based American Family Insurance has tapped Derek Jeter – retired New York Yankees shortstop, 14-time All-Star, future Hall of Famer, businessman and philanthropist – as the company’s newest brand ambassador. American Family Insurance said it will partner with Jeter …

from News – Insurance Journal

Feds: 6 Connecticut Men Staged 50 Car Crashes for Insurance Money

Federal prosecutors say six Connecticut residents have been charged with staging car crashes so they could make fraudulent insurance claims. U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly said Tuesday that five Norwich residents and one New London resident have been indicted by a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oklahoma Governor Seeks Disaster Assistance after Severe Weather

Gov. Mary Fallin is seeking disaster assistance for two Oklahoma counties that were hit hard by tornadoes, severe storms and flooding earlier this month. Fallin sought assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration for Murray and Garvin counties. Damage assessments …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ohio not Tracking Insurance Death Benefits, Report Says

The state hasn’t tracked insurance companies’ payments of death benefits to Ohio residents to see if they are getting what they are owed since a national probe revealed large insurers were holding onto billions of dollars meant for beneficiaries, according …

from News – Insurance Journal

Liberty International Underwriters Launches Auto Parts Recall Policy

Liberty International Underwriters, part of Liberty Mutual Insurance, has launched an Automotive Components Product Recall Policy designed to cover first and third party recall expenses. The policy coverage encompasses critical, noncritical and after-market parts with limits of $5 million primary and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Arkansas Officials Question Health Insurance Rate Hikes for 2017

Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Allen Kerr says he expects to deny several recent requests by insurers to raise rates on individual on-exchange health insurance policies by more than 10 percent for 2017. Under the Affordable Care Act, requests for rate increases …

from News – Insurance Journal

PBS/NPR Documentary Adds to Criticism of Private Insurers, FEMA Over Profits on Flood Insurance

Private insurance companies working for the government’s flood insurance program have made hundreds of millions of dollars at the same time that thousands of homeowners are claiming they have been underpaid for damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, according to a …

from News – Insurance Journal

FEMA Vows Changes to Flood Insurance Claims Appeals

After learning some hard lessons from Superstorm Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says it is reforming the way it handles appeals from disgruntled policyholders in the National Flood Insurance Program. The October 2012 storm, spawned when Sandy merged with …

from News – Insurance Journal

Fisher Named Executive Director of PIA of Tennessee

Kristopher Fisher has been named executive director of the Professional Insurance Agents of Tennessee. Transitioning from director of Member Services to executive director, Fisher’s new responsibilities include: management of the PIA Advantage Services Corporation programs and products; management of the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia Names New Education Director

The Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia (IIAV) has hired Carter Hope Lyons as director of Education and Professional Development. Based in IIAV’s Richmond, Virginia, office, Lyons will also take on the role of executive director for the Virginia Association of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Allstate Debuts Insurance Coverage for Homeowners Sharing Their Homes

In a move to serve customers who rent out their homes on a temporary basis, Allstate has filed plans to offer home-sharing protection in six states — Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee and Utah — starting in mid-August. Allstate says …

from News – Insurance Journal

Candidates for Texas FAIR Plan Association Governing Committee Sought

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is accepting applications for the board that governs the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan, which provides residential property insurance in underserved areas where it’s not readily available through the private market. Applications …

from News – Insurance Journal

Harrell Joins Ironshore in Chicago from Chubb/ACE USA

Ironshore Inc. has added David Harrell in its Specialty Casualty unit as vice president, casualty manager in the Chicago office. He will be responsible for building upon Ironshore’s retail distribution platform of Specialty Casualty product lines throughout the Midwest region, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oklahoma Regulators Warn Insurers on Earthquake Coverage Hikes

Oklahoma regulators grappling with a massive increase in small earthquakes in the state linked to growing oil and gas production said on May 24 they were concerned with spiking rates for earthquake insurance coverage and diminishing competition among insurers. At …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oregon Transportation Needs Include Preparing for Earthquake Damage

A major fault off the Oregon Coast is expected to produce an earthquake, and transportation officials say preparing for that event needs to be a top priority. The Medford Mail Tribune reported a Cascadia Subduction Zone event tops the needs …

from News – Insurance Journal

Fewer Fatal Crashes on Wyoming Roads in 2016

Wyoming authorities say the number of people killed in crashes on state roads has decreased by more than half this year compared to the same time in 2015. The Casper Star-Tribune reported that there have been 18 fatal crashes on …

from News – Insurance Journal

Thousands of Gallons Spilled from California Oil Pipeline

Hazardous materials crews are cleaning up as many as 21,000 gallons of oil after a pipeline rupture in Northern California. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Shell Pipeline Co. officials say a response team is clearing contaminated soil and helping …

from News – Insurance Journal

Family of MLB Star Gwynn Sues Tobacco Companies in California

The family of the late baseball star Tony Gwynn, a Hall of Famer who played with the San Diego Padres, has filed a lawsuit in California accusing makers of dipping tobacco of causing his death from cancer by getting him …

from News – Insurance Journal

New York AG Accuses Domino’s Pizza of Wage Theft in Lawsuit

The New York attorney general’s office on Tuesday sued Domino’s Pizza Inc, claiming it is liable for wage theft by franchisees because the company used a computer system that it knew under-calculated workers’ pay. The lawsuit is the first by …

from News – Insurance Journal

Chubb Names Polyblank to Head UK, Ireland Small-Medium Business Unit

Chubb has appointed Ruth Polyblank, currently head of Marketing and Customer Strategy for the UK and Ireland, to the new role of head of SME (small and medium sized enterprises) for the UK and Ireland. Polyblank will have overall management …

from News – Insurance Journal

London Re/Insurance Market Faces Risk of Casualty Reserve Shortfall: PwC

There is a real risk that casualty reserves for business written in 2015 will run off at a loss in the future, according to PwC’s London re/insurance market review of reserve adequacy. PwC pointed to the fact that the strength …

from News – Insurance Journal

Canada’s Oil Sands Facilities Prepare to Restart as Wildfires Begin to Slow

All of the Canadian oil-sands facilities that workers fled last week as a wildfire spread are being allowed to prepare for restart as cool, humid weather has helped contain the inferno. Alberta lifted mandatory evacuation orders for the last of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Flood Damage from UK’s Winter Storms to Cost Insurers $2 Billion: ABI

Flood damage in Britain from winter storms has resulted in claims for more than 15,000 homes and businesses and is likely to lead to pay-outs of 1.3 billion pounds ($1.9 billion), the Association of British Insurers estimates. Three winter storms …

from News – Insurance Journal

Citizens Board Approves $2.46B Risk Transfer Program for 2016 Hurricane Season

Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s Board of Governors has approved a $2.46 billion risk transfer program as the state heads into the 2016 hurricane season, the insurer said in a statement. By unanimous vote, Citizens Board approved a package that …

from News – Insurance Journal

Encompass Insurance Exits North Carolina Personal Lines Market

Encompass Indemnity Insurance, an Allstate Insurance company that sells business through independent agents, has exited the North Carolina personal lines market. As of this month, Encompass is no longer renewing business in the state. However, the departure of the company, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Report Calls out Insurers for Half-a-Trillion Dollars in ‘Dirty Energy’ Investments

Leading U.S. insurers have nearly half-a-trillion dollars invested the fossil fuel energy and the electric and gas utility sectors, according to a report out today that urges state insurance regulators and board members of these companies to help move them …

from News – Insurance Journal

Vanbridge Holdings Appoints 4 New Board Members in New York

Vanbridge Holdings LLC, an insurance intermediary, capital advisory and insurance and reinsurance management firm based in New York City, has appointed four new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the board are Craig Farr, David P. Delaney, Jr., Jose …

from News – Insurance Journal

IIABNY Lauds New York Senate Committee’s Approval of Workers’ Comp Bill

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York (IIABNY) applauded a New York Senate committee’s action to protect employers from surprise insurance premium increases in their workers’ compensation policies. The Senate Labor Committee approved IIABNY’s bill during its meeting …

from News – Insurance Journal

3 Baldwin & Lyons Senior Execs Resign; CEO Cites Differences with Chairman; New CEO Named

Three senior executives of specialty transportation insurer Baldwin & Lyons have abruptly retired and the insurer said it has retained independent legal counsel to review issues raised by their departures. For now, the Indiana-based company is disclosing few details about …

from News – Insurance Journal

240K Marylanders Missing Out on Health Insurance Help

It’s an unusual problem: The more people in rural areas Mark Romaninsky and his team help sign up for health insurance, the more difficult it becomes to find people who still need to enroll. “It gets harder and harder every …

from News – Insurance Journal

Risk Strategies Acquires John Buttine Inc. in New York City

Risk Strategies Company announced Tuesday that it has acquired John Buttine Inc., an insurance brokerage in New York City with a specialty focus on media-related businesses and services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Established in 1946, John Buttine …

from News – Insurance Journal

Appeals Court Throws Out $1.27B Fraud Penalty Against Bank of America Mortgage Unit

A U.S. appeals court on Monday threw out a jury’s finding that Bank of America Corp. was liable for mortgage fraud leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, voiding a $1.27 billion penalty and dealing the U.S. Department of Justice …

from News – Insurance Journal

3 Tornadoes Reported in South Dakota

Severe storms that crossed South Dakota led to reports of at least three tornadoes, including one that caused damage. The National Weather Service says a tornado in Tripp County on Sunday evening prompted reports of downed electrical lines and roof …

from News – Insurance Journal

AIA Urges Mitigation, not Regulation to Ease Oklahoma’s Quake Coverage Woes

In testimony submitted to Oklahoma’s insurance commissioner, the American Insurance Association (AIA) has suggested that the state look at mitigation, rather than further regulation of the earthquake insurance market in order to alleviate concerns over lack of competition. Concerned about …

from News – Insurance Journal

Program Administrator SIS Appointed Lloyd’s Coverholder

Safebuilt Insurance Services, Inc., dba SIS Wholesale Insurance Services, a national commercial lines program administrator, has been appointed as a Lloyd’s coverholder. The coverholder undertaking allows SIS to access Lloyd’s syndicates directly, and expands the company’s overall capability to deliver …

from News – Insurance Journal

Fire Deaths Rising in Minnesota

State public safety officials say 57 people died in fires last year in Minnesota — the highest number of fatalities in 13 years. The Department of Public Safety’s State Fire Marshal Division released the numbers on May 23 along with the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ohio AG Suing Roofer for Taking Insurance Checks, not Finishing Work

The state attorney general is suing a Cincinnati roofing company over more than a dozen complaints that the company took insurance checks but the work was either never finished or was done improperly. Attorney General Mike DeWine says American Property …

from News – Insurance Journal

Advocacy Groups Want Stronger Texting-Driving Ban in Oklahoma

Just six months after Oklahoma’s ban on texting and driving went into effect, advocacy groups are calling for even broader measures to curb distracted driving. Oklahoma was among the last states to pass a texting and driving moratorium when the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Everest Re Names Berry as Head of International Property Facultative Unit

Everest Re Group Ltd. has appointed Sean Berry as vice president and head of the Reinsurance Division’s International Property Facultative unit. Based in Everest Re’s Miami office, Berry will be responsible for worldwide property facultative underwriting, excluding business written out of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Disaster Fraud Rampant After Floods, Hurricanes

This year, extensive flooding has already affected parts of Texas and Louisiana. With more rain producing floods in the forecast for the southern part of the U.S. this spring, the likelihood of disaster fraud increases. Disaster-related fraud affects auto, homeowners …

from News – Insurance Journal

Labor Unions Searching for Strategies to Join the Gig Economy

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers trumpeted an agreement reached earlier this month to represent New York Uber drivers, saying it “gives organized labor an opportunity to shape the new economy in a way that supports and values …

from News – Insurance Journal

Beazley Expands Environmental Team in U.S. with XL Catlin, AIG, Ironshore Hires

Specialist insurer Beazley has made several senior hires to expand its environmental liability insurance team in the U.S. The Beazley environmental team now has 20 associates across the U.S., with local underwriting and claims contacts in every region. Chris Biddle, …

from News – Insurance Journal

China’s Ping An Joins Global Blockchain Consortium, Led by Fintech Firm R3

China’s second-biggest insurance company, Ping An Group, has become the first Chinese member of a global consortium led by fintech firm R3 which is working on ways blockchain technology can be used in financial markets, the companies said on Tuesday. Ping An …

from News – Insurance Journal

Vermont Firefighters to Receive New Solar Panel Training

At the Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford, Vermont, fire safety instructors are getting some training to deal with a new challenge — battling blazes on rooftops adorned with solar panels. A workshop at the academy last week focused on the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Adds 2 Senior Field Representatives

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, has hired Sue Bonkowski and Mike Lawless as senior field representatives. Bonkowski is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and will promote targeted growth in western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and West Virginia. Bonkowski most …

from News – Insurance Journal

Insurers Rethinking $17.7 Billion Invested in Hedge Funds

Insurers have had about enough of hedge funds. Stung by market-trailing returns, the insurance industry in the U.S. is reversing course after more than doubling its hedge fund allocation over five years, to $17.7 billion as of Dec. 31, according …

from News – Insurance Journal

Chubb Focuses on Continental European SMEs with ‘Easy Solutions’ Proposition

Chubb has launched Chubb Easy Solutions, its proposition for brokers and their small and medium sized clients in Europe. Backed up by a dedicated underwriting team, Chubb Easy Solutions provides cover through a simplified underwriting process, enabling brokers to obtain quotes …

from News – Insurance Journal

Cyber Bank Thieves Stole $12M from Ecuador Bank in 2015, Using SWIFT System

Shortly after 7 p.m. on January 12, 2015, a message from a secure computer terminal at Banco del Austro (BDA) in Ecuador instructed San Francisco-based Wells Fargo to transfer money to bank accounts in Hong Kong. Wells Fargo complied. Over …

from News – Insurance Journal

Small Group of Bermudian Re/Insurers’ Drive Overall Q1 Premium Growth: S&P

At first glance, Bermudian re/insurance companies appeared to start the year with a bang, reporting a 21 percent increase in consolidated gross premiums written (GPW), according to a new report published by Standard & Poor’s. However, that picture is slightly …

from News – Insurance Journal

Soft Pricing, Capacity and ‘Market Fatigue’ in Medical Professional Liability Insurance

Are insurance brokers experiencing “market fatigue” in the medical professional liability line of insurance right now? Could be, according to Daniel Nash, senior vice president of Field Operations and Business Development for Ironshore. Even though pricing in the market is …

from News – Insurance Journal

The Villages Insurance Hires Shannon as Advisor in Florida

The Villages Insurance Agency has hired Jason Shannon as advisor for its Commercial Risk Management Division. The Commercial Risk Management Team specializes in protecting business owners and their employees nationwide. Shannon has been in the insurance industry for over eight …

from News – Insurance Journal

Britain Would Face Trade Barriers if It Votes for Brexit: EU Financial Services Head

Britain would face trade barriers if it left the European Union and its single market, the EU’s financial services commissioner Jonathan Hill said on Monday. Hill, a Briton appointed to the European Commission by UK Prime Minister David Cameron, stepped …

from News – Insurance Journal

Chubb Agribusiness Adds Product Withdrawal Coverage

Chubb Agribusiness has added product withdrawal coverage to its package policy for businesses that grow, manufacture, and distribute consumable products. The new coverage insures the expenses as a result of a withdrawal initiated by the insured or a governmental authority. …

from News – Insurance Journal

West Virginia Drug Diversion Squad to Aid in Fight Against State Drug Abuse

A new tactical diversion squad through the Drug Enforcement Agency will help north central West Virginia fight the state’s growing drug problem. WBOY-TV reports that starting next month the diversion squad will assist local law enforcement in catching drug dealers, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Mississippi Passes Law to Speed up Physician Licensing Across State Lines

Out-of-state physicians could get licensed to practice in Mississippi more quickly, under a new law. Gov. Phil Bryant signed House Bill 41 on May 16, and it became law right away. It adds Mississippi to an agreement among states to …

from News – Insurance Journal

Miami-Dade Approves Water Citations for Property Owners in Zika Prevention Effort

Florida’s Miami-Dade County is stepping up enforcement to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne viruses, including Zika. County commissioners May 17 passed an ordinance allowing authorities to take “necessary corrective action” during a public health emergency to reduce mosquito breeding sites …

from News – Insurance Journal

Herring Named Field Rep in California for Berkshire Hathaway GUARD

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Cos. has named Traci Herring a senior field representative in Northern California. Herring is responsible for identifying prospects for appointments while providing information about available resources and new developments to existing members of the distribution network. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Former California Claim Adjuster Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $289K

Elizabeth Louise Brown, 48, of Canyon Country, Calif., a former claims adjuster with Explorer Insurance, pleaded guilty to two counts of insurance fraud with a white collar crime enhancement penalty for crafting an elaborate scheme to defraud her employer of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Washington Commissioner Fines Insurance Professionals $113K

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in April totaling $113,600 against insurance companies, agents and brokers who he said violated state insurance regulations. The list, which Kreidler’s office releases periodically, is broken down by insurance company and below that …

from News – Insurance Journal

Idaho Non-Resident Producer License Revoked

The Idaho Department of Insurance received notice from the Washington Office of Insurance Commissioner revoking the license of Randy W. Tate, a Washington resident. Idaho insurance code gives the director the right to revoke any insurance producer license that has …

from News – Insurance Journal

Texas Regulators Seek Data on Residential Property Hail Litigation

The Texas Department of Insurance has issued a data call to gather information about the cost of weather-related residential property claims and the incidence of litigation of these claims. The Regulatory Policy Division is collecting this information to assist the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Sues Feds Over Failed Health Co-Op

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart says federal health officials are unlawfully withholding millions of dollars owed to a failed health insurance co-op in his state. Gerhart, who is Liquidator for CoOportunity Health, filed suit against the U.S. Department of Health and …

from News – Insurance Journal

R-T Specialty Hires CRC Exec Sparling in New York

R-T Specialty LLC, the wholesale brokerage unit of Ryan Specialty Group LLC, has hired J.C. Sparling as executive vice president. He is based in New York City. Sparling is a seasoned property wholesale broker who has been in the business …

from News – Insurance Journal

Fraud Leads to 20-Year Prison Sentence for Houston Insurance Agent

Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson that a Houston-based insurance agent has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after a Texas Department of Insurance investigation uncovered an annuity scam, in which she bilked almost a dozen elderly clients out of more …

from News – Insurance Journal

Louisiana Governor Wants Oil Industry to Pay for Coastal Restoration

Gov. John Bel Edwards is pushing to get the oil and natural gas industries to pay for restoring Louisiana’s fragile coast by encouraging them to settle lawsuits alleging they caused extensive damage to coastal lands. The governor met with industry …

from News – Insurance Journal

New York State Insurance Fund Expands Pay-As-You-Go Payment Service

The New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) announced that it is expanding its pay-as-you-go premium payment plan, NYSIF PAYGO, to include additional payroll service companies. NYSIF said PAYGO is a simple and convenient way for eligible policyholders to pay their …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ex-Texas Coach Mack Brown Testimony Sought in Discrimination Suit

A former University of Texas track coach’s sex and race discrimination lawsuit has new life, and her lawyers are still pursuing long-sought testimony from former football coach Mack Brown and prominent current and former administrators as they dig into one …

from News – Insurance Journal

South Dakota Lawyer Says Auto Insurer of Misled Him about Policy

The former lawyer for a car crash victim accused an auto insurance company of hiding a $1 million policy that could have paid for his client’s medical bills during testimony in court. Attorney Jeff Cole testified in federal court in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Equal Coverage of Cancer Drugs Required Under Michigan Bill

Cancer patients and survivors are lobbying lawmakers to make Michigan the latest in a long line of states to require equal insurance coverage of chemotherapy regardless of whether the drugs are given by needle or taken orally. The push addresses …

from News – Insurance Journal

New York Auditors Find $3.45M in Faulty Workers’ Comp Claims

New York auditors report preventing 206 incorrect claims for $1.85 million in workers’ compensation and medical benefits last year while identifying 417 duplicate claims for $1.6 million paid over the past two years. The Comptroller’s Office, which keeps three auditors …

from News – Insurance Journal

Allianz Expands Entertainment Division to NYC With New Hires

Allianz Group’s specialist corporate insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) has expanded its Entertainment division with the appointment of four key hires, based in New York City. Allianz Group said this new team in New York City represents a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Magnitude 4.6 Quake Hits Central Alaska, Officials Say

A magnitude 4.6 earthquake rattled central Alaska over the weekend, officials confirmed. The U.S. Geological Survey says the temblor struck at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday, and was centered 110 miles northwest of Anchorage at a depth of 78 miles. Police …

from News – Insurance Journal

Wyoming Hospital Headed for Bankruptcy after Numerous Lawsuits

A Powell, Wyo. hospital has filed for bankruptcy as it faces about 20 lawsuits over surgeries performed by a former orthopedic surgeon. The Powell Tribune reported that Powell Valley Healthcare’s board of directors approved filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Washington Judge OKs Mobile Home Lawsuit Settlement

A Grant County judge has given preliminary approval to a settlement in a class action lawsuit filed by mobile homeowners against their landlord in central Washington. The lawsuit alleges that Royal Coachman Mobile Home Park, in the town of Royal …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oregon Hospitals Settles for $13M in Botched Water-Birth Suit

The parents of a newborn boy deprived of oxygen during a bungled water birth attempt have settled a lawsuit against a Portland, Ore. hospital for $13 million. The Oregonian/OregonLive reported the settlement with the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center is the …

from News – Insurance Journal

XL Catlin Hires Newick as Leader for Energy, Property & Construction Claims

XL Catlin announced the strengthening of its insurance claims team with the appointment of Oliver Newick to the position of global practice leader for Energy, Property & Construction Claims. Newick joins XL Catlin from Liberty International where he held the …

from News – Insurance Journal

CEO’s Departure at Mortgage Insurer Radian May be Rival’s Opportunity to Acquire: Analyst

Essent Group Ltd. may have an opportunity to buy Radian Group Inc., the rival mortgage insurer whose chief executive officer is stepping down, an analyst at BTIG LLC said. “Radian has no clear successor,” for S.A. Ibrahim, who said last …

from News – Insurance Journal

Pelvic Mesh Maker Alleges Doctors, Lawyers, Litigation Funders Schemed to Inflate Damage Claims

American Medical Systems, a major defendant in litigation over controversial vaginal mesh devices, is accusing “a pyramid of businessmen, doctors and lawyers” of luring women into unwarranted surgeries to remove the implants and inflate their damages claims. The company, a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Pennsylvania Regulator Offers Consumer Tips for Airbnb Users

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller is offering consumer tips for both guests and hosts of home sharing sites like Airbnb, as use of these sites may rise in Pennsylvania with the state hosting two major national events — the U.S. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Aegon, Transamerica Owner, Sells $4.4B UK Annuity Portfolio to Legal & General

Aegon NV, the Dutch owner of U.S. insurer Transamerica Corp., divested the final 3 billion pounds ($4.4 billion) of annuities from its U.K. portfolio to Legal & General Group Plc. The transaction, which covers 27,000 policyholders, will release another 275 …

from News – Insurance Journal

Insider Raiguel Named General Re CEO to Replace Montross

General Reinsurance Group is getting a new CEO: Berkshire Hathaway reinsurance senior executive Kara Raiguel, who is described by her boss as a “secret weapon,” “zero maintenance,” and a “true renaissance woman in the insurance and reinsurance industry.” Ajit Jain, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Federal Reserve to Propose Lighter Capital Rules for Large Insurers Than Banks

U.S. insurers deemed big enough to threaten the financial system will probably face capital standards that are simpler and less costly than those imposed on Wall Street banks, Federal Reserve Governor Daniel Tarullo said Friday. The Fed “in coming weeks” will …

from News – Insurance Journal

Zika Epidemic Unlikely to Derail Rio Olympics: Munich Re Underwriter

Should the Olympics proceed in Rio de Janeiro in August as planned? With the lighting of the torch set to take place in less than three months, a handful of medical experts are calling for the games to be postponed …

from News – Insurance Journal

AXA to Stop Investing in Tobacco, Divesting $2B of Assets in that Industry

AXA SA, France’s largest insurer, said it will stop investing in tobacco and divest all of its 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) of assets in the industry. The Paris-based company will sell 200 million euros of stock in tobacco companies …

from News – Insurance Journal

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Adds Lawyers PL Program, Plans Other Product Launches

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies is now offering a lawyers professional liability policy in California, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and the District of Columbia with ten more states planned in 2016. Available as either a complement to other policies …

from News – Insurance Journal

Alabama Jury Awards $20M in Medical Malpractice Suit Against Hospital

A jury in northeast Alabama has returned a $20 million verdict against a local rehab hospital. The Gadsden Times reports that an Etowah County jury on May 18 found that a woman received an overdose of non-prescribed opiates while she …

from News – Insurance Journal

West Virginia Town Issued ‘Do Not Drink’ Advisory Over Chemical Level in Water

West Virginia officials have issued a “Do Not Drink” advisory for Vienna water after the Environmental Protection Agency announced a new limit for the amount of a chemical present in Wood County’s drinking water. News outlets report that state officials …

from News – Insurance Journal

PartnerOne Environmental Adds Huitt, Maxwell to New Jacksonville, Florida Office

PartnerOne Environmental has opened a new regional office in Jacksonville, Fla., and added Michelle Huitt as assistant vice president and Marie Maxwell as underwriter. The new team members will help manage the PartnerOne Fuel Solutions program, a product that addresses …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida Construction Company Owner Nabbed in Workers’ Comp Fraud Scheme

The owner of a construction company in Naples, Fla., was arrested this month for an alleged workers’ comp scheme, according to an announcement from Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. Raimundo Hernandez-Argueta, owner of Naples construction company Complete Framing Professionals …

from News – Insurance Journal

The True Cost of Owning a Car

When it's time to buy a car, the heart often leads the way. After all, what you drive can affect how you feel. A sports car makes you feel youthful, daring and fun loving. A sedan? Think safe, steadfast and sensible. Go ahead and listen to your he...

from EINSURANCE.(com): EInsurance Journal Auto Insurance Articles

Wet Spring Hurts Kentucky Corn, Soybean Farmers

This year’s wet spring season is causing problems for farmers in western Kentucky who are trying to get corn and soybeans planted. The farmers said they have been hurt by the recent series of thunderstorms and torrential rains that have …

from News – Insurance Journal

ThinkRisk Transfers Converging Risk Program to Lloyd’s, Expands Offerings

Ryan Specialty Group’s (RSG) ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency has entered into a new underwriting partnership for its Converging Risk program with Lloyd’s of London. ThinkRisk will transition its existing Converging Risk program – specialized errors and omissions insurance for media, advertising, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Indiana Company to Pay $45K to Settle EEOC Pregnancy Discrimination Suit

Office Concepts, Inc., a Fort Wayne, Ind., office product and service store, will pay $45,000 and provide other relief to settle a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced. EEOC’s suit charged that …

from News – Insurance Journal

Whistleblower Lawsuit Leads to $190.5K Penalty for Illinois Employer

Federal safety officials say an Illinois company has been ordered to pay $190,547 in back wages and damages to a safety manager in a whistleblower case stemming from a Lansing, Ill., facility. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health …

from News – Insurance Journal

New York Health Insurers Propose Hikes for Individual, Small Group Rates

New York health insurers have proposed premium increases averaging 17.3 percent for next year in the market for individuals and 12 percent for small groups. The New York State Department of Financial Services often reduces proposed increases before approving them. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Massachusetts Police Wrote 6,131 Tickets for Texting While Driving in 2015

Massachusetts state data show that the number of people getting ticketed by police for texting while driving in Massachusetts has steadily increased since it became illegal six years ago. The state Transportation Department says 6,131 were given tickets for texting …

from News – Insurance Journal

Storm Damage Causes Toyota Plant in Texas to Halt Production

A Toyota Motor Corp. assembly plant in San Antonio that makes Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks has suspended production due to storm damage from a system that dumped up to four inches of rain. Toyota spokesman Mario Lozoya says the plant …

from News – Insurance Journal

Hanover Stone Partners, UnitedLex to Offer Cyber Risk Management Services

Hanover Stone Partners, a risk management services firm, and UnitedLex, a business advisory company, have collaborated on cyber-security, legal services and other risk management options for businesses and other commercial entities. UnitedLex works with clients on their cyber-related risks through …

from News – Insurance Journal

Business Travel Fuels Growth of Uber Use in Arkansas

Business travelers needing a ride in Arkansas are increasingly using their thumbs — not to hitchhike, but to tap the Uber app on their smartphones. And despite class-action lawsuits by drivers and some job actions, Uber’s business has been growing …

from News – Insurance Journal

Louisiana House Again Advances License Plate Reader Bill

A week after rejecting a proposal to let law enforcement agencies automatically scan motorists’ license plates, a House committee has reversed course and backed the proposal that some called a money grab. The House criminal justice committee voted 8-3 to …

from News – Insurance Journal

Digital Benefit Advisors Acquires Minnesota’s Corporate Health Systems

Digital Benefit Advisors (DBA) a national employee benefits firm, has acquired Corporate Health Systems of Eden Prairie, Minn., expanding its footprint in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Corporate Health Systems’ executives, Mick Hawton and Al Hofstede, along with their 42-member benefits …

from News – Insurance Journal

Transportation Department Blames Pipeline Company for California Oil Spill

Numerous lapses in safety measures, judgment and planning by Plains All American Pipeline LP led to and worsened a major oil spill last year that fouled miles of shoreline and ocean near Santa Barbara, Calif., the U.S. Transportation Department said …

from News – Insurance Journal

Big Deal: Insurer Signs NBA Star Shaq as Brand Spokesman

Tennessee-based nonstandard auto insurance provider The General has signed its first real-life brand ambassador and he’s a big one: NBA Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal. In his brand ambassador role, the 7-foot, 1-inch O’Neal will represent the company in television commercials and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Swiss Re Corporate Appoints Gonzalez to Succeed Petrilli as CEO North America

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has appointed Ivan Gonzalez as CEO North America. Gonzalez succeeds Robert Petrilli, who the insurer said has decided to leave Swiss Re at the end of 2016. The company said Gonzalez is moving from his current …

from News – Insurance Journal

Suit Against Airbnb Alleges Racial Discrimination in Housing Rentals

Airbnb Inc. was accused in a civil rights lawsuit of ignoring a Virginia man who said a host with the online room rental company had rejected his reservation request because he’s black. Gregory Selden, 25, sued in Washington Tuesday. He seeks to represent …

from News – Insurance Journal

Liberty Mutual Starts $150M Venture Capital Fund for Instech

Liberty Mutual Global Consumer Markets has formed a new venture capital initiative focused on technology and the insurance industry. Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures (LMSV), a $150 million early stage venture fund, is aligned with the innovation strategy of Liberty Mutual …

from News – Insurance Journal

Auto Insurance Customers Disappointed in Their Insurers’ Websites: J.D. Power

While overall customers are more satisfied with their experience shopping online for auto insurance, they are less thrilled with the websites of individual insurance companies, with only slightly more half saying they “definitely will” return to the site for their …

from News – Insurance Journal

U.S. to Hear Concerns Over Coal Mines’ Self-Bonding

The United States is considering whether to reign in a subsidy on coal mine cleanup costs and in so doing shield taxpayers from those liabilities, a leading regulator for the mining industry said on Wednesday. The program, known as self-bonding, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Soaking Up Insurance on a Sunny Saturday at the Carnival and Ballpark

While predictive models may not always hold up as well as we hope, luckily the weather forecast did for this sunny Saturday. After a hard week in the office, I was taking my boys out for a day at the …

from News – Insurance Journal

StarStone, Subsidiary of Enstar, Creates Australian Underwriting Hub

StarStone, the global specialty insurer and subsidiary of Enstar Group Ltd., announced the creation of an underwriting capability in Australia.  The new hub will operate alongside Enstar’s existing Australian operation, subject to regulatory approval. StarStone Australia will be led by …

from News – Insurance Journal

Wreckage and Belongings Found from Missing EgyptAir Plane: Egypt Authorities

Egyptian authorities said they found wreckage and belongings from the missing EgyptAir plane that vanished en route from Paris to Cairo with 66 people on board. Egyptian military aircraft and naval ships Friday morning found personal items and parts of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Arch Insurance Europe Names Shulman as President & CEO

Arch Insurance Europe announced that Matthew Shulman will be appointed president and chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2016. Shulman joined Arch Insurance U.S. in 2009 and currently serves as executive vice president, responsible for its Executive Assurance and Professional …

from News – Insurance Journal

Skuld to Acquire SMA/Gerling Norway and Its Hull & Machinery Book

Skuld, the Oslo, Norway-based marine insurance provider, announced it has signed a letter of intent to purchase SMA/Gerling Norway. The acquisition would give Skuld renewal rights on SMA/Gerling Norway’s hull & machinery book of business, which covers 6,000 vessels paying …

from News – Insurance Journal

Climate Records Keep Shattering with Hottest April in 12th Record-Setting Month

The number of climate records broken in the last few years is stunning. But here’s a new measure of misery: Not only did we just experience the hottest April in 137 years of record keeping, but it was the 12th …

from News – Insurance Journal

W. Virginia AG Announces New Initiative Against Prescription Drug Abuse

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey plans to purchase incinerators for the disposal of unwanted and expired prescription medication in a state that leads the nation in the rate of overdose deaths. Morrisey announced the move Tuesday as part of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ascinsure Hires White as Underwriting Manager in Pittsburgh

Ascinsure Specialty Risk has hired David White as underwriting manager and assistant vice president. He is based in Pittsburgh. Within this role, White will manage and oversee underwriting of all new and renewal business. He will also work to enhance …

from News – Insurance Journal

Former New Jersey Agent Sentenced for Bilking $1M From MassMutual

A former insurance agent in Essex County, New Jersey, is going to prison for bilking Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company of more than $1 million in commissions and bonuses. A judge sentenced 33-year-old Stanley Jerome of Orange, New Jersey, to …

from News – Insurance Journal

Report: Florida Boating Accidents Increase, Fatalities Decline

A report shows the number of boating accidents in Florida sharply increased in 2015 over 2014, despite there being a 25 percent decrease in fatalities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says in a statement Wednesday that the 2015 …

from News – Insurance Journal

Nenezian to Retire from Florida-Based NSI Insurance, Seikaly Becomes Chairman

Oscar Seikaly has purchased the remaining stake in Florida-Based NSI Insurance Group from long-time partner and company founder George Nenezian, who concurrently announced his retirement. A privately held insurance agency, NSI Insurance Group offers commercial and personal insurance as well as …

from News – Insurance Journal

Main Street America Group Expands Private Passenger Auto Coverage to Conn., N.H.

The Main Street America Group has expanded its private passenger auto insurance program to Connecticut and New Hampshire. Highlights of the Main Street Protection Auto program, which was first launched in South Carolina and Virginia last fall, include a lineup …

from News – Insurance Journal

Arizona Governor Signs Law to Close Agent Malpractice Loophole

Arizona’s governor has signed a bill that may fix a loophole that exposes agents who write auto policies to malpractice suits. The bill was written in response to an Arizona Supreme Court ruling in July 2015 favoring an Arizona woman …

from News – Insurance Journal

Jury Rules Cinemark Theaters Not Liable in 2012 Colorado Movie Shooting

The owners of a movie theater where 12 people were killed during a screening of the Batman film “The Dark Knight Rises” are not liable for the mass shooting, a jury ruled on Thursday, in the first civil lawsuit stemming …

from News – Insurance Journal

Wreckage from Missing EgyptAir Flight MS804 Found in Mediterranean: Airline

Authorities found debris from an EgyptAir Airbus A320 jetliner that vanished on an overnight flight from Paris to Cairo with 66 people on board, the airline said. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said “wreckage from the missing aircraft” has been found, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Idaho Insurance Department Pulls Producer License for Policy Fabrication

The Idaho Department of Insurance has issued an order to revoke the license of Meaghan A. Ruether, Meridian, and Rangewood Insurance LLC. The department alleged that Ruether misrepresented or fabricated information on 25 insurance policies. The department was reportedly alerted …

from News – Insurance Journal

Pittsburgh-Based Highmark Sues Federal Government Over ACA Payments

Pittsburgh-based health insurer Highmark Inc. is suing the federal government saying it’s owed about $223 million under the Affordable Care Act for losses in 2014. Highmark filed the lawsuit in a Washington federal claims court on Tuesday. The health insurer …

from News – Insurance Journal

Brightway Insurance Announces 2 Agency Owners in Pennsylvania

Brightway Insurance, a national property/casualty insurance retailer selling through a network of franchised independent agencies throughout the country, has announced two agency owners in Pennsylvania. Kate Gowen has opened a new Brightway agency in Lansdale, and Rob Richardson has opened …

from News – Insurance Journal

Allstate: Texas Hail Event Accounts for Half of April Cat Losses

The Allstate Corp. announced estimated catastrophe losses for the month of April 2016 of more than $600 million, pre-tax ($411 million after-tax). Half of the losses stem from one severe hail event in Texas last month. Catastrophe losses occurring in April comprised eight …

from News – Insurance Journal

UT Study Links Recent Texas Quakes to Oil Activity

A new study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin concludes that human activity has been a factor in earthquakes throughout the state for nearly 100 years. The study conclusions are in a paper to be published in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Lockton Acquires Outland Consultants in Connecticut

Insurance broker Lockton announced Thursday that it has acquired Outland Consultants, a global employee benefits consultancy in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Since 1998, Outland Consultants has worked with international companies to help assess and manage …

from News – Insurance Journal

Minnesota, Wisconsin Wine Grape Crops Damaged in Cold Snap

Vintners in southern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota are reeling from a weekend cold snap that ruined huge swaths of their grapes. Temperatures dipped below freezing in much of those areas late Saturday and early Sunday, wiping out grape shoots that …

from News – Insurance Journal

Morrison Tapped to Head Ohio’s Workers’ Comp Fund

Gov. John Kasich has appointed the chief legal officer to Ohio’s insurance fund for injured workers as the agency’s new leader. Sarah Morrison takes over as administrator and CEO of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation from Steve Buehrer. She …

from News – Insurance Journal

Austin Riders Look to Craigslist after Exit of Uber and Lyft

After a car wreck last year put Akhila Sivakumar in the hospital for more than a month and left her with burns and bruises across her body, she was hesitant to drive again. So when the 22-year-old began to look …

from News – Insurance Journal

Federal Funding for Ohio Flood Control Plan in Jeopardy

Officials in northwest Ohio may be forced to abandon a flood control project or pay for it with local money as federal funding for the plan is in jeopardy. A review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in recent …

from News – Insurance Journal

Brightway Insurance Adds Agency Owner in Dallas

Brightway Insurance, a national property/casualty insurance retailer selling through a network of franchised independent agencies throughout the country, has announced that Peter Linke as a new agency owner in Dallas. The Brightway model offers independent agents access to insurance companies. …

from News – Insurance Journal

California Workers’ Comp Reforms May Have Decreased Medical Payments

Elements of California’s workers’ compensation reform law passed in 2012 may have contributed to the state’s 2013 and 2014 decreases in medical payments per workers’ comp claim, according to a study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute. The study, CompScope …

from News – Insurance Journal

Lawsuit over Colorado Movie Theater Massacre Heads to Jury

The management of a Colorado movie theater where 12 patrons were slain in a 2012 shooting rampage could never have foreseen, nor safeguarded against, such a seemingly random but meticulously planned and violent attack, its lawyers said on Wednesday. Towards …

from News – Insurance Journal

UK Banks Ordered to Update Cyber Security After $81M Bangladesh Bank Heist

The Bank of England ordered UK banks to detail steps taken to secure computers connected to the SWIFT bank messaging network about two months after a still-unidentified group used the system to steal $81 million from Bangladesh Bank, according to …

from News – Insurance Journal

Fitch Expecting P/C Commercial Insurance Business to Deteriorate

Underwriting performance for the commercial lines sector of the U.S. property/casualty (P/C) insurance industry is likely to deteriorate in 2016, according to a new report from Fitch Ratings. The expected decline would come on the heels of three straight years …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oaktree Capital & Egan Cut Ties After Failed Bid to Raise Funds for New Venture

Bill Egan, the former Bank of America Corp. banker who was working with Oaktree Capital Group LLC to start a reinsurance venture, has cut ties with the asset manager, according to people familiar with the matter. His exit follows a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Judge Allows Concussion Class Action Suit Against National Hockey League

A U.S. District judge in Minnesota this week refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by ex-players accusing the National Hockey League of failing to protect them from head injuries and withholding information about the long-term effect of concussions. The class-action …

from News – Insurance Journal

Agents Seek Better Compensation Deal with Carriers

On a first quarter results call W.R. Berkley Corp. President and CEO Robert Berkley cited a growing and alarming level of tension between carriers and distributors, driven by what he called a fight to grow margins in the face of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Urgent Action Needed to Tackle Systemic Nature of Cyber Risk: Marsh & TheCityUK

Firms across the financial and related professional services industry need to take urgent action on their cyber risks, which present a “real and present danger” to the financial system, according to a new report published by TheCityUK and Marsh. Only …

from News – Insurance Journal

McGovern Leaving Lloyd’s as CRO to Join XL Group as Chief Compliance Officer

XL Group plc announced it has appointed Sean McGovern as chief compliance officer, head of Regulatory & Government Affairs, moving from Lloyd’s of London where he is chief risk officer and general counsel. In this newly created role, McGovern, as …

from News – Insurance Journal

Climate Change Will Raise the Cost of Canada’s Natural Disasters: Insurers

Canada will have to set aside more money to deal with natural disasters like wildfires, storms and floods as climate change starts to bite, the head of the country’s property insurance industry group said on Wednesday. A wildfire sweeping through the heavily …

from News – Insurance Journal

EgyptAir Plane, Flying from Paris to Cairo, Vanishes from Radar with 66 on Board

An EgyptAir plane headed to Cairo from Paris with 66 people on board disappeared from radar in the early hours of the morning on Thursday, reviving memories of the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 that went missing in March 2014. …

from News – Insurance Journal

NAS Insurance Enhances Cyber Liability Coverage, Lowers Rates

NAS Insurance Services has enhanced its NetGuard Plus cyber liability product. The new coverage features offer greater protection for emerging privacy and security threats for businesses of all sizes across a range of industries. The enhancements include: Unknown prior acts …

from News – Insurance Journal

North Carolina Regulators Order Duke Energy to Close Coal Ash Ponds

Duke Energy Corp. must clean up its coal-ash ponds in North Carolina by 2024 due to environmental and public health safety risks, state regulators said in a proposal that could be scaled back at a later date. Duke must dig …

from News – Insurance Journal

South Carolina Lawmakers Override Governor’s Farm Aid Veto

With dozens of farmers in the lobby and lawmakers cheering every speech, the South Carolina House on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Nikki Haley’s veto of a bill offering $40 million in state aid to farmers who lost their crops …

from News – Insurance Journal

RMS Opens New Office in Tallahassee, Florida

RMS, a global catastrophe risk management firm, has opened a new office in Tallahassee, Florida after the acquisition of HWIND Scientific in October 2015. According to a statement from RMS, the new Florida office gives it better access to the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Brit Taps Rodriguez to Lead Latin American Engineering Team in Miami

Brit Limited has appointed Yesid Rodriguez as vice president, Engineering, for Brit Global Specialty USA with responsibility for Latin America and the Caribbean. Rodriguez will be based in Miami, reporting to Juan Calvache. Rodriguez has more than 20 years of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Georgia Studying Semi-Only Lanes to Reduce Traffic, Improve Safety

Georgia transportation officials are studying how to add semi-only lanes for truck traffic on Interstate 75 between Macon and Atlanta’s southern suburbs. Georgia is trying to deal with a port of Savannah that’s expanding to handle more cargo and a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Wood Gutmann & Bogart in California Gets New Brand Identity

Wood Gutmann & Bogart Insurance Brokers in Tustin, Calif. adopted a new logo and created an insignia as part of new look for the firm. The firm said it worked with employees and partners to develop a brand identity that …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ultra Risk Advisors Hires Lexington Underwriter Reardon in Boston

Ultra Risk Advisors has Hired Mathew Reardon as sales executive for the Northeastern territory. He is based in Boston. Reardon brings more than five years of healthcare professional liability insurance experience to his new post at Ultra Risk Advisors. He …

from News – Insurance Journal

Monarch E&S Opens New California Office, Names Five New Employees

Monarch E&S Insurance Services has opened a new office in San Marcos, Calif. and hired five new employees to work out of it. The employees are: Michelle Mitchell, senior underwriter/broker; Janet Tharp, senior underwriter/broker; Dayna Herron, underwriter/broker; Chrissy Hellman, senior …

from News – Insurance Journal

KRA Insurance Agency, New Agency Partners Merge in New Jersey

KRA Insurance Agency, based in Springfield, New Jersey, and New Agency Partners in Parsippany, New Jersey, have announced that the two firms have merged, resulting in a newly formed agency, KRA Agency Partners. KRA Agency Partners will provide commercial property/casualty …

from News – Insurance Journal

North Carolina Home Fires Spike in April

April was a bad month for house fires in eastern North Carolina. The Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina tells local media outlets that 184 families were affected by house fires during the month. That’s almost a 25 percent increase …

from News – Insurance Journal

Aetna to Offer Individual Plans in Maine’s Health Exchanges

Aetna plans to offer individual plans in part of Maine on the Affordable Care Act’s health exchanges, bringing more competition to the market. A filing with the state indicates Aetna will join Community Health Options, Harvard Pilgrim and Anthem Blue …

from News – Insurance Journal

Insurance Noodle Appointed as Lloyd’s Coverholder

Insurance Noodle, the online, membership-based insurance placement platform, has been appointed a coverholder with Lloyd’s of London and is now authorized to underwrite and insure accounts on behalf of certain Lloyd’s underwriting syndicates. The position grants Insurance Noodle access to …

from News – Insurance Journal

New Hampshire’s Opioid Crisis Adds Urgency to Drug Prevention Education

As New Hampshire considers mandatory drug prevention education in all grades, the state’s opioid crisis has heightened the sense of urgency for existing programs that largely target teens. A proposal to require at least two hours of age-appropriate drug and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Louisiana Medical Marijuana Expansion Bill Goes to Governor’s Desk

An effort to speed up and expand the dispensing of medical marijuana in Louisiana has won final legislative passage, spurred by personal stories of people with seizures and severe pain that bill advocates say would be eased with medicinal-grade pot. …

from News – Insurance Journal

More Than 400 Homes Wrecked by Superstorm Sandy Auctioned Off in New York

Matt Price and his wife, Carla, of Babylon, New York, are gambling that the devastation inflicted by Superstorm Sandy will be their key to the American dream of home ownership. The couple was among the successful bidders at an auction …

from News – Insurance Journal

Report: Cost of Flood Control Improvements in Austin — Possibly $4B

A draft report on how to avoid storm-related flooding in Austin and save lives says improvements could cost up to $4 billion. The Austin American-Statesman reported that the Flood Mitigation Task Force recommends increased public awareness with efforts including installation …

from News – Insurance Journal

Lawsuit Accuses Travelers of Violating Fair Housing Act in D.C.

The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) has filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against Travelers Indemnity Company and Travelers Casualty Insurance Company of America, accusing the insurers of engaging in actions that violated local and federal housing laws. Travelers has allegedly …

from News – Insurance Journal

Buckeye State Mutual Insurance Appoints Brooks as EVP, COO

Buckeye State Mutual Insurance Co. (BSMIC), headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, has appointed John Brooks executive vice president and chief operations officer (COO). Brooks joined Buckeye in August of 2001 as assistant vice president of Claims and was later appointed to …

from News – Insurance Journal

Better Fire Rating Means Lower Insurance Rates for Some in Louisiana Parish

Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon says St. Landry Parish homeowners in Fire District 4, which covers the Cankton area, can expect significant rate reductions in their fire insurance premiums, effective June 6. KATC-TV reports Donelon recognized firefighters and local …

from News – Insurance Journal

Bus in Fatal Texas Crash Had Seatbelts Only in First Row

Officials investigating a charter bus crash that killed eight people and injured 44 on a rain-slicked South Texas highway said that the vehicle had seat belts only in the first row. Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Johnny Hernandez said …

from News – Insurance Journal

Minnesota Still Wary About Impact of North Dakota Flood Project

Proponents of a proposed $2.1 billion Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion project in North Dakota will have to do a better job of addressing concerns about how it would affect farmers and other residents upstream before Minnesota will issue the permits the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Aspen Announces New CEOs for Insurance & Reinsurance Units as Vitale Retires

Bermuda-based Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd. has appointed new leaders for its insurance and reinsurance segments, in response to the announced retirement of CEO Mario Vitale. Stephen Postlewhite, previously chief executive officer of Aspen Reinsurance, has been appointed chief executive officer, Aspen Insurance, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Early Alert Quake System Could be Operating in California by 2018

California Gov. Jerry Brown will seek state funds to help establish a system that issues alerts that an earthquake is occurring – with an eye on rolling out a limited system by 2018, a newspaper reported this week. The governor …

from News – Insurance Journal

Alliant Names Umbright Workers’ Comp Claims Advocate in California

Alliant Insurance Services Inc. has named Jennifer Umbright to its Sacramento, Calif. office of as a workers’ compensation claims advocate within the company’s Alliant Americas division. Umbright will advise a portfolio of middle market clients throughout Northern California. Umbright’s claims …

from News – Insurance Journal

RMS Says $77B in San Francisco Property at Risk from Sea Level Rise by 2100

An analysis by catastrophe risk management firm RMS of economic risk to San Francisco’s property from future sea level rise found billions of dollars worth of property at risk. The analysis was used to inform the city’s recently released Sea Level …

from News – Insurance Journal

Uber Driver First Named to Lead Suit Opposes $100M Settlement

The driver originally named to lead a class-action lawsuit over pay and benefits against Uber Technologies Inc. is opposing the rideshare company’s $100 million settlement, saying he was duped by the drivers’ lawyer into signing on to the deal. Douglas …

from News – Insurance Journal

On Wine Day Consider Wineries and Vineyards a Fertile Field

If you’re one of those people who think there are enough holidays already, then you may not be happy to hear that National Wine Day is coming up – unless you really like wine, then perhaps an exception is in …

from News – Insurance Journal

House, Senate Republicans Divided Over Zika Funding

House and Senate Republicans can’t get on the same page when it comes to fighting the Zika virus — and Democrats are pouncing. The Senate, on a 68-29 vote, advanced $1.1 billion of the administration’s $1.9 billion emergency request Tuesday, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Manager’s Suit Alleges All-Male ‘Club’ Atmosphere, Gender Bias, Retaliation at Bank of America

A managing director suing Bank of America Corp. for gender discrimination by what she called an in-house “bro’s club” outlined a host of practices — including front-running, lying to customers and manipulating bond prices — in a complaint filed in …

from News – Insurance Journal

P/C Insurers Caught Between Slowing Premium Growth and Rising Loss Ratios

For U.S. property/casualty insurers, net written premium still grew in 2015, but the rate of expansion is slowing, and the industry’s collective combined ratio worsened slightly, according to a new report from ISO and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of …

from News – Insurance Journal

50% of Risk Managers Bought or Increased Cyber Insurance in Last Year: HSB Survey

Fifty percent of U.S. businesses have either purchased cyber insurance for the first time or increased their level of coverage in the last year, according to a survey of risk managers by The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Top 5 Workers Compensation Claims and Their Causes

Strains and sprains are the most common worker injury while worker injuries are most frequently the result of materials handling incidents, according to a review of more than 1.5 million workers compensation claims by The Travelers Companies. The country’s largest …

from News – Insurance Journal

Economical to Buy Largest Canada Pet Insurer, Western Financial Insurance Co.

Economical Mutual Insurance Co., the Waterloo, Ontario-based property and casualty insurance company, announced plans to acquire Desjardins Group’s pet insurance business, Western Financial Insurance Co. (WFIC) and its flagship brand Petsecure. WFIC is Canada’s largest pet insurance company with net …

from News – Insurance Journal

Longhurst Named Broking & Distribution Director for Towergate London Markets

Towergate Insurance has appointed Paul Longhurst as Broking and Distribution director of Towergate London Markets. Longhurst joins Towergate from Bluefin, where he has been London market broking director for 25 years. Longhurst ran the SBJ London market broking team until …

from News – Insurance Journal

Carpenter Forms Partnership with Symantec to Create Cyber Aggregation Model

Guy Carpenter & Co., the global risk and reinsurance specialist and wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Cos., has formed a strategic alliance with cyber security specialist Symantec Corp. to create a cyber aggregation model. Cyber attacks are estimated …

from News – Insurance Journal

Delta Lloyd’s Solvency II Ratio Declines to 127% on Fall in Interest Rates

Delta Lloyd NV, the Dutch insurer that last month completed a rights offer to shore up its capital buffers, said its ability to absorb losses weakened in the first quarter. The Solvency II ratio, a measure of an insurer’s strength …

from News – Insurance Journal

China’s Fosun Aims to Lead in Insurance, Tourism, Healthcare; Plans to Cut Debt

Fosun Group, China’s largest private conglomerate, is aiming to become a world leader in insurance, tourism and healthcare but also has a “clear plan” to reduce its debts, chairman and co-founder Guo Guangchang said on Tuesday. In an exclusive interview with …

from News – Insurance Journal

Many Weed-Smoking Canadian Drivers Say They Can Drive Unimpaired: Insurers

Almost half of weed-smoking Canadian drivers say that they can safely operate a vehicle while stoned. Among Canadians who have driven under the influence of marijuana, 44 percent don’t think it impacts their ability to drive safely, according to a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Minnesota Workers’ Compensation: A No-Fault System

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system in Minnesota: the employee does not need to prove negligence on the part of the employer to establish liability and the employer cannot use negligence on the part of the employee as a defense …

from News – Insurance Journal

LIU Designs New Policy for Architects & Engineers With Data Breach Coverage

Liberty International Underwriters (LIU), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance, has launched LIU Design and Data Insure, a new architects & engineers policy. The enhanced policy offers insurance and risk management services to help protect design firms from wrongful acts incurred …

from News – Insurance Journal

Insurors of Tennessee Adds Small as Membership Specialist

Insurors of Tennessee has added Ellie Small to the Association staff as membership specialist. Small will manage the continuing education program, coordinate course registration and provide administrative support to the Insurors office. Small is a native of Evansville, Ind., and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida Insurance Agent Sentenced to 7 Years for Insurance Fraud

The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud, which operates under the direction of CFO Jeff Atwater, announced the conviction and sentencing of former Orlando insurance agent Mario Ferreri. Earlier this year, Ferreri faced trial on fraud charges …

from News – Insurance Journal

South Carolina Governor Vetoes $40M Flood Aid Bill for Farmers

Gov. Nikki Haley vetoed a bill Monday that would send $40 million in aid to South Carolina farmers, saying farmers may complain loudly, but don’t need a bailout that isn’t being offered to all small businesses. The veto sets up …

from News – Insurance Journal

Kansas Insurance Dept. Adds Chat Feature to Interact with Agents, Consumers

A new interactive online chat feature on the Kansas Insurance Department’s website gives consumers and insurance agents another way to gather insurance information easily, the department announced. “This new feature allows an online user to quickly gather information from our …

from News – Insurance Journal

ITS Adds Daniels as VP, Business Development – Midwest

ITS, a Dallas-based insurance technology consulting and services firm, has added Marti Daniels as vice president of business development for the Midwest. Daniels brings significant industry experience to ITS, with more than 23 years in insurance at companies such as …

from News – Insurance Journal

Southwest Risk Agency Services Adds Johnson as VP, Binding

Eric Johnson has joined Southwest Risk Agency Services LLC in Dallas as vice president, Binding. Southwest Risk Agency Services is a subsidiary of Southwest Risk LP. Johnson previously was with Swett & Crawford where he was vice president of the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Alberta Wildfires Could Cost $7B with Minimal Insurer Credit Hit: Ratings Agencies

The Fort McMurray wildfires, which have been raging through northern Alberta, Canada since May 1, are likely to be the costliest natural disaster in Canadian history, according to recent reports issued by catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide and rating company …

from News – Insurance Journal

Salem Five Acquires Otis Brown Insurance Agency in Massachusetts

Salem Five, a banking and financial services company based in Salem, Massachusetts, announced that it has acquired Otis Brown Insurance Agency Inc. of Lexington, Massachusetts. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Otis Brown Insurance Agency is an independent agency …

from News – Insurance Journal

Former Wisconsin Agent Ordered to Pay to $516K in Restitution, $1M Forfeiture

A former Wisconsin insurance agent has been ordered to pay more than $516,000 in restitution and a forfeiture of over $1 million for allegedly of misappropriating funds, making misrepresentations about insurance policies, and forging customer signatures on insurance documents, the …

from News – Insurance Journal

3.8M Quake Rattles Parts of Central Oklahoma

An earthquake has rattled parts of central Oklahoma. The U.S. Geological Survey says the 3.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded at 9:59 a.m. Sunday about two miles northeast of Luther, located about 28 miles northeast of Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Changing Directions, Oklahoma Eyes Medicaid Expansion

Despite bitter resistance in Oklahoma for years to President Barack Obama’s healthcare overhaul, Republican leaders in this conservative state are now confronting something that alarms them even more: a huge $1.3 billion hole in the budget that threatens to do …

from News – Insurance Journal

Vehicle Problems Not New for Bus Company in South Texas Crash

The small South Texas bus company involved in a rollover crash that killed eight people and injured 44 others had twice been ordered by Louisiana state inspectors in 2015 to take one of its buses off the road to fix …

from News – Insurance Journal

Nebraska Church with No Alarm System Suffers $450 in Fire Damage

A fire at a Scottsbluff, Neb., church earlier this month caused $450,000 damage because it burned for more than five hours before being discovered. KNEB reports firefighters increased their damage estimate for the May 8 fire at Zion Evangelical Church …

from News – Insurance Journal

A.M. Best Upgrades Ratings of Republic Underwriters Insurance, Affiliates

A.M. Best has removed from under review with positive implications and upgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) to “a” from “a-” of Republic Underwriters Insurance Co. (RUIC) (Dallas, Texas) and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Investigators Say Amtrak Engineer Was Distracted Before 2015 Philly Crash

The Amtrak engineer at the controls of a speeding train that derailed in Philadelphia last year, killing eight people, was distracted in the moments before the accident, U.S. investigators are preparing to conclude at a meeting Tuesday. The National Transportation …

from News – Insurance Journal

Startup Embroker Raises $12.2M; Offers Firms Control Over Insurance Buying, Management

Investors have given $12.2 million to fund an insurance broker offering a cloud-based risk and insurance management system for small and mid-sized businesses. The broker, Embroker, promises to empower commercial lines customers by giving them tools to buy, compare, analyze, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Workers’ Compensation in Missouri: In the Middle of the Rate Pack

Missouri comes in at 21 for the highest workers’ compensation premium rates of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, just under Minnesota, according to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Workers’ Compensation. In …

from News – Insurance Journal

California Health Inspectors Find Infection Control Lapses at 2 L.A. Hospitals

California health inspectors dispatched to two Los Angeles hospitals following “superbug” outbreaks involving a hard-to-clean medical scope found numerous safety violations that appeared to put more patients at risk. The Los Angeles Times reported that the state declared an “mmediate …

from News – Insurance Journal

Hawaii Sues Takata, Honda over Defective Air Bags

The state of Hawaii is suing Japanese manufacturer Takata over defective air bags they say threaten peoples’ lives. The lawsuit filed last week in the First Circuit Court of Hawaii also names auto manufacturer Honda. Millions of Takata’s defective air bags …

from News – Insurance Journal

Uptick in Fatal Crashes Involving Marijuana in Utah

Utah officials say the number of fatal car wrecks in Utah in which drivers tested positive for marijuana has more than doubled in the last three years, according to annual report from the state’s Department of Public Safety. An annual …

from News – Insurance Journal

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Hogan Insurance Services, Inc.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired Hogan Insurance Services Inc., located in Westlake Village, Calif. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Robert Hogan and his team will continue to operate in their current Westlake Village location under the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Allstate App Helps Insureds Get Price Quotes, Schedule Car Repairs

Allstate has teamed up with Openbay, an online marketplace for non-collision auto-repair and maintenance services, to allow consumers to receive multiple price quotes and schedule auto repairs for anything from an engine overhaul, to new tires, to an oil change. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Re/Insurance CEOs Join Insurance Development Forum, UN & World Bank Initiative

A group of re/insurance and global broking CEOs are assisting the work of the Insurance Development Forum (IDF), which was launched last month to help build resilience to climate risk and natural disasters, while bridging the insurance protection gap for …

from News – Insurance Journal

Activist Investor Icahn Buys More Shares in AIG

Activist investor Carl Icahn has raised his stake in American International Group Inc. by 5.2 percent, putting him in a better position to pressure the insurer to split into three independent companies. Icahn now owns 44.4 million shares in AIG, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Obama Administration Finalizes Rules on Company Wellness Programs

A federal agency on Monday released final rules on how employers can offer workers financial incentives of up to 30 percent of the cost of their cheapest health insurance plans to participate in wellness programs without violating federal laws protecting …

from News – Insurance Journal

Alberta Wildfires Spread North, Threatening Oil Sands Facilities, Workers’ Camps

Wildfires raging across northern Alberta for more than two weeks have come to within a kilometer of an Enbridge Inc. oil-sands transportation terminal as warm weather and wind spread the flames, while workers were evacuated from camps north of Fort …

from News – Insurance Journal

Marsh Names Durant as Leader of Global Captive Solutions Practice

Marsh announced that Nick Durant will assume leadership of Marsh’s Global Captive Solutions Practice, effective July 1, 2016. In this role, Durant will have oversight of Marsh’s captive solutions business, which manages more than 1,250 captives worldwide. Durant will be …

from News – Insurance Journal

Watsa’s Fairfax Plans to Buy Control of Indonesia Insurer’s Non-Life Unit: Sources

Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd., the Canadian investment firm led by Prem Watsa, is in advanced talks to buy control of Indonesian financial group PT Paninvest’s non-life insurance unit, people with knowledge of the matter said. The transaction would value the …

from News – Insurance Journal

XL Catlin Enhances Professional Liability Insurance for Small A&E Firms

XL Catlin’s design professional insurance business has increased the limits of its smartADVANTAGE professional liability insurance policy and improved policy terms for architectural and engineering firms in the U.S. with annual fees of $2 million or less. The smartADVANTAGE policy …

from News – Insurance Journal

Assurant to Offer Private Flood Insurance in Florida

Assurant, Inc. has launched Assurant Primary Flood Insurance for Florida customers. The new Assurant Primary Flood Insurance offers structural coverage up to $800,000 and up to $250,000 in contents coverage, at competitive rates that include no federal fees or surcharges. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Tennessee-Based Reliance Partners Promotes Chastain

Reliance Partners has promoted of Jordan Chastain to the position of senior director of Sales for the transportation division of the company. Chastain is a native of Gainesville, Ga., and a graduate of the University of Mississippi’s Risk Management and …

from News – Insurance Journal

North Carolina Medical Board Investigating Prescription Drug Overdoses

The North Carolina Medical Board is investigating 60 doctors and physician assistants with patients who died of overdoses of prescription drugs. Medical board officials tell The Charlotte Observer that two or more patients being treated by each doctor took fatal …

from News – Insurance Journal

Allstate Rate Hikes for Georgia Drivers Move Forward, For Now

Allstate can go ahead raise auto insurance rates for Georgia drivers later this month because a state review of the planned increase won’t be done in time to stop the higher rates from taking effect, state regulators said. State Insurance …

from News – Insurance Journal

Maryland Commissioner Redmer Elected Chair of NAIC Northeast Zone

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Northeast Zone has elected Maryland Insurance Commissioner, Al Redmer, Jr., as its new chair. Redmer succeeds Susan L. Donegan, the outgoing commissioner of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR), who served as …

from News – Insurance Journal

Top Court Rejects Philip Morris Appeal of Oregon Ruling in Smoker’s Death

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear Philip Morris USA’s challenge to a $25 million Oregon jury verdict in favor of a man whose wife died of a lung cancer-related brain tumor after smoking the company’s low-tar cigarettes. …

from News – Insurance Journal

U.S. Top Court Rejects Exxon’s Appeal of $236M Verdict in N.H. Pollution Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected Exxon Mobil Corp’s appeal of a $236 million judgment against the oil company in a case brought by the state of New Hampshire over groundwater contamination linked to a gasoline additive. The justices …

from News – Insurance Journal