Florida’s Rising Traffic Deaths Prompt Statewide ‘Arrive Alive’ Safety Campaign

Florida has rolled out an aggressive new campaign targeted at decreasing the number of traffic deaths in the state, which have steadily been rising since 2014. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV) announced in mid-January the …

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A.M. Best Upwardly Revises Outlooks for Employers and Subsidiaries in Nevada

A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to stable from negative and affirmed, the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a-” of Employers Insurance Group Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Co., …

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Arthur J. Gallagher Acquires The Presidio Group in Utah

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired The Presidio Group Inc. in Salt Lake City, Utah. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Presido management and associates will continue to operate from their current location under the direction of …

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S&P Ratings Reacts to AIG’s Pending Q4 Reserve Charge

American International Group’s anticipated reserve charge has attracted the attention of Standard & Poor’s, which has downgraded certain ratings in light of the disclosure. S&P said it lowered AIG’s long-term counterparty credit and senior unsecured debt ratings to ‘BBB+’ from …

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Illinois Agency Joins Valley Insurance Agency Alliance

Bailey Family Insurance in Springfield, Ill., recently joined Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a network of 100 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. Owned by Mark and Christine Bailey, Bailey Family Insurance is a full service insurance agency specializing …

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FBI: Security Planning for Houston Super Bowl in Works for Years

When tens of thousands of fans stream into NRG Stadium in Houston for the Super Bowl this Sunday, they will understandably be thinking more about the big game than the behind-the-scenes preparations that have gone into ensuring their safety — …

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Late Planting, August Floods Hurt Louisiana Sweet Potato Crop

The LSU AgCenter says late planting and August floods hurt Louisiana’s sweet potato harvest, cutting the yield from 450 bushels an acre in 2015 to 290 bushels per acre last year. Extension Associate Myrl Systrunk told the Louisiana Sweet Potato …

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Minnesota’s ‘Plow Cams,’ Allow Drivers to See Road Conditions

Motorists venturing out onto snowy highways can now get a close-up look at the conditions they might encounter thanks to “plow cams” that the Minnesota Department of Transportation has mounted on some of its snowplows. The video cameras are mounted …

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Acrisure Names Sherman as Strategic Advisor

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Acrisure LLC has named D. Michael Sherman as strategic advisor, reporting to Greg Williams, CEO and president of the rapidly growing insurance broker. Sherman brings more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry to his …

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H.W. Kaufman, Burns & Wilcox Canada Buy XN Canada Private Client Services

H.W. Kaufman Financial Group and Burns & Wilcox Canada announced they have acquired the high-value homeowner’s insurance practice from Quebec-based XN Financial Services Inc. (XN). A managing general agent and provider of insurance products, XN is a subsidiary of The …

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California Utility Ordered to Run Thousands of Ads over Deadly Blast Conviction

California’s largest utility must pay a $3 million fine and run thousands of TV commercials publicizing its pipeline safety violations as punishment for its criminal convictions in a deadly natural gas explosion in the San Francisco Bay Area. U.S. District …

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San Francisco Deems Sinking 58-Story Millennium Tower Safe to Occupy

San Francisco inspectors say the sinking Millennium Tower is safe to occupy, despite strain on its foundation and electrical systems. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that an inspection report concludes there was no evidence of”`life-safety concerns” at the Millennium Tower. …

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Building of $7B Legal Pot Economy Underway in California

The future of California’s legal marijuana industry is being shaped in a warren of cubicles tucked inside a retired basketball arena, where a garden of paper cannabis leaves sprouts on file cabinets and a burlap sack advertising “USA Home Grown” …

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Trump Advisor Says U.S. Will Change Climate Policy, Pull Out of Paris Agreement

The United States will switch course on climate change and pull out of a global pact to cut emissions, said Myron Ebell, who headed U.S. President Donald Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) transition team until his inauguration. Ebell is the …

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Trump’s ‘2-for-1’ Deregulation Scheme Easier Said Than Done

President Donald Trump set a daunting goal for government agencies bound by complex procedures, ordering his department heads to kill two regulations for each new one they issue. The two-for-one order is “a big one,” Trump said as he signed …

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Archer Daniels Midland to Sell Crop Risk Services to Validus

U.S. agricultural commodities trader Archer Daniels Midland Co has agreed to sell its Crop Risk Services (CRS) insurance business for $127.5 million to Validus Holdings Ltd, the companies announced on Monday. The deal, which is expected to close in the …

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Re/Insurers Can Help Bridge Protection Gap with Technology: GA Report

Digital technologies can be harnessed by the re/insurance industry to narrow insurance protection gaps in developing and emerging markets, thereby improving societal resilience after natural disasters, according to a report published by the Geneva Association. However, the protection gap problem …

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Gun-Toting New Hampshire Lawmakers Not Required to Take Safety Classes

A proposal to require firearm safety training for New Hampshire lawmakers wishing to carry guns on the House floor has been defeated. Democratic Minority Leader Steve Shurtleff proposed the rule Thursday after a representative dropped her loaded gun during a …

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Test Results Show Pennsylvania Workers Killed by Train Were on Drugs

Both maintenance workers killed by an Amtrak train near Philadelphia last year were on drugs when the crash happened, test results show, but that doesn’t appear to have factored into safety lapses and miscommunications being blamed for their deaths. Toxicology …

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Maine Governor Signs Bill Delaying Parts of Legal Pot Law

Maine Governor Paul LePage has signed a bill to delay portions of Maine’s legal marijuana law. LePage signed the bill on Friday night. It will still become legal to possess and grow marijuana in the state today. But the bill …

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EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants Hires Giuditta in Connecticut

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty brokerage and employee benefits consultant headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., has hired Christopher J. Giuditta as a vice president. Giuditta will focus on the cultivation and development of new revenue opportunities …

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Integro Appoints Abraham and Gregory to UK Financial Institutions Group

International broker and risk management firm Integro Insurance Brokers announced the hiring of industry veterans Simon Abraham and Darren Gregory, who join the firm’s growing Financial Institutions group in the London office at 100 Leadenhall Street. The hiring of Abraham …

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New Head of Allianz’ PIMCO Takes on $2 Trillion Challenge with Gusto

Walk down a side alley in Munich, beneath apartments with net curtains in the windows, past figures of female superheroes on a cafe storefront, and you come to the unprepossessing headquarters of a $2 trillion asset manager. On the fifth …

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Catastrophe Simulations Reveal London Insurers’ Capital Vulnerabilities

A major $200 billion loss from a combination of a cyber attack, U.S. hurricane and the failure of a reinsurer could strip insurers of up to 120 percent of their net capital base, tests of insurers in London showed. However, capital-raising or asset …

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Mississippi Estimates More Than $1M in Timber Damaged by Tornado

More than $1 million worth of timber was destroyed by the tornado that hit Lamar, Forrest and Perry counties. The Mississippi Forestry Commission announced the estimate Friday based on aerial damage assessments. The commission says the tornado, which had estimated …

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Heroin Overdoses Cause 3 Crashes in North Carolina City in 1 Week

Police say drivers overdosing on heroin have caused three crashes in a city in North Carolina in the past week. Police Capt. Michael Kirk told media outlets that no one was seriously injured in the crashes in High Point, but …

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ARC, Topa Insurance Launch Coverage for Post-Hurricane Losses in Florida

Topa Insurance Co. has formed an exclusive partnership with Assured Risk Cover (ARC) to launch StormPeace, an insurance product in Florida designed to protect insureds from economic loss incurred by a named hurricane and is available through a select network …

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Alliant Adds Beachem to Lead Continued Expansion in the Southeast

Alliant has tapped Georgia-based Wade Beacham, vice president within the company’s Alliant Americas division, to facilitate Alliant’s continued regional expansion. In addition to his expertise with transactional risks, Beacham has more than 16 years of experience originating and managing client …

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IICF to Honor Wells’ Media Chief, Grant $400K to Nonprofits at Los Angeles Gala

Hundreds of insurance professionals and representatives from local nonprofits will convene on March 16 for the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s annual Horizon Award Gala at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. The IICF Western division will announce more than …

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Liberty Mutual Names Asher President of Safeco, Succeeding Nickerson

Liberty Mutual Insurance has named Tyler Asher president of Safeco Insurance. During his nearly 18-year career with Safeco, Asher has served in a variety of roles spanning finance, accounting, management reporting and analysis. Asher most recently was Safeco’s vice president, …

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Allstate’s ‘Worth Telling’ Campaign Celebrates Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, which begins Feb. 1, Allstate Insurance Co. is launching its annual digital, social and radio campaign, “Worth Telling.” “We are celebrating Black History Month by sharing inspirational stories of African-American pioneers who are impacting …

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Georgia Insurance Department to Hold Claims Village in Albany for Tornado Victims

Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens will host a Catastrophe Claims Village in Albany, on Tuesday, Jan. 31, and Wednesday, Feb. 1, according to a statement from the Georgia Department of Insurance. The purpose of the event will be to assist …

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14K Gallons of Sewage Spills Into Space Coast Water System

Authorities along the Space Coast say a broken sewer pipe accidentally released 14,000 gallons of raw sewage into a storm water system that flows into the Indian River Lagoon. Florida Today reported Friday that the sewer line broke on Jan. …

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UK Telematics-Based Motor Policies Exceed 750,000 for 1st Time in 2016

The number of live telematics policies in the UK exceeded three quarters of a million for the first time in 2016, according to annual research from the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA). The BIBA survey includes information from the leading …

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Texas Seeking Public Members for Insurance Guaranty Boards

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is accepting applications through March 1 for public members of two boards: The Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Board of Directors. The board oversees the association, which helps protect Texans if a …

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President Trump Declares Disaster in Oregon from Storm

President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster exists in Oregon from a severe winter storm and flooding in December. The White House says Trump ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts. The White House said …

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Montana House Votes to Cap Punitive Damages Awards

The Montana House has given initial approval to a measure that would reduce the amount a court can award in punitive damages. The cap on those awards meant to punish a company or individual for fraud or malice is now …

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2016 Insurance Journal Timeline: From Chubb/Ace to Google to Trump

The merger of Chubb with Ace, Google shutting down its insurance operation, 10 things insurance agents like and don’t like, Florida’s water loss claims crisis, the launch of Lemonade, Trump’s plan to target taxes and trade — these were among …

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New Crash Test Dummies Look More Like Americans: Obese and Aging

As the American population gets older and fatter, the crash test dummies used to test the cars people drive are changing, too. Recently, engineers at global manufacturer Humanetics created dummies that reflect today’s drivers: a 273-pound obese dummy that is …

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UTHealth Study: 78% of Houston Hospital Workers Are Overweight or Obese

Seventy-eight percent of employees at Houston hospitals are overweight or obese, according to a study by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health. The research results were published recently in the …

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New Lawsuit Against Baylor University Alleges 52 Rapes over 4 Years

A former Baylor University student who says she was raped by two football players filed a federal lawsuit on Jan. 27 against the school that alleges there were dozens more assaults of women involving other players. The lawsuit by the …

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Iowa Supreme Court Rejects Water Utility’s Effort Against Drainage Districts

A divided Iowa Supreme Court on Jan. 27 upheld a legal doctrine going back 100 years that protects agriculture drainage districts against lawsuits. The ruling presents an obstacle for the Des Moines Water Works, which is pursuing a lawsuit in …

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Intesa’s Gamble for Generali Carries Risks for Predator and Prey

An expected bid by Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s biggest retail bank, for the country’s largest insurance company is a bold gamble that has stunned the cozy world of Italian finance and carries risks for both predator and prey. The extent of what Intesa …

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Indiana Doctor Faces 55 Felony Charges in ‘Pill Mill’ Case

An Indiana doctor accused of operating a “pill mill” saw as many as 100 patients in a single day and traded pain pills for work on his farm, federal investigators say. Dr. Tristan Stonger faces 55 felony charges stemming from …

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South Dakota Bill Would Make Insurer Tax-Credit Program More Transparent

A group of South Dakota lawmakers has introduced a bill that would require certain information from the state-subsidized insurance company tax credit program for scholarships be made public. The tax credit scholarship program passed through the Legislature last year and …

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Illinois Mining Companies to Pay $4.25M to Settle Sex Discrimination Suits

A group of affiliated coal mining companies will pay $4.25 million to settle two lawsuits that allege women were denied jobs at the firms because of their gender, federal officials said. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC) filed the sex …

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AXA UK’s Travel Insurance Will Cover People Denied Access to US

The UK division of French insurer AXA said its travel policies would cover those denied access to the United States due to a U.S. travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries. An executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump …

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Connecticut Lawmakers Consider Higher Fines for Distracted Driving

Some Connecticut lawmakers want to make it tougher for distracted drivers. The General Assembly’s Transportation Committee is holding a public hearing today on several bills that would increase penalties for texting while driving, distracted driving or using a hand-held telephone …

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P/C Insurers Expected to Post Underwriting Loss for 2016: A.M. Best

The U.S. property/casualty industry will likely post a small underwriting loss for 2016 after three previous years of underwriting profits, A.M. Best said in a new report. A.M. Best’s report appears in line with a another analysis that noted the …

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Jury to Assess Blame in Fatal Pennsylvania Building Collapse

Two powerhouse lawyers squared off in court Wednesday over who should be held responsible for a building collapse that killed six people inside a downtown Philadelphia store. Nineteen shoppers and workers were buried in rubble when a towering brick wall …

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JLT Acquires Majority Stake in Construction Risk Partners

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc (JLT), a provider of insurance, reinsurance and employee benefits related advice, brokerage and associated services, has acquired a majority stake in Construction Risk Partners LLC (CRP), a construction risk and surety specialty insurance broker. The …

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RSGUM Acquires Interstate Insurance Management in Pennsylvania

RSG Underwriting Managers (RSGUM) has agreed to acquire the total assets and operations of Interstate Insurance Management Inc. (Interstate). Interstate was represented in the transaction by Marsh, Berry & Company Inc.  Terms of the agreement were not released. Interstate is …

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Skuld Appoints Knighton as Head of Marine Cargo & Marine Property

Skuld, the marine insurance provider, announced the appointment of Paul Knighton as global head of marine cargo and marine property. He will join Skuld Syndicate 1897 in the summer. Knighton will enhance Skuld’s well-established marine cargo and marine property portfolio …

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Allianz Weighs Acquisition of Australia’s QBE: Source

German insurer Allianz has made an informal approach to Australian peer QBE Insurance to canvass its interest in a takeover deal, according to a source familiar with the situation. The source, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter, told …

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Munich Re America Names Mozeika to New Insurtech Post

Munich Reinsurance America has created a new strategic position in its Reinsurance Division to help clients seize opportunities resulting from the rapidly developing field of insurtech. Robert Mozeika will assume the new role as innovation executive. Steve Levy, president, Reinsurance …

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AXIS Capital Opens Miami Office; Expands Presence in Latin America

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited has formed of AXIS Specialty Underwriters Inc., based in Miami (AXIS Miami), to operate as the company’s Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) regional coverholder for AXIS Syndicate 1686. AXIS Miami will operate within AXIS Insurance’s International …

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J.M. Wilson Adds Bolinger as Transportation Underwriter in South Carolina

J.M. Wilson has added Adam Bolinger to its North Charleston, S.C. office. As a transportation underwriter, Bolinger is responsible for quoting new and renewal transportation risks, and serving independent insurance agents in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Bolinger …

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Labor Department’s Wells Fargo Whistleblower Site Taken Down

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren on Friday accused the U.S. Labor Department of dismantling a website designed to help Wells Fargo workers file whistleblower retaliation and other complaints against the bank, and asked the department to reinstate it. In her letter …

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How State Insurance Regulators May Help Insurers Innovate

Three days before the inauguration of President Donald Trump last week, a panel of experts on insurance regulation predicted that state and federal regulators of the financial services sector would refocus their efforts in the year ahead. Changes at the …

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Next Level Administrators Of Florida Adds Blanch as VP of Business Development

Next Level Administrators (NLA), a Bradenton, Fla.-based data-focused claims administration organization, has appointed Angela Blanch as vice president of Business Development. Prior to joining the company, Blanch worked with with various TPA’s including CorVel Corporation, Sedgwick CMS, Cambridge, and GatesMcDonald. …

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California Surplus Lines Are Now A Bigger Chunk of the Commercial Market

The phrase “new normal” might be a cliché, but it was too hard for Ben McKay, executive director of the Surplus Lines Association of California, to avoid using when describing the state’s excess and surplus market in 2016 and going forward. …

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You won’t Believe How Easy It Is to Save On Auto Insurance

EINSURANCE was one of the first to deliver insurance comparison services to the market, over two decades ago. Ever since, we have been adamant about providing our customers with pertinent, time sensitive, insurance-related material. We’...

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Lockton Expanding to Seattle, Walton Named Senior VP in new office

Lockton is expanding to Seattle Wash., and adding Laura Walton as a senior vice president. The move is effective Feb. 13 and is part of Lockton’s expansion in the Pacific Northwest. Walton will lead business development and client strategy for …

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Canada Pension Fund OMERS to Invest $1B in Fairfax’s Allied World Purchase

Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System agreed to invest $1 billion to back the $4.8 billion acquisition by Prem Watsa’s Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. of insurer Allied World Assurance Co. The investment will give OMERS a 21 percent stake in Allied …

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Beazley Adds Life Sciences Underwriter Amis in California

Beazley has hired life sciences underwriter Marc Amis in its San Francisco, Calif. office. Amis comes from Chubb, where he was a senior life sciences underwriter for the Western region. He was previously a regional underwriter for G.E. Risk Solutions …

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Legal Fees in Arkansas Marlboro Case: $1.9M

Lawyers who won a $45 million settlement for Arkansas Marlboro Lights smokers will now receive a $1.9 million payment for the case. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox approved the reimbursement for the lawyers’ expenses on …

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Oklahoma Lawmaker: Uniform Building Code Commission Staff Unnecessary

State Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, announced he has filed a measure that would fold the state building code commission into the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. House Bill 1168 would place the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (UBCC) under the Construction …

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Michigan Cracking Down on Illegal Insurance Sales

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) announced it is cracking down on fraudulent insurance sales. DIFS recently issued Cease and Desist Orders against a five entities for violating the Insurance Code. DIFS said the following entities were …

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Ohio Pharmacy Board: Painkiller Prescriptions Down 20% Since 2012

The state says the number of painkiller prescriptions continues to fall as Ohio battles a deadly addictions epidemic. Data released by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy show 631 million painkiller pills were dispensed to patients last year, down 20 percent …

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O’Donnell, Packo Assume New Leadership Roles at Hylant

Insurance brokerage firm, Hylant, has named Kevin O’Donnell and Tony Packo III to new roles within the leadership team at its headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. O’Donnell was appointed senior vice president, Property/Marine/Global Practice leader. He will manage the practice and build …

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Minnesota Legislature Settles on Plan for Health Insurance Help

After months of back and forth and uncertainty over whether lawmakers would help more than 100,000 shoppers offset skyrocketing health insurance premiums, Minnesota’s Legislature has closed in on a plan that will shave hundreds of dollars off monthly payments starting …

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Oklahoma to Host Public Meetings on Health Insurance Reform

The Oklahoma Insurance Department announced it will host a series of town hall meetings across the state to discuss health care reform. Citizens are encouraged to attend and offer their suggestions. In a statement, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak …

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Insurance Industry Rethinking Recruitment Strategies

With nearly 400,000 employees expected to retire from the insurance industry workforce within the next few years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, its incumbent on carriers to consider the ways in which they communicate with and recruit …

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Main Street America Expands New Personal Auto Program Into 3 Eastern States

  The Main Street America Group has expanded Main Street Protection Auto, its new private passenger auto insurance program for the preferred/standard marketplace, into three additional states, including New York, as well as Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The program is …

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Big Weekend Lake-Effect Storms Predicted for New York Snow Belt

Forecasters at the National Weather Service are predicting lake-effect storms this weekend for areas east of the Great Lakes, with two feet of snow or more possible in some areas. The hardest-hit regions in upstate New York will be the …

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Montana Settles with Asbestos Victims for $25M

The state of Montana has reached settlements totaling $25 million with more than 1,000 victims of asbestos-related disease over claims that health officials failed to bring attention to the hazards of a contaminated mine. The Flathead Beacon reported that the …

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Trump Team Nixes Obamacare Ads, Emails as Sign-Up Deadline Approaches

The Trump administration has pulled some advertising designed to encourage people to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, days before the final deadline to buy 2017 health plans under the law. The Department of Health and …

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California Jury Awards $1.25M in School Bathroom Break Suit

A jury has awarded $1.25 million to a former San Diego, Calif. high schooler who was denied a bathroom break and forced to urinate in a bucket. The girl, then 14, used the bucket in a Patrick Henry High School …

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CSAA Insurance Group in California Names Yoo Claims Executive

Walnut Creek, Calif. CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer, has named Kevin Yoo as the company’s new claims executive. Yoo will lead the claims organization, including four claims operations centers across the country, strategic planning, and all administrative responsibilities for …

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California Judge Denies State Farm’s Request to Delay Rate Reduction Order

Superior Court Judge Katherine Bacal has denied State Farm’s request for a temporary restraining order in an attempt to delay California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones’ enforcement of his order directing the carrier to reduce homeowners and renters rates by 7 …

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New Jersey Transit Rail-Crew Hours Draw Scrutiny Over Safety Limit

New Jersey Transit faces a widening examination of its safety practices after federal regulators discovered hundreds of potential work-hour violations, including altered duty logs and shifts longer than permitted. Federal Railroad Administration inspectors recommended penalties in September after they found timekeeping …

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Connected Homes Heighten Need for Personal Cyber Insurance

Eight out of ten U.S. consumers have a home data network and more than a third of them connect entertainment systems, gaming consoles and other smart devices to the Internet. The same survey suggests that all of this connectedness is …

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Charles Taylor Adjusting Appoints Cole as Massachusetts-Based U.S. CEO

Charles Taylor Adjusting (CTA), an international loss adjusting business focused on commercial losses and claims, has appointed Vince Cole as U.S. CEO and regional head. Based in Boston, Mass., he will be responsible for driving new business growth and leading …

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AIG, Fitch Put AIG Under Review Citing Reinsurance Deal, Reserve Adjustment

American International Group won’t be reporting its Q4 2016 financials until Feb. 14, but a disclosure about a “material adverse reserve adjustment” from the insurer for its U.S. commercial business drew warnings from both A.M. Best and Fitch Ratings. A.M. Best …

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U.S. P/C Insurance Earnings Picture ‘Isn’t Too Pretty,’ Says S&P

This year will be a turning point for the U.S. property/casualty (P/C) insurance sector, as rising claims outpace pricing and reserve releases materially decrease, but it will not be a “softer for longer” rate cycle for the sector, according to …

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Sullivan Insurance Group in Massachusetts Announces Two Promotions

Sullivan Insurance Group, an insurance and risk management firm headquartered in Worcester, Mass., has promoted Beth Grenier to vice president of claims and Monica T. DiPietro to manager of personal lines. Grenier has been with the company for 20 years …

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Europe’s Firms Face Potential ‘Perfect Storm’ of Cyber Threats: MMC Report

European companies are unprepared to cope with the reality of today’s cyber risks, according to a new report from Marsh & McLennan Cos. (MMC) and cyber security company, FireEye. But European companies will be forced into action as a result …

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French Insurers & Bankers Aim to Beef Up Fintech Investments

After years of lagging behind London on spawning financial technology startups, Paris this week hosted a show of force aimed at proving the French capital can catch up as more than 1,500 bankers, investors and entrepreneurs gathered. The Paris Fintech …

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Sompo Canopius Names CNA’s O’Riordan Head of International Property

Sompo Canopius AG has appointed of Steve O’Riordan as head of international property with immediate effect. O’Riordan brings 30 years’ experience in the international property markets to Sompo Canopius and will report to Derek Hansen, group head of direct and …

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Rupture at Plant Contaminates North Carolina Creek with Red Dye

A rupture at a plant in Winston-Salem, N.C., dumped red dye into a creek, killing some fish and prompting a warning for people to avoid the water. The Winston-Salem Journal reported the spill occurred at Hanes Dye & Finishing Co. …

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American Water Files Settlement Over Role in 2014 West Virginia Water Crisis

A proposed settlement was filed Wednesday in the state investigation of West Virginia American Water’s role in a chemical spill and resulting water crisis in the Charleston area three years ago. Thousands of gallons of a coal-cleaning agent leaked from …

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Alliant Americas Taps Young to Continue Southeast Growth

Ted Young has joined Alliant as senior vice president within the company’s Alliant Americas middle market division. The Georgia-based Young will facilitate Alliant’s continued expansion throughout the Southeast while servicing a diverse base of clients. Bob Bennetsen, executive vice president …

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Florida-Based American Integrity Insurance Group Adds Brown as CFO

American Integrity has selected Cory Brown as its chief financial officer. He will lead the company’s accounting team and be an integral part of its executive leadership team, based in Tampa, Fla. Brown has nearly two decades of in-depth expertise, …

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Aon’s Group President McGill Steps Down

Aon plc announced that group president, Steve McGill is leaving the firm to explore new opportunities. Greg Case, president and CEO of Aon plc, commented: “During his decade at Aon, Steve has developed a well-earned reputation as a tireless innovator on …

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UK Regulator Calls for New Regime Providing Open Access to Global Markets

Banks, insurers and traders that comply with reinforced global financial sector rules should be allowed to operate unhindered across the world to spur economic growth and trade, a top British regulator said on Thursday. Andrew Bailey, chief executive of the …

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Agency Salary Survey: Find Out More on Today’s Compensation Trends

Insurance Journal is running its annual Agency Salary Survey and we want to hear from you. All retail agency owners, principals, producers, CSRs — the entire agency — is invited to participate in this exclusive independent insurance agency survey for …

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Houston Seeks to Expedite Funding for Flood-Control Measures

Officials intend to introduce an innovative plan to speed up funding for flood-control measures along Houston bayous. The Houston Chronicle reports the city council is considering a payment plan that would have the state give the city a $46 million …

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Lead Levels in Flint, Michigan, Water Fall Below Federal Limit

Flint’s water system no longer has levels of lead exceeding the federal limit, a key finding that Michigan state environmental officials said is good news for a city whose 100,000 residents have been grappling with the man-made water crisis. The …

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Extreme Solar Blackouts May Cost U.S. More Than $40B Daily

The daily U.S. economic cost from solar storm-induced electricity blackouts could be in the tens of billions of dollars, with more than half the loss from indirect costs outside the blackout zone, according to a new study published in a …

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Wildfire in Central Oklahoma, Destrosy Homes, Damages Structures

Authorities say at least two homes were destroyed in a fast-moving wildfire that burned in central Oklahoma on Tuesday. The wildfire, fueled by dry vegetation and strong winds, also damaged or destroyed other structures in central Oklahoma. Firefighters responded to …

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Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Named Vice-Chair of Two National Task Forces

Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Allen Kerr has been named vice-chairman of the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s (NAIC) Workers’ Compensation and Examination Oversight Task Forces. The mission of the Workers’ Compensation (C) Task Force is to study the nature and effectiveness …

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Missouri’s POWERS Insurance and Benefits Adds Bender

POWERS Insurance and Benefits, headquartered in the St. Louis, Mo., area, has hired Robin Bender as a personal account manager. Bender will assist producers in acquiring new business, as well as handling the sales and service of specific POWERS’ clients. She …

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A.M. Best: Outlook Positive for Wolverine Mutual Insurance

A.M. Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR of “bbb” of Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co.  (Wolverine), in …

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U.S. Agency, Industry Working on New Safety Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Safety standards for lithium-ion batteries need to be modernized following a massive recall of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd phones after faulty batteries caused fires, a U.S. government agency said on Tuesday. “Consumers should never have to worry that a battery-powered …

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Brit Launches Lutine Yacht Consortium with $250M in Capacity

Brit Ltd., the London-based specialty insurer, announced the launch of a new Lloyd’s consortium for yachts, called the Lutine Yacht Consortium. The consortium has a capacity of $250 million, offering 100 percent Lloyd’s security to insure motor and sailing vessels valued …

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Hiscox Launches Security Incident Response Policy for Crisis Support

Specialist global insurer Hiscox has launched a Security Incident Response (SIR) policy designed to provide clients with crisis management services. “SIR will enable organizations to fulfil their duty of care obligations to protect people, operations, shareholder value and long-term brand …

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Short Joins XL Catlin’s Excess Casualty Unit in Kansas City

Alan F. Short has joined XL Catlin’s Excess Casualty team as a senior underwriter in Kansas City.    Short brings 30-plus years of broker and underwriting experience, including his recent tenure as an underwriting consultant with CNA. Source: XL Catlin 

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Former Washington Corrections Officer Jailed In $100K Workers’ Comp Scam

A former Washington state corrections officer accused of holding three jobs while claiming he was too disabled to work will serve seven days behind bars along with home detention. John J. Gruden, 44, pleaded guilty to felony, first-degree theft in …

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Insured Loss Estimate for Italy’s October Quakes Rises to $134.2M

PERILS AG has disclosed its second loss estimate for the series of earthquakes which hit Central Italy between Oct. 26 and Oct. 30, 2016. Affecting the regions of Lazio, Marche and Umbria, the series included three major earthquakes with moment …

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Castelo Takes Charge at MAPFRE North America, USA

Spanish insurer MAPFRE Group’s new CEO for its North America arm has assumed his responsibilities. Alfredo Castelo is now president and CEO of both MAPFRE U.S.A. Corp. and MAPFRE North America region. He is replacing Jaime Tamayo who was promoted …

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XL Catlin Appoints Karna as Chief Data Officer

XL Catlin has announced the appointment of Dr. Henna A. Karna as chief data officer, reporting to XL’s chief platform officer, Myron Hendry. Karna has more than 20 years’ experience leading data-driven, digital innovation and positive disruption within the insurance industry, …

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Insurity Acquires Valen Analytics

Valen Analytics has been acquired by Insurity, a Connecticut-based company that supplies software, data processing and analytics for property/casualty insurers. Neither side disclosed financial terms. Valen is perhaps best known for its InsureRight Platform and its predictive analytic products designed …

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100-Year-Old Founder of Cross Insurance Remains Committed to Family Business

Shortly after Woodrow Cross founded Cross Insurance out of his family’s home in Bangor, Maine, in 1954, he sold his first insurance policy for just seven dollars. More than 60 years and nearly 115 agency acquisitions later, with roughly 800 …

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NAIC Leader Says Insurer Systemic Risk Process Is Unnecessary

Although the Financial Stability Oversight Council created by the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform Act could serve an incredibly useful purpose, FSOC’s activities so far have been misguided, an insurance regulator said last week. Ted Nickel, president of the National Association …

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Massachusetts Worker Blamed for Accidental Fire Damaging 18 Buildings

Fire investigators in Cambridge, Mass., say a massive 10-alarm blaze that damaged or destroyed 18 buildings last month was caused by the careless disposal of smoking material by a worker. The results of the investigation into the Dec. 3 fire …

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Worker Dies in Accident at Massachusetts Supermarket Distribution Center

Police and federal safety officials are investigating a fatal workplace accident in Freetown, Mass. It happened early Tuesday afternoon at a distribution center for Stop & Shop supermarkets. Police say a man later identified as 51-year-old Alphonse Ferent of Stoughton …

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Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner to Chair National Task Force on Senior Issues

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller will chair a task force as part of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) that will examine issues that impact senior insurance consumers. Commissioner Miller’s appointment was announced by Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance Theodore …

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H.W. Kaufman Acquires Essential Insurance Services in Colorado

H.W. Kaufman Financial Group has acquired Colorado-based Essential Insurance Services Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Essential Insurance Services will become part of US-Reports, Kaufman’s national provider of premium audits, inspections, and risk management services. The Essential Insurance …

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Wells Fargo Market Outlook Has Favorable News for Cyber Security

San Francisco, Calif.-based Wells Fargo Insurance released its 2017 Insurance Market Outlook and Employee Benefits Outlook reports showing this year’s property/casualty insurance market will again be favorable to buyers. According to the surveys, most sectors will see a flat to …

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Florida Sheriff Asks for Ticket After Getting Caught Speeding

A Florida sheriff asked to be ticketed after a deputy pulled him over for speeding in his unmarked car. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood tells The Daytona Beach News-Journal he wanted “to set an example” for his agency. The new …

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Mississippi, Georgia Commissioners Call on Industry to Assist Residents Affected by Tornadoes

Insurance commissioners in Mississippi and Georgia, two of several Southeast states hit over the weekend by devestating tornadoes that damaged thousands of homes and caused millions of dollars in insured losses, are calling on the insurance industry to assist their …

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Willis Towers Watson Makes New Appointments in South Florida, Appoints Zutel to Lead

Willis Towers Watson has appointed Fred Zutel as head of Corporate Risk and Broking (CRB) in South Florida. The company also made four other hires, strengthening its presence in the South Florida market. Zutel worked with Willis Towers Watson’s in …

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North Carolina Insurance Head Apologizes for Sharing Post Mocking Women’s March

North Carolina’s new insurance commissioner is apologizing for sharing a meme on social media mocking women who took part in the women’s march in Washington. WRAL-TV in Raleigh reported Mike Causey said in his apology that the post he shared …

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Allied World Enhances Managed Care Cyber Liability Offering

Allied World North America has enhanced its cyber liability offerings and related services for its U.S. managed care package policy, 365Complete. The revised policy now contains heightened cyber protection and also expands the number of managed care clients who qualify …

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New Bill Grants Bonding Assistance to Small Businesses in New Jersey

A recently passed bipartisan bill in New Jersey has brought good news to small businesses that want to participate on public construction projects. Senate Bill 123, signed by Governor Chris Christie on January 4, introduces a new program that will …

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Woman Sentenced to 4 Years for Stealing $700K from Connecticut Company

A former employee of a Connecticut real estate management and development business has been sentenced to four years in prison for stealing more than $700,000 from the company. Federal prosecutors say 50-year-old Debra Biagi, formerly of Greenwich, was also sentenced …

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Arkansas Has Lowest Auto Insurance Rates in South Central Region

Arkansas has lower auto insurance rates than the neighboring states of Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, the state insurance department reported. The Arkansas Insurance Department says a study by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) shows auto insurance rates in …

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Freezing Rain, Sleet Closes Northern New England Schools, Challenges Drivers

A mix of snow, freezing rain, and sleet has closed numerous schools and made for difficult driving in northern New England. Some snow fell across the region, but the big challenge on the roads Tuesday morning was ice and strong …

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P/C Insurance Execs Foresee Commercial Lines Growth, Led by Cyber, Outpacing Personal Lines

Leaders of the property/casualty insurance industry expect to see a considerable increase in the commercial lines of insurance for 2017, with cyber a potentially huge untapped market, according to an Industry Leader Trends survey, conducted by the Insurance Information Institute …

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Pennsylvania’s Henderson Brothers Hires Trushel

Henderson Brothers Inc., a Pittsburgh, Penn., based insurance broker, has hired David Trushel as an account executive in the commercial lines department. Trushel will use his four years of industry experience to assist clients with creating specialized insurance programs and providing customer service. He earned …

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Report: Trump Administration Orders Removal of Climate Page from EPA’s Website

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to remove the climate change page from its website, two agency employees told Reuters, the latest move by the newly minted leadership to erase ex-President Barack Obama’s climate change …

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Zurich North America Names Leaders of Realigned Commercial Divisions

Zurich North America has announced the name of its new North America Commercial Insurance unit and leadership team. This new unit brings together the former Commercial Markets and the former Global Corporate in North America units, which the  company says …

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Officials: 31 Houses Damaged or Destroyed by Tornadoes in Louisiana

Authorities say tornadoes destroyed or damaged 31 houses and RVs in Louisiana last weekend: 29 in the northwest near Plain Dealing, and two in the Natchitoches Parish town of Natchez. Officials say nobody was seriously hurt. The National Weather Service …

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Intesa’s Interest in Generali Merger Has ‘No Obvious Logic’: Opinion

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA’s interest in combining with insurer Assicurazioni Generali SpA has no obvious logic to it. If the lender has a cunning plan to make it work, it needs to reveal it. For now, Intesa says simply that it’s …

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Cat Bond Issuance in 2017 Could Approach Record Levels: Aon Report

Total catastrophe bond issuance for calendar year 2016 reached US$5.8 billion – a decrease from US$6.9 billion in 2015 – principally due to ongoing competitive re/insurance market conditions, according to an Aon report. The first quarter of 2016 saw a …

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AIG Reinsurance Deal May Spell Short-Term Loss, Long-Term Gain for Berkshire

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s record risk-transfer agreement with American International Group Inc. is so big that Warren Buffett’s company risks posting its first annual underwriting loss since 2002 at its property/casualty business, according to Credit Suisse Group AG. The AIG transaction …

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P/C Insurers Fell to $1.7 Billion Underwriting Loss in First 9 Months of 2016

For private U.S. property/casualty insurers, the first nine months of 2016 were markedly worse than the same period in 2015, due to higher catastrophe losses and less favorable reserve development. The period produced a $1.7 billion net underwriting loss versus …

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California-Based Sierra Nevada Issues 36-State Recall of Select Beers

California-based Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. announced a recall on Jan. 22 of certain 12-ounce bottles of its pale ales, IPA’s and other beers after detecting a packaging flaw that could cause a piece of glass to break off into the …

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Chubb Taps Allied World’s Müller as Property & Technical Lines Dir. for Europe

Chubb has appointed Alf Müller to the role of Property and Technical Lines director for Continental Europe, as it continues to evolve its client offering in the property, power generation (powergen) and construction insurance markets. In his new role, Müller …

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Canada Pension Fund to Commit $1B to Fairfax’s Deal with Allied: Sources

Prem Watsa’s Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. is close to announcing a deal that would see one of Canada’s largest pension funds contribute $1 billion in financing toward its acquisition of insurer Allied World Assurance Co., according to people familiar with …

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W.R. Berkley Suspends Marine Underwriting in London: Sources

W.R. Berkley has put under review and is suspending underwriting for its London marine book until it can determine the direction of this business going forward, Insurance Journal can reveal. W/R/B Underwriting, the company’s Lloyd’s managing agent, is suspending its $30 …

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Ohio-Based HORAN Promotes Bogdan-Powers, Adds Cheesman

Cincinnati, Ohio-based employee benefits and wealth management firm, HORAN, has promoted Valerie Bogdan-Powers to chief business development and client relations officer for HORAN’s Health Benefits Department, and appointed Keith Cheesman as to chief operating officer for HORAN Securities. Bogdan-Powers joined the …

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Ohio Woman Sentenced, Must Repay $21K in Insurance Fraud Case

Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor said Tuscarawas County resident Tiffany Frame has been sentenced to two years of community control supervision and ordered to complete 250 hours of community service for committing insurance fraud. She was also ordered to pay …

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Illinois Treasurer Wants to Ensure Life Insurance Payouts

A measure backed by Illinois’ treasurer could help ensure that insurance companies have paid out money properly to beneficiaries of life insurance policies. The proposed legislation would require companies to examine the past 20 years of their records to ensure …

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Alabama-Based Cobbs Allen Taps Reed as HR Director

Cobbs Allen, a national insurance and risk management firm headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., has hired Tyrenda Williams-Reed as its new Human Resources director. Reed will be responsible for company-wide human resource services, recruitment and talent development. As a member of …

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Accredited Surety and Casualty Enters Agreement with Miami-Based Cinium Financial Services

Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc. (ASC), a subsidiary of Randall & Quilter (R&Q), has entered into an agreement with Cinium Financial Services Corp., based in Miami. Cinium specializes in providing surety bonds to small and mid-size companies in the …

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Mississippi Tornado Damaged At Least 1,100 Homes

A tornado that tore a 31-mile path across south Mississippi over the weekend killed four people and damaged or destroyed more than 1,100 homes, state officials said Monday, as the governor assured residents that federal funds were being sought to …

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Judge Rules Snapchat Immune from Georgia Distracted Driver Crash Claim

A judge has dismissed claims against Snapchat that blamed the social media company’s “speed filter” for a highway crash. The judge said the Communications Decency Act provides the social media company with immunity. Snapchat attorney Mark Trigg told The Associated …

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XL Catlin Adds Goebel, Buttner to Dallas Excess Casualty Team

XL Catlin’s Excess Casualty unit has added Byron D. Goebel and Eric Buttner to its Dallas team as senior underwriters in Dallas. Goebel joins XL Catlin with nearly 30 years of underwriting and broker experience, most recently serving as excess underwriter …

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Oklahoma Forestry Officials: Fire Danger High

Oklahoma forestry officials say the danger of wildfires is increasing as a dry weather pattern persists across much of the state. Officials say the fire danger is high and that Oklahomans should limit outdoor activities that might spark a blaze. Grasses …

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Insurers Back Arizona Bill Cutting Required Auto Glass Coverage

Rock-shattered windshields are such a common occurrence on Arizona roads that insurance companies have long been required to replace broken glass for free to drivers with full coverage policies. It ends up being a big expense to insurance companies that …

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Illinois to Congress: Don’t Be ‘Hasty’ with Health Law Repeal

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration has sent a letter to GOP congressional leaders asking them to avoid “hasty” or “incomplete” action as they proceed with a planned repeal of the Affordable Care Act. The Jan. 17 letter says Congress and …

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EINSURANCE’s Top 10 Articles of All-Time

We have been posting articles for over 20 years to ensure you, our customers, are informed when buying insurance. Our commitment has been, and will always be, to keep you up-to-date on coverage options, policy terms, and all you need to know about...

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

Aon Develops Captive Program for Cyber Risk Transfer Approach

Aon Global Risk Consulting, the risk consulting business of Aon plc, has launched its Cyber Captive Program, which guides companies through a series of steps to help identify, assess and quantify their cyber exposures – ultimately making more informed decisions …

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Tennessee Insurance Dept. Wraps Up 2016 With Disciplinary Actions Against 5 Agents

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) has taken disciplinary actions including fines totaling more than $77,000, license revocation and other punishments against five Tennessee insurance licensees for numerous violations of state law. The punishments came after investigations by …

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39 Possible Tornadoes Devastate Southeast, Leave 19 Dead

Chuck Stafford was watching the Atlanta Falcons rout the Green Bay Packers for the NFC title when bad weather suddenly began to pound his mobile home in southern Georgia. Stafford, 74, had just gotten to head to the bathroom during …

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Texas Construction Site Fire Leaves 1 Worker Dead, 1 Injured

Officials say one electrical worker has died and another was critically hurt in a fire at a downtown Amarillo, Texas, construction site. An official with University Medical Center in Lubbock says Roger Copelin suffered severe burns and died Sunday. Spokesman …

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What Happens if You Don’t Have Enough Auto Insurance?

It can be tempting to go for the cheapest auto insurance policy to save on premium costs, but is it a good idea? Not really, unless you’re prepared to come up with thousands of dollars out of your own pocket if you’re in an accident....

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

California Insurance Commissioner Prevails in Insurance Industry’s Legal Challenge

In a 7-0 decision, the California Supreme Court has affirmed the authority of Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones in a legal challenge brought by the insurance industry, the California Department of Insurance announced. Rejecting the insurance industry’s arguments, the Supreme Court …

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Intense Storm, Flooding Wallop Southern California

The third and most powerful in a series of storms pounded Southern California over the weekend, dropping nearly 4 inches of rain south of Los Angeles, flooding freeways and raising concerns about damaging mudslides. Rainfall was expected to ease slightly …

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Indiana Objects to Peabody Bankruptcy Plan, Cites Mine Cleanup Costs

Indiana and several environmental groups are objecting to a plan by Peabody Energy Corp to exit its $8 billion Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing concerns over how the company will cover about $1 billion in future mine cleanup costs. Most creditors …

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Judge: Sorrento, Louisiana, and Ex-Police Chief Must Pay Legal Fees

A federal judge has awarded nearly $40,000 in fees to attorneys for a woman who accused a former Louisiana police chief of sexually assaulting her in his office while she was drunk and he was on duty. The woman’s lawyers …

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Texas Stamping Office: Upward Trend Continues for Surplus Lines

Overall, 2016 ended on a positive note for the excess and surplus lines insurance industry in the United States, according to the Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas (SLTX). Nationally, nearly $26 billion in surplus lines insurance premium was recorded …

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Report Finds New York Construction Fatalities, Regulatory Violations Rising

The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) found in its latest construction fatality report that construction worker deaths are rising in New York, and many construction employers across the state are consistently violating regulations and code requirements. …

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Alabama Saw 25% Increase in Fatal Wrecks in 2016

Researchers say the number of fatal traffic crashes in Alabama increased by nearly 25 percent last year. Citing a recent University of Alabama study, The Tuscaloosa News reports that 1,058 people died in crashes statewide in 2016. That number is …

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Dennis Joins EPIC Insurance in Southern California

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has hired Duane Dennis as a senior consultant and principal in the firm’s Southern California Employee Benefits Consulting Practice. Dennis will be responsible for business development, strategy, program design, implementation and management of employee benefits …

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Kansas Wildlife Investigation Uncovers Insurance Fraud

An investigation into possible wildlife violations uncovered unrelated insurance fraud evidence that led to a recent criminal conviction in Kansas. Lawrence E. Payne, Overland Park, was sentenced Dec. 6, 2016, to serve 30 days in jail and 24 months’ probation …

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U.S. Reports Auto Insurance Unaffordable for Millions; Insurers Call Report ‘Ill-Conceived and Unnecessary”

Nearly 19 million Americans live in areas where auto insurance is unaffordable including a large number in the New York region, according to a first-of-its kind study by the U.S. Treasury Department. The study, conducted by the department’s Federal Insurance …

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Arizona Governor Offers Proposals for Health Insurance Overhaul

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is urging Congress not to repeal former President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul without a well-developed replacement plan, suggesting in a letter that it may take three years for a new system to be fully implemented. …

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Maryland Fire Officials Shut Down Rehearsal Space for Safety Violations

Fire officials have shuttered a long-running rehearsal space for musicians in West Baltimore, Md. The Baltimore Sun reports that Studio 14 was shut down Thursday due to safety violations and operating without a use-and-occupancy permit. Fire department spokesman Roman Clark …

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Former Executive Admits Stealing $850K from Pennsylvania Health Care Giant

A former executive with Pittsburgh-based health care giant UPMC has admitted he stole nearly $850,000 from the company by arranging to hire his wife and a friend as ghost workers. Federal prosecutors say 48-year-old Ronald Locy faces up to a …

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Man Charged with Setting New York Apartment Building on Fire

Authorities say they’ve charged a 63-year-old man with setting a fire in an apartment building in Buffalo, leaving 18 people homeless. Fire officials say the fire was set around 5 a.m. Saturday in a multi-unit building on Bailey Avenue. All …

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Private Equity Returns Boost Travelers Q4 Profit

Travelers Cos., the only property/casualty insurer in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, said fourth-quarter profit jumped 8.9 percent as investment income improved and the company recorded a gain tied to the settlement of a risk-sharing dispute. Net income rose to …

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Beazley Taps AIG’s Tigleanu as Data Breach & Information Security U/W

Beazley, a specialist in data breach response insurance, has appointed Monica Tigleanu as an underwriter focused on data breach and information security coverage for US companies out of its London headquarters. Beazley has helped clients handle over 5,000 breaches since …

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1/1 Renewals Saw Some Price Stabilization, Record Capital, Demand Uptick: JLT Re

The challenging operating environment confronting reinsurers has led to some price stabilization at the Jan. 1, 2017 renewals, as they face the reality of deteriorating results and margin compression, according to JLT Re in a newly published report. Twelve months …

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Parliament’s Approval Required to Trigger Brexit Talks: UK Supreme Court

The UK Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that Prime Minister Theresa May must get parliament’s approval before she begins Britain’s formal exit from the European Union. The UK’s highest judicial body dismissed the government’s argument that May could simply use …

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StarStone Partners with Dubai-Based MGA; Swiss Re’s Hussey Appointed

StarStone, the global specialty insurer and subsidiary of Enstar Group Ltd., announced a joint venture partnership with Malakite Underwriting Partners Ltd., a managing general agent in Dubai, subject to regulatory approval. Led by managing partner Giles Hussey, Malakite will target …

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TMK Launches Unmanned Aerial Systems Cover via Its Online Platform

Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK) has added unmanned aerial systems (UAS) insurance to its One TMK digital exchange, which will allow brokers to quote and bind UAS policies online in real time from wherever they are in the world. The product, which …

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Neon’s M&A Consortium Raises Capacity to £75 Million

Neon has expanded its M&A consortium, with capacity increasing from £50 million ($62.2 million) to £75 million ($93.3 million), effective on Jan. 1, 2017. The consortium is led by Neon and is 100 percent backed by Lloyd’s markets, the London-based …

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Group Offers Insurance for Freelance Journalists Assigned Anywhere, Including in War Zones

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)) has joined forces with insurance company Isle of Man Assurance Limited to offer insurance overage for all media workers without restriction in any region of the world – including war zones. According to IJF, …

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Minnesota May Tap Rainy-Day Fund to Help Cover Insurance Hikes

Minnesota would use state money to offset the health premium hikes for more than 100,000 residents under a measure legislators were considering on Jan. 19, a novel approach as states across the country grapple with the rising costs and uncertain …

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Why Are Large-Scale Tornado Outbreaks Increasing in U.S.?

The frequency of large-scale tornado outbreaks is increasing in the United States, particularly when it comes to the most extreme events, according to research recently published in Science. The study by researchers including Joel E. Cohen, a visiting scholar at …

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Appeals Court: Charter School Firm Can’t Sue North Carolina School Official for Libel

A company running a string of taxpayer-funded charter schools and its founder can’t sue a former North Carolina local school superintendent for libel after he criticized plans for a competing school, the state Court of Appeals ruled Jan. 17 Former …

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U.S. Selects North Carolina Turnpike Authority to Assist With Testing Driverless Cars

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently designated the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to help with testing driverless cars. A statement from the N.C. Department of Transportation on Friday said the authority was selected from a competitive group of more than …

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NAIC Announces 35 Consumer Representatives for 2017

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recently named 35 consumer liaison representatives for 2017. The 22 funded and 13 unfunded consumer representatives began their terms Jan. 1. Eighteen of the funded consumer representatives participated in the program in 2017. …

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Judge Nixes Aetna’s $37 Billion Purchase of Humana; Aetna Considers Appeal

Aetna Inc.’s $37 billion deal to buy rival insurer Humana Inc. was blocked by a federal judge, thwarting one of two large mergers that would reshape the U.S. health-care landscape. Aetna said it was considering an appeal. The transaction would …

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Death Toll Climbs From Weekend Tornadoes Across Southeast

A weekend of deadly weather in the Southeast killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more, authorities said Sunday morning, while residents along the Georgia-Florida line braced for more intense, fast-moving storms – including unusually strong “long track” twisters. …

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Trump Orders U.S. Exit from Pacific Trade Pact and Reset on NAFTA

President Donald Trump abruptly ended the decades-old U.S. tilt toward free trade by signing an executive order to withdraw from an Asia-Pacific accord that was never ratified and promising to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. “Great thing for …

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Student Awarded $1.6M in Missouri Fraternity ‘Knockout Game’ Lawsuit

A former Missouri State University student who said he was the victim of a so-called “knockout game” attack outside a 2012 fraternity party has been awarded $1.63 million in damages, though he likely will only collect $630,000. The lawyers representing …

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Arkansas Had More than 1,200 Wildfires Last Year

Arkansas forestry officials say 2016 was a relatively quiet year for wildfires, but the fires still burned nearly 30 square miles in the state. The Arkansas Forestry Commission says there was a total of 1,248 wildfires last year, and the …

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Judge: Oregon Must Reinstate Worker’s Comp Agency CEO

Oregon’s workers comp insurance agency must reinstate the chief executive it improperly fired in 2014, a judge has ruled. The ruling was a stunning victory for fired CEO John Plotkin and an embarrassing setback for SAIF Corp. Marion County Judge …

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BNSF to Appeal $1M Iowa Jury Award to Ex-Employee

A federal jury in Nebraska has awarded a former BNSF Railway employee from Iowa more than $1 million by in a wrongful termination lawsuit. The Lincoln Journal Star says Daniel Monohon, of Ottumwa, Iowa, was fired from a Lincoln branch …

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Recovery Task Force Backs $1.2B Louisiana Flood Aid Plan

Louisiana’s flood recovery task force has agreed to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ proposal to spend $1.2 billion in federal aid allocated by Congress, with most of the money targeted for homeowners. Under the plan approved on Jan. 20, $938 million …

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Louisiana Insurance Department Helps Consumers Recover $7.6 M in 2016

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon reports that insurance policyholders in Louisiana were able to collect an additional $7.6 million last year as a result of assistance provided by the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI). LDI Office of Consumer Services worked with …

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Lt. Gov.: Ohio Continues to Have Low Auto, Home Insurance Rates

Ohioans pay among the lowest average premiums in the nation for auto and homeowners insurance according to a national study, according to Lieutenant Gov. Mary Taylor. Taylor also serves as the state’s insurance director. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners …

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Kansas City’s Brush Creek Partners Joins TechAssure

TechAssure, the international nonprofit association of insurance and risk management experts for technology-related risks, has named Kansas City, Mo.-based Brush Creek Partners as a new member. Brush Creek Partners is an independent, full-service insurance brokerage firm that specializes in assisting …

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Battery Design Blamed for Samsung Galaxy 7 Fires; Clyde & Co. Comments

It was the battery, after all. In a presentation and news conference on Monday that lasted more than two hours, Samsung Electronics Co. detailed the results of its investigation into Note 7 smartphones that overheated and burst into flames last …

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Montana to Pay $25M to Asbestos Victims

The state of Montana has reached settlements totaling $25 million with more than 1,000 victims of asbestos-related disease over claims that health officials failed to bring attention to the hazards of a contaminated mine. The Flathead Beacon reported that the …

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Federal Judge Dismisses Taxi Companies’ New Jersey Lawsuit Over Uber

A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit by taxi and limo companies against the city of Newark over what they claim is preferential treatment given to ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft. The judge ruled Thursday that Newark is …

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Risk Strategies Company Acquires Massachusetts’ University Health Plans

Risk Strategies Company, a privately held national insurance brokerage and risk management firm, has acquired University Health Plans (UHP), a Quincy, Mass., based brokerage firm specializing in student health insurance programs. This move serves to expand Risk Strategies’ Higher Education …

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Beecher Carlson Promotes Rubin, Garrard, Leighton in Energy Practice

Beecher Carlson Insurance Services, a specialized large account insurance broker, announced several key promotions within the Energy Practice. Erin Lynch, president of Beecher Carlson’s Energy Practice, has appointed Laura Rubin as managing director, Susan Garrard as managing director, and Mary …

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Opinion: Does an Allianz-Generali Merger Make Sense? Perhaps Not…

The last time Italian insurer Assicurazioni Generali SpA was rumoured to be in play, the supposed bidder, France’s AXA SA, said such a costly and complex deal would “make no sense at all.” This time, the interest comes from an …

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Crawford Names Tolson as CEO of U.S. Property/Casualty Group

Claims management firm Crawford & Co. has named Kenneth Tolson chief executive officer of its U.S. Property & Casualty group. Tolson will be responsible for the company’s U.S. field operations and catastrophe services groups. Tolson most recently served as senior …

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Alarm System Broke 2 Days Before Fatal Massachusetts Apartment Fire

The Massachusetts Fire Marshal says the communications connection between the fire alarm system and the alarm monitoring company had broken two days before a New Year’s Day fire in a Holyoke apartment building that killed three. Peter Ostroskey said the …

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P/C Insurance Executives Express Cautious Optimism for 2017

A panel of financial experts discussed the opportunities and challenges they see ahead in 2017 at the Insurance Information Institute’s (III) 21st Annual Property and Casualty Insurance Joint Industry Forum, held last week at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York. The …

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Appeals Court: Seattle Arsonist Must Pay $3M in Restitution

A Washington appeals court has ruled that a convicted arsonist must pay nearly $3 million in restitution and other legal costs when he’s released from prison. The Seattle Times reports that the state Court of Appeals published an opinion on …

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Verisk Analytics Buys UK-Based Arium, a Liability Risk Modeling Firm

Verisk Analytics Inc., the Jersey City, N.J.-based data analytics provider, has acquired Arium, an independent company specializing in liability risk modeling and decision support. London-based Arium will become part of AIR Worldwide (AIR), a Verisk Analytics business, and will enable …

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Swiss Re to Open a Reinsurance Branch in India

Swiss Re has received the approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to open a branch in Mumbai. With the composite branch license, Swiss Re will be able to operate in India and offer both non-life …

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XL Catlin Gets Approval to Open Reinsurance Branch in India

XL Catlin’s reinsurance business group that it has received final approval from the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India to open an onshore reinsurance branch office of XL Insurance Company SE. The operation, which will be based in Mumbai and …

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Allianz, Intesa Sanpaolo Eyeing Generali: News Report

Allianz SE, Europe’s largest insurer, and Intesa Sanpaolo SpA are interested in Assicurazioni Generali SpA, Italian newspaper La Stampa reported Sunday, without citing anyone. Intesa is studying a “possible operation” with regard to the Italian insurer, La Stampa reported, without …

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Dietz Joins Benefits Team at Champion Risk & Insurance Services

San Diego, Calif.-based Champion Risk & Insurance Services has added Steven Dietz to its employee benefits team. Dietz has 25 years of experience providing employee benefits insurance services to a wide variety of industries. Founded in 2004, Champion Risk & …

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Tennessee Wildfire Insurance Claims Top $842M

State officials say insurance claims have topped $842 million in the deadly eastern Tennessee wildfires that burned thousands of buildings. The Knoxville News Sentinel reported the number, provided the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Jan. 18. The department says …

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Trump Administration Halts Obama Cut in Mortgage Insurance Premiums

Soon after Donald Trump was sworn in as president, his administration undid one of Barack Obama’s last-minute economic-policy actions: a mortgage-fee cut under a government program that’s popular with first-time home buyers and low-income borrowers. The new administration on Friday …

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Mississippi Tornado Kills 4, Causes At Least $200M in Insured Damage

Rain was pouring down in the pre-dawn darkness, and the wind was picking up as Darryl McMorris ran for his daughters’ bedroom. The windows started blowing out as he dove on top of his girls, grabbing one under each arm …

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Jury Awards $15M to Survivor of Georgia Crash That Killed 5

Nearly two years after a Louisiana truck driver caused a seven-car crash killing five Georgia Southern University nursing students, a jury has awarded a survivor $15 million in a civil suit. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports jurors deliberated for about four …

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Business Leaders Urge New Job Policies as Technology Displaces Workers

Open markets and global trade have been blamed for job losses over the last decade, but global CEOs say the real culprits are increasingly machines. And while business leaders gathered at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos relish …

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Trump Considering Not Enforcing Health Insurance Mandate, Says Top Aide

The Trump administration may stop enforcing the Obamacare requirement that most Americans carry health insurance even before Congress repeals the law, Kellyanne Conway, a top adviser to the new president, said in interviews broadcast on Sunday. Such a move would …

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North Carolina Rate Bureau Withdraws Dwelling Rate Increase of 19.6% over Data Error

The North Carolina Rate Bureau is alerting all member companies that it has withdrawn its request for a 19.6 percent rate increase on dwelling policies due to a data error on its Dwelling Policy Program revisions announced in April, 2016. …

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American International Group Inc. announced that it has entered into a reinsurance agreement covering many of the long-term risks on previously-written commercial insurance policies. The agreement, with National Indemnity Co. (NICO), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is effective January …

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Massachusetts Court Reminds Auto Insurers of Importance of Retail Book Value

A Massachusetts appeals court used a recent case to warn auto insurers that it is important to take retail book value into consideration early in the settlement process. While the court ruled in favor of defendant Massachusetts Homeland Insurance Company …

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Recently Installed Smoke Detectors Credited for Saving 4 Lives in Vermont

Vermont State Police are crediting two fire safety officials with saving the lives of three children and an adult who safely escaped a fire in a Brighton home days after the officials required that smoke detectors be installed in the …

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Pennsylvania’s NSM Insurance Group Promotes Buler

NSM Insurance Group, a Conshohocken, Penn., based property and casualty insurance services firm, has promoted John Buler to director of the NSM Retail department. NSM Retail provides commercial property and casualty insurance and risk management services to middle market businesses …

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Nationwide Using Mobile-App Startup Sure to Sell Renters Insurance

On-demand insurance agency Sure has signed Nationwide as a partner in offering renters insurance via its real time mobile app. Using the Sure app (for iPhone and Android), consumers can now obtain a renters insurance quote, purchase a policy, and …

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Beverly City Hall in Massachusetts Evacuated After Fire Releases Toxic Gas

Beverly City Hall had to be evacuated along with several other buildings after officials say an underground electrical fire released dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide. Firefighters were called to city hall on Tuesday morning after smoke began emanating from a …

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Utah University Wants Lawsuit Over Frat Party Assault Dismissed

Utah State University and a fraternity are asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a former student accusing the school and organization of failing to act on reports of sexual assault and heavy drinking at parties. The student, …

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Idaho Governor Orders Cybersecurity Improvements for the State

Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has signed an executive order aimed at protecting the state’s computer networks from hackers. The order signed this week creates a director of Information Security position, with that person reporting directly to the governor. The …

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Cost of Most Serious Workplace Injuries Falls: Liberty Mutual

Workplace injuries and accidents that cause employees to miss six or more days of work cost U.S. employers $59.9 billion in 2014, the most recent year for which statistically valid injury data are available, according to the 2017 Liberty Mutual …

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Fairfax in Talks to Sell 25% of India’s ICICI Lombard, Worth Up to $1B

Fairfax Financial Holdings is in early talks to sell 25 percent of India’s largest private general insurer ICICI Lombard in a deal that could fetch up to $1 billion, as the Canadian firm looks to cash out and start a …

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International Insurance Society Forms Global Certification Program

The International Insurance Society (IIS) has announced the formation of the Global Centers of Insurance Excellence (GCIE), a certification program designed to recognize universities and colleges with outstanding risk management and insurance programs and enhance their connections with the insurance …

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Investigation Concludes Tesla Not at Fault in Self-Driving Car Crash

The push to bring self-driving cars to American roads got a significant boost on Thursday when the nation’s chief auto safety regulator essentially cleared  Tesla Motors Inc.’s Autopilot system of fault in a fatal 2016 crash. The U.S. National Highway …

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Brexit Uncertainties to Weigh on UK Re/Insurers: A.M. Best Report

The cost implications of the loss of passporting rights after the UK exits the European Union will weigh on re/insurers, as will any resultant economic downturn. However, A.M. Best does not anticipate taking any rating actions as a result of …

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Washington Puts Landslide-Inspired Topo Maps Online

Washington’s Department of Natural Resources is following through with a key safety recommendation that arose in the aftermath of the Oso mudslide, as it starts to post intricate topographical maps online. The state generates the maps through laser-imaging technology known …

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Soft Market Is Main Factor Limiting Growth of UK MGAs: Survey

Soft market conditions have replaced regulation and compliance as the main factor affecting growth for UK managing general agents (MGA) in 2017, said a survey of members of the London-based Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA). The soft market was cited …

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Platt Named COO of Aon Risk Solutions; Moran Is CEO of Aon Inpoint

Aon plc announced the appointment of James Platt as chief operating officer of Aon Risk Solutions and Michael Moran as chief executive officer of Aon Inpoint. Both roles are effective immediately. Platt will be based in London, working closely with …

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Lloyd’s to Open India Branch Ahead of April Renewals

Lloyd’s, the specialist insurance and reinsurance market, announced plans to open a reinsurance branch in India, in time for the April major reinsurance renewals, following final regulatory approval from the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI). This will enable …

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Court Upholds Blankenship Conviction Over Fatal West Virginia Mine Blast

A federal appeals court on Thursday rejected former Massey Energy Co Chief Executive Officer Donald Blankenship’s bid to overturn his conviction and one-year prison sentence related to his role in a 2010 West Virginia mine explosion that killed 29 workers. …

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Trial Set to Begin in West Virginia Over Subaru Car Fire Deaths

Nearly eight years after a car wreck claimed the lives of a mother and two teens in Cabell County, a trial is set to begin in a lawsuit against Subaru. The trial is slated for Jan. 23 in Kanawha County, …

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iting Flint Water, Detroit-Area Sinkhole, Snyder Calls for Addressing Infrastructure

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Jan. 17 called for addressing Michigan’s aging infrastructure over the next several decades, citing the Flint water crisis that has roiled his administration and a football field-sized sinkhole that formed recently in suburban Detroit. In …

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Oklahoma Lawmaker Proposes Changes to Personal, Corporate Income Taxes

Oklahoma State Rep. Jason Dunnington has filed legislation that he says would generate more than $500 million in recurring revenue. Oklahoma is facing severe budget constraints, partly due to reduced energy industry activity in the state. Dunnington’s proposed measure would …

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Century-Old Michigan Inn Can Be Sued for Girl’s Burns, Appeals Court Says

The Michigan appeals court says an inn near Lake Michigan can be sued for injuries suffered by a girl who burned her foot in the hidden leftovers of a beach bonfire. The court overturned a decision by a Benzie County …

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Trade Group: Workers’ Comp Reform Among Key Issues for Illinois Insurers

Workers’ compensation, commercial insurance purchasing rules and auto insurance verification are among key challenges for insurers in Illinois legislative session, a national insurance trade organization says. American Insurance Association (AIA), which identified legislative and regulatory issues for property/casualty insurers in Illinois, …

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Regulators: Texas Workers’ Comp Attorney Fees Go Up on Jan. 30

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) reported that the maximum hourly rates that may be charged by attorneys and legal assistants in the workers’ compensation system will increase effective Jan. 30, 2017. As of Jan. 30, …

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Comment Period on California Workers’ Comp Lien Claimant Rules Extended

California’s Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) has extended the public comment period for proposed rulemaking changes that require certain workers’ comp lien claimants to file a declaration that includes information regarding the type of services provided by the lien claimant. …

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Oklahoma Commissioner Touts Microinsurance, Other Ideas for Health Law Reform

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak says microinsurance, the ability to sell health coverage across state lines and increased use of health savings accounts are ideas that should be looked at as lawmakers move forward with the repeal of the …

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Arkansas Commissioner Tapped for NAIC Committee Leadership Post

Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Allen Kerr has been named vice-chairman of the Market Regulation and Consumer Affairs (D) Committee of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). In a statement released by the Arkansas Insurance Department, Kerr said he is “honored …

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Arkansas Judge OKs $29.1M Payout in Cigarette Lawsuit

A Pulaski County Circuit judge has approved paying $29.1 million from a lawsuit settlement fund to more than 21,000 Marlboro Lights users and their attorneys. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports the $45 million settlement fund was set up to end a …

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Financial Strength Outlook for GuideOne Insurance Cos. Revised to Negative

A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a” of the members of the GuideOne Insurance Companies (GuideOne). The outlook changes reflect …

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Central Insurance Names Nationwide’s Goad as CFO

Keith Goad has been hired as chief financial officer for both Central Mutual Insurance Company and All America Insurance Company. The companies are based in Van Wert, Ohio. As CFO, Goad holds overall accountability for the company’s finance, investments, accounting, …

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Aon in Talks to Sell Benefits Outsourcing Division Hewitt: Reuters

Insurance broker Aon Plc is in advanced talks to sell its employee benefits outsourcing unit to buyout firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice LLC for nearly $4.5 billion, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. The divestiture would undo much …

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Consumers Not Yet Convinced Driverless Cars Are Safer

Car makers and tech firms are convinced that driverless cars are the future, but they appear to be ahead of consumers in that thinking. Only 23 percent of Americans say they are willing to ride in an autonomous car, while …

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New Jersey Beach Town Fights Drowning Death Lawsuit

A beach town is using blunt legal arguments to resist a demand that it permanently close a section of beach where a man plunged into an inlet and drowned when the sand gave way beneath his feet. North Wildwood acknowledges …

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State Agency Advocates for Self-Driving Car Legislation in Maryland

Maryland state’s Motor Vehicle Administration is advocating legislation that would transfer regulatory power of self-driving cars to the agency and the state police, saying the change may improve safety on Maryland roads and reduce human error. Motor Vehicle Administration representative …

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Parker Joins Worldwide Facilities’ Financial Service Group

National wholesale insurance brokerage and managing general agent Worldwide Facilities said that Robert M. Parker has joined the team as Financial Services Practice Group counsel and program development coordinator. In the new role, Parker will promote the Financial Services practice …

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Stone Named General Counsel for Marsh, Guy Carpenter

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc. announced that Susan A. Stone has been appointed general counsel of the Company’s Risk and Insurance Services segment, which includes Marsh and Guy Carpenter.  Stone’s new role is effective as of Feb, 15, 2017. For …

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Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Promotes Two New York Executives

Allianz Group’s specialist corporate insurer, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), has named Henning Haagen northeast zone executive for North America in addition to his current role as global head of aviation, effective immediately. Haagen will take over responsibility for …

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The Arbella Insurance Group in Massachusetts Promotes Chaves

The Arbella Insurance Group, a property and casualty insurance company headquartered in Quincy, Mass., has appointed Allen Chaves to the newly created position of director of data governance and research analytics. Chaves will be the business lead for Arbella’s corporate …

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Skuld Purchases SMA/Gerling Norway, Now Renamed Skuld Marine Agency

Skuld announced that on Jan. 12, 2017 it has completed its acquisition of SMA/Gerling Norway, which has been renamed Skuld Marine Agency (SMA). Skuld is now the owner of 100 percent of SMA shares, “free of any encumbrances,” the company …

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Canada’s Energy Firms at Risk from Cyber, Bomb Attacks: Security Service

Canada’s main spy agency last year warned energy companies about an increasing risk of cyber espionage and attacks on pipelines, oil storage and shipment facilities and power transmission towers using homemade explosives, according to a classified document seen by Reuters. …

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Allianz & Standard Chartered Form Bancassurance Partnership in Asia

Standard Chartered Bank and Allianz have formed a 15-year bancassurance partnership for the distribution of Allianz’s general insurance products, including travel, personal accident, fire and motor insurance products, to Standard Chartered’s retail banking clients in five key markets across Asia. …

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Global Temperatures Hit Record High for 3rd Year in Row in 2016

World temperatures hit a record high for the third year in a row in 2016, creeping closer to a ceiling set by the Paris climate change deal, with extremes including unprecedented heat in India and ice melt in the Arctic, scientists said on …

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XL Catlin Appoints Middleton to Manage Ceded Reinsurance Placements

XL Catlin’s P&C Underwriting Capital Management operation has appointed Anne Middleton to manage its ceded reinsurance placements globally. In her new role, Middleton, who is based in Londo, will be responsible for overseeing and negotiating the terms, structure and pricing of XL Catlin’s …

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Bluetooth Toothbrushes, Telematics, Fitbits and Data Tracking Acceptance

Twice a day, Scott Ozawa’s Bluetooth-enabled toothbrush tells his dental insurer if he brushed for a full two minutes. In return, the 41-year-old software engineer gets free brush heads and the employer which bought his insurance gets premium discounts. The …

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Ironshore Expands High Net Worth Homeowners Coverage Into New York

Ironshore Private Client Group has expanded its Private Insurance Portfolio product to high net worth homeowners throughout the state of New York, effective Jan. 23, 2017. Ironshore Private Insurance Portfolio, a customized policy providing property and liability coverage for homes …

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Brentwood Services Administrators Inc. Opens First Office in Georgia

Brentwood Services Administrators Inc. has opened a new claims office in Conyers, Ga., according to Jeff Pettus, president and chief executive officer of the third-party administrator. Overseeing the operations in the Conyers office is Cheryl Hill, claim supervisor. The office …

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Georgia Estimates $30M in Insured Losses from Early January Storm

A violent storm that hit southwest Georgia at the start of the year, killing at least one person, is estimated to have caused $30 million in insured losses, according to the state’s insurance office. Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said damage …

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Round 2: Mississippi AG Picks New Fight With Google Over Student Privacy

Mississippi’s Democratic attorney general is once again tangling with Google, alleging in a lawsuit that the company is illegally violating student privacy, even as some Republicans seek to muzzle his ability to file such civil suits. Attorney General Jim Hood …

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California’s Climate Risk Database Calls out Insurer Carbon Investments

A new interactive database with extensive information on insurer investments in fossil fuels was unveiled today by California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. Jones released the results of his Climate Risk Carbon Initiative, which include information on the amount of oil, …

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Willis Towers Watson Names Liss as Head of North America Corporate Risk and Brokerage

Global insurance broker Willis Towers Watson has appointed Mike Liss as head of its Corporate Risk and Broking (CRB) business in North America, effective immediately. Liss will be responsible for business growth and strategy, as well as for consolidating Willis …

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Officials in Montana Officials Issue Ice Jam, Flooding Warnings

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is warning that heavy ice on waterways could break apart in some areas, possibly causing ice jams and flooding. The Daily Inter Lake reported the temperatures are expected to climb this week, …

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USG Confirms Small Quake in California’s Central Coast

A small earthquake has rattled California’s central coast near the famed Hearst Castle, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed. The USGS reported the 3.2 magnitude quake hit 6:55 a.m. Tuesday about eight miles northeast of San Simeon and about 20 miles west …

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PCI Throws Support Behind Montana Bill Aimed at Storm-damage Contractors

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America is throwing its support behind a bill in Montana that would toughen rules on storm-damage contractors. House Bill 222, authored by Dennis Lenz, R-Billings, would create the Montana Exterior Residential Storm Damage Repair …

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White Mountain’s OneBeacon Reported to Be Up for Sale

OneBeacon Insurance Group Ltd., the specialty insurer controlled by White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd., is exploring a sale, people familiar with the matter said. The Bermuda-based company recently began working with Credit Suisse Group AG to solicit offers from rival …

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Startup Next Insurance Partners with Markel on Insurance Fit for Personal Trainers

Online small business insurance agency Next Insurance has partnered with specialty insurer Markel Corp. to offer tailored coverage for personal trainers. Next Insurance allows personal trainers to buy a professional and general liability coverage plan online in minutes and pay …

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Majority of Workers at Wisconsin Shipyard Test Positive for Lead

Health officials say the majority of more than 200 workers tested for lead exposure at a Superior, Wis., shipyard had elevated levels of lead in their blood. Wisconsin and Minnesota health departments began a joint investigation last spring after workers …

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North Carolina Coal Ash Neighbors Balk at Duke Energy $5K ‘Goodwill’ Payment

Neighbors living near Duke Energy’s unlined coal ash pits around North Carolina are being offered payment of future water bills plus a $5,000 “goodwill” payment to households concerned their water wells could be polluted with heavy metals. The country’s largest …

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Seizing Today’s Program Business Opportunities

Today’s program administrators continue to face plenty of challenges, including increased competition, high merger and acquisition activity, market pressures for more creative options, and other issues. Those challenges are leading to opportunities as the industry is forced to create and …

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Oklahoman Must Pay Back $525K for Embezzling Clients’ Insurance Money

A former Norman, Okla., attorney has been ordered to pay more than $525,000 in restitution to former clients and the federal government for fraud. The Norman Transcript reports Dane Thomas Wilson pleaded guilty in February 2016 to using wire fraud …

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Aon Launches Loss Estimating Risk Tool for Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Sectors

Aon Global Risk Consulting, in collaboration with TNO, a research agency, has launched the Aon Loss Estimating Risk Tool (ALERT), a new modelling tool for oil, gas and petrochemical clients. The new tool is able to model the potential financial …

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Oklahoma Company Fined More than $500K for Safety, Health Violations

An Oklahoma truck bed manufacturer was cited by federal safety officials for putting workers at risk and fined more than $500,000 after investigators identified multiple safety and health violations at the company’s workplace. A complaint of unsafe working conditions led U.S. …

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Nored Named to Head Legal Division at Texas Insurance Department

Texas Insurance Commissioner David Mattax has selected Michael Nored to head the Legal Division at the Texas Department of Insurance. Nored replaces Stan Strickland, a 21-year veteran of the agency who is leaving at the end of the month to …

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NFP Acquires City Securities Insurance in Indiana

New York-based insurance broker and consultant, NFP, has acquired City Securities Insurance LLC in Indianapolis. The transaction closed on Dec. 30, 2016. City Securities Insurance is a full service property/casualty and benefits insurance consultant with a special focus on the …

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Block Sworn in as Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Judge

Dirk V. Block is the newest judge to serve on the bench of the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court. He was sworn in on Jan. 13. Gov. Pete Ricketts appointed Judge Block on Dec. 8, 2016. Block fills a vacancy left …

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CNA Names Lea Vice President, Commercial Underwriting for E&O, Cyber and Media

CNA said it has appointed Andy Lea as vice president of commercial underwriting for Errors & Omissions (E&O), Cyber and Media in the company’s commercial unit. In this role, Lea will manage the strategic direction of CNA’s Commercial E&O suite …

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Report Shows Significant Rise in Number of Vermont Children in State Custody

A new report shows a significant increase in the number of Vermont children in protective state custody, such as foster care, in large part due to the opiate epidemic. The annual report on Vermont’s young children and families shows the …

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Officials Investigating After Several Manholes Explode in Massachusetts Suburb

An electricity distribution company is investigating a series of manhole explosions in Brockton, Mass. Officials say firefighters found six manhole covers had blown off their bases early Monday. Fire shot up from the ground. At least two businesses had to …

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High Levels of Lead Discovered at Western New York School District

Testing at 13 buildings belonging to a western New York school district returned results that confirmed the presence of elevated levels of lead in water at some schools. The Democrat & Chronicle reports nearly 14 percent of all faucets tested …

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Hunt Called Off for Missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The hunt for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 was called off Tuesday after almost three years of fruitless toil. The Boeing Co. 777 aircraft disappeared on March 8, 2014, on its way to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 people on …

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Timeliness of Securities Class Actions Under Supreme Court Scrutiny

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to resolve a legal dispute over whether certain securities class action lawsuits can be barred because they were filed too late. The justices agreed to hear an appeal filed by the California Public …

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Aon Completes Acquisition of Brazil Health & Benefits Firm, Admix

Aon announced it has completed its acquisition of Admix, the São Paulo, Brazil-based health and benefits brokerage and solutions firm. Financial terms were not disclosed. “Admix’s brokerage and operational platform combined with Aon’s world-class actuarial, brokerage, and consulting capabilities creates the …

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High-Flying Drone Market Comes Down to Earth Earlier Than Expected

Attendees at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month could play around with a dizzying array of unmanned aerial vehicles. Drones that take selfies. Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to see at night. Drones that help …

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California Officials Assess Heavy Storm Damage in Northern Part of the State

It’s too soon to peg a damage estimate from days of rainy weather that turned streets into rivers and living rooms into swimming pools throughout Northern California, state and county officials said. In San Benito County south of San Francisco, …

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UK’s Legal & General Plans to Disclose CEO-to-Employee Pay Ratio: Source

Insurer Legal & General Group Plc plans to disclose how much more its chief executive earns than rank-and-file employees, becoming one of the first big U.K. companies to respond to growing concern about wage inequality with greater openness about pay. …

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Allied World Taps Zurich’s Beazleigh as VP, Professional Liability, Australia

Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings AG announced that Kym Beazleigh has been appointed vice president, Professional Liability, Australia, based in Sydney. He will report to Ed Moresco, senior vice president, Professional Liability. Beazleigh joins Allied World from Zurich Australia Insurance …

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China Plans to Lower Restrictions on Foreign Investment in Financial Services

China’s cabinet issued measures on Tuesday to further open the world’s second-largest economy to foreign investment, including easing limits on investment in banks and other financial institutions. China will lower restrictions on foreign investment in banking, securities, investment management, futures, …

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Lloyd’s Moves Closer to Forming EU Subsidiary to Prepare for Brexit

Lloyd’s of London will make an announcement on its new European subsidiary by the middle of April at the latest, its Chairman John Nelson said on Tuesday, as it prepares for Britain’s exit from the European Union. The world’s largest …

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Latest Republican Proposal: Let States That Like Obamacare Keep It

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy is making an offer to Democrats he hopes they won’t refuse: If their states like Obamacare, they can keep it. A doctor who worked for decades in charity hospitals and clinics before joining Congress, Cassidy plans …

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Deaths of 3 Men Working on Florida Keys Road Project Under Investigation

Authorities are investigating the deaths of three men who collapsed underground at a Florida Keys road project. Monroe County spokeswoman Cammy Clark says one worker for the county’s contractor went down a drainage pipe Monday to investigate why a newly …

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Baldwin Risk Partners Taps Finney to Lead Mainstreet Insurance Group in Tampa

Baldwin Risk Partners (BRP), a Tampa-based insurance distribution and consulting holding company, has appointed Joe Finney to President, Mainstreet Insurance Group (MIG). MIG is a division of BRP focused on providing insurance brokerage coverages and products to mainstreet Americans and …

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Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Urges Passage of Fire District Bill

A bill making its way through the Mississippi State Legislature that could change the way fire districts in the state are drawn is being praised by Mississippi’s insurance chief. House Bill 469 would amend Section 19-5-167 of the Mississippi Code …

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Stolen Laptop in California Held Info from Thousands of Hospital Patients

Officials at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles say a laptop stolen from a physician’s car last year may have contained personal health information for nearly 3,600 patients. The Los Angeles Daily News reported thousands of families whose children were treated at …

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26% of Natural Disaster Economic Losses in 2016 Were Insured: Aon Benfield Cat Report

Overall, just 26 percent ($54 billion) of overall economic losses caused by natural disasters worldwide during 2016 were covered by insurance as a higher percentage of damage occurred in areas with a lower insurance penetration. However, the public and private …

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Northridge Quake Anniversary Prompts Reminders For California Residents

The California Earthquake Authority put out a notice reminding residents in the state that Tuesday marks the 23rd anniversary of the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The magnitude-6.7 shake that widespread damage to freeways, office buildings and homes. The cost to rebuild …

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Leavitt Group Buys BB&H Benefit Designs in California

Santa Barbara, Calif.-based BB&H Benefit Designs has been purchased by Leavitt Group. Deborah Babineau and Marice McKeegan are the co-owners of the agency. The agency staff, location and contact information remain the same. BB&H specializes in assisting companies with the …

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North Carolina Convenience Store Mix-up of Kerosene, Gasoline Causes 2 House Fires

Officials in Winston-Salem, N.C., say a kerosene and gasoline mix-up at a convenience store led to two fires, both at houses. The Winston-Salem Journal reports Winston-Salem Fire Department Division Chief Sandy Shepherd told a news conference that a small house …

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Charity First to Move Nonprofit Program to Nova Casualty Co.

Property and casualty program manager Charity First has announced plans to transition its nonprofit and social service business to Nova Casualty Co., a specialty program carrier and a member of AIX Group. The move will enable Charity First to offer …

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Severe Storms Cause Damage Across Texas

A powerful storm system unleashed strong winds and torrential rains across much of Texas over night on Sunday, knocking out power, damaging homes and flooding streets. Authorities say at least 30 homes were damaged when the storm rolled through parts of North …

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Montana Bill Would Overturn Bans on Using Cellphones While Driving

A Great Falls, Mont. lawmaker has introduced a bill that would prevent local governments from placing bans on talking or texting on a cellphone while driving. Republican Rep. Jeremy Trebas tells the Great Falls Tribune that studies have not shown …

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University of Oregon Student Files $3M Suit over Slow Meningitis Diagnosis

A University of Oregon student seeks $3 million in a lawsuit against medical providers who she says failed to properly diagnose her with meningococcal disease in 2015. The Register-Guard reported that Christina Jenkins’ lawsuit is the second from the disease …

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California Department of Insurance Issues Notice of Noncompliance to State Farm

The California Department of Insurance has issued a noncompliance to State Farm General Insurance Co. for refusing to reduce policyholders’ rates as mandated by an order from Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones in December 2016. Jones’ order directed State Farm to …

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Study Links Truck Drivers’ Health to Crash Risk

Commercial truck drivers with three or more medical conditions double to quadruple their chance for being in a crash than healthier drivers, reports a study led by investigators at the University of Utah School of Medicine. The findings suggest that …

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Delaware City to Pay at Least $9M to Cover Injured Firefighters’ Care

Wilmington officials say they’ll have to pay $9 million or more to cover the health care costs for four firefighters injured in a blaze that killed three of their colleagues last year. Mayor Mike Purzycki tells The News Journal of …

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Hearst Media Buys Work-Loss Data Institute

The giant media firm Hearst has acquired Work-Loss Data Institute (WLDI), a provider of healthcare data and guidelines to the workers’ compensation industry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. WLDI will become part of Hearst’s MCG Health division, led …

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In His Final Year, New Jersey Governor Christie Aims to Tackle Drug Crisis

Republican Governor Chris Christie said that he will focus in his final year in office on New Jersey’s drug epidemic, promising to limit the supply of opioid drugs doctors can initially prescribe and seeking legislation to require insurers to pay …

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Report: Coal Ash Stored at Virginia Power Plant Vulnerable to Risks

Millions of tons of ash stored at a former coal-fired power plant in the city will become increasingly vulnerable to flooding and other coastal risks, according to a report compiled for an environmental group that is seeking to have the …

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Supreme Court to Decide If Employee Arbitration Clauses Are Enforceable Nationwide

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to consider whether companies can head off costly class action lawsuits by forcing employees to give up their right to pursue work-related legal claims in court as a group. The justices took up …

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Pennsylvania Uber Driver Refused Ride, Beat New Jersey Man Unconscious

A southern New Jersey man has filed a lawsuit against ride-sharing giant Uber that alleges he was assaulted by a driver who refused to take him home from a holiday party in Philadelphia. The federal lawsuit states that 30-year-old Joseph …

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Massachusetts Lawmakers to Revisit Marijuana Law

Legislative leaders have made clear they are not through with making changes to the voter-approved recreational marijuana initiative, but it remains to be seen whether future action amounts to an overhaul of or a mere tinkering with the new law. …

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Britain to Seek ‘Hard Brexit’: UK Prime Minister May

Britain will not seek a Brexit deal that leaves it “half in, half out” of the EU, Prime Minister Theresa May will say on Tuesday in a speech setting out her priorities for divorce talks which indicates she is prepared to leave …

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Strong US Dollar Is Biggest Risk Ahead for 2017: Allianz’ El-Erian

Global growth could be better than expected in 2017, though many uncertainties remain that could impact expansion, with the biggest of them being steep gains in the U.S. currency, Allianz’s Mohamed A. El-Erian said on Monday. The outlook for the …

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Zurich to Cut Spending on Large Tech Projects to Save $1.5B in Costs

Zurich Insurance Group AG, Switzerland’s biggest insurer, plans to cut spending on large technology projects as it seeks to reduce costs, according to chief risk officer Cecilia Reyes. “Managing, harvesting the benefits from these investments” is a challenge, Reyes said …

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Beazley Joins Markel Livestock Consortium as 5th Member

Markel International, the London-based specialist insurer that leads the Lloyd’s livestock consortium, has extended the consortium’s aggregate capacity by signing up Beazley as a fifth member. With co-founders Tokio Marine Kiln, Pembroke and AEGIS London, Markel established the consortium in …

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Global Marine Insurers Develop Coverage Options for Iran Oil Exports

Global shipping insurers have devised a way to ensure nearly full coverage for Iranian oil exports from next month after striking a deal to provide cover without involving U.S.-domiciled reinsurers, officials in Tokyo and London said. The reluctance of U.S. …

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BHSI Wins License to Write Reinsurance in Malaysia

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has won a license to provide reinsurance services in Malaysia, the billionaire investor’s group said, as it expands operations in Asia. Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Co. (BHSI) said in a statement it has established an office in the Malaysian …

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Arthur J. Gallagher Promotes Two Execs in Employee Benefits Division

International insurance brokerage and risk management services firm Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., based in Itasca, Ill., promoted James W. Durkin Jr. and William F. Ziebell in its employee benefit division. Durkin, currently president of Gallagher’s employee benefits division, will …

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Tech Firms Collecting Data: How Much Do Consumers Know or Care?

Nearly every technology startup wants the same thing: more data. But in the rush to collect all manner of information about customers, tensions are rising in Silicon Valley over whether such practices amount to a form of surveillance that customers …

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Mississippi House Passes Bill to Enforce Mandatory Auto Insurance Requirement

House members are approving a bill that would require county tax collectors to check whether Mississippians have auto insurance before renewing their license tags. Representatives voted 82-33 Jan. 11 to approve House Bill 319, sending it to the Senate for …

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Mississippi Fast Food Worker Accused of Serving Contaminated Food

Police in Columbus, Miss., have launched a criminal investigation into whether a fast-food worker intentionally served contaminated food. The Commercial Dispatch reports that a Tupelo resident who may have received contaminated food contacted Police Chief John Lewis. The state Health …

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