Sompo Canopius Appoints Kedney as Chief Commercial Officer

Sompo Canopius* AG has appointed Paul Kedney as chief commercial officer. Kedney will join the group’s executive committee and work closely with Stuart Davies, group chief executive officer, and Mike Duffy, group chief underwriting officer. Previously actuarial and risk director …

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New Jersey Sisters Awarded $9.5M for Boat Accident

Two sisters from New Jersey have received a $9.5 million jury award stemming from a 2009 boat collision that left them with serious injuries and killed one of their friends. Jamie and Gina Franzino, of Mahwah, were aboard a 15-foot …

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Controversial Red Light Cameras Save Lives: IIHS

Red-light cameras are widely hated, but a new study says getting rid of them can have fatal consequences. Traffic deaths from red-light-running crashes go up by nearly a third after cities turn off cameras designed to catch motorists in the …

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Judge Denies Uber Bid to Enforce Arbitration

A federal judge on Friday denied a motion by Uber Technologies Inc. to compel arbitration in a passenger lawsuit over so-called surge pricing brought against the ride-hailing company’s chief executive. Spencer Meyer, a Connecticut passenger and the lead plaintiff who …

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Insurer Not Liable for Defense of NASCAR’s Stewart in Ward Death

A federal judge ruled Friday that the insurance carrier for NASCAR driver Tony Stewart does not have to defend or indemnify him in a lawsuit brought by the family of a driver who died after being struck by Stewart’s car …

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FAA Rejected Advice for Hot Air Balloon Safety Rules 2 Years Ago

Warning about potential high-fatality accidents, safety investigators recommended two years ago that the Federal Aviation Administration impose greater oversight on commercial hot air balloon operators, government documents show. The FAA rejected those recommendations. A hot air balloon carrying at least …

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Texas Hot Air Balloon Crash Kills All 16 Aboard

A hot air balloon carrying at least 16 people caught on fire and crashed in Central Texas on Saturday, and there did not appear to be any survivors, authorities said. Authorities would not confirm the exact number of deaths, but …

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Florida Says Zika Mosquitoes Likely in State

Health officials in Florida on Friday reported the first cases of local transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in continental United States. The Florida department of health has concluded that the four reported cases of the virus are likely mosquito-borne, …

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Fire that Damaged Historic Georgia Courthouse Believed to be Arson

A fire that caused heavy damage to the historic courthouse in Macon County, Georgia, is being investigated as a case of arson. WSFA reports that that the Macon County Sheriff’s Office believes the July 9 fire was deliberately set. Multiple …

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San Antonio Specialty Foods Producer Fined $104K Over Working Conditions

Federal safety officials have cited a specialty food producer with 21 serious violations after receiving a complaint about unsafe working conditions at the company’s San Antonio facility. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Bluebonnet Foods LP, which …

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NTSB: Parts of Plane that Crashed in Illinoi Scattered Nearly a Mile

A National Transportation Safety Board preliminary report says a plane that crashed southwest of Chicago killing the pilot and setting a house on fire, left nearly a mile-long trail of debris before crashing. The Piper PA30 piloted by 58-year-old Garry …

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Sued Over Injuries from Infected Corneas, South Dakota Eye Bank Denies Fault

A South Dakota-based eye and tissue bank says it isn’t responsible for injuries caused by infected corneas that were shipped to the Palestinian territories. Two Palestinians are suing the South Dakota Lions Eye and Tissue Bank, alleging the corneas provided …

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Wisconsin Supreme Court Upholds Professional Liability ‘Business Enterprise Exclusion’

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has put to a rest a case in which an insured alleged breach of faith when the insurance company that wrote his professional liability errors and omissions insurance policy denied coverage due to a policy exclusion. Siding …

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New York, Zipcar Agree on Damage Fees

New York’s attorney general has reached a settlement with Zipcar Inc. over vehicle damage fees charged to 5,000 members from 2011 through 2015. New York law requires giving consumers an opportunity to dispute damage fees before they’re assessed. Investigators say …

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Maryland Pays $50K in Death of State University Football Player

Frostburg State University says it will work to raise awareness of risks to student-athletes as part of a $50,000 state settlement in the 2011 death of a school football player. The university said in a statement that the Board of …

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Relatives of Rivera Entourage Get $70M Judgment in California

The families of four members of Jenni Rivera’s entourage who were killed along with the Mexican-American superstar in a 2012 plane crash are entitled to $70 million, a judge has ruled. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Holly Kendig entered a …

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California Jury Awards $16.3M to Family of Construction Worker

A Los Angeles jury has awarded $16.3 million to the family of a construction worker who fell to his death at a wastewater treatment plant. City News Service says the Superior Court panel this week found for Rosa Gonzalez and …

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Gunmaker Remington, Sued by Sandy Hook Victims, Wants Documents Sealed

A Connecticut judge will hear arguments on whether gun maker Remington Arms’ company documents should be sealed from public view as it fights a lawsuit filed by families of some of the victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School …

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Brokers Assess Current Construction Insurance Market: Thumbs Up

Amid ups and downs, the construction market has nevertheless enjoyed steady growth over the past four years. Now construction insurance specialists believe the market is really heating up. The competition has carriers maintaining a market favorable to buyers, especially those …

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CastlePoint National Conserved by California Regulator to Protect Policyholders

CastlePoint National Insurance Co., the sole remaining carrier member of the Tower Group, was placed into conservation on Thursday by order of the San Francisco Superior Court to protect policyholders and injured workers covered under policies issued by CastlePoint and …

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AIG Offers Brexit Coverage in UK for Anxious Executives

American International Group is coming out with new Brexit coverage in the UK for anxious executives, barely weeks after the fateful British vote to pull out of the European Union. AIG division AIG UK will handle the product launch, which …

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U.S. Moves to Guard Blood Supply After Reports of Zika Virus in Florida

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ordered all blood collection centers in Florida’s Miami-Dade and Broward counties to stop collecting blood as state health department officials continue to investigate four possible cases of local transmission of the Zika virus. …

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Hartford Net Income Down 48% in Q2 on Weakened Underwriting Results, Investment Income

The Hartford reported net income of $216 million in second quarter 2016 ended June 30, a decrease of $197 million or 48 percent from second quarter 2015, principally due to lower property/casualty underwriting results and lower net investment income. The …

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AXA, Alibaba and Ant Financial Services Form Global Strategic Partnership

AXA, Alibaba and Ant Financial Services have formed a global strategic partnership to explore opportunities to distribute AXA’s insurance products and services through Alibaba’s global e-commerce platforms. The companies plan to work together to develop products and services, while developing …

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Hazard Warnings: Who Should Be Warned to Do What and When?

A group of risk experts is proposing a new framework to improve the effectiveness of public warnings when a hurricane, wildfire, toxic chemical spill or any other environmental hazard threatens safety. Right now, “the potential for errors is high” when …

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QBE to Supply General Insurance Products for Manulife Customers in Hong Kong

Manulife (International) Ltd. and QBE Hongkong & Shanghai Insurance Ltd. have formed an exclusive distribution agreement whereby QBE will supply general insurance products in Hong Kong for distribution through Manulife’s agents. Designed to complement Manulife’s life, pensions and wealth management …

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Generali Q2 Net Income Falls 6% on Low Interest Rates & Volatile Equity Markets

Assicurazioni Generali SpA, Italy’s biggest insurer, said second-quarter profit fell 6 percent as low interest rates and volatile equity markets hurt investment gains. Net income declined to 590 million euros ($654 million) from 626 million euros a year earlier, the …

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Swiss Re Q2 Profit Drops on Higher Natural Catastrophe Losses

Swiss Re AG, the world’s biggest reinsurer, said profit fell in the second-quarter as the company paid more for catastrophe claims including earthquakes in Japan and forest fires in Canada. Net income declined to $637 million from $820 million a …

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Chubb Names Kessler as Chief Reinsurance Officer, Succeeding O’Farrell

Chubb Ltd., the insurer led by Chief Executive Officer Evan Greenberg, promoted Michael Kessler to chief reinsurance officer as William O’Farrell departs for other opportunities. Kessler will oversee the design and purchase of the reinsurance programs and report to Chief …

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North Carolina County Removing Thousands of Homes from Flood Zones

New maps for Dare County, North Carolina, are removing thousands of homes and lots from flood zones, creating a need to update local building codes that until now accounted for more rising water. The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reports that, according …

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U.S., China Insurance Regulators Keep Open Dialogue

Regulatory representatives from the U.S. and China met this week to discuss issues facing their respective insurance markets. The meeting was held at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) New York office. According to the NAIC, they discussed retirement …

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Florida Business Owner Accused of Stealing $1M in Workers’ Comp Scheme

Owner of a Fort Myers, Fla., staffing and payroll services firm was arrested in mid-July over the alleged theft of more than $1 million, according to a statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and the Department of Financial Services’ …

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The Crichton Group in Tennessee Names Hite Partner, Vice President

The Crichton Group, an independent insurance agency in Middle Tennessee, has promoted industry veteran Dan Hite to the position of partner and vice president. Previously, Hite served as commercial insurance advisor for the agency. In his new role, Hite will …

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Former California Insurance Commissioner Remember

Wes Kinder was a California insurance commissioner who served during a turbulent time. Kinder, a resident of La Habra, Calif., died Wednesday at age 94. “He was a great guy. He was the best boss,” said Roger McNitt, a San Diego-based attorney …

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Climate Change Modeling is Closer than You Think

For the last few years there has been a common response from catastrophe modelers who advise the property/casualty industry when they are asked about including the effects of climate change in modeling. It went something like: “The industry isn’t interested …

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Texas Regulators: Houston Attorney Pleads Guilty to Insurance Fraud

Texas officials say a Houston attorney has pleaded guilty at the conclusion of a multi-year investigation into a criminal organization that set up fake auto accidents and medical bills. Investigators with the Texas Department of Insurance, the Texas Department of …

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Peabody Reaches Coal Mine Cleanup Deal with Three Western States

Peabody Energy Corp., the largest U.S. coal producer, reached a deal to cover mine clean-up liabilities while in bankruptcy with three U.S. states, court documents showed on Tuesday. Peabody has benefited from a federal program known as self-bonding that allows …

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Coast Guard: Abandoned Pipe Leaked Oil Along Southeast Louisiana Coast

Cleanup was underway on July 26 on an oil spill caused by a leak from an abandoned pipeline in southeast Louisiana waters. The U.S. Coast Guard says the leak happened in an abandoned pipeline near marshland along Lake Grand Ecaille. The …

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Worker Buried in Minnesota Trench Collapse Dies

Officials say one of two construction workers injured in a trench collapse in Minnetonka has died. The Hennepin County medical examiner’s office says 48-year-old Jimmy Scott Klous of Onamia died late Monday morning in the emergency room of Hennepin County …

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Nabors Industries, C&J Energy Services Sued for Racial Harassment, Retaliation

Alleged racial harassment and retaliation at a Texas work site has led to lawsuit filed against two oilfield services companies by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced. The EEOC says Bermuda-based oilfield services companies Nabors …

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Federal Judge Orders St. Louis to Pay $1.5M in False Arrest Case

The city of St. Louis has been ordered to pay nearly $1.5 million in damages to a man falsely arrested 14 years ago. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the July 26 ruling by a federal judge could end a …

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Louisiana State Police Arrest 7 for Insurance Fraud, Staged Accidents

Louisiana State Police say seven people have been arrested and one is wanted in connection with an alleged insurance fraud scheme involving staged traffic crashes in Jefferson Davis Parish. A state police news release says the investigation began earlier this …

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QBE North America Names Lange Senior VP, Regional Executive for Midwest

QBE North America has appointed Jeff Lange as senior vice president, regional executive – Midwest region. He is based in Chicago. Lange will lead QBE’s go-to-market activities in the 13-state region consisting of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, …

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CNA’s Tatum Named Head of AXIS Insurance’s U.S. Programs

John Tatum has joined AXIS Insurance as executive vice president and head of U.S. Programs. In this new position, he is responsible for all programs and binding authorities for AXIS Insurance across the U.S. market. Tatum reports directly to Carlton …

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ITC, Compare.com Team Up to Expand Online Auto Insurance Quote Services

Insurance Technologies Corporation (ITC), headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, and Compare.com, based in Richmond, Va., have partnered to help provide more auto insurance quotes to online insurance shoppers, the companies announced. Compare.com works with more than 90 insurance brands to deliver car …

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Restaurant Damage in Northern California Due to Crank Callers

Several restaurants in Northern California are damaged after suspected prank callers tricked workers into testing their fire suppression system. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Elk Grove officials say three such incidents were reported to the Cosumnes Fire Department Monday …

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JLT Re Names Chandler EVP And Managing Broker in California

JLT Re has named Pete Chandler executive vice president and managing broker. He will be based in JLT Re’s San Francisco, Calif. office and report to Ed Hochberg, CEO of JLT Re in North America. Chandler comes from Marsh, where …

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U.S., EU Report on Re/Insurance Covered Agreement Talks

Representatives of the United States and the European Union met in Brussels this week to continue their joint negotiations for a bilateral agreement on insurance and reinsurance measures. “Both sides continued to discuss in good faith matters relating to group …

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New Jersey, Allstate Recover Millions in PIP Insurance Fraud Case

New Jersey insurance officials said they have recovered $3.5 million in a personal injury insurance fraud case involving chiropractors, physicians, medical facilities, billing companies and others. In a case connected to the same operation, Allstate Insurance recovered more than $20 …

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Local Fire Chief Credits ‘Pokemon Go’ Player with Saving Building

Authorities say a man who was outside playing “Pokemon Go” helped save a burning Massachusetts building from severe damage. Sandwich Deputy Fire Chief John Burke said the man lived nearby and was in the parking lot playing the cellphone game …

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Willis Towers Watson Launches New Version of Pricing Software Radar 2.0

Willis Towers Watson has released a new version of its Radar pricing software to enhance support for the growing demand for pricing sophistication from property and casualty (P&C) insurance markets around the world. “The leap forward in processing speed of …

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2 State AGs Refuse House Republicans’ Subpoenas Over Climate Change

The New York and Massachusetts attorneys general are refusing to comply with congressional subpoenas seeking records about their investigations into whether Exxon Mobil misled investors about man-made climate change. In an escalating political fight over global warming, the chairman of …

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Telematics Data Provides ‘Compelling’ Defense Evidence in UK Liability Trial

Telematics data was successfully used to defend a driver in a liability trial in England, according to Insure The Box Ltd., a telematics-based car insurer. The strength of the telematics data prove the policyholder’s case, in contrast to the third …

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Canada’s Economical Insurance Names Saunders as President & CEO

Economical Insurance, headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, has named Rowan Saunders as president and CEO, effective Nov. 1, 2016. This follows the announcement on Feb. 19, 2016, that current president and CEO, Karen Gavan, will retire from the company and the …

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BHSI Offers Cyber Liability Cover in New Zealand; Marshall to Lead Product Line

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Co. (BHSI) announced that it has introduced cyber liability insurance in New Zealand and appointed Ian Marshall to lead the product line locally as senior underwriter, Executive & Professional Lines. BHSI’s new cyber liability policy covers …

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Beazley Expands Event Cancellation Coverage for Political Violence, Terrorism Incidents

Beazley, a provider of event cancellation insurance, has expanded its terrorism and political violence event cancellation insurance for the sports, entertainment and leisure industries in the U.S. to include riots, civil commotion, strikes, the threat of a terrorist act and …

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Lawsuit Over South Carolina Restaurant’s Broken Dish Policy Headed to Trial

A federal lawsuit over a South Carolina restaurant’s policy of charging workers to cover the cost of broken glasses and dishes is headed to trial. The Post and Courier of Charleston reports jury selection is set next month in the …

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University of Mississippi Medical Center Pays $2.75M Penalty for Lost Laptop

Officials at the University of Mississippi Medical Center said they have paid a $2.75 million penalty to the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of an agreement to resolve security problems …

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FBI Warns of More Terrorist Attacks in U.S. as ISIS Is Defeated in Syria

Hundreds of terrorists will fan out to infiltrate western Europe and the U.S. to carry out attacks on a wider scale as Islamic State is defeated in Syria, FBI Director James Comey warned. “At some point there’s going to be …

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Meeting of 2 Minds: Worker Safety as Path to Profit

Adam Friedlander is a third generation insurance professional who has made his mark in safety, workplace safety that is. His New York agency, Friedlander Group, has for years developed and managed employer safety groups that have helped businesses improve workplace …

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National Security Cloud Hangs Over Ironshore IPO

Chinese acquirers are continuing their buy-and-flip strategy and this time, it’s Fosun International’s turn. However the question isn’t only whether the fundraising will lower the company’s debt load, but how easy it will be to sell the asset in the …

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A.M. Best Withdraws Ratings of Century Casualty Company in Georgia

A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B (Fair) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “bb+” of Century Casualty Company in Alpharetta, Ga. The outlook for the FSR remains stable, while the outlook for the ICR …

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Acentria Insurance Expands Presence in Florida

Acentria Insurance has opened a new office location and acquired a new agency in Niceville, Fla. The new office in Niceville has been opened through a merged partnership with the Powell Agency, located on North Partin Drive. Established in 1957, …

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Barnes & Thornburg Adds 2 Insurance Recovery Attorneys in California

Barnes & Thornburg LLP has added David Wood and Joshua Rosenberg to the firm’s litigation department and insurance recovery and counseling practice group. The firm also added John Corbett, of counsel, in Dallas, Texas. The trio arrives from Anderson Kill’s Ventura, …

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LP Insurance Services in Nevada Brings on Cleghorn

Reno, Nev.-based LP Insurance Services Inc. has named Adam Cleghorn to its Northern Nevada team. Cleghorn previously worked for Basalite Concrete Products in Sparks. He has been in the risk management industry for more than 15 years. LP Insurance Services …

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Ex-Dallas Citibank Worker Who Sabotaged Computer System Going to Prison

An employee who sabotaged Citibank’s computer system because he believed he was about to be fired has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison. Investigators say Lennon Ray Brown of Dallas transmitted a code and command in 2013 leading …

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Former Bismarck, North Dakota Leader Files Complaint Against Over flooding

A former city commissioner in Bismarck has filed a complaint with the North Dakota Department of Health accusing the city of neglecting to address sewer wastewater and storm water problems on the city’s south side for decades. A June 28 …

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Allianz Unveils Transactional Liability Unit as M&A Surges

Allianz Group is launching a new transactional liability unit designed to take advantage of greater M&A deal activity in the U.S. and, ultimately, around the world. The insurer’s Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty division will handle the roll-out, with an initial …

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Arkansas Doctor Gets 2-Year Sentence in Insurance Fraud Case

A Little Rock, Ark., doctor whose clinic improperly billed massage therapy services as physical therapy has received two years in prison and has been ordered to pay insurers and patients more than $700,000 in restitution. Robert Barrow pleaded guilty to …

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200 Have Died on Minnesota Roads so Far in 2016

Preliminary figures from the Department of Public Safety show that 200 people have died on Minnesota roads in 2016. The Office of Traffic Safety says the 200 mark was reached July 23, putting the number of road deaths on pace …

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After 4 More Illnesses, General Mills Expands Flour Recall

General Mills is expanding a flour recall issued over a possible link to an E. coli outbreak after four new illnesses were reported. The recall announced July 25 covers several varieties of Gold Medal and Signature Kitchens flour produced on …

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West Virginia Funeral Home Ordered to Reimburse Insurer for False Death Claims

A federal judge has ruled for an insurance company in its case against the operators of a funeral home in Putnam County, West Virginia, accused of filing false death claims on behalf of pre-need contract customers who weren’t actually dead. …

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Louisiana Recovers More Than $3.7M for Insurance Consumers

Louisiana consumers have received more than $3.7 million in recovered funds from their insurance companies in the first half of the year thanks to assistance from the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI). “Over the last five years, we have been …

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POWERS Insurance Promotes Simkins to Commercial Account Manager

POWERS Insurance and Benefits, headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., has promoted Amy Simkins to commercial account manager. Simkins will assist the company’s producers when pursuing new business avenues, as well as serving existing clientele. She previously served as POWERS Insurance and …

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West Virginia Offering Millions in Minigrants to Flood-Damaged Businesses

The state is making millions of dollars in minigrants available for small businesses damaged by deadly floods last month. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced Monday that grants up to $10,000 will be awarded to small businesses through the RISE West …

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Hub International Expands Southeast Presence with Acquisition of KeenanSuggs

Hub International Limited has agreed to acquire the assets of KeenanSuggs Insurance Inc., based in South Carolina. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.  The deal is expected to close on August 1, 2016. With offices in Columbia, Greenville and …

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Capsicum Re Hires Bousfield, Palmer and O’Dwyer-Smith to Cyber Team

  Capsicum Re*, the specialist reinsurance broker, announced it has hired Patrick Bousfield, Jane Palmer and Alice O’Dwyer-Smith to its cyber team. They are based in the London office and report to Ian Newman, a partner in Capsicum Re’s London …

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Dublin Looks to Lure Financial Services Jobs from UK After Brexit Vote

Irish recruiters are already filling jobs for financial services firms which are shifting some operations from the United Kingdom, with Dublin moving fast to steal a march on rivals just a month after Britons voted to leave the European Union. …

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Insurance Journal Co-Sponsors MarshBerry Market & Financial Survey: Participate Now

How are firms attracting and keeping new talent?  How are organizations using data to provide their clients with insights into their business? Will historical growth rates be sustainable?  What functions with an agency are becoming increasingly specialized?  These are some …

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FEMA Approves UMass Disaster Mitigation Plan

The University of Massachusetts has won state and federal approval of plans to protect the system’s campuses from natural hazards. School officials say it’s necessary to prepare for threats such as storms or flooding amid climate change and the extreme …

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Chubb Weathers Q2 Disasters; CEO Greenberg Hits Anti-Trade, Anti-Immigration Politics

Chubb Ltd. weathered claims from major storms in Texas and other U.S. states, Canadian wildfires and earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador in the second quarter to record solid operating results. Operating income at the giant insurer formed with the merger …

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California Wildfire Shuts Down Picturesque Big Sur

State parks along the California’s famed Big Sur coastline were closed Tuesday as one of the state’s two major wildfires threatened the scenic region at the height of the summer tourism season. The Big Sur fire threatened a long stretch …

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Idaho Rancher’s Family Initiates Wrongful Death Suit

The family of an Idaho rancher authorities say was shot and killed by two Adams County Sheriff’s deputies has filed a legal notice of their intent to sue the county. The Idaho Statesman reported in a story on Tuesday that …

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Colorado-Based ICAT Partners with Neon for Additional Cat Capacity

Broomfield, Colo.-based ICAT has teamed up with Neon to provide an additional $10 million of per-risk capacity to catastrophe-exposed commercial properties in the U.S. The partnership expands ICAT’s per-risk catastrophe capacity to $150 million. ICAT’s focus is on helping homeowners …

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Pressure Building on AIG CEO Hancock

The American International Group Inc. chief executive officer has posted three straight quarterly losses and will probably report Tuesday that profit in the three months ended June 30 fell 32 percent, according to analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Hancock has presided …

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Reinsurance Cycle Is Not Dead Yet so Buyers Need to Put It to Good Use: JLT Re

Despite proclamations by some observers that the reinsurance cycle is dead, JLT Re says, reports of its demise are greatly exaggerated – and now is the time for buyers to use the cycle, and reinsurance, to their advantage. Rates are …

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OSHA Fines Going Up Aug. 1

Businesses that are found in violation of federal occupational safety and health laws will pay more in penalties starting Aug. 1. Under a law passed by Congress last year, penalties that were last adjusted in 1990 are going up nearly …

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$14.7B WV Diesel Settlement Gets Preliminary Approval

Volkswagen AG’s $14.7 billion settlement of its U.S. diesel emissions cheating scandal cleared another legal hurdle on Tuesday, as a federal judge gave the automaker preliminary approval to buy back up to 475,000 vehicles. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in …

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Safety Board Finds Automated Tesla Involved in Crash Was Speeding

Federal investigators probing the deadly wreck in Florida of a Tesla car that was using automated driving technology have found that the vehicle was speeding when it hit a truck. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said in a preliminary …

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Drought in Northeast Could Last Through October

At Lavoie’s Farm in New Hampshire, beans and corn haven’t broken through the ground yet and fields of strawberries are stunted. The drought that has taken hold in the Northeast is especially felt at John Lavoie’s farm in Hollis, presenting …

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XL Group Completes Relocation of Domicile to Bermuda

XL Group Ltd. announced it has completed its redomestication to change the place of incorporation of the ultimate parent holding company to Bermuda from Ireland. As previously announced, the name of the new holding company is XL Group Ltd. XL …

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Vermont Police Say Drunken Driver Who Crashed Was Playing Pokemon Go

Vermont State Police say a drunken driver was playing “Pokemon Go” on his cellphone when he crashed his car. Officers responded to a report of a crash at an intersection in Rutland Town at around 8:15 a.m. last Sunday. Police …

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Correction: Catalina to Buy Hartford Financial Products International & Downlands Liability Management

(Editor’s Note: The original version of this article published yesterday, July 26, omitted “International” from the headline “Catalina to Buy Hartford Financial Products International & Downlands Liability Management.” Insurance Journal regrets the omission.) Catalina Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd. announced its wholly …

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Growth of China’s Shadow Banking Hikes Financial Risks for Banks, Insurers: Moody’s

Shadow banking activity in China has expanded further and now accounts for nearly a third of the total banking sector assets, raising financial risks in the world’s second-largest economy, rating agency Moody’s Investor Service said on Wednesday. Shadow banking assets …

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Graduate of Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers Hired to Florida Insurance Agency

Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers (DVIC), the non-profit organization that helps train, educate and create employment opportunities within the insurance industry for disabled veterans, celebrated the graduation of Joanne Smith on June 30. Smith completed DVIC’s insurance training program. The five-month program prepares disabled veterans to embark on a …

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Zenefits Settles With Tennessee Over Unlicensed Health Insurance Sales

Zenefits reached its first settlement with a state government over its use of unlicensed health insurance brokers, an issue that prompted investigations in at least three other states and led its founding chief executive officer to resign this year. As part of …

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4 Months of Hand-Held Speed Cameras Generate $630K for Ohio City

Toledo, Ohio, collected almost $630,000 during its first four months of using hand-held cameras to catch speeding drivers, providing a financial boost to a city facing budget troubles. The program was expected to generate $800,000 in a year but is …

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Lachance Joins New Hampshire’s Aspen Agency

Joseph Lachance has joined the sales team at Aspen Insurance Agency in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he will focus on personal lines and mid-size commercial lines business. Lachance is a licensed insurance producer with a background in education and law …

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Texas Windstorm Insurer: Submit Depopulation Documentation by August 25

Texas Windstorm Insurance Association member companies that want to participate in the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program may now submit required documentation to both TWIA and the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), the organization announced. The deadline for submissions is Aug. …

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Integro Launches Cyber Risk Practice Focused on ‘Knowledge Assets’

International broker and risk management firm Integro Insurance Brokers has started a new cyber risk practice focused on exposures beyond the commonly accepted definition of data or ‘knowledge assets.’ According to James Sheehan, Cyber Risk practice leader, the exposure created …

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Farley Joins Ohio Insurance Institute as VP Legal, Government Affairs

Michael D. Farley has joined the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) as vice president of legal and government affairs. Farley will assume leadership of the association’s legislative and regulatory affairs initiatives, a position previously held by OII newly appointed president Dean …

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Wisconsin Agency Changes Name to Thomas Bradley Insurance

Verona, Wis.-based insurance agency B.Goll & Dunn announced it has changed its name to Thomas Bradley Insurance, The name change is part of a larger rebranding corporate identity effort, including a new logo, color schemes, and recently launched website. The …

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Another Study Links Oil, Gas Wastewater Disposal to Texas Quakes

Seismologists researching minor earthquakes that since 2014 shook the Dallas area say disposal of wastewater from oil and gas production and hydraulic fracturing likely caused the tremors. The Dallas Morning News reports details of the Southern Methodist University study are …

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Oilfield Services Company Sued by EEOC for Disability Discrimination

Federal officials have sued an oilfield services company for withdrawing a job offer to an applicant because of his diabetes. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charged in a lawsuit that Oilfield Instrumentation USA Inc. violated federal law by withdrawing the …

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Guy Carpenter’s Bueler Joins JLT Re

Reinsurance broker JLT Re has appointed Aaron Bueler as executive vice president and managing broker. He will be based in JLT Re’s Seattle office reporting to George Daddario, deputy CEO of JLT Re in North America. Bueler will join JLT …

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Mass. AG Says FAIR Plan to Pay $350K for Wrongly Cancelling Policies

The Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (FAIR Plan) has agreed to pay $350,000 to resolve allegations that it wrongly cancelled homeowners insurance policies over a four-year period, according to Attorney General Maura Healey. According to court documents, the residual market …

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Obama Signs Bill to Curb Opioid Abuse But Decries Low Funding

President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill to curb abuse of heroin and opioid drugs, even while expressing disappointment with Republicans for not providing more money for addiction treatment. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 creates …

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Insurer to Pay $55K to Settle Free Speech Case Over Arrest for Painting U.S. Flag

A man arrested for painting the letters “AIM” on an American flag that he flew upside-down at his house in protest has settled his free speech lawsuit against the township for more than $55,000. Supervisors in Allegheny Township, Blair County, …

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Containment on Massive California Wildfire Increases

Containment has increased on a wildfire north of Los Angeles, which has grown to more than 58 square miles. Officials report the blaze is 25 percent surrounded as of today, and most of the evacuation orders affecting 10,000 homes were lifted …

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Scientists Warn of Hazards from Kilauea Lava Inching toward Ocean

The lava flow from Kilauea’s Puu Oo in remains active and is now only about a half a mile away from the ocean The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the lava had been circulating and occasionally spattering at Halemaumau Crater. …

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New York Targets Dry Cleaning Industry in Probe

New York state is launching an investigation into the working conditions of employees in the dry cleaning industry. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the effort will include the study of chemicals commonly used by dry cleaners that pose a health risk …

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Western New York Man Hit by Police Cruiser Sues for $7 Million

A western New York man struck by a Rochester police cruiser earlier this year has filed a $7 million lawsuit against the department. The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported that 24-year-old Brian Norford claims in the lawsuit that police used …

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World Insurance Associates Acquires New Jersey’s AIV Group

World Insurance Associates, an independent insurance agency headquartered in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, said it recently acquired AIV Group, an insurance agency serving the Asian community. AIV Group, in Avenel, New Jersey,  was founded in 2010 by Sonali Shah, who …

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P/C Insurers Face Tough Sledding in 2016, Warns S&P

This year could be a tough one for U.S. property/casualty insurers as catastrophe losses, private passenger insurance woes and declining bond yields erode underwriting results and profitability, according to a report by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The firm’s 2016 U.S. …

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National Interstate Accepts $660M Buyout by American Financial

National Interstate Corp., the provider of insurance to the transportation industry, accepted majority-owner American Financial Group Inc.’s sweetened bid of $32 a share to buy the stock that it doesn’t already own. The offer values National Interstate at about $660 …

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Everest Re Selling Crop Insurer Heartland to CGB

Bermuda’s Everest Re Group is selling its U.S. crop insurance company, Heartland Crop Insurance Inc., to CGB Diversified Services Inc., a crop insurance, transportation and storage firm in Illinois. Upon completion of the sale, Everest Re will provide quota share …

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Catalina to Buy Hartford Financial Products & Downlands Liability Management

Catalina Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd. announced its wholly owned subsidiary Catalina Holdings UK Ltd. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Hartford Financial Products International Ltd. (HFPI) and Downlands Liability Management Ltd. (DLM) from subsidiaries of The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. …

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Judge Hits Uber’s Background Check on Passenger Bringing Price-Fixing Suit

A federal judge on Monday banned Uber Technologies Inc. and its Chief Executive Travis Kalanick from using information from a background check on a passenger bringing a price-fixing lawsuit, saying the investigative firm conducting the probe may have engaged in …

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How Brexit Raises Risk of Financial Instability for U.S.

The U.S. financial system faces greater potential instability due to Britain’s decision to leave the European Union while low and negative interest rates also raise risks, a U.S. government monitor said on Monday. In its biannual update on U.S. stability, …

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Everest Re Group Reports Q2 Net Income of $155.7M vs. $209.1M in Q2 2015

Bermuda-based Everest Re Group Ltd. reported second quarter 2016 net income of $155.7 million, or $3.67 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $209.1 million, or $4.68 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2015. After-tax …

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Pen Underwriting Names Scott as Head of Cyber Liability, Driving Cyber Growth

Pen Underwriting announced that Adrian Scott has been appointed to the newly created role of head of Cyber Liability. Scott takes responsibility for enhancing Pen Underwriting’s capabilities in cyber risk management and insurance, building a dedicated team of sector specialists …

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Ship Hits Wall of Newly Expanded Panama Canal in 3rd Incident in a Month

A Chinese container ship hit a wall of the new lane of the Panama Canal, a Canal Authority official and a local ship agent said on Monday, the third such incident since the expanded waterway opened one month ago amid …

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AIR Worldwide Expands Global Pandemic Model to Include 6 Additional Diseases

Boston-based catastrophe risk modeling firm AIR Worldwide (AIR) announced it has expanded its Global Pandemic Model to include outbreaks of six additional diseases. The model now explicitly accounts for nine pathogens, including bacterial and viral diseases, in addition to previously …

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Amazon and UK Government Form Partnership to Test Drone Deliveries

Amazon Inc. and the British government have announced a partnership to test the e-commerce giant’s aerial drone parcel delivery system after run-ins over the technology’s use. Supervised by the U.K.’s aviation safety regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, the trial will …

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North Carolina Starts Online Program to Dismiss Traffic Tickets

North Carolina courts have launched an online program to dismiss traffic tickets. The News & Observer of Raleigh reports that director of the state Administrative Office of the Courts Marion Warren announced the rollout of the Electronic Compliance and Dismissal …

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Mississippi Nissan Plant Fined for Safety Violations

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the Nissan plant in Canton, Mississippi, for two violations. WLBT-TV reports a complaint inspection in March had one serious violation and one repeat violation. The total penalty was $32,000. Production technician …

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Citizens Implements $1.8M Estimate Review Program for Florida Water Loss Claims

Florida’s insurer of last resort, Citizens, has expanded its efforts to curb increasing water loss claims with a new Water Mitigation Estimate Review Program. Citizens Chief Claims Officer Jay Adams said the new program will provide Citizens with “certified and …

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Tropical Storm Darby Makes Landfall on Big Island of Hawaii: AIR

Tropical Storm Darby, which formed off the coast of Mexico on July 11, quickly reaching hurricane status as it moved westward toward Hawaii finally reaching landfall on Monday, according to catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide. However, the hurricane weakened on …

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Regulators Say Kentucky Mine Operator Negligence Caused Fatal Accident

Federal regulators have concluded that a Harlan County coal mine operator’s negligence resulted in a miner’s death earlier this year. A report issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration found that Lone Mountain Processing’s Huff Creek No. 1 failed …

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Louisiana Man Gets 10 Years for Arson Fire That Destroyed 3 Homes

A 33-year-old Raceland, La., man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to arson in a fire that destroyed three homes last summer in Gheens. The Daily Comet reports Treiston Pierron pleaded guilty to three counts …

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Great American Insurance to Acquire National Interstate Corporation

National Interstate Corp. (National Interstate), based in Richfield, Ohio, announced it has agreed to be acquired by Great American Insurance Co. (Great American), a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Financial Group Inc. (AFG). Under the terms of the agreement, Great American …

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Texas Attorney: Information-Heavy Healthcare a Huge Target for Cyber Crime

Healthcare organizations contain a wealth of personal information, making them them the number one target for cyber breaches, according to a Houston-based attorney who specializes in healthcare privacy. Lynn Sessions, a partner in BakerHostetler’s Houston office, has been working with …

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Woman’s Joplin Tornado-Related Suit Against Home Depot Tossed

A federal judge has tossed out a woman’s lawsuit against Home Depot over the deaths of her husband and two children who had sought refuge inside the big-box store destroyed during the devastating 2011 tornado in Joplin, Mo. U.S. District …

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CoVerica Promotes Sutter, Bracken and Sterlacci

Dallas-based independent insurance agency CoVerica announced it has promoted three executives. John Sutter has been promoted to the position of president for CoVerica Inc. Sutter will continue to report to Mike Sterlacci, chairman and CEO, and will oversee retail operations …

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AIG’s Jones Named COO at TDC Risk Management

High net worth personal insurance firm TDC Risk Management (TDC), based in Maumee, Ohio, has hired Greg Jones as chief operating officer. Jones joins the closely held firm in support of its continued strong growth and further expansion of the business. …

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Washington Tunnel Contractors File $11M Lawsuit

The contractors who built Bertha the tunnel machine in Washington two years ago have filed a lawsuit seeking $11 million in extra pay. The Seattle Times reported that the contractors contend that their efforts working with tough soil conditions cost …

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California Wildfires Gut Homes, Force Evacuations

Thousands were forced to flee a wildfire burning in tinder-dry canyons in Southern California, authorities said. The fire has destroyed at least 18 homes in northern Los Angeles County. The blaze momentum two days after it broke out. About 300 …

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Weather Services Determines Tornado Touched Down in Washington

The National Weather Service says a tornado touched down near Coulee City as severe weather hit the Inland Northwest. The weather service confirmed the tornado touched down at about 3:30 p.m. Friday in the area, about 95 miles west of …

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Insurance Costs Rise in Idaho County following Lawsuits

Twin Falls County’s insurance premiums have gone up due to lawsuit settlements paid by Idaho Counties Risk Management Program. The Times-News reported that the county’s insurance payments have increased 58 percent over the past five years from $350,639 for the …

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Judge Expected to Allow Suit Against Trump University to Proceed

Just hours after Donald Trump accepted the Republican presidential nomination in Cleveland, a federal judge in San Diego said he plans to allow former students who claim to have been cheated by Trump University to take the billionaire candidate to …

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UK Financial Services Firms ‘Will Retain’ EU Passporting Rights: Foreign Secretary

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Friday he expects the U.K. to retain the right for its financial firms to sell services across European Union member states after Britain’s exit from the bloc. Johnson, speaking to reporters in New …

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BHSI Expands Financial Institutions Cover in Canada; Knight Leads Product Line

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) announced that it is introducing four new executive & professional lines products for financial institutions and named Andrew Knight as national director of Financial Institutions, Executive & Professional Lines, in Canada. The new products are: …

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Lloyd’s Has Potentially Large Exposure to Catastrophic Cyber Attack: Adsensa Analysis

A review of almost 400 reinsurance contracts underwritten at Lloyd’s of London has revealed potentially significant vulnerabilities and exposures if a catastrophic cyber-attack should occur. Analysis of 392 property and casualty reinsurance policies underwritten by a trio of reinsurers at …

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Pennsylvania Lawyer Sentenced for Insider Trading on Nationwide-Harleysville Merger

A former partner at the law firm Fox Rothschild was sentenced on Friday to six months in prison for trading on inside information that a client at his law firm was about to announce a merger, prosecutors said. Herbert Sudfeld, …

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UConn Plans Biological Risk Institute

The University of Connecticut is establishing an Institute of Biological Risk. The school says the new institute will seek to understand and mitigate emerging threats to agriculture, natural resources, human health and the economy. That means studying climate change and …

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Renaissance Alliance Names Christiansen as Managing Director, Business Development

The Massachusetts-based agency coalition and services network, Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services, has named Michael R. Christiansen to the position of managing director, Strategic Business Development. In this role, Christiansen will work with management and business development teams on a range …

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Marsh Names South as President, US & Canada Unit; APAC, Middle East Realigned

Marsh announced that it has appointed Martin South as president, U.S. and Canada division, effective Sept. 1, 2016. South will report to John Doyle, president of Marsh, and will be based in Marsh’s New York office. He will oversee Marsh’s …

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Ironshore Files for IPO in U.S. After A.M. Best Review of Parent Firm Fosun

Ironshore Inc., the insurer purchased by Chinese conglomerate Fosun International Ltd. last year, filed for an initial public offering in the U.S. after a ratings firm cited concerns about the parent firm’s financial strength. The company filed with an initial …

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Administrator of Sept. 11 Victims’ Compensation Fund Leaving Post; Successor Named

The administrator of the federal compensation fund for Sept. 11 victims is stepping down after five years. Sheila Birnbaum will leave her post as special master of the fund that disburses compensation awards to first responders, recovery workers and other …

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Houston International Insurance Group Announces Senior Management Promotions

Houston International Insurance Group (HIIG) announced senior management promotions for its holding company, property/casualty underwriting operations and other business units. Peter Smith has been promoted to president of the holding company and will continue to report to Stephen L. Way, …

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Health Insurers Could Go on Buying Spree If Big Mergers Blocked

The potential bust-up of two mega deals among America’s largest health insurance companies may have an unintended result – more mergers. The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday sued to block Aetna Inc.’s $37 billion purchase of Humana Inc and …

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General Star Expands Products Liability Appetite to 50 New Classes of Business

General Star Management Co. has added 50 classes for products liability offered by the Delegated Division, Contract P&C Unit. In addition, the gross receipts threshold for eligibility has been increased from $1.5 million to up to $5 million subject to …

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Miami Attorney Charged with Insurance Fraud in $1.5M PIP Scheme

An attorney in Miami has been arrested for alleged involvement in a personal injury protection (PIP) fraud scheme that accounted for nearly $1.5 million in financial loss, according to Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and the Department of Financial …

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Court Rejects Wal-Mart Shareholders’ Claim of Directors’ Liability for Mexican Bribes

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. executives and directors persuaded a federal appeals court on Friday to reject shareholder claims that they permitted and then covered up pervasive bribery by officials at the world’s largest retailer’s Mexico unit. By a 3-0 vote, the …

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Online Agency Insureon Secures $3B in Capacity from Lloyd’s to Launch MGA for Small Business

Insureon, an online agency for small business insurance, has formed a new managing general agency (MGA), Insureon Underwriting Managers, which will operate under Insurance Noodle, the company’s wholesale brokerage subsidiary. The new MGA will target hard-to-place coverage for home-based businesses …

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President of Florida Insurance Agency Reviving Pensacola Oyster Farms

Anyone driving on Scenic Highway recently between Scenic Terrace and Park Place Apartments probably spotted rows of dark-colored shapes floating in Escambia Bay and wondered, “What are those?” The dark shapes round into focus July 15 as Donnie McMahon III …

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ClearView Risk Expands Into Florida; Taps Driggers, Glennon to Lead

ClearView Risk Holdings, LLC has expanded into Florida and hired Keith Driggers and Barbara Glennon to join its subsidiary Southwest Risk, LP. Both will serve as vice president and broker in the Tallahassee office, which will be branded as ClearView Risk – Florida. Driggers is a 21-year veteran …

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48 People Escape Bus Fire in Georgia

Some 48 people were uninjured after a charter bus erupted into flames on an interstate near the Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett Fire spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge says the fire started near the engine compartment toward the back of the bus …

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OSHA, State Probe New York’s Latest Crane Collapse

State and federal officials are investigating what caused a huge construction crane to collapse across the Tappan Zee Bridge north of New York City, an accident that somehow caused no serious injuries but added to a list of crane wrecks …

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Michigan Says Man Was Selling Fake Auto Insurance in Parking Lot

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) has told a man who the department says has been selling fake auto insurance in a parking lot after hours to stop. The DIFS issued a Cease and Desist Order against Lovell …

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Florida-Based Homeowners Choice Secures Nearly $1B in Reinsurance for 2016-2017

Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc., a Florida-based provider of homeowners insurance, has completed its reinsurance program for the 2016-17 reinsurance year, which runs from June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2017, according to recently disclosed reports filed …

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Cattle Feeders Association Earns $716K Safety Dividend from Texas Mutual

Texas Mutual Insurance Co. has awarded a dividend of $176,118 to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association workers’ compensation safety group. The dividend was earned based on the group members’ dedication to making safety a priority in their businesses and therefore …

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Texas Air Liquide Plant Cited for Workplace Safety Violations

Federal safety officials have cited Air Liquide Large Industries US LP for workplace health and safety violations at the company’s plant in Corpus Christi, Texas. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration assessed penalties totaling $77,000. The agency cited …

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Alabama Releases Insurance Guide for Coastal Residents

The Alabama Center for Insurance Information & Research (ACIIR) in partnership with Smart Home America and the Coastal Alabama Partnership has released its new Alabama Coastal Insurance Shopper’s Guide to help homeowners on the Gulf Coast prepare for weather-related disasters. …

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Medical Malpractice Settlements Reached Against Michigan Cancer Doctor

Patients who filed medical malpractice claims against Detroit-area oncologist Farid Fata and three Michigan hospitals will receive settlements totaling $8 million. The settlements were approved July 20 in Oakland County Circuit Court. They will be distributed by an arbitrator later …

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The Woodlands, Texas-Based TWFG Announces Expansions

Insurance organization, TWFG, headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, announced it is expanding both locally and nationally. The company has opened 18 branches in 2016 and another three are expected to launch in August. TWFG now operates with 334 branches in 17 states. TWFG-managed …

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Brightway, The Lambert Family Agency Opens in Michigan

Muskegon, Mich., locals Kelly Ufnal and her brother, Bryan Lambert, have opened an insurance agency in the town they grew up in — Brightway, The Lambert Family Agency. Brightway is a national property/casualty insurance retailer selling through a network of …

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South Dakota High Court: Insurer Must Pay for Storm-Drowned Cattle

The South Dakota Supreme Court says a Quinn family should collect insurance for cattle that drowned during the autumn 2013 blizzard that devastated western South Dakota ranchers. The high court in an opinion released July 21 ruled that Richard and …

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Philadelphia, UCPM to Offer Storage Tank Pollution Coverage

Philadelphia Insurance Companies has partnered with UCPM, Inc., an environmental insurance provider, to offer storage tank pollution liability coverage. The new Storage Tank Environmental Policy (STEP) protects policyholders from claims for bodily injury, property damage, and remediation expenses associated with …

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EPIC Adds Ogilvie as Business Development Manager in Houston

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, has added Will Ogilvie in the firm’s southwest regional office. He will be based in Houston and report to Brett Haugh, managing principal, Southwest …

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Towergate London Market Appoints Pearce to Lead Growth Strategy

Towergate Insurance announced the appointment of Neil Pearce as managing director of Towergate London Market.* Pearce will join Towergate on Sept. 5, 2016 and report directly to group Chief Executive Officer David Ross. Pearce joins Towergate from RKH Specialty where …

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Chubb Launches Biogas & Solar (Cleantech) Insurance Solution in UK & Ireland

Chubb has launched a new insurance proposition for biogas and solar plants, projects or facilities, in the UK and Ireland as it continues to expand its cleantech offering. Biogas and solar are playing an increasing role in the UK’s energy …

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Unchained Love: Maine Lovers Lose Paris-Like Fence to Public Safety

A landmark in Maine where thousands of people have pledged their everlasting love to another with padlocks has been deemed a public safety risk and will be removed. The Portland Press Herald reported that the city’s 30-foot-long Love Locks fence …

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Utah Law Enables Authorities to Crash Drones at Wildfires

Utah’s governor has signed into law a measure that makes the state the first to let authorities jam drone signals and crash the devices specifically for flying too close to wildfires. Republican Gov. Gary Herbert’s office announced this week that he …

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Trial Underway in Brown University Case Over Student Suspension for Alleged Sexual Assault

Trial began Tuesday in a lawsuit brought against Brown University by a student who was suspended after a sexual encounter that he says was consensual but that a fellow student reported as an assault. U.S. District Judge William Smith said …

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Utah ups Mosquito Monitoring Efforts in Wake of Zika Cases

Mosquito abatement teams in Salt Lake City are stepping up efforts to trap and test mosquitoes and kill larvae following the discovery of a unique Zika case that has health investigators trying to figure how the man got the virus. …

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Washington AG Asks Court to Order Immediate Worker Protections at Hanford

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has asked a federal court to immediately order the U.S. Department of Energy and its contractor, Washington River Protection Solutions, to implement enhanced safety and vapor monitoring measures in the aftermath of more than 50 …

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Providence to Pay $210K to Settle Police Brutality Clam

The city of Providence, Rhode Island has agreed to pay $210,000 to settle a police brutality lawsuit filed by a Central Falls man who was beaten in 2009 while in handcuffs and left in a coma. WPRI-TV reported that the …

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Most Litigation Over Corzine’s Failed MF Global Settled with $132M Deal

Jon Corzine has settled a lawsuit by the trustee for the former New Jersey governor’s company MF Global Holdings Ltd, as part of a $132 million accord to end much of the remaining litigation over the brokerage’s 2011 collapse. Lawyers …

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Pen Canada Launches E-Traded D&O Platform in Response to Broker Demand

Pen Underwriting Canada has launched a purpose-built, e-trading platform for directors and officers insurance, in response to broker demand for a quick-quote, competitive D&O solution. The platform is simple, straightforward and responsive – able to quote and issue a policy …

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Cyber Attacks on Financial Firms Up; Ransomware Attacks Way Up: Beazley

Financial institutions including small banks and credit unions faced a huge spike in the number of hacking and malware attacks during the first six months of 2016, specialty insurer Beazley found in a new report. The level of hacks in …

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Gas Company to Test Other Pipelines Near Blast in Western Pennsylvania

A federal agency has ordered a natural gas pipeline company to conduct additional assessments on three lines buried in western Pennsylvania, including one that has corrosion similar to a fourth line that blew up in April, scorching some 40 acres. …

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Ex-NFL Player Nakamura Sues Lloyd’s for Denying Concussion Claim

A former NFL player who suffered what the league deemed a career-ending concussion has sued Lloyd’s of London for denying a $1 million insurance policy for professional athletes. The lawsuit filed this week in North Carolina could become a test …

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Best Revises Lloyd’s Outlook to Stable from Positive on Difficult Business Conditions

A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to stable from positive of Lloyd’s and Lloyd’s Insurance Co. (China) Ltd., while at the same time affirming their financial strength rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a+”. In …

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Wal-Mart Says Move to Label, Reduce Unhealthy Chemicals Affects 700 Manufacturers

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is asking suppliers to remove formaldehyde, triclosan and six other substances from their products, part of an effort to eliminate controversial chemicals from household goods. The chemicals on the list include “certain properties that can affect human health …

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JPMorgan Must Face Discrimination Claim by Arab-American Family Business

An Arab-American family whose business and personal bank accounts were closed in 2014 without explanation can sue JPMorgan Chase for racial discrimination, a federal judge in Detroit has ruled. Filed in February, the lawsuit by Najah Manni, his wife Kathy …

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Brit Invests in South Africa’s Camargue Underwriting Managers

Brit Ltd., the global specialty insurer and reinsurer, announced it has made a significant strategic investment in Camargue Underwriting Managers, one of South Africa’s leading providers of specialized insurance products. Financial details of the transactions were not disclosed. “The investment …

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Beazley to Get EU Licenses for Irish Reinsurance Business, as Result of Brexit Vote

Lloyd’s of London insurer Beazley Plc said it is working to get European insurance licenses for its Irish reinsurance business to allow it to continue to operate throughout the European Union even if Lloyd’s loses access to the bloc. Insurers are making …

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Uptick in Lawyers’ Professional Liability Claims; Business Transactions Top Claim: Study

Law firms have seen an increase in the frequency of malpractice claims, which are becoming more costly to defend and could cause lasting reputational damage, according to a new study by insurance broker Ames & Gough. The study found that …

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Parents of Son Killed by Gator at Walt Disney World Won’t Sue

The parents of a toddler killed by an alligator at Walt Disney World said Wednesday that they don’t plan to sue the Florida theme park resort over the death. Matt and Melissa Graves of Omaha, Nebraska, said in a statement …

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Hometown Pride: Actress Jennifer Garner Brings in $500K for West Virginia Flood Victims

Jennifer Garner, the Hollywood actress and former Charleston resident, has raised more than $500,000 for flood relief in West Virginia. This does not include the money from her “West Virginia Strong” T-shirt sales, nor the more than $120,000 raised at …

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Why Republicans’ Plan to Rebuild a Glass-Steagall Wall Is Bad Idea

One of the biggest surprises from the Republican convention so far has not taken place on its center stage. Yes, I’m talking about the party’s call in its 2016 platform to reinstate the Glass-Steagall law. This is the statute that …

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Amerisure Insurance Promotes Long, Mungall and Spaude

Farmington Hills, Mich.-based Amerisure Insurance Co. has promoted Allen Long to director, Advanced Analytics; Casey Mungall to director, Enterprise Risk Management and Investments; and Chris Spaude to director, Financial Planning and Analysis. Long joined Amerisure in 2006 and previously was …

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Miraculously, No One Seriously Hurt in Crain Collapse onto Tappan Zee Bridge at Noon

Most of the lanes of the Tappan Zee Bridge north of New York City have reopened after a crane collapsed across the entire width of the bridge on Tuesday, but transportation officials were still advising motorists to plan for extra …

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Enbridge, U.S. Reach $177M Settlement Over Pipeline Spill

Canadian pipeline operator Enbridge Inc. has agreed to pay $177 million in penalties and improved safety measures in a settlement with the U.S. government tied to one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history. The settlement, announced on …

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ADM Sued Over Contaminated Equine Feed

Two horse owners have sued Archer Daniels Midland Co, accusing the U.S. grain processor and trader of distributing contaminated feed that sickened or killed several of their horses, according to court documents seen by Reuters. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. …

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New York Proposes $1 Million Insurance Limits for Boxing, Legalized Mixed Martial Arts

New York will require $1 million coverage for life-threatening brain injuries and other new health insurance for both professional boxers and its first group of licensed mixed martial artists under regulations slated to take effect in September. The State Athletic …

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Oklahoma Company Recalls Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs over Listeria Fear

More than 372,000 pounds of hot dogs and corn dogs made by an Oklahoma company are being recalled over concerns of listeria contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Alstus, Oklahoma-based Bar-S Foods is recalling five chicken and pork products …

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Texas Regulators Recognize Chaparral Industries for Safety Programs

The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation recognized Chaparral Industries for exemplary workplace safety programs and low rates of work-related injuries and illnesses at its Odessa facility. Director of Workplace Safety Karen Puckett presented the company with the Lone Star Safety …

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Can States Stop Man-Made Earthquakes?

Stopping an earthquake before it starts? It sounds like a feat possible only for a superhero. But in Kansas and Oklahoma state policymakers are showing that insofar as humans are causing earthquakes, they can stop them, too. After restricting oil …

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Fintech Startup Gets German Banking License – with Plans to Offer Insurance

N26, a Berlin startup that offers financial services directly to consumers, said Thursday it’s received a German banking license that will let it offer a fuller range of products across Europe. The company, whose mobile app lets European consumers maintain …

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U.S. Can’t Seize Manhattan Building Over Iranian Terror Claims: Court

A federal appeals court said on Wednesday the U.S. government cannot seize a midtown Manhattan office tower originally built by the Shah of Iran, whose owners it claimed were fronts for the Iranian government. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of …

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Court Battles Begin as U.S., States Sue to Halt Anthem, Aetna Mergers

U.S. antitrust enforcers roundly rejected a pair of proposed deals that would consolidate the nation’s five biggest health insurers into just three. The Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit to stop Anthem Inc.’s merger with Cigna Corp. in federal court …

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MetLife to Change Brand Name of Spinoff Retail Brand to Brighthouse

MetLife Inc., the New York-based insurer that traces its roots to the 1860s, said it’s come up with a new name for a U.S. retail unit that’s slated for separation. The business will be known as Brighthouse Financial once it’s …

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Zika Case in Utah Raises Questions over How Virus Spreads

The case of a Utah man who contracted the Zika virus after caring for his infected father raised new questions for health experts who said Tuesday that the investigation could guide new research into the way the disease spreads. The …

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University of Oregon Settles Whistleblower Suit with Former Employees

The University of Oregon has agreed to pay $425,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by two former employees over allegations that the school retaliated against them for speaking out about a student’s therapy records being accessed. The Register-Guard reported UO …

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Idaho Investment Firm at Heart of Trade-Secret Lawsuit

An Idaho-based software company is being sued after it hired two former employees from another company. The lawsuit, brought by SS&C Technologies Inc. against Clearwater Analytics and former SS&C employee Bradley Rossa in Illinois state court, focuses on common and often …

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CNA Appoints Childs as VP of Underwriting for Construction

CNA has appointed Rick Childs to the post of vice president of underwriting for the company’s construction segment. In this role, he will partner with product line managers, risk control, claims and the worldwide field operations teams to establish underwriting …

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Travelers Hit Hard with Catastrophe Losses in Q2

The Travelers Companies reported an 18 percent drop in net profit for the second quarter largely due to a 50 percent rise on losses from catastrophes. Catastrophe losses of $333 million, up from $221 million for the same period last …

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New York Workers’ Compensation Costs Going Up 9.3%

New York has approved a 9.3 percent average hike in workers’ compensation loss costs. The new rates will go into effect Oct. 1. New York businesses, while not pleased, see the hike as necessary in order to keep the insurance …

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How Tesla Liability in AutoPilot Crash Could Turn on Data Collected by Car

The large volume of data Tesla Motors Inc. collects from its cars on the road has armed it with information to publicly counter, and possibly legally defend, claims about the safety of its Autopilot driving-assist software, according to lawyers familiar …

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Softbank & Honda Aim to Develop Talking Cars that Read a Driver’s Emotions

On the heels of its $32 billion takeover of chip designer ARM Holdings, SoftBank Corp. founder Masayoshi Son is embarking on another “crazy idea”: talking cars that can read a driver’s emotions. The Japanese telecommunications and internet corporation said on …

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Case Testing FAA Authority to Regulate Drones Advances

The father and son who posted videos of drones firing a handgun and incinerating a Thanksgiving turkey with a flame-thrower can be questioned by aviation regulators, a U.S. judge ruled in a closely watched case that may determine the government’s …

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So. Africa’s Discovery Enters Japan Market with Sumitomo & SoftBank Partnership

Discovery Ltd., South Africa’s third-largest insurer by market value, said it has set up a partnership with Japan’s Sumitomo Life Insurance Co. and SoftBank Group Corp. to develop and introduce products for the world’s third-largest economy. Discovery’s Vitality program, which …

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Global Insured Losses Hit $30B in 1H 2016, 30% of Economic Losses: Aon Benfield

Preliminary global economic losses reached US$98 billion during the first half of 2016, while global insured losses hit US$30 billion – their highest levels since 2011, according to Impact Forecasting, Aon Benfield’s catastrophe model development team. These losses – economic …

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BHSI Launches Cyber Liability Cover in Australia; Osgood to Lead Product Line

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI) announced it has introduced cyber liability insurance in Australia and named Emma Osgood as head of Cyber Liability in the region. BHSI is focusing on the mid-to-large-tier market segment and will tailor solutions for …

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Everest Insurance Expands Umbrella, Excess Casualty Offering

Everest Insurance has expanded its umbrella and excess casualty offering with their new Peak Protect policy form. Peak Protect is an enhanced commercial umbrella policy form. Everest has also included Crisis Event Protection coverage on the new form, with an …

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BUA Launches Prize & Promotion Insurance Services, Taps Woodbury to Lead

BUA, LLC of Portsmouth, N.H., has launched Prize & Promotion Insurance Services (PPI). PPI will be led by 25-year industry veteran, Jack Woodbury. PPI will focus on three main promotion insurance product lines: Prize Indemnity Insurance covers prizes that are …

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Uber Cleared to Offer Rides in West Virginia

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin introduced Uber to West Virginia by hailing the state’s first ride. After an Uber trip from Capitol Market in Charleston to the state Capitol, Manchin and Tomblin announced Uber’s launch in …

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Central Insurance Promotes Lee to Regional Marketing Manager in Southeast

The Central Insurance Companies has promoted David Lee to Regional Marketing manager in the companies’ Southeast Regional Office. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Administration, Lee joined Central in 2003 in the Claims department. …

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South Carolina Workers’ Comp Loss Costs Going Up, New Filing Requirements Take Effect

New requirements regarding the implementation of changes in workers’ compensation loss costs have been passed by the South Carolina Legislature, and the insurance department is reminding insurers to ensure they follow the new filing rules as loss cost increases will …

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Southland Man Sentenced for Grand Theft After Posing as Insurance Agent

A Southern California man has been sentenced for grand theft for posing as a licensed insurance broker, selling insurance to commercial truckers and then pocketing premiums. Cristian Raul Videla, 34, of Van Nuys, Calif., pleaded no contest this week to …

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North Carolina Restores Workers’ Ability to Sue Over Workplace Discrimination

Minor changes to a North Carolina law limiting protections for LGBT people have been signed by the governor. Legislators left the law mostly intact during their yearly session. They did make a change requested by Republican Gov. Pat McCrory that …

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Cross Insurance Acquires Maine’s Sargent, Tyler & West

Maine’s Cross Insurance reported it has acquired another leading Maine insurance agency, Sargent, Tyler & West in Bangor, and its Bucksport branch office, Roland Grindle Insurance Agency. Sargent, Tyler & West has been in business for nearly 200 years. Michael …

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Despite Having License Revoked by 2 States, Northern Illinois Agency Continues to Operate

By taking advantage of legal appeals processes, an Illinois managing general agency has been able to continue operations for more than a year despite having its license revoked or non-renewed by two separate state insurance departments. Northern Illinois Insurance Agency, …

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June Storms in Canada Cost Insurers More Than C$34 Million

The storms that hit Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario in Canada on June 24 and 25 caused more than C$34 million ($25.9 million) in insured damage, according to estimates from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ).* Wind, flash floods and hail hit several areas, resulting in nearly 3,500 insurance …

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Minnesota Towns Continue to Struggle with Flood Damage

Parts of east-central Minnesota are still trying to cope with floodwaters and subsequent damage nearly a week after torrential rains fell across a huge swath of the state. Kanabec County Sheriff Brian Smith told Minnesota Public Radio that communities flooded …

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2 New Insurers Approved for Doing Business in Arkansas

Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Allen Kerr has approved two new out-of-state insurers to do business in the state. Medical Liability Alliance (MLA) of Jefferson City, Mo., has been granted authority to offer casualty insurance. MLA, a stock property/casualty insurance company formed in …

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Prosecutors Reduce Counts Against Texas Lawyer in BP Oil Spill Fraud Case

A Texas lawyer and six co-defendants are now facing a reduced indictment of 73 charges, instead of 95, at federal trial on accusations that they faked more than 40,000 damage claims after the BP oil spill in 2010. Online court …

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Iowa Governor Issues Disaster Proclamation for 3 Counties

A disaster emergency proclamation has been issued for three Iowa counties pummeled in weekend storms. The proclamation issued by Gov. Terry Branstad lets state resources be used in storm recovery in Benton, Humboldt and Wright counties. The storms damaged apartment …

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Bassman Completes Acquisition of Ascend Insurance Brokerage

Dallas-based Ascend Insurance Brokerage President and CEO Paul Bassman has closed on the acquisition of the company, purchasing the business from James Chippendale, who founded Ascend in 2001. Ascend specializes in the entertainment business and has placed coverage for hundreds of clients, …

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Risk Managers Fear Cyber and Liability Risks of Autonomous Vehicles: Survey

Cybersecurity is the biggest concern for companies evaluating risk in the nascent self-driving vehicle industry, according to a survey conducted by Munich Re. The world’s second-biggest reinsurer found that 55 percent of corporate risk managers surveyed named cybersecurity as their …

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Maine’s Clark Insurance Adds 4 Employees

Maine’s Clark Insurance has added four employees in its Portland office. Nicholas Jobin of Westbook has been hired as an associate Aacount manager in the Business Insurance Services Department. Jobin is a graduate of St. Joseph’s College of Maine. Dana …

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Motor Insurers Need to Adapt to Ward Off Competition from Car Manufacturers

As internet-connected and, eventually, driverless vehicles roll off production lines, traditional motor insurers need to adapt to ward off competition from car manufacturers. Insurers have struggled for years to make a profit from motor insurance due to intense competition and …

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5,400 Oregon Patients Notified of Records Breech

Providence Health & Services in Oregon is notifying about 5,400 current and former patients that a former employee may have improperly accessed their patient records. Providence said in a statement that it learned of the breech in May during an …

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Pennsylvania Jury Clears NASCAR, Pocono Raceway in Lightning Death

A jury has ruled that a Pennsylvania racetrack didn’t cause harm to a man killed by lightning minutes after an August 2012 NASCAR race was stopped. The Pocono Record reported that the jury ruled in favor of Pocono Raceway and …

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Judge Tells Washington Woman to Repay $25K in Workers’ Comp Scam

A Washington woman injured in a robbery at her workplace pleaded guilty this week to felony theft. Yurizan Cuevas, 33, of Federal Way, reportedly worked full time as a nanny while claiming she was too disabled to work Cuevas was …

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As Industry Disruptor, Internet of Things Brings Opportunities to Innovators: Report

The steady advance of the internet of things (IoT) presents a huge number of opportunities for insurers – as well as threats, according to a digest published by Efma*. The rise in connected homes, connected cars and the use of …

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Washington Judge Hears Challenge to Law Enabling Uber, Lyft to Unionize

A U.S. judge on Tuesday wrestled with whether a lawsuit could proceed against the city of Seattle, Wash. over a local law which allows Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize. The litigation is unfolding amid a national debate over what …

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Town Rejects $11 Million Settlement Offer from Sandy Hook Parents

The town of Newtown, Connecticut has rejected an offer from two Sandy Hook parents to settle a lawsuit over the 2012 school shooting that claimed the lives of 26 students and faculty. The Hartford Courant reported that a deadline passed …

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Massachusetts Lawmakers Negotiating Ridesharing Bill Compromise

Massachusetts House and Senate negotiators are set to begin hammering out a final version of a bill aimed at regulating ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. A six-member conference committee was scheduled to begin negotiations this week. The bills would …

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Verisk Analytics Deepens Its Energy Industry Presence with Acquisition of Greentech Media

Data provider Verisk Analytics Inc. is continuing to grow beyond its insurance industry roots with the announcement it will acquire Greentech Media Inc., an information services provider for the solar electricity and clean energy sector. Greentech Media will become part …

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Beecher Carlson Adds Brainard as Innovation Chief, Names Darrr Practice Leader for National Casualty

Atlanta-based Beecher Carlson Insurance Services has expanded its National Casualty Practice leadership team, creating a new innovation chief position and appointing a new practice leader. Sharon Brainard will take on the newly created role of chief innovation director for National …

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3 States Sue Volkswagen, Charge Cover-Up of Diesel Fraud Went on for Years

Senior executives at Volkswagen AG including its former chief executive covered up evidence that the German automaker had cheated on U.S. diesel emissions tests for years, three U.S. states charged on Tuesday in civil lawsuits against the company. New York, …

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U.S. Expected to Sue to Stop Anthem, Aetna Deals

U.S. antitrust officials are poised to file lawsuits to block Anthem Inc.’s takeover of rival health-insurer Cigna Corp. and Aetna Inc.’s deal to buy Humana Inc., according to a person familiar with the matter. Justice Department officials, who are responsible …

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Suit Seeks to Force UK PM to Consult Parliament Before Initiating Britain’s EU Exit

A lawsuit seeking to force Prime Minister Theresa May to consult parliament before beginning Britain’s exit from the European Union will be taken “very seriously” and may reach the Supreme Court by December, Judge Brian Leveson said. “The court takes …

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PIMCO Appoints Man Group’s Chief, Roman, as New CEO

Pacific Investment Management Co. named Emmanuel “Manny” Roman as its next chief executive officer, replacing Douglas Hodge, who presided over a tumultuous time that included the departure of Bill Gross and a plunge in assets at the firm. Roman, 52, …

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AIG Unleashes New Primary Cyber Policy for Property/Liability Exposures

AIG rolled out a new standalone cyber policy that provides primary insurance protection for a wide range of related risks. The insurance giant is marketing CyberEdge Plus as offering primary protection for property damage, bodily injury, business interruption, product liability …

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North Carolina Whitewater Center Releases Water Treatment Plan to Kill Amoeba

A whitewater recreation area in the area of Charlotte, N.C., plans to treat water to kill a potentially deadly microorganism and expel it into a neighboring river after an Ohio teen died of a brain-attacking microorganism. The Charlotte Observer reports …

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The Hilb Group Acquires Carrier Insurance Agency in Florida

The Hilb Group, LLC (THG) has acquired Florida-based Carrier Insurance Agency, Inc., continuing its nationwide growth through acquisitions and expanding its regional presence in central Florida. The transaction became effective July 1, 2016. Carrier Insurance has been serving central Florida …

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American Integrity in Florida Hires Hendrickson as SVP of Risk Management

American Integrity Insurance has hired Gloria Hendrickson as senior vice president of Risk Management. In her role as senior vice president of Risk Management, Hendrickson will assume responsibility for risk management issues that directly impact the direction of the company. …

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U.S. Employers Taking Steps to Help Muslims Feel Safer at Work

More U.S. employers are taking steps to make Muslims feel accepted and safe at work, as their faith comes under scrutiny with the rise in terror attacks and calls by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for a ban on …

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Novamar Insurance Launches Yacht Coverage for U.S. Boaters Heading to Cuba

Novamar, a specialist in the marine and yacht insurance segment, now offers a policy for U.S.-flag yachts navigating Cuban waters. Most vessels $50,000 in value or greater are eligible for coverage.  Cuba endorsement premiums start at only $500.00. The limit …

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Ironshore Expands High Net Worth Coverage to Homeowners in Connecticut

Ironshore Private Client Group has expanded its Ironshore Private Insurance Portfolio product to high net worth homeowners in Connecticut.  Ironshore Private Insurance Portfolio coverage is available in four states on an admitted basis, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Georgia. Ironshore …

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WorkCompCentral Founder Remembered as ‘Innovative Thinker’

The founder of WorkCompCentral died on Sunday in a motorcycle crash, according to employees at the website. David DePalo, 56, was reportedly in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu Hills, Calif. in the afternoon when he hit an embankment, according …

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Auto Insurance 101

Auto insurance is one of the most important kinds of insurance you can own. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, although auto accident fatalities continue to decline overall, injuries are up. In 2014, the agency cites,...

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

G2 Insurance Services Names Fox-Foster Claims Manager in California

G2 Insurance Services has named Martin Fox-Foster claims manager. Fox-Foster will be located in the company’s San Francisco office He will serve as a resource to G2 Insurance’s commercial clients, advocating on their behalf for a range of property/casualty, cyber …

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HGGC/Integrity Partnership to Acquire Nebraska Insurance Marketing Firm

Palo Alto, Calif.-based middle market private equity firm HGGC, has completed its equity investment in Integrity Marketing Group LLC (Integrity), an independent distributor of life/ health insurance products focused on serving the senior market. Concurrently, HGGC and Integrity announced they …

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Takata Settles Airbags Lawsuit With Florida Driver’s Estate

Takata Corp. agreed to settle a lawsuit in Florida with the estate of a driver of a Honda Civic who claimed to have been left a quadriplegic because of a dangerous airbag in the vehicle. Terms of the settlement weren’t …

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BRP to Offer Excess Management Liability Through Great American

Specialty underwriter and program administrator Business Risk Partners (BRP) has launched an excess management liability facility backed by Great American Insurance Group. The facility will provide up to $5 million in capacity, available standalone or sitting above BRP’s primary coverage …

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Cunningham Lindsey Subsidiary, Vale, Launches Claims Consulting Service

Dallas-based Vale Training, a Cunningham Lindsey company and an independent division specializing in training for adjusters and appraisers in the insurance claims industry, has launched Vale Consulting Services to provide seasoned executives as claims consultants to advise insurers, brokers and …

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NW Wisconsin Flood Damage Up to $30 M

Flooding from recent heavy rains has caused $30 million dollars in damage in northwestern Wisconsin. State emergency management officials said that storms have caused nearly $1.8 million in damage to homes and businesses. Damage to roads, bridges and trails is …

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AmTrust Drops Arbitrator-Bribery Claims Against Italian Ex-Broker Somma

Insurance firm AmTrust Financial Services Inc. has filed to voluntarily dismiss all of its claims against one of its former insurance brokers in Italy who AmTrust alleged bribed an arbitrator called in to settle a business dispute between them. AmTrust’s …

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Insurers, Private Hospitals in Houston Fighting over Patients’ Rates

Insurance companies and private hospitals are facing off in Houston over how much to charge patients for “out-of-network” surgeries and procedures. According to the Houston Chronicle at least a dozen lawsuits have been filed in Houston in recent years over …

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BHSI Expands into Transactional Liability Market with Underhill, 3 Others

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) reported that it has expanded into Transactional Liability Insurance team in the U.S. and Canada and named Robert Underhill as senior vice president, head of Transactional Liability. The company also appointed Dan Crosby as vice …

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Southern Colorado Wildfire Now 30 Percent Contained

Firefighters are letting areas of a wildfire burn near Coaldale in southern Colorado because it is too dangerous to get into some wilderness areas, but they have managed to protect homes and contain 30 percent of the blaze as of …

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Idaho University Denies Discriminating Against Mormon Player

Idaho State University’s former assistant tennis coach and the university have denied allegations made in a lawsuit in which a former tennis player says he was discriminated against because of his Mormon faith. The Post Register reported that former coach …

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XL Catlin Opens Unit in Africa to Write Facultative and Treaty Reinsurance

XL Catlin has established a new Reinsurance Unit focused on providing facultative and treaty reinsurance across Africa. Leading the team is Alex St James who has been appointed as head of Africa for XL Catlin’s Reinsurance operations. Additionally, XL Catlin …

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AIR Worldwide Launches Global Resilience Practice with Kaniewski as Leader

Catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide (AIR) has formed a global resilience practice, which aims to support risk reduction and resilience initiatives across the globe. These initiatives are aimed at developing solutions to aid society’s efforts to better prepare for and …

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Integro Names Ro as New York Operations Leader

International broker and risk management firm Integro Insurance Brokers today announced the appointment of Esther Ro as New York operations leader. She succeeds Anne Anderson, who has taken on the role of North America Client Stewardship leader. Ro joined Integro …

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Republican Platform Under Trump: Reinstate Glass-Steagall, Go Slow on Trade Pacts

Republican National Convention delegates approved a platform Monday that calls for reinstating the Glass-Steagall Act and scaling back the Dodd-Frank financial overhaul, calling it the Democrats’ “legislative Godzilla.” The Glass-Steagall measure puts presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump and his party in the company …

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States to Sue VW Over Diesel Scandal

New York and Maryland are among several states planning to sue Volkswagen AG over the environmental damage done by devices that were designed by the carmaker to cheat on pollution-control tests. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh said Monday in a …

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BHSI Names Kremer as Head of Claims, Northern Europe

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Co. (BHSI) announced it has expanded its Northern European operations, appointing Ulrich Kremer as senior vice president, Claims, Northern Europe. Ulrich joins BHSI with nearly 16 years of experience as a lawyer and in the insurance …

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Drivers Take Uber to UK Tribunal in Test Case that Could Threaten Business Model

Two drivers took Uber to a British employment tribunal on Tuesday, arguing that the ride service is acting unlawfully by not offering rights such as holiday and sick pay, in a test case that could force the app to change …

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Malaysian Sovereign Fund Weighs Bid for Insurer Unit of Hong Leong Financial: Sources

Khazanah Nasional Bhd., the $27 billion Malaysian sovereign fund, is weighing a bid for control of the insurance operations of billionaire Quek Leng Chan’s Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd., people with knowledge of the matter said. Khazanah is considering an …

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Takata Engineers ‘Manipulated’ Results of Air-Bag Inflator Tests: Honda Audit

Takata Corp., the air-bag supplier behind the industry’s largest ever recall, routinely manipulated results of air-bag inflator tests reported to Honda Motor Co., according to an ongoing audit commissioned by the parts maker and its biggest customer. Takata engineers removed …

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Groups Press Dow-DuPont to Reveal Teflon Liabilities Before Merger Vote

DuPont Co. and Dow Chemical Co. must tell shareholders before next week’s merger vote that they may face exposure to costly potential damages from claims that a chemical used to make Teflon caused cancer and other ailments, community activists told …

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Massachusetts Lowers Employer Assessment for Workers’ Compensation

The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) reduced the assessment that private employers pay to the state on workers’ compensation policies to 5.6 percent of the policy premium for the new fiscal year, down from 5.75 percent during the last …

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Retired Pro Wrestlers Sue WWE Over Head Injuries

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. was sued on behalf of Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka and dozens of other retired wrestlers who claim the company hid the long-term effects of neurological injuries from years of being pounded in and out of the ring. …

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Mississippi Study: Most Residents Ignore Wireless Emergency Weather Alerts

A study by two University of Southern Mississippi researchers on the effectiveness of emergency alerts has revealed some surprising results. David Cochran and Bandana Kar, associate professors in the Department of Geography and Geology, recently concluded work with the Department …

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Florida Steps up Fraud Fight With New Division of Investigative and Forensic Services

The Florida Department of Financial Services is enhancing its law enforcement strategy to fight fraud in the state by integrating its current units housed within DFS and forming the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, according to a statement from …

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4 Promoted to Vice President Positions at M3 Insurance

Wisconsin-based M3 Insurance has promoted Tim Cleary, Matt Cranney, Nezih Hasanoglu and Zach Penshorn to vice president positions. Cleary, Cranney, Hasanoglu and Penshorn have accepted these leadership roles, respectively, in the areas of Sales for Property/Casualty, Insurance Operations, Business Development and Human …

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Arkansas Recovers More than $1.5M for Insurance Consumers in First Half of 2016

Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Allen Kerr says the Consumer Services Division (CSD) of the Arkansas Insurance Department recovered $1,580,421 for Arkansas insurance customers in the first six months of 2016. The amounts recovered for Arkansas consumers by CSD are in excess …

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CDC Assisting Utah Investigation of Zika Virus Infection

The Centers for Disease Control is assisting in the investigation of a case of Zika in a Utah resident who is a family contact of the elderly Utah resident who died in late June. The deceased patient had traveled to …

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Berkshire Hathaway Purchasing New York Medical Liability Insurer

Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary National Indemnity Co. is acquiring Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Co. of New York for an undisclosed price. The deal comes as the insurer completes its conversation from a mutual company to a stock insurer. The insurer is …

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$30M Settlement with Bristol-Myers Squibb in California Whistleblower Suit

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones reached a $30 million settlement with pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb over allegations of drug marketing fraud and physician kickbacks. The settlement stems from charges in a whistleblower lawsuit filed by three former Bristol-Myers Squibb sales …

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SBA Sets August Deadline for Mississippi Disaster Loans From Spring Floods

People whose south Mississippi homes or businesses flooded in late April or early May have until Aug. 8 to apply for Small Business Administration disaster loans. The low-interest loans are available in Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone counties, …

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North Carolina Governor Signs Duke Energy Coal Ash Cleanup Compromise

North Carolina will offer less expensive ways for Duke Energy to clean up coal ash pits at seven sites while ensuring drinking water is piped to residents near the ponds, a compromise that has appeased the General Assembly but leaves …

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Autopilot Warning May Not Help Tesla in Crash Defense

Telling Tesla drivers its Autopilot feature doesn’t mean their cars can drive themselves may not be enough to keep Elon Musk off the hot seat if the technology comes up short. This month, two Teslas equipped with Autopilot veered into …

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BHSI Launches Commercial Output Policy for Inland Marine Exposures

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has introduced its Commercial Output Policy (COP) that combines the company’s new admitted property insurance policy with its inland marine coverages. BHSI’s COP uses American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS) wording and responds to property …

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Wells Fargo Beats Appeal Over Voided Money Store Verdict

A federal appeals court on Friday rejected a bid to revive a $54.8 million jury verdict against Wells Fargo & Co, saying the trial judge had authority to take the “drastic step” of decertifying the class action after the award …

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BP Raises Liability by $5.2 Billion for Deepwater Horizon Spill

BP Plc has raised the total liability from the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, which triggered the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, by $5.2 billion to $61.6 billion before tax. The London-based company expects to take a $2.5 billion …

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Cincinnati Financial Corp. Reports $160M-$170M in Q2 Storm Losses

Cincinnati Financial Corp. reported that The Cincinnati Insurance Companies’ property/casualty group expects its second-quarter results to include pretax catastrophe losses of approximately $160 million to $170 million. That loss amount represents an impact on the second-quarter 2016 combined ratio of …

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Selling Medical Insurance to Olympic Travelers – An Expert Offers Advice

How should an agent or broker approach selling travel medical insurance to those heading to Rio? The answer is simple: know what potential dangers they face, provide them with the information to reduce their risk, and in the event they …

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Workers’ Comp Line Achieves ‘Significant’ Profit in 2015: Fitch

The U.S. workers’ compensation insurance market achieved a “significant” underwriting profit in 2015, but trends call into question whether such a result can be repeated, Fitch Ratings concluded in a new report. For 2015, the workers’ compensation combined ratio came …

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ICT Honors Lawson Posthumously with Raymond Mauk Award

The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) posthumously honored Ron Lawson, former vice president at the Republic Group in Dallas, with the Raymond Mauk Leadership Award during the group’s 24th Annual ICT Mid-Year Property and Casualty Symposium in Austin. Lawson passed last …

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Fire Damage at Oklahoma Power Plant Could Reach $200M

Officials say the cost of damage from a fire at the Grand River Dam Authority’s main generating facility in Chouteau, Okla., could reach $200 million. The Tulsa World reports that GRDA spokesman Justin Alberty says the July 1 fire’s total …

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Emergency Declared in Oklahoma After Severe Storms

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has declared a state of emergency for 35 Oklahoma counties following three days of severe storms, strong winds, tornadoes and flooding. The executive order signed Friday allows state agencies to make emergency purchases for disaster relief …

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Louisiana Company Recalls 21,500 Pounds of Catfish Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says a north Louisiana business is recalling more than 21,500 pounds of catfish products for hotels, restaurants and other institutions in six states. The recall by Haring Catfish Inc. of Wisner involves products that USDA …

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Swiss Re Taps Harman, Poppie for U.S. Central Region Leadership Positions

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has added Christine Harman as senior vice president, head of Casualty, and named Gabriel Poppie as senior vice president, head of Sales, for its U.S. Central Region. Both are based in Chicago. Harman will be responsible for …

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Nearly $1M in Stolen Construction Equipment Found in Chicago Home

Chicago police are asking people who’ve had construction equipment stolen in recent months to report to a West Side district station to identify items allegedly found in a man’s home. Police say investigators found $750,000 to $1 million in stolen …

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Mid-Market Firms Fall Short on Natural Catastrophe Risk Management: Assurex Global

Middle market businesses in all parts of the world view their exposures to natural catastrophes as increasing but some fall short when managing these risks effectively, according to a new survey of senior executives at more than 80 independent insurance brokers. The survey …

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EPA, Forest Service Seek Permanent Firefighters Near Montana Asbestos Site

The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Forest Service want to station 10 firefighters near Libby this summer so crews are immediately available to fight any fire that night burn in or near a former vermiculite mine contaminated with asbestos, …

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$3.5 M Settlement for Family of Dead Washington Bicyclist

The city of Seattle, Wash. has paid $3.5 million to the family of a bicyclist who died two years ago in a collision with a truck in downtown Seattle. The Seattle Times reported the payment resolves a claim that the city’s …

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Washington Doesn’t Do Enough to Protect Schools from Quakes: Report

More than 380,000 students in Washington state live in earthquake-prone areas and attend schools built before seismic construction standards were adopted statewide, according to a Seattle Times report. The newspaper, analyzing state data, also reported that more than 31,000 students …

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Federal Government Sues California Homeowner for $25M over Wildfire

The federal government is suing a California homeowner for nearly $25 million, contending his negligence sparked a 2013 fire in the mountains east of Los Angeles that forced 5,000 people from their homes. The lawsuit says that a short in a …

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Insurer Competition Vital for Healthcare Consumers: U.S. Health Official

The Obama administration’s top health official highlighted the importance of competition to insurance markets, as the Justice Department is poised to decide on two massive deals among four of the health-plan industry’s biggest players. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia …

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What Keeps D&Os Awake at Night? Coverage Concerns Rise Up the List

There are lots of emerging liability risks that may be keeping corporate directors and officers awake at night, which is why their D&O insurance protection is rising up their list of concerns. “The worry of whether or not a D&O …

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Sompo Canopius Names Banez as Head of US Financial & Professional Lines

Sompo Canopius AG announces has hired Laurie Banez as head of U.S. financial and professional lines. Banez is based in the New York office and reports to Stephen Hartwig, group head of casualty. She joins from Argo Pro with nearly 30 …

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UK Auto Insurance Policyholders Embrace Telematics to Get Lower Premiums

Demonstrating a growing intolerance of mobile phone use at the wheel, a survey of 1314* motor insurance policyholders in the UK found that consumers want to be rewarded with lower premiums for not using their smartphones while driving. The avoidance …

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Tokio Marine Kiln Launches Online Broker Platform

Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK) has launched “One TMK,” a digital exchange for brokers to quote and bind policies on-line in real time. The web-based platform has been developed to help brokers lower their transactional costs and significantly speed up the …

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Neon Names Dougall as Head of Casualty in Newly Created Role

Neon, the specialist Lloyd’s insurer, has appointed Andrew Dougall to the newly created role of executive underwriter, head of Casualty. Dougall joins Neon today, reporting to chief underwriting officer, Darren Lednor. Dougall will focus on enhancing Neon’s broker distribution and …

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Randall & Quilter Buys Bermuda-Based Segregated Accounts Captive Company

Randall & Quilter Investment Holdings Ltd. has acquired Agency Program Insurance Co. (SAC) Ltd., a Bermuda-based segregated accounts captive company. APIC, which is in run-off, has a total net asset value of $2.4 million and reserves in the region of …

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New Jersey Storms Spawn Tornado, No Injuries Reported

Weather forecasters have confirmed a tornado touched down in New Jersey. The National Weather Service says a tornado with 75 mph winds was confirmed near White Township on July 14. Tom Smith says he saw a twisting black cloud sweep …

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Man Playing Pokemon Go While Driving in NY Crashes Car Into Tree

A man is recovering from minor injuries he suffered when he crashed his brother’s car into a tree in central New York while playing Pokemon Go on his smartphone. Police in Auburn in the Finger Lakes region tell The Citizen …

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Former Travelers’ CEO Fishman Bringing Fight Against ALS to Golf Course

Jay Fishman finds it more comfortable these days to use a wheelchair to get around, and has begun getting some help breathing from a portable ventilator. The former Travelers CEO says he’s in “the final innings” of his battle with …

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Truck Driver in Deadly Georgia Crash Gets 5 Year Prison Sentence

A Louisiana truck driver charged in a fiery interstate crash that killed five nursing students in southeast Georgia was sentenced to prison Thursday – one year for each life lost – after he pleaded guilty to first-degree vehicular homicide and …

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Mayor of Florida City Charged With Insurance Fraud, Suspended by Governor

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has suspended from office the mayor of the central Florida city of Tavares after he was charged with insurance fraud. Scott issued the executive order on July 14, one day after Mayor Robert Wolfe was arrested …

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Chubb Enhances Cover for Tech Companies in UK and Ireland

Chubb announced that has enhanced MasterPackage for Technology Companies, its comprehensive single contract insurance solution for technology businesses in the UK, as it continues to expand its offering in this key sector of the economy. Masterpackage for Technology Companies provides …

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Research Shows Dangers of Using Hands-Free Cell Phones While Driving

Driving while talking on a hands-free phone can be as distracting as talking on a hand-held mobile, according to researchers at the University of Sussex in England. “A popular misconception is that using a mobile phone while driving is safe …

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Switch Sues Nevada Regulators, NV Energy over Efforts to go Solar

A data-storage center company sued Nevada electricity regulators and NV Energy this week, saying it got an unfair deal when it tried to leave the grid and suffered at the hands of a former state employee who tweeted about the …

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Hail Damage Claims from Montana Crops on The Rise

State officials say damage claims for Montana crops due to hail are nearly double what they’ve been in recent years. The Billings Gazette reported the state Department of Agriculture’s Walt Anseth says farmers submitted 200 insurance claims from January to …

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Woman Who Broke Ankle on L.A. Skyscraper Slide Files Suit

A lawsuit claims a woman suffered a broken ankle on a recently opened glass-enclosed slide attached to the exterior of a downtown Los Angeles skyscraper. City News Service says the lawsuit filed this week against building owner OUE Skyspace LLC and …

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The ‘Pokemon Go’ Files: 10 Tales of Trespass, Robbery, Murder and More

The “Pokemon Go” craze across the U.S. has people wandering into yards, driveways, cemeteries and even an off-limits police parking lot in search of cartoon monsters, prompting warnings that trespassers could get arrested or worse, especially if they cross paths …

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Lloyd’s Insurer Chaucer Expects Underwriting Loss During Q2 2016

The impact of catastrophes, large loss activity and foreign exchange movements are expected to bring an underwriting loss for Chaucer in the second quarter, when it will report a combined ratio in the range of 103 to 105 percent, according …

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MetaBank Taps Cunningham and Koenig for AFS/IBEX in Texas

MetaBank has named Susan Cunningham senior vice president of sales for its premium finance division, AFS/IBEX. She will operate out of the Dallas and lead sales and marketing in Texas and adjoining states. Cunningham has more than 30 years of …

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Alliant in California Names Peters Executive Vice President

Newport Beach, Calif.-based Alliant Insurance Services Inc. has named Barry Peters executive vice president with the company’s Alliant Americas division. Peters will design and deploy insurance and risk management solutions to clients and spearhead the development of national affinity programs …

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Potato in Tailpipe Leads to Arson Suspect in Connecticut

Police say a potato stuffed into a vehicle’s tailpipe helped lead them to a 19-year-old Connecticut stripper who’s now charged with setting fire to a business in a dispute over money. Willow Martin, of Naugatuck, was charged this week with …

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House GOP Wants Democratic AGs’ Records on Climate Change Suit Against Exxon

Escalating a political fight over global warming, a Republican House chairman issued subpoenas this week to two Democratic state attorneys general, seeking records about their investigation into whether Exxon Mobil misled investors about man-made climate change. Texas Rep. Lamar Smith, …

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