Look on the Bright Side of Transition to Autonomous Driving

The advance of driverless cars and the prospect that they will disrupt property/casualty insurance and change the way autos are insured has created plenty of industry anxiety. Even before that point, however, cars with drivers will likely share the road with …

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Officials in Georgia County Offer 10K Reward For Info on Apartment Fires

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever set two fires in the breezeway of an occupied apartment building in Georgia. Gwinnett County fire officials said the reward is …

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Florida Man Arrested After Torching Business Complex for Insurance Money

The owner of a business complex in Tallahassee, Fla., was arrested by arson investigators from the Florida Department of Financial Services on charges of arson and insurance fraud, according to CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater. Victor Herrera, owner …

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North Carolina Official Says State is Drought-Free

A state official says North Carolina is free of drought or dry conditions for the first time in more than a year. Linwood Peele, acting chairman of the N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council, said May 25 that recent rainfall has …

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Ohio AG DeWine Sues 5 Drug Companies Over Opioid Crisis

The state of Ohio on Wednesday sued five major drug manufacturers, accusing them of misrepresenting the risks of prescription opioid painkillers that have fueled a sky-rocketing drug addiction epidemic. The suit, filed by Attorney General Mike DeWine, comes as a growing number …

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Willis Programs Taps Allianz as Carrier for Agribusiness Programs

Willis Programs has partnered with Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) on coverage for its DairyProtector and FeedLotGuard programs. Allianz, a property casualty insurance carrier in the agribusiness industry, will offer an A.M. Best ‘A+’ rated carrier backing to the …

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For 10th Year, Ohio’s Central Insurance Receives IIABA’s Best Practices Award

The Central Insurance Companies was recently honored with the Best Practices Award of Excellence from the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”). This is the tenth consecutive year the company has received this award. …

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Wisconsin’s AVID Risk Solutions, Family Insurance Acquiring Assets of ISC

Federal Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson has approved the sale of ISC insurance agency assets to Wisconsin-based AVID Risk Solutions Inc. and Family Insurance Center, AVID Risk Solutions announced. ISC insurance agency was in receivership due to a multi-million …

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Arthur J. Gallagher Acquires Houston’s Zuber Insurance Agency

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired Zuber Insurance Agency Inc. in Houston, Texas. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Zuber Insurance was founded in 1934 by J.L. Zuber. Expanded under the leadership of his son Joseph and grandson Alan, Zuber …

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Damage in Nebraska Food Plant Fire Estimated at $100K

A fire official has estimated that a fire at Lincoln, Neb., food plant has caused nearly $100,000 in damage. Officials say no one was injured in the fire, which started around 1 p.m. Saturday at the Smithfield Foods plant. Battalion …

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Toon Joins Combined Agents of America as Production Director

Austin, Texas-based agency partnership, Combined Agents of America (CAA), has added Nikki Toon as production director. Toon has more than a decade of experience working in the insurance industry from both a carrier, agency and group perspective. As production director, …

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Coastal Texans Concerned About Rising Sea Levels Amid Hurricane Threats

Lalo Ojeda has lived with hurricanes all his life. The Houston Chronicle reports he was 14 when Hurricane Carla inundated Galveston Island in 1961. He evacuated as Hurricane Rita barreled toward the coast in 2005, then rode out the devastating …

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Trump Expected to End U.S. Participation in Paris Climate Pact

U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, Axios news outlet reported on Wednesday, citing two unidentified sources with direct knowledge of the decision. Trump, who has previously called global warming a hoax, refused to endorse the …

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Average 2017 Wildfire Season Predicted for Wyoming

State forester Bill Crapser says most of Wyoming is predicted to have slightly below average to average large wildfires this year. Crapser says there could be a lot of wildfires started by lightning but most are not expected to grow …

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Hawaii Sues Auto Makers over Shrapnel-Spewing Air Bags

Hawaii is suing auto manufacturers Ford, Nissan and Toyota over air bags that can spew shrapnel when they deploy. The complaint filed Wednesday says the manufacturers knew or should have known for more than a decade that air bags installed …

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Oil Tank Blast in Colorado Kills Worker, Safety Questions Follow

An oil tank explosion in northern Colorado killed a worker and burned three others, shooting up flames just miles away from an unrelated gas blast last month and prompting fresh questions about safety in one of Colorado’s largest industries – …

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Small Quake Shakes Rural Southern California Inland Area

A small earthquake has rattled a rural area of inland Southern California, the he U.S. Geological Survey confirmed. The USGS says the magnitude 3.4 quake hit about 12 miles southeast of Idyllwild and 18 miles southwest of Palm Springs. A …

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Willis Towers Watson, Tech Firm Roost to Form Home Telematics Testing Consortium

Global insurance consultant Willis Towers Watson is partnering with technology firm Roost to establish a claims data sharing consortium to help insurers test the effectiveness of water and fire smart home technologies. The two companies said the consortium will be comprised of …

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Caribbean Cat Facility CCRIF, Caribbean Development Bank Launch Regional Risk Management Project

The Caribbean Development Bank and CCRIF SPC (formerly the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility) have launched a Caribbean risk management project. Formally known as “Integrated Sovereign Risk Management in the Caribbean,” the project aims to enable Caribbean countries to take …

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Pennsylvania Insurance Chief Would Lead New Health, Human Services Agency

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said last week that he would nominate his insurance commissioner, Teresa Miller, to lead a new agency he is proposing to oversee the public health and social and human services programs currently carried out by four …

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BA’s Massive IT Failure Caused by Power Surge; Brand Damage Admitted

A huge IT failure that stranded 75,000 British Airways passengers followed damage to servers that were overwhelmed when the power returned after an outage, the airline said on Wednesday. BA, part of airline group IAG, is seeking to limit the damage to …

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New York: $7M for Homeowners Hit by Lake Ontario Flooding

New York state is making $7 million available to help homeowners recover from flooding along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shorelines. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the funding Monday. Homeowners will be able to get up to $40,000 in …

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Massachusetts’ The Hanover Insurance Group Elects Price to Board of Directors

The Hanover Insurance Group Inc., a Worcester, Mass.-based holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies, has elected Michael D. Price to the company’s board of directors, effective July 3. Price is an experienced senior insurance executive and will …

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JLT Re Appoints Sammur as Executive Vice President in Connecticut

JLT Re (North America) Inc. (JLT Re), part of the Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc, the global provider of reinsurance broking and consultancy, has appointed Tony Sammur as executive vice president in Stamford, Conn. In this role, Sammur will focus …

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China’s Controversial Cyber Law ‘Not Targeting’ Foreign Firms

China’s top cyber authority said on Wednesday it is not targeting foreign firms with a controversial national cyber law set to come into effect on Thursday. More than 50 overseas companies and business groups have lobbied against the law, which …

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27% of U.S. Firms Have No Plans to Buy Cyber Insurance: FICO Survey

A full 50 percent of U.S. firms do not have cyber risk insurance and 27 percent of U.S. executives say their firms have no plans to take out cyber insurance, even though 61 percent of them expect cyber breaches to increase …

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XL Catlin Offers Political Risk, Credit & Bond Insurance in Canada; Zurich’s Azzopardi Named Lead U/W

XL Catlin has opened its first Political Risk, Credit and Bond (PRCB) insurance practice in Canada and has appointed Marvin Azzopardi as senior underwriter. Based in Toronto, Azzopardi, will join XL Catlin on June 1 and will report to Richard Abizaid, regional product leader, Americas. Azzopardi is tasked …

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FM Global Gets Regulatory Approval in Luxembourg as Post-Brexit EU Hub

U.S. commercial property insurer FM Global has been approved to run a European hub in Luxembourg, a move allowing it to issue policies in the European Union and other countries following Britain’s decision to leave the bloc, the company said …

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Greece Aims to Attract U.K. Shipowners, Insurers & Brokers Seeking Brexit HQs

The Greek government wants to persuade shipowners and shipping-insurance companies based in London to move their European Union headquarters to Greece as the U.K. prepares to exit the bloc. “We’re in contact with five large ship-insurance brokers who are considering …

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High Agency Valuations ‘Not a Fad,’ MarshBerry Exec Tells Conference

Valuations of insurance agencies are as high as they have ever been and there does not appear to be any lessening of interest among suitors, according to an industry mergers-and-acquisitions (M&A) consultant. John Wepler, chairman and CEO of MarshBerrry, described an …

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What Liability Insurance Restatement Final Approval Delay Means

It had been expected by many that, after seven years of arduous work, the American Law Institute’s “Restatement of the Law, Liability Insurance” would be approved last Tuesday at the Institute’s annual meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington.  But, despite …

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New Bond ETF Rules Expected to Attract Investments from Insurers

BlackRock Inc. expects $300 billion in new money from insurers to flood into the already booming bond exchange-traded fund sector over the next five years, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday, following a move by regulators to adjust some requirements on …

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Motorist Deaths by South Carolina Police Trigger Costly Settlements

Police forces in South Carolina have reached several high-dollar settlements in cases where officers have shot and killed drivers and others in moving vehicles in the past several years. Here are some of the most expensive settlements: Zachary Hammond Hammond’s …

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Alabama ‘Pill Mill’ Doctor Gets 21 Years in Prison

An Alabama doctor was sentenced on Friday to 21 years in prison for running two clinics with a colleague that prosecutors called a massive “pill mill,” in a case tied to the U.S. probe of Insys Therapeutics Inc. Xiulu Ruan, …

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FCCI Adds Former Florida State Senator Carlton to Board of Directors

Former Florida State Senator Lisa Carlton has been elected to FCCI Insurance Group’s (FCCI) board of directors, effective July 1, according to the company. Carlton is the co-owner and manager of Mabry Carlton Ranch, Inc., a diverse agricultural business including …

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USI Acquires Employee Benefits Business from Pennsylvania’s The Hartman Group

USI Insurance Services (USI) has acquired Hartman Employee Benefits Inc. (Hartman Employee Benefits) from The Hartman Group. Hartman Employee Benefits and its employees will remain at the current Williamsport and State College, Penn., locations following the transaction. Terms of the …

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Arthur J. Gallagher Acquires Williams-Manny Insurance in Illinois

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired Williams-Manny Insurance Group, headquartered in Rockford, Illinois. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in Rockford in 1896, Williams-Manny Insurance Group is a retail insurance broker and employee benefits consultant providing a full array of …

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Mathies Joins Fidelis/Continental Marine Unit in Houston

Fidelis Group Holdings LLC (FGH), with its subsidiary Continental Underwriters Ltd., hired Dennis Mathies as a senior marine underwriter based in Houston. Mathies will be responsible for expanding the group’s brown water hull, liabilities and cargo product lines. Mathies has more than …

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NFP Acquires Oklahoma’s Bigbie, Hensley & Janway Insurance

Insurance broker and consultant NFP has acquired Oklahoma City-based Bigbie, Hensley & Janway Insurance Agency Inc.(BHJ). The transaction closed on May 1, 2017. BHJ provides benefits products and services with an emphasis on small group employers and the individual health …

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Little Caesars Sued over Michigan Pizza Labeled ‘Halal’

A Muslim man who says Little Caesars served him a pizza with pepperoni made with pork has filed a lawsuit seeking $100 million. The Detroit Free Press reports the lawsuit filed in Wayne County Circuit Court says the pizza sold …

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Louisiana Fake-Crash Scheme Leads to 13 Arrests

Louisiana State Police say 13 people have been arrested in connection with an insurance fraud scheme involving staged automobile crashes. A news release says the May 25 arrests followed an investigation that began with complaints from insurance companies. Investigators say …

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Illinois Senate Passes Bills Requiring Work Comp Pre-Approval, Creating Nonprofit Insurer

The Illinois Senate has passed two workers’ compensation measures — one that would require companies writing workers’ comp insurance to get state approval for the rates they charge, and another that creates a nonprofit company — with government oversight — …

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Supreme Court Limits Where Injury Lawsuits Against Firms Can Be Brought

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday tightened rules on where injury lawsuits may be filed, handing a victory to corporations by undercutting the ability of plaintiffs to bring claims in friendly courts in a case involving Texas-based BNSF Railway Co. …

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Big Bills Faced by Utahans Who Don’t Have Flood Insurance

It’s been more than two months since northern Utah resident Wyatt Brammer’s house was damaged from flooding and he still hasn’t gotten it fixed. After 33 inches of water filled his basement, he said, it could cost as much as …

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Search And Rescue Insurance Introduced in Utah

A program has been introduced allowing Utah residents to pay a small fee to have any potential search and rescue costs waived. An individual can purchase a $25 annual insurance so they won’t have to pay expensive rescue costs if …

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New Jersey Propane Leak Leads to Evacuations, One Injured

A rail car carrying propane was leaking in an industrial park in New Jersey, sending a plume of gas into the air. Gloucester County spokeswoman Debra Sellitto says a valve stem on top of the tanker car failed and started …

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Woman Suffers Severe Blood Loss in Connecticut Razor Factory Accident

A worker at a Schick razor factory in Connecticut has been hospitalized after her hand got caught in a machine. A production manager at the Milford, Conn., factory told WTNH-TV the worker was doing a routine job Thursday morning when …

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44 People Rescued in Massachusetts Town After High Tide Traps Them

More than 40 people have been rescued after becoming stranded on a breakwall during high tide at an historic Massachusetts coastal resort town. Dozens were walking along a scenic footpath on the rock wall at Provincetown, Mass., when they became …

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Patriot National Exploring ‘Strategic Alternatives’

The board of directors of Patriot National Inc. has formed a new special committee of independent directors to review a “range of strategic alternatives,” the company announced. The company said there is no assurance that this review will result in …

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Chubb Names Bryant as Regional Cyber Risk Manager, Europe

Chubb announced the appointment of Kyle Bryant to the newly created role of regional cyber risk manager, Europe. In his new role, Bryant will bring together Chubb’s dedicated local cyber risk expertise across its European region into a single practice. This will ensure a …

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Allied World Europe Launches UK Commercial Division

Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings AG has announced the launch of its UK Commercial Division. “Our clients tell us they need simple, affordable and flexible insurance solutions and our UK Commercial Division delivers just that — one application for a …

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3 Fossil Fuel Groups Drop Bid to Join Teens’ Climate Change Lawsuit

Three fossil fuel industry groups dropped their attempt to intervene in a court case over climate change this week after failing to reach an agreement on a unified legal position on climate science, court filings show. The American Petroleum Institute …

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Munich Re, Aviva Ventures Invest in UK Connected Home Insurer Neos

Neos, a UK connected home insurer, announced last week it has secured a £5 million (roughly $6.4 million) series A investment led by Aviva Ventures together with strategic partner Munich Re. The strategic investment accelerates Neos’ growth as the UK’s first company to offer …

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Japan Readies Strategy for Drones, Autonomous Vehicles

Japan aims to finalize on June 9 plans to allow package delivery by drone sometime from 2020 and the commercialization of self-driving trucks by 2022, as it scrambles to breathe new life into its corporate sector, sources told Reuters. The …

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Saudi Arabia’s MedGulf Denies It’s Seeking to Be Acquired

The Mediterranean & Gulf Insurance & Reinsurance Co., a Saudi Arabian insurer known as MedGulf, denied it’s considering putting itself up for sale. MedGulf isn’t exploring strategic options that could include a potential sale of the company and hasn’t appointed …

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Fairfax Plans to Sell 12.2% Stake in India’s ICICI Lombard

Canada’s Fairfax Financial Holdings plans to sell a 12.2 percent stake in its Indian joint venture insurer ICICI Lombard in a deal that will value the company at 203 billion rupees ($3.15 billion), the Indian company said on Saturday. Red …

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AmTrust Gets $300M Boost from CEO’s Family

AmTrust Financial Services Inc., the provider of workers’ compensation insurance, surged in New York trading after members of the chief executive officer’s family agreed to inject $300 million for new shares in a private placement. The family of CEO Barry …

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Insurer USAA Caught in Hannity TV Advertising Controversy

Financial services firm USAA, facing a backlash to its decision to pull advertising from Sean Hannity’s show on Fox News Channel, says it is withdrawing from other opinion-based television programs. The company, which sells insurance and other products to members …

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Flood Insurance Looks Like One Area of Bipartisan Agreement

Democrats and Republicans, who have agreed on little this year, have found common ground on plans to give private insurers greater access to the $5 billion flood insurance program and to offer more buyouts for homeowners in areas likely to …

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Appeals Court Reinstates Lawsuit of N.C. Woman Who Fell Off Operating Table

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has revived a lawsuit stemming from a woman’s 2012 surgery during which she fell off the operating table while her body was cut open and had surgical implements inside. The Fayetteville Observer reports that …

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2 Killed in Explosion at West Virginia Industrial Plant

An explosion at a West Virginia industrial plant has killed two people and injured a third. Officials say the explosion was reported last week at Midland Resource Recovery, a company based in Ontario, Canada, that odorizes natural gas. The U.S. …

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New Tennessee Law Aims to Further Enhance State’s Captive Industry

Tennessee is praising captive insurance legislation signed by the governor on May 12, saying it is expected to “maintain and further enhance Tennessee’s place amongst the most attractive states to locate a captive insurance company,” according to a statement from …

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Uber Says Alabama Mayors Stalled Ridesharing Law

A statewide framework to regulate ridesharing firms such as Uber and Lyft stalled in the Alabama Legislature, and it’s unclear when such companies could begin to launch new service in Alabama communities. Uber, through a spokeswoman, points to Huntsville Mayor …

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Texas Bill Allowing Workers’ Comp Division Fraud Unit Advances

The Texas Senate has passed legislation that would allow the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation to create a fraud unit. The Senate passed HB 2053 on May 24; it was previously approved in the House. The bill would give the …

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Storms Bring Tornadoes, Flash Floods, Evacuations in Midwest

Heavy rainfall that sparked flash flooding in Fort Wayne, Ind., forced motorists to flee submerged cars and prompted the evacuation of about 20 homes in the northeastern Indiana city. And in Ohio, authorities say tornadoes that touched down in three …

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A.M. Best Assigns Ratings to Wisconsin’s Integrity Select Insurance

A.M. Best has assigned a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and a long-term issuer credit rating of “a+” to Integrity Select Insurance Company (Integrity Select) in Appleton, Wis. The outlook assigned to these credit ratings is stable. Integrity Select is a newly …

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Report: Deadly St. Louis Tank in Deadly Explosion Needed Emergency Repairs

A giant steam-filled tank weighing nearly 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) that exploded at a St. Louis box plant, flew a quarter-mile into the air and smashed into a neighboring building, was being used despite needing emergency repairs, federal investigators said …

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OSHA, Mid Continent Recommit to Oklahoma Oil and Gas Worker Safety Alliance

U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mid Continent Exploration and Production Safety Network have an alliance to promote safety at oil and gas operations in Oklahoma. OSHA reported that the alliance is committed to providing information and …

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Tribune: Governor Appears Undecided on Signing Texas Texting-While-Driving Ban

Note: This article originally appeared in the Texas Tribune. Gov. Greg Abbott appears to be undecided on whether he will sign a proposed statewide ban on texting while driving that is now on his desk. Abbott’s predecessor, Rick Perry, vetoed …

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A.M. Best Lifts AIG’s Ratings ‘Under Review’ Status Following Duperreault’s Arrival

A.M. Best this week released American International Group from “under review” special scrutiny following the insurer’s bringing on industry veteran Brian Duperreault as president and chief executive officer and after reviewing recent financial data and meeting with AIG management. “AIG maintains …

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AmWINS and Networked Deal Plays to Strengths of Both Firms, Execs Say

The acquisition by AmWINS Group Inc. at the end of last month of Networked Insurance Agents will achieve a number of objectives for both the Charlotte, N.C.-based global distributor of specialty insurance products and services and the California-based aggregator. Namely, …

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Pacific Hurricane Season Depends on El Niño: NOAA

Forecasters say the central Pacific region around Hawaii can expect a normal or slightly above-average hurricane season, depending largely on the presence of El Niño conditions. Chris Brenchley, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center, …

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Southern California Neighborhood Flooded Due to Seawall Damage

A Southern California coastal community was flooded with two feet of ocean water after a seawall was damaged by a construction crew. The Orange County Register reported workers were doing demolition work in Newport Beach and accidentally damaged the wall …

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Small Undersea Quake Jostles California Coast West of Malibu

A minor undersea earthquake has jiggled a small stretch of the Southern California coast in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed. The USGS says the magnitude-3.3 temblor occurred just before 7:20 a.m. Thursday. The epicenter was …

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Rising Seas May Wipe Out Jersey Towns and Millions in AAA Bonds

Few parts of the U.S. are as exposed to the threats from climate change as Ocean County, New Jersey. It was here in Seaside Heights that Hurricane Sandy flooded an oceanfront amusement park, leaving an inundated roller coaster as an …

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UK’s Legal & General Chooses Dublin as Post-Brexit Base

  British insurer Legal & General said it will move some of its investment management operations to Ireland to ensure it can continue to serve its customers after Brexit. In a win for Dublin’s campaign to attract financial services firms …

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The Hartford Names Firstenberg Chief P/C Insurance Underwriting Officer

The Hartford has named David Firstenberg as chief underwriting officer for the company’s property/ casualty insurance businesses, replacing Mo Tooker, who was recently named head of The Hartford’s Middle Market segment. Firstenberg will oversee the common underwriting framework across The Hartford’s Small Commercial, Middle Market, Specialty Commercial and Personal Lines segments, …

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Cyber Insurance Market Growing Slower Than Expected: Allianz

The tiny market for cyber insurance has been slower to develop than generally anticipated, a member of Allianz’s board said in an interview. The European market for cyber insurance currently has a premium volume of around 200 million euros ($224 million), Axel Theis, Allianz …

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NOAA Updates Forecast for Atlantic Hurricane Season, Pacific’s El NIno

The Atlantic hurricane season will likely churn out an above-average 11 to 17 named storms, in part due to fading odds than an El Nino will form in the Pacific. Of storms that emerge during the six-month season that begins …

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Vermont Governor Vetoes Marijuana Bill, Wants Changes Made

Vermont Republican Gov. Phil Scott on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have made Vermont the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana but indicated that he was willing to work with the Legislature on a compromise. Scott said he was …

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Connecticut’s Smith Brothers Hires Peruccio from Cigna Healthcare

Smith Brothers, a Glastonbury, Conn.-based insurance broker, has added Chelsea Peruccio as an employee benefits advisor. Her responsibilities include new business development, account management and creating employee benefit strategies to help clients achieve positive results. She has experience working with clients in …

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Executive Changes Announced at Massachusetts’ Hospitality Insurance Group

After 32 years as a member of Hospitality Insurance Group’s Board of Directors, E. Thomas McCabe Jr. of Westborough, Mass., will be stepping down as chairman. Before joining Hospitality Insurance Group, McCabe was a past president of Massachusetts Restaurant Association …

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Massachusetts’ The Hanover Insurance Group Hires Salvatore

The Hanover Insurance Group Inc., a Worcester, Mass.-based holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies, has appointed Bryan J. Salvatore as executive vice president and president of specialty, effective June 12. In this role, Salvatore will lead the …

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States Move to Ban Asking Job Applicants About Past Salary

An awkward job interview question — how much did you make at your last job? — is getting banned in some parts of the country. Massachusetts, New York City and Philadelphia have passed laws that bar employers from asking applicants …

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A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of PartnerRe & Subsidiaries

A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a+” of Bermuda-based Partner Reinsurance Co. Ltd. and its affiliates (collectively referred to as PartnerRe). A.M. Best has also affirmed the …

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AGCS Promotes Hansen as Head of Aviation, Succeeding Haagen

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) announced that Mike Hansen has been named global head of Aviation. He takes over this responsibility from Henning Haagen who was appointed Northeast Zone Executive for North America earlier this year and has been …

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QBE Taps Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s Ford as Group CFO

QBE Insurance Group Ltd. has appointed Michael Ford as group chief financial officer. Ford is currently the deputy CFO for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). He joined the bank in 2005 and held a number of senior finance roles …

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AmWins and Networked Deal Plays to Each Firm’s Strengths, Execs Say

The acquisition by AmWINS Group Inc. late last month of Networked Insurance Agents will achieve a number of objectives for both the Charlotte, N.C.-based distributor of specialty insurance products and the California-based aggregator. Namely, the deal plays to each firm’s …

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Here’s What the House Has in Mind for Revamping Flood Insurance Program

A much-anticipated House subcommittee proposal on flood insurance promises to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for five years beyond its September 30 expiration date. The proposal would introduce reforms to put the NFIP on stronger financial footing; provide aid …

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Report: Florida Resident Sparked Wildfire With Lawn Mower

A lawn mower is being blamed for sparking a wildfire that destroyed five structures in Florida. The Naples Daily News reports that the state’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement concluded its investigation into the fire that started April 20 in …

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Zenefits to Pay North Carolina $104K to Settle Licensing Violations

The North Carolina Department of Insurance has reached a settlement agreement with YourPeople, Inc., dba Zenefits FTW Insurance Services (Zenefits) resulting in a $104,500 penalty, according to a statement from Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey. Department of Insurance Agent Services Division …

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West Virginia Gov Orders State to Step-Up Cybersecurity Efforts

Gov. Jim Justice has directed the West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management to take steps to protect personally identifiable information collected and kept by state agencies, including health information required by law to be kept private. In an …

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1 Dead After Florida Driver Crashes Into Gas Pump, Causing Fire

A fire at a gas station ignited by a car slamming into a pump has killed one person in Florida. Local news organizations report the fire erupted at a BP station in Dania Beach on Tuesday night after a driver …

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Report: Climate Change to Increase Insured Losses from Windstorms in the U.K.

Climate change will drive up wind losses in the U.K. in coming years, according to a recent report out from the Association of British Insurers, the Met Office, and Boston, Ma.-based catastrophe modeler AIR Worldwide. The report shows that temperature …

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Zurich North America Combines Commercial, Specialty Products; Horgan to Head New Unit

Zurich North America is bringing its Specialty Products business together with its North America Commercial Insurance as part of a continued streamlining of operations. The company said the move will provide easier access and greater consistency across North America and …

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Federal Disaster Assistance Granted for 2 Oklahoma Counties

Two Oklahoma counties may now receive disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a result of the severe weather that occurred April 28 through May 2, the governor’s office reported. The designation provides SBA low-interest disaster loans …

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Texas ‘Industrial Insureds’ Surplus Lines Bill Signed into Law

On May 11, the Texas Senate passed a bill exempting certain policyholders from the requirement that agents to make a “diligent effort” to find insurance in the admitted commercial insurance market. Gov. Greg Abbott has signed the measure, which becomes effective …

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Emotional Intelligence: Do Your Leaders Walk the Talk?

There is a famous story about a visit by President Kennedy to the NASA space center. When Kennedy noticed a man carrying a broom in one of the buildings, he asked: “What’s your job here?” The janitor replied: “I’m helping …

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Collision Between School Bus, Truck Sends 3 Students to Hospital

Three students have been taken to the hospital for minor injuries after a school bus and a truck collided in eastern South Carolina. The wreck was reported around 8 a.m. Wednesday on U.S. 52 in Moncks Corner. Berkeley County school …

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Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III Named Chairman of Armed Forces Insurance

Armed Forces Insurance (AFI), based in Leavenworth, Kansas, has appointed Lt. Gen. Stanley E. “Sid” Clarke III, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), as its incoming chairman. Clarke begins his new role as Armed Forces Insurance celebrates its 130th year in service …

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Lloyd’s Insurers Launch Asia Political Risk Consortium

Three Lloyd’s insurers have joined forces to form a Political Risk Consortium in Asia, offering increased capacity for a wide range of political and contract frustration risks. Beazley, Chaucer and Talbot will work collectively to provide large scale capacity of …

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Wildfire near Leavenworth, Washington, Forces Evacuations

Evacuation orders are still in effect in as crews battle a wildfire north of Leavenworth, Washington. Brendan Cowan, a spokesman for the Northwest Incident Management Team, says the blaze covered about 40 acres as of Wednesday morning. Cowan says there’s …

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Suspicious Fires in Arkansas Targeting Police, Firefighter Properties

Authorities in a small Arkansas town say local police and firefighters are being targeted by suspicious fires and vandalism. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports the incidents in Cotton Plant began in February, when a fire destroyed a firefighter’s rental home. The …

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Wisconsin County’s Initial Tornado Damage Estimate: $10M

The Barron County Sheriff’s Department has released initial damage estimates from a tornado that tore through the Chetek area of northwestern Wisconsin last week. The department said Sunday that the storm damaged 231 homes and four commercial properties across the …

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New Flood Plain Maps Bring Good, Bad News for South Dakota Towns

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s proposed revisions to Yankton’s flood plain map could encompass nearly 200 additional properties. On the flip side, a revision in Rapid City means 224 properties have been removed from that city’s flood hazard area. Properties …

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California Auto Dealer Awarded $256M in Nissan Suit

A jury has awarded nearly $256.5 million to a California auto dealership owner who claimed Nissan had a secret plan to put him out of business during the recession. The Orange County Superior Court panel ruled in favor of Michael …

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Alaska Hosts Plate Tectonics Research Effort

Alaska averages 40,000 earthquakes per year, with more large quakes than the other 49 states combined, and America’s shakiest state is about to have its ground examined like never before. A federal agency that supports basic science research is completing …

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Private Investment Firm, J.C. Flowers, Acquires UK General

J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC, a New York-headquartered private investment firm that focuses on investing in the global financial services industry, announced it has acquired UK General Insurance Group Ltd. Completed on May 24, after receiving regulatory approval, the transaction …

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Fire Guts New York Bar Favored by Author Jack Kerouac

A famous New York bar once frequented by Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac has been gutted by a fire. Officials in the village of Northport on Long Island tell Newsday that the fire started around 7 a.m. Tuesday inside Gunther’s …

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FM Global Expands Global Resilience Index to 3 Top Business Risks

FM Global has expanded its Global Resilience Index to include insights around three of top business risks: cyber attack, natural hazards and supply chain failure. The interactive, online index ranks 130 countries and territories by their enterprise resilience to disruptive …

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New York State Providing $10M for Lake Ontario Flooding Recovery

The state is making $10 million in funding available to New York municipalities dealing with flooding along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that the funds will support flood recovery efforts such as repairing break walls, roads, …

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Maine’s Cross Insurance Promotes Jermyn to President of Benefits Division

Cross Insurance, a Bangor, Maine-headquartered subsidiary of Cross Financial Corp., has promoted Eric Jermyn to president of Cross Employee Benefits. He will be based in Portland, Maine. In this new role, Jermyn’s duties include the growth and maintenance of Cross …

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P/C Insurance Industry Again Reports Underwriting Loss in Q1

The U.S. property/casualty industry posted a first-quarter 2017 net underwriting loss of $841.5 million, according to preliminary financial results, continuing the industry’s underwriting loss trend seen in 2016. The first-quarter loss was significantly less than the $2.0 billion net underwriting …

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Liberty Mutual Appoints Dekermanji Chief Underwriter for Specialty Energy

Liberty Mutual has appointed Jessica Dekermanji as senior vice president and chief underwriting officer of the National Insurance Specialty Energy unit. Dekermanji will lead a team of underwriting, risk control and account services professionals focused on expanding products and integrating technology to …

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Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Names Rake as CEO Asia Pacific

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has appointed Jonathan Rake as CEO Asia Pacific, based in Singapore. Rake will move from his current position as head South East Asia and assumes the new role on July 1, 2017. He succeeds Fred Kleiterp, …

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FM Global Promotes Kelly to VP Diversity & Int’l Human Resources

Commercial property insurer FM Global announced the promotion of Angela Kelly to vice president, diversity and international human resources. Kelly, a 23-year veteran of the company, will have overall responsibility for leading the company’s worldwide efforts to support workplace diversity …

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TMK Launches Visual Effects, Post Production Media Cover

Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK), the London-based specialist insurance business, announces the launch of visual effects (VFX) and post production media insurance. TMK said its post-production media insurance offers flexible cover for companies specializing in online or offline editing and digital …

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Republican Health Bill Would Cut Deficit by $119 Billion, Add 23 Million Uninsured: CBO

A bill passed by U.S. House Republicans would cause 23 million people to lose healthcare coverage by 2026 while de-stabilizing health insurance markets in some states and making it hard for sick people to buy insurance, a budget watchdog agency said on Wednesday. …

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Farmers Balk as Trump Budget Caps Crop Insurance Subsidies

U.S. farm groups on Tuesday pushed back against President Donald Trump’s proposal to slash agriculture spending, viewing it as a fresh threat to a struggling farm economy. The White House on Monday proposed $46.54 billion in cuts to federal government …

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Automaker Tesla Hit by Union Charges of High Worker Injury Rate

A California-based workers advocacy group released a report on Wednesday saying that Tesla Inc. data showed its workers have been injured at a rate a third higher than the auto industry average. Worksafe made the analysis after being approached by …

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AXIS Adds Martin, Ross to Georgia-Based P&C Team

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited has announced the appointments of James Martin and Russ Madore, each as vice president, U.S. Programs, within AXIS Insurance’s Property and Casualty team. Martin and Madore will each be responsible for oversight of select AXIS Insurance …

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Family of ‘Voice’ Contestant Killed in Florida to Refile Suit Against Venue

An attorney for the family of singer Christina Grimmie says he will refile an amended wrongful death lawsuit against the promoter and venue where “The Voice” contestant was fatally shot. Attorney Brian Caplan said Tuesday that Grimmie’s family will file …

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Damage Reported in North Carolina From Severe Storms That Spawned Tornado

Officials in a North Carolina county say a tornado has destroyed a fire department. The Fayetteville Observer reports Sampson County Emergency Management said the Autryville Fire Department was destroyed by a tornado on Tuesday. Reports indicate the roof of the …

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Disaster Declarations in Louisiana in Last 18 Months Involved Nearly 90% of Parishes

With hurricane season fast approaching, the Louisiana Department of Insurance is pointing out that in the last 18 months, nearly 90 percent of the state’s parishes have been included in major disaster declarations. The LDI is advising policyholders to take …

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A.M. Best Revises Outlook to Stable for MGA Insurance in Dallas

A.M. Best has revised the long-term issuer credit rating (Long-Term ICR) outlook to stable from positive and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the long-term ICR of “bbb” of MGA Insurance Company Inc. (MGA), based in Dallas. The …

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Damage Assessment from 7 Oklahoma Tornados Ongoing

Meteorologists say seven tornados that occurred in northeast Oklahoma last week have received preliminary damage ratings. The Tulsa World reports tornados near Wagoner, Red Bird and Porter reached estimated wind speeds of up to 105 mph. The storms uprooted trees, …

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Iowa Brokerage, Two Rivers Insurance, to Repay Cities, Counties

State regulators say an Iowa insurance brokerage accused of a deceptive practice has agreed to repay more than $1.3 million to local governments. The Des Moines Register reports that Two Rivers Insurance Co., which is based in Burlington, was accused …

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Leaks Discovered in Dakota Access Pipeline System

The Dakota Access pipeline and a feeder line leaked more than 100 gallons of oil in North Dakota in separate incidents in March as crews prepared the disputed $3.8 billion pipeline for operation. Two barrels, or 84 gallons (320 liters), …

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ISMIE Mutual Insurance Leader, Harold Jensen, Passes

 Chicago-based medical professional liability insurer, ISMIE Mutual, is mourning the the loss of its late chairman, Harold L. Jensen, M.D., who died unexpectedly on Monday, May 22, 2017. A strong and visionary leader, Dr. Jensen transformed ISMIE into a medical …

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Ironshore Raises Capacity for M&A Cover, Tax Consortium Launched

Ironshore International’s Mergers & Acquisitions and Tax Insurance unit has enhanced its consortium programs to meet client and broker demand for larger, streamlined limits. Ironshore will increase the capacity for its Mergers & Acquisitions Consortium to £100 million ($129.8 million), from …

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Mass. Court Says Suspended Public Employee Can Receive Workers’ Comp

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that an injured public employee is still eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits after being suspended from employment. The case, Brian Benoit vs. City of Boston, comes after the plaintiff, who had worked …

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Insurance Groups Welcome Delay in Liability Insurance Law Restatement

Insurance groups breathed a sigh of relief this week after legal scholars delayed a vote on a controversial restatement of liability insurance law. As reported by Insurance Journal, the American Legal Institute (ALI) on Tuesday formally decided to postpone a …

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California’s Single-Payer Bill Comes with $400B Price Tag

A California bill that would eliminate health insurance companies and provide government-funded health coverage for everyone in the state would cost $400 billion and require significant tax increases, legislative analysts said. Much of the cost would be offset by existing …

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Small Quake Jolts Southern Part of Hawaii’s Big Island

A magnitude 3.0 earthquake hit the island of Hawaii, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed. The earthquake hit at 5:59 p.m. local time on Monday. Its epicenter was 12 miles (20 kilometers) north of Pahala, a town with a population of …

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Target to Pay $18.5 Million to Settle States’ Claims from 2013 Data Breach

Target Corp. on Tuesday agreed to pay $18.5 million to settle claims by 47 states and the District of Columbia and resolve a multi-state investigation into the retailer’s massive data breach in late 2013. The investigation — led by the Attorneys …

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Climate Change Research, Flood Mapping Funds Take Hit in Proposed Trump Budget

President Donald Trump’s first budget request to Congress would cut or eliminate a range of programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well those helping communities prepare for more intense flooding or hurricanes expected to result from climate change. …

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U.K. Security Services Warn of Imminent Terrorist Attacks; U.S. Leaks Criticized

Soldiers are to patrol British landmarks and sporting events in their biggest homeland deployment in decades, as security services warned that another attack by terrorists who killed 22 people at a pop concert on Monday was imminent. Prime Minister Theresa …

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Rhode Island Insurance Agents Have New Coastal Insurance Market

Independent insurance agencies in Rhode Island have a new market for coastal homes – Spinnaker Insurance Company. Spinnaker’s New England distributor, Insurance Agency and Customer Service Company (IACSC) of New London, Conn., is offering selected agents appointments. Founded last October, …

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tKg Wholesale Brokerage Hires Wischnowsky as an Account Executive

tKg Wholesale Brokerage has hired Matt Wischnowsky as an account executive focused on professional liability. Wischnowsky brings more than ten years of experience to the position. Most recently, Wischnowsky served as the managing director of GT Pro, a division of …

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Former Vermont Homeowners Hope to Recover $4M After Evictions

A group of former homeowners from a Vermont lakeside neighborhood hopes to recover some of the nearly $4 million they lost after they were forced to vacate. The Burlington Free Press reports the Mallets Bay Homeowner’s Association says the 24 …

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Companies May Soon Be Required to Disclose Financial Impact of Climate Risk

Companies’ disclosure of risks to their business from climate change could become mandatory in a few years as investor pressure gathers pace, climate finance experts said on Tuesday. Investors have urged companies, particularly those operating in the oil, gas and coal sectors, to …

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Cyber Security Expert Leonardo to Offer Anti-Ransomware Weapon

  When a wave of ransom-requesting cyber attacks hit computers across the globe earlier this month, Leonardo SpA cyber-security experts had already warned clients that a larger-than-usual strike was about to hit. Now, the company is set to roll out …

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Bermuda Can Withstand Trump’s U.S. Tax Plans, Says Premier Dunkley

Bermuda Premier Michael Dunkley said the nation will be able to attract businesses even as U.S. President Donald Trump plans to reduce tax rates to help keep companies onshore. “One of the things that I find very comforting about Bermuda …

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Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Taps Kleiterp as CEO EMEA, Replacing Buckle

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has appointed Fred Kleiterp as CEO Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), effective July 1, 2017. In this role, Kleiterp will be responsible for managing the strategy, development and performance of the company’s presence in the EMEA …

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Paul Hanson’s Pedisich Heads to EPIC as Producer in California

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has added Nick Pedisich as an insurance broker/producer. Pedisich will be based in EPIC’s Concord, Calif. office and report to Curt Perata, president of EPIC’s Pacific North region. He is focused on the transportation industry …

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There’s No ‘Typical’ Day in the Work Cycle for Whirlpool’s Risk Manager

How does a company incorporate a sustainable and cohesive risk management system for an enterprise with nearly 100,000 employees, 70 manufacturing and technology research centers located in 170 countries around the world, and $21 billion in annual sales? It’s a …

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Florida CFO: $8M Recovered in Q1 Through Insurance Consumer Helpline

Insurance specialists working to assist Floridians through Florida’s insurance consumer helpline recovered nearly $8.1 million in the first quarter of 2017, according to a statement from Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. Recoveries included insurance claim payments and premium refunds …

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4-Foot Sinkhole Opens Outside Trump’s Florida Resort

A small sinkhole has opened on the road just outside President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The Palm Beach Post reports that the 4-foot-by-4-foot (1-meter-by-1-meter) hole was discovered Monday in Palm Beach County just west of one the resort’s …

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Driver of Tanker Truck Killed in Fiery North Carolina Crash

The North Carolina Highway Patrol says a tanker truck overturned and caught fire, killing the driver. The patrol told local media outlets that the truck apparently veered off the road in the town of Clayton and hit two culverts, causing …

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Indiana Couple Awarded $744K for Son’s Unnecessary Shoulder Surgery

A northern Indiana jury has awarded $744,000 to a couple who claimed a now-deceased doctor performed unnecessary surgery on their teenage son. Dean and Tracy Dixon’s medical malpractice suit alleged that Dr. Willard G. Yergler performed unneeded shoulder surgery in …

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State Auto’s Clark Named CEO of GuideOne Insurance

West Des Moines, Iowa-based GuideOne Insurance has named Jessica E. Clark as the company’s new chief executive officer (CEO). Bringing nearly 20 years of leadership experience in property and casualty insurance, Clark assumes her new role on June 12. She succeeds …

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Colorado Hailstorm on Pace to be Most Expensive in State History

More than 150,000 auto insurance claims and 50,000 homeowners claims are estimated to be filed in the wake of a monster hailstorm that pounded Colorado’s Front Range on May 8, putting it on pace to be the state’s most expensive …

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California’s Enforcement against W.R. Berkley Ends in $12M Settlement

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today announced that the enforcement action taken against W.R. Berkley Corp. entities and operating units has resulted in a $12 million settlement. Admiral Insurance Co., Admiral Risk Insurance Services Inc. nka BXM Insurance Services Inc., …

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Toyota, MIT Lab Eye Using Blockchain in Insurance Rating of Driverless and Shared Vehicles

The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) is exploring blockchain and distributed ledger technology (BC/DL) for use in the development of driverless cars. TRI is collaborating with the MIT Media Lab and other industry partners on ways that both businesses and consumers may share driving …

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Vanessa Kinney, Hylant VP in Columbus, Ohio, Among ’40 Under 40′

Insurance brokerage firm, Hylant, announced that Vanessa Kinney, vice president, employee benefits team leader, is a Columbus Business First “40 Under 40” recipient. Now in its 25th year, the 40 Under 40 award program honors the best and brightest leaders in Central …

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Storm Triggered Sensor Halts Texas Roller Coaster, Strands Riders

Six Flags Over Texas says stormy weather including high winds triggered a safety sensor that halted a new roller coaster and left eight riders stranded for hours in its Arlington, Texas, theme park. The 120-foot-tall (36-meter-tall) Joker ride shut down …

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Texas Workers’ Comp Research Group Lays Out 2017 Agenda

The Texas Workers’ Compensation Research and Evaluation Group has released its 2017 research agenda, a blueprint for its efforts to provide critical data for decision-makers in the Texas workers’ compensation system, the Texas Department of Insurance reported. The research group requests suggestions …

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BenefitMall in Dallas Names Gomes Executive VP, Benefits Sales

Dallas-based BenefitMall, a provider of employee benefits, human resources and payroll products and services, has reappointed Michael Gomes as executive vice president, Benefits Sales Division. Gomes will be responsible for all benefits sales and services, including group, self-funded, senior and individual in …

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Top Iowa Court Upholds $85K Award in Workplace Discrimination Case

The Iowa Supreme Court has upheld an $85,000 discrimination judgment against a company whose owner repeatedly called a black worker “chocolate” and other racial epithets. Justices upheld the Dubuque Human Rights Commission’s order that Simon Seeding pay Jermaine Stapleton $49,500 …

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Oklahoma’s Insurance Commissioner Warns of Phone Scams Targeting Storm Victims

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak is urging storm victims to be on the lookout for scam artists. The Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Anti-Fraud Division has received complaints about suspicious phone calls to storm victims in Elk City and Perkins. The …

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O’Brien Promoted to Controller at Wisconsin’s SECURA Insurance

Appleton, Wisconsin-based SECURA Insurance recently promoted Tim O’Brien to controller from assistant controller. O’Brien has been with the company for 15 years. He joined SECURA in 2002 as the accounting manager. He has held various roles within the Finance Division including …

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University of Iowa to Settle Sports Bias Lawsuits for $6.5M

The University of Iowa will pay $6.5 million to settle high-profile discrimination lawsuits filed by former athletic administrator Jane Meyer and her partner, former women’s field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum, according to settlements released on May 19. Iowa will pay …

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Florida Woman Caught Faking Workers’ Comp Injury Gets Probation

A South Florida woman was convicted of fraud May 3 and must serve 18 months of probation after she was caught hitting herself in the head with a ceiling sprinkler at work. The incident happened in October 2015 at CinqueáTerre …

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AXA to Add 550 Positions to North Carolina Location

Insurance company AXA plans to add 550 jobs in Charlotte, N.C., over the next five years, nearly doubling its local workforce. North Carolina officials announced the move May 9 after approving state tax breaks that could be worth nearly $12 …

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Labor Chief Will Let Fiduciary Rule Go Into Effect in June While Seeking Further Review

The U.S. Labor Department will implement its fiduciary rule on June 9 with no further delays, U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta said on Tuesday. The department’s rule, which requires brokers offering retirement investment advice to act in the best interest of their …

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Swiss Re Places $925M Cat Bond for California Earthquake Authority

Swiss Re Capital Markets Corp. has successfully structured and placed the issuance of $925 million of insurance-linked securities for the California Earthquake Authority. Swiss Re Capital Markets underwrote the transaction through two classes of principal-at-risk variable rate notes issued by …

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EPB&B Partners in Oregon With ISU Insurance Network

Portland, Ore.-based Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker has partnered with ISU Insurance Agency Network. EPB&B offers business and personal insurance. San Francisco, Calif.-based ISU Network is a organization with 180 mid-sized agencies in 30 states. Member agencies maintain local ownership.

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Zurich’s Bauman Joins XL Catlin to Head Global Programs, Captives

XL Catlin said it is expanding its global insurance programs and captive business with the appointment of Steven Bauman as head of its global programs and captive practice in North America. Bauman will provide technical support across business lines in structuring global captive programs, ensure …

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Cyber Security Firms in Spotlight Following WannaCry Attack

For Kris Hagerman, chief executive of UK-based cyber security firm Sophos Group Plc, the past week could have been bad. The WannaCry “ransomware” attack hobbled some of its hospital customers in Britain’s National Health Service, forcing them to turn away …

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Deadly Times Square Attack Highlights NYC Pedestrian Safety

Fears of a terrorist attack prompted officials to ring many of the pedestrian plazas of Times Square with squat steel posts capable of stopping a speeding vehicle. But those barriers only cover so much ground. There were none of them …

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IIABNY Installs HF&C’s MacDonald as Chairman of the Board

The Independent Insurance Agent & Broker Association of New York (IIABNY) installed Richard MacDonald as chairman of the board on May 11, 2017. IIABNY exists to fulfill the educational, political, and business interests of more than 1,750 independent agencies and …

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MGA Globe Underwriting Launches Marine Division with UK, Int’l Focus

Globe Underwriting, the UK-based managing general agent, has announced the launch of its marine division. The five-strong team is led by Peter Rogers, head of marine, and David Dymond, head of underwriting. They will report to Gary Corke, CEO, Globe …

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A.M. Best Places Ratings of Sompo Japan Canopius Re Under Review

A.M. Best has placed under review with developing implications the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a+” of Zurich-based Sompo Japan Canopius Reinsurance AG. The credit rating action follows the successful completion the …

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Insured Losses for Europe’s Windstorm Thomas Rise to $279.2M: PERILS

The latest property insured loss estimate for Windstorm Thomas, which on Feb. 23-24 hit the British Isles, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, is €249 million (US$279.2 million), according to PERILS, the independent Zurich-based organization that provides industry-wide catastrophe insurance data. …

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Pennsylvania’s Lacher & Associates Acquires Brunner Insurance

Lacher & Associates of Souderton, Penn., has acquired Brunner Insurance of Richlandtown, Penn. Founded by Gus Brunner in 1960, Brunner Insurance specializes in providing for the insurance needs of families and businesses. In 1995, Brunner transitioned the agency to Don …

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Maine’s Clark Insurance Appoints Ellis and Fifield as Senior Account Executives

Clark Insurance, a Portland, Maine-based independent insurance agency, has appointed Joshua Ellis and Joshua Fifield as senior account executives in the business insurance department of Clark Insurance. Ellis joined Clark in 2009 after serving as a claim adjuster for workers’ …

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Uber Drivers Arrested in Hong Kong for Driving Without Insurance

Hong Kong police on Tuesday arrested 21 Uber drivers for illegal car-hiring as part of a clamp down against Uber Technologies Inc.’s operations in the Asian financial city. The arrests marked the latest upset for the San Francisco-based technology company, …

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JLT Specialty USA Appoints Levitt as Executive Vice President in New York

JLT Specialty USA, a U.S. subsidiary of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc. (JLT), has appointed Gabe Levitt as executive vice president. Based in New York, Levitt will join JLT’s New York office and focus on servicing private equity firms, real …

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China Firms View Political Risks as Top Concern for Belt & Road Project

As the global limelight fades from President Xi Jinping’s “Belt and Road” summit, the main actors — Chinese state-owned companies — are warning about the political risks they face along the route. Earlier this month Xi outlined plans to direct …

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Britain Reels from Suicide Attack; Children Among 22 Dead

Britain is reeling from last night’s terror attack that killed 22 people at a concert by U.S. pop star Ariana Grande in the northern city of Manchester. It bore all the hallmarks of a suicide bombing and children are among …

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Tennessee Insurance Producer Fined $400K for Misappropriation of Client Premiums

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) has taken disciplinary action against Carey R. Carroll, Jr., a Knoxville-based former Tennessee insurance producer who was found to have violated multiple provisions of Tennessee law resulting in a $400,000 penalty and …

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Today’s Climate of Crime, Safety and Security at Schools, Colleges

One in every 5 middle and high school students has complained of being bullied at school and the number of reports of sexual assault on college campuses has more than tripled over the past decade, according to a federal study. …

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Cyber Insurance Sales Continue to Grow, Prices Stabilize, Brokers Report

Businesses are buying more cyber insurance and prices for the coverage are stabilizing, according to the latest survey by The Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers. According to the survey of about 100 commercial lines brokers, about 32 percent of …

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Patients on Opioids Before Knee Surgery Have Worse Pain Outcomes

Six months after knee replacement surgery, pain outcomes were not as good for patients who previously took prescription opioids, according to a study in the May 17 issue of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. “Our results should be viewed as a …

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WannaCry Attack Could Be Opportunity for Cautious Insurance Industry: A.M. Best

According to a rating agency A.M. Best, the the recent WannaCry ransomware attack could be a benefit to the insurance industry if it leads to better-crafted policies with clear language that provide the desired protection for policyholders. A.M. Best said …

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California Commissioner Lowers Workers’ Comp Pure Premium

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones issued a revised advisory pure premium rate, lowering the benchmark to $2.02 per $100 of payroll for workers’ compensation insurance effective July 1. This is 16.5 percent less than the average pure premium rate of …

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California’s Comp Insurers Had 5.1% More in Direct Written Premium in 2016

California workers’ compensation insurers wrote $12.96 billion in direct written premium last year, an increase of $628 million, or 5.1 percent, from the prior year, according to new data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners released by the California …

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Louisiana Getting Another $51M in Federal Flood Aid

Louisiana’s getting another $51 million in federal dollars to help with recovery from last year’s floods. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy announced the latest figure Thursday. He says the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released information about how it …

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Ohio Bill Would Block Workers’ Comp from Workers Here Illegally

The Ohio House has approved a workers’ compensation budget that blocks workers living in the country illegally who get hurt on the job from accessing compensation benefits. The Columbus Dispatch reports the bill was approved after a strong debate. Democratic …

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Ohio Steel Plant Faces $280K Fine for Safety Violations

A federal safety group says it has proposed a $280,000 fine against an Ohio steel plant for violations over lead exposure and hazards caused by unsafe machinery. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced the proposed fine Friday against Republic …

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Cyberattack Cost Michigan Utility $2M, 14 Employees

A utility company in Lansing is still transitioning back to stability after a cyberattack temporarily disabled the company’s internal network and required it to pay a $25,000 ransom. Dick Peffley, general manager for the Board of Water & Light, confirmed …

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Texas Senate Passes Texting While Driving Ban

The Texas Senate on May 19 passed a measure banning texting while driving statewide. HB 62 by Midland Rep. Tom Craddick previously was approved by the House. While more than 100 cities in the state have texting and driving bans …

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Insurance to Pay for up to $57M in Damage to Washington Waste Treatment Plant

An analysis says equipment failures caused between $49 million and $57 million of damage at the Washington’s largest sewage treatment plant. KING-TV reported  the analysis was released related to damage at the West Point Wastewater Treatment Plant in Seattle. The …

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$173K Settlement Revealed in Utah State Student ‘Slack Line’ Death

Utah State University has agreed to pay $172,500 to the parents of a student killed four years ago when he hit a slack line rope tied between two trees while he was biking on campus, according to documents released by …

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Tourist Suing Planet Hollywood in Vegas for Mannequin Scare Injury

A tourist is suing a Las Vegas Strip hotel, claiming a life-sized mannequin in his darkened room caused him to flee and suffer injuries. Kent Jacobs Boutwell, of Southern California, filed the lawsuit against the Planet Hollywood casino-hotel in Clark …

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Uber May Fire Key Executive in California in Self-Driving Car Dispute

Uber is threatening to fire a key executive accused of stealing self-driving car technology from a Google spin-off unless he waives his constitutional right against self-incrimination so the ridesharing service can comply with a court order. The development raises the …

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In Defeat for Patent Trolls, Supreme Court Limits Venue for Lawsuits

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday tightened rules for where patent lawsuits can be filed in a decision that may make it harder for so-called patent “trolls” to launch sometimes dodgy patent cases in friendly courts, a major irritant for …

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Connecticut Lawmakers Urged to Help Crumbling Foundation Homeowners

Regional officials are reminding state lawmakers it’s urgent this session to provide assistance to eastern and central Connecticut homeowners with crumbling foundations. Both the executive director of the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) and chairman of a CRCOG committee …

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Kaloudis Joins JLT Specialty USA Team for Restructuring Clients

JLT Specialty USA announced the appointment of attorney Denise Kaloudis as senior vice president. Based in New York, Kaloudis will work with JLT’s Special Situations Group (SSG) to assist the restructuring community in solving complex insurance issues. JLT’s SSG is …

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Weather Co. Updates Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast

In its second seasonal tropical forecast for the North Atlantic basin for the 2017 season, IBM’s The Weather Co. said it now expects a total of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes, a slight increase in activity …

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Petplan Australasia Announces Affiliation with MS Amlin

Petplan Australasia announced that MS Amlin Syndicate 2001 of Lloyd’s will become the new underwriter of its pet insurance plans in Australia – a move that is designed to enhance policyholder benefits with broader coverage and more plan choices. Petplan …

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New Hampshire Governor Requests Disaster Assistance for March Storm

New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu has requested that President Donald Trump issue a major disaster declaration and provide federal emergency assistance for the blizzard and severe winter storm that happened in mid-March. Sununu said that eight of the state’s …

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Private Equity Firm Carlyle Sues Insurers Over Oil Losses

Julia Payne U.S. private equity firm Carlyle Group is suing a group of its insurers over $400 million worth of oil it claims it lost when Morocco’s sole refinery went bankrupt two years ago, court documents show. Carlyle claims in …

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Underwriting Agency, CFC, Partners with Kidnap Response Expert EOS Risk

Lloyd’s managing general agency CFC announced it has formed a partnership with risk management and security consultant, EOS Risk. EOS Risk joins red24 and S-RM on CFC’s panel of security companies that specialize in global kidnap and extortion incidents. “Highly …

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New Jersey’s NJM Promotes Livingston, Elects New Board Chairman

NJM Insurance Group, a West Trenton, N.J.-based property and casualty insurer, has promoted Mitchell A. Livingston, Esq., to chief operating officer (COO), making him the first in the company’s 104-year history to hold the position. Livingston will also assume the …

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New York Construction Company Owner Indicted for Manslaughter

The owner of a Bedford-Stuyvesant construction company and his businesses have been indicted on manslaughter and other charges after a wall collapsed at an excavation site, killing one construction worker and injuring two others. “Construction site deaths such as his …

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Pennsylvania’s IA&B Announces New CEO Following Russell’s Retirement

Insurance Agents & Brokers (IA&B), a Mechanicsburg, Penn.-based professional trade association, will have a new president and CEO at the helm beginning in January 2018. Deputy CEO and Counsel Jason Ernest will take the reins from Rick Russell, who will …

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UK Firms Choosing Luxembourg for Brexit HQs May See Lifestyle Differences

Little Luxembourg is luring firms on the lookout for a post-Brexit foothold in the European Union, from JPMorgan Chase & Co. to insurance giant American International Group Inc. While many find the Grand Duchy a multilingual paradise, would-be expats are being warned …

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Crewless Ships – Safer, Faster, Cleaner, Cheaper Future of Shipping: Opinion

It sounds like a ghost story: A huge cargo vessel sails up and down the Norwegian coast, silently going about its business, without a captain or crew in sight. But if all goes as planned, it’s actually the future of …

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Amazon’s Delivery Drone Project Focuses on Birds (and How to Avoid Them)

Amazon.com Inc.’s development of package-delivery drones is progressing to the point where the company is now thinking a lot about geese. The e-commerce company said Thursday it has started development of an air-traffic control system to manage its fleet as …

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China Eyeing Cyber Rule Delay After Outcry from Foreign Firms: Sources

China may delay full implementation of controversial new cyber security rules, giving companies more time to prepare, two people who attended a meeting on Friday between the country’s internet regulator, businesses and diplomats told Reuters. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) called …

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RSG Underwriting Managers Forms Marine Consultancy, Claims Firm

RSG Underwriting Managers (RSGUM) has formed Smooth Waters, LLC, an independent marine insurance consultancy and claims adjusting company and part of RSGUM’s growing marine practice. Smooth Waters, LLC, serves as a consulting and claims adjusting company for the energy and …

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States Getting More Active on Autonomous Vehicle Rules, Says PCI Director

Thinking about the rules of the road for a time when autonomous vehicles dominate the landscape is probably like envisioning a horseless carriage on the plains of the Old West. But that won’t stop Bob Passmore, senior director of personal …

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U.S. Court Voids Recreational Drone User Registry

The government’s authority to oversee burgeoning recreational drone use was dealt a setback when a federal appeals court barred the Federal Aviation Administration from forcing hobbyists to register the millions of unmanned aircraft taking flight. While Friday’s decision by the …

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Insurers Sound Alarm Over Liability Law Restatement Up for a Vote This Week

Liability insurers, their lawyers and their regulators are holding their collective breath that a scheduled vote this week on a proposed restatement of law regarding liability insurance will not happen. If approved, the controversial restatement would give policyholders more clout …

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Florida Motorcyclist Injured After Collision With 10-Foot Gator

A man riding a motorcycle hit an alligator that was crossing a rural Florida road, throwing him from his bike. The Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release that 27-year-old Calun Nelson was riding his motorcycle south of Tampa …

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South Carolina to Enact Moped Safety Law

Gov. Henry McMaster signed a moped safety law Friday that allows intoxicated drivers to be prosecuted for drunken driving and requires teens to wear a helmet. McMaster’s signature capped a seven-year effort to close the so-called liquor-cycle loophole, though it …

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Family of N.C. High School Football Player Who Died After Head Injury Sues

The family of a North Carolina high school football player who died after sustaining a head injury during practice is suing the Wake County school system and members of the athletic staff. The News & Observer reports 17-year-old Isaiah Langston …

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Florida Hurricane Cat Fund Ready for Storm Season

The Florida fund that helps private insurers pay out claims after a hurricane continues to be in strong shape ahead of storm season. Estimates prepared by Raymond James show the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund will have $17.6 billion available this …

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Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Wants to Abolish Labor Review Board

Wisconsin’s 106-year-old labor commission would vanish and Gov. Scott Walker’s administration would decide workplace disputes, including workers’ compensation disputes, in its place under a budget proposal up being considered by the the Legislature’s finance committee. Walker’s plan to eliminate the …

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Family of Florida Man Fatally Shot by Deputy Settles Suit for $2.5M

The parents of an unarmed man fatally shot by a Florida sheriff’s sergeant at the family’s nursery announced Monday that they have agreed to a $2.5 million settlement and called for the reopening of a criminal investigation into their son’s …

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Michigan High Court Rejects Appeal Over Auto Insurance Fund Records

There will be no sunlight on the records of an auto insurance fund that touches every Michigan driver. The Michigan Supreme Court has turned down an appeal from a coalition of health care, labor and consumer groups. The groups want …

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Feds Grant Additional $3.2M to West Virginia for Flood Recovery

West Virginia will receive an additional $3.2 million from the federal government for disaster recovery efforts for last year’s major floods. U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin announced the community development block grant funding Monday. A statement released …

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MEMIC Names Bourque as President, CEO Following Leonard’s Retirement

The MEMIC Group, a Portland, Maine-based workers’ compensation specialist, has named company veteran Michael P. Bourque as its president and CEO to replace John T. Leonard, who is retiring later this year. Bourque, who has worked for the company for …

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K&R Insurance Is Being Tapped to Cover Ransomware Attacks

Companies without cyber insurance are dusting off policies covering kidnap, ransom and extortion in the world’s political hotspots to recoup losses caused by ransomware viruses such as “WannaCry,” insurers say. Cyber insurance can be expensive to buy and is not widely used …

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Feds Warn Arizona Commission that Lowering Workplace Injury Fines is Risky

Federal officials warned a commission overseeing Arizona’s workplace safety agency that its practice of lowering fines on companies for worker injuries and deaths violates the state’s laws and could jeopardize its ability to run its own safety program. The letter …

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Utility Sued by Relatives of Oakland Warehouse Fire Victims

Relatives of 18 of the 36 people who died in the Oakland, Calif. “Ghost Ship” warehouse fire added Pacific Gas & Electric utility as a defendant in their wrongful death lawsuits. They claimed the company should have known the warehouse’s …

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Ageas Uses Artificial Intelligence in UK Motor Claims Handling

Ageas is set to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help manage its UK motor claims in partnership with AI specialist, Tractable. In what it describes as a first for the UK market, Ageas said the technology is now being …

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Autonomous Vehicles Will Grow Auto Insurance Business Before Shrinking It

Insurance coverage for autonomous vehicles will bring $81 billion in new premiums to the insurance industry over the next eight years, according to a report from Accenture and Stevens Institute of Technology. These revenues will be derived from three new …

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Democratic Attorneys General Move to Defend Obamacare Insurer Subsidies

More than a dozen Democratic attorneys general on Thursday sought to intervene to defend a key part of the Obamacare healthcare law — subsidy payments to insurance companies — which is under threat in a court case. The 16 attorneys …

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Toyota, BMW, Mazda, Subaru Settle Takata Airbag Economic Loss Claims

Four automakers agreed to a $553 million settlement to address class-action economic loss claims covering owners of nearly 16 million recalled vehicles with potentially defective Takata airbag inflators, court documents filed on Thursday showed. Toyota Motor Corp.’s share of the …

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Novae Expands Cyber Team with Appointment of Quick from IBM

Novae Group plc, the specialist listed Lloyd’s insurer, announced that Stuart Quick has joined its cyber team as breach response and cyber operations manager, reporting to Dan Trueman, head of cyber and chief innovation officer. Quick was previously a managing …

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$63M Beach Restoration and Dune Project Begins in Atlantic City

Officials have started a restoration project on some of New Jersey’s popular beaches. The Press of Atlantic City reports that work on beaches in Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate and Longport started Thursday. Officials say the monthlong Absecon Island Project consists …

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Lightning Wrecks Vermont Water Station, Causes Thousands in Damages

A Vermont water pump station struck by lightning earlier this month faces up to $15,000 in repair costs. Arlington Select Board Chairman Keith Squires says the lightning fried and destroyed everything in the pump house, though electricians were able to …

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Volvo Tests Autonomous Garbage Truck for Use in Cities

Volvo Group is working with Swedish waste and recycling specialist Renova to develop an autonomous garbage collection truck for use in urban areas. The project explores how automation can contribute “to enhanced traffic safety, improved working conditions and lower environmental …

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New York Eyes ‘Textalyzer’ to Combat Distracted Driving

Ben Lieberman just wanted to find out what may have caused the head-on collision that killed his 19-year-old son, Evan, on a highway north of New York City. It took a lawsuit and six months in court to get the …

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Hub Northeast Hires Willis Towers Watson’s Collins in New York

Hub International Northeast (Hub Northeast), a subsidiary of Hub International Limited (Hub),  has hired Paul Collins as president and CEO. Based in Manhattan, Collins will be responsible for overseeing all retail and wholesale operations for the Northeast region of Hub, …

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Re/Insurers, Other Global Businesses Have Stake in New WHO Leader

The World Health Organization’s 194 member-states will vote for a new director-general next week, choosing a doctor to lead the planet’s top technical agency on all matters health. With a $4 billion annual budget, WHO’s influence extends to virtually all …

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Texas Christian Camp to Settle Federal Discrimination Suit for $70K

Carolina Creek Christian Camp Inc., a Huntsville, Texas-area business offering summer camping and retreats, will pay $70,000 and furnish other relief to settle a pregnancy and disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency …

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Minnesota Independent Agents Honor SFM’s Happe with Company Rep Award

The Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers (MIIAB) recently honored SFM Risk Solutions Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Mike Happe with the group’s “Company Representative of the Year” award. This award is presented annually by the association upon …

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Ex-Vanderbilt Student Sues University for $10M Over Assault Allegations

A former student has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Vanderbilt University, claiming he was wrongfully accused of sexual assault. The Tennessean reports the lawsuit was filed May 5. It claims the student, identified only as “Z.J.,” was expelled three …

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14 Arrested in Miami Assisted Living Facility Insurance Fraud Scheme

A year-long investigation led by insurance fraud investigators with the Florida Department of Financial Services has ended with 14 arrests of assisted living facility owners in the Miami area, according to a statement by Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. According …

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Residents Assess Damage After Night of Tornadoes in Central U.S.

Residents of an Oklahoma subdivision and a Wisconsin trailer park that were leveled by deadly tornadoes sifted through what remained of their homes and possessions Wednesday, even as forecasters warned of another round of powerful storms on the horizon. The …

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Agricultural Flood Damage in Arkansas Estimated at $175M

Officials say the estimated impact of agricultural flood damage in Arkansas due to recent severe weather is about $175 million. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture says the April flooding affected more than 970,000 acres of farmland. University …

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California Small Business Advocate Produces 2nd List of ‘Good, Bad & Ugly Bills’

With a California Legislative deadline looming, a business advocate is calling attention to bills that he believes owners and managers of small businesses should take note of in his second annual list of “Good, Bad & Ugly Bills.” Any bill that doesn’t …

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Workplace Regulation to Reduce Incidents at California Oil Refineries OK’d

California’s Department of Industrial Relations’ Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board today approved a regulation aimed at strengthening workplace safety and health at oil refineries across the state. The new regulation is designed to provide a framework for anticipating, preventing …

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Judge Dismisses Lawsuits Claiming Facebook Liable for Supporting Hamas Terrorists

A federal judge on Thursday dismissed two lawsuits seeking to hold Facebook Inc. liable for supporting terrorist groups by letting them use its social media platform to further their goals, including violence against Jews. U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis in …

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New Lawsuit Alleges Baylor Football Players Recorded Rapes

A new federal lawsuit against Baylor University alleges football players routinely recorded gang rapes and staged dog fights during hazing parties in a program that fostered sexual violence. A former Baylor volleyball player, identified as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, …

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Michigan Orders Man to Stop Selling Insurance Without a License

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) has issued a Cease and Desist Order against Adam Michalik, also known as Adam Heaphy, of Harrison Township, Michigan. DIFS says Michalik has been using the agency name “Premier Insurance Agency” to sell fraudulent …

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CompSource Named Company of the Year by Oklahoma Independent Insurance Agents

Independent insurance agents in Oklahoma have honored CompSource Mutual Insurance Co. with their company of the year award. The Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma presented Compsource with the 2017 Company of the Year award at IIAOK’s recently held 110th Annual …

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Bill Setting Statewide Rules for Ridesharing Companies Passes Texas Senate

A bill that would preempt local regulations for ridesharing companies in Texas and replace them statewide standards has passed the Texas Senate. It now heads to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature. HB 100, sponsored by Georgetown Sen. Charles …

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Political Commentators File Suit over Ohio’s Online Harassment Ban

A group of liberal and conservative online political commentators in Ohio has filed a constitutional challenge to the state’s recently enacted law against internet harassment. A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Cleveland alleges a prohibition against …

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Tornadoes Leave at Least 2 Dead as Storms Pummel Central U.S.

Storms whipped through a wide swath of the nation’s midsection, giving rise to tornadoes that flattened a Wisconsin mobile home park and an Oklahoma subdivision and killing at least two people and injuring dozens of others. The storms hit Wisconsin …

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Messenger Moves to JLT Re as Executive Vice President

JLT Re (North America) Inc. has appointed Greg Messenger as executive vice president in Chicago where he will focus on the development of JLT Re’s regional, mutual, and national global practices.   He joins JLT Re with more than 35 years …

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Bipartisan Senators Look to Address Banking Risk for Marijuana Industry

Republican and Democratic senators on Wednesday renewed their drive to make banking easier for marijuana-based businesses in those U.S. states where the drug is legal, undeterred by signals from the Trump administration about maintaining tough marijuana restrictions nationally. The eight …

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Injured Worker Attorney Involvement Varies Widely by State

There is a wide variation in the percentage of claims with worker attorneys involvement across state workers’ compensation systems, according to the latest research from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). According to the study of 18 states, the percentage …

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Washington Governor Signs Law Banning Holding Cellphone While Driving

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has signed a measure that bans holding hand-held devices while driving. The measure, signed by Inslee in Tacoma Tuesday, prohibits holding an electronic device, including phones, tablets and other electronic devices, while driving, including while in …

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2 Minor Quakes Shake California Coastal Area

A pair of small earthquakes gave a jolt and a shake to the Santa Barbara, Calif. area, but there were no reports of any damages or injuries, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed. The USGS says in a preliminary report that …

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California Division of Workers’ Compensation Suspends Two, Including Drobot

California’s Department of Industrial Relations and the Division of Workers’ Compensation has suspended two more medical providers from participating in California’s workers’ compensation system. The suspensions were made possible by the passage last year of Assembly Bill 1244, which requires …

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XL Catlin Names AIG’s Estrada, Zurich’s Hughes to Canada Environment Team

XL Catlin has added two new members to its Canadian environmental insurance team: Marc Estrada as environmental team lead and Brian Hughes as assistant vice president, environmental underwriting. Estrada and Hughes are based in Toronto and report to Joseph Madigan, environmental regional manager for Canada. Estrada joins …

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New York County Sues Purdue, J&J Over Opioid Marketing

A county in New York state has sued Purdue Pharma LP, Johnson & Johnson and other drugmakers, accusing them of engaging in fraudulent marketing that played down the risks of prescription opioid painkillers, leading to a drug epidemic. The lawsuit, …

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Canada’s Rogers Insurance Partners with Megson FitzPatrick

Rogers Insurance Ltd. announced it has partnered with Victoria, British Columbia-based Megson FitzPatrick Inc., beginning with the purchase of a minority stake in Megson FitzPatrick. The financial details of the purchase were not disclosed. “This partnership strengthens both organizations tremendously. Our …

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Indy 500 Drivers Race Past Talk of Insurance, Says Agent

At least half of the Indianapolis 500 field will share more than steely nerves and a love of speed. They have the same agent for insurance, including some policies they’d rather not contemplate. Life insurance. “To a T, they all …

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Alabama Workers’ Compensation Act to Remain in Place, For Now

An Alabama judge who just last week declared the state’s workers’ compensation act unconstitutional has issued an indefinite stay to his decision, leaving the current system in place until the stay is rescinded or lawmakers enact reforms. The move came …

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PERILS Releases European Windstorm Catalogue (1979-2015)

PERILS, the independent Zurich-based organization that provides industry-wide catastrophe insurance data, has released a storm catalogue containing the gust footprints of more than 200 of the largest European windstorms from the period 1979 to 2015. The windstorm catalogue was produced …

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Zurich Insurance Deploys Robots for Personal Injury Claims Handling

Zurich Insurance is deploying artificial intelligence in deciding personal injury claims after trials cut the processing time from an hour to just seconds, its chairman said. “We recently introduced AI claims handling … and saved 40,000 work hours, while speeding up the …

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European Cyber Police Hunt for Culprits of Global Ransomware Attack

Days after the global cyber attack, U.K. police are trying to figure out whether it was an established network of criminals, state-backed hackers or bored teenagers that crippled the country’s health service. The malware campaign affected more than 200,000 computers …

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Markel to Set Up Munich-Based Subsidiary in Preparation for Brexit

Markel Corp. announced it plans to apply for regulatory approval to establish an insurance company in Germany to ensure that whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations it will be able to meet the insurance needs of clients in the …

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Global Insurers Face Compliance Challenges with New Accounting Rules

Insurers in over 100 countries face a “once in a lifetime” accounting change from January 2021 with the introduction of a uniform international book-keeping standard, details of which will be published on Thursday. Twenty years in the works, the new …

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Number of Florida Wildfires Tops 2,100 So Far This Year

State officials say 170,000 acres in Florida have burned from wildfires since the start of the year. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said that more than 127 active fires were burning in Florida as of Monday. Since the start of …

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Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season Starts Off Slowly

The eastern Pacific hurricane season is starting off with a whimper. While one short-lived tropical storm developed off Mexico’s Pacific coast last week, the earliest on record, computer models show another one isn’t likely soon, said Jeff Masters, co-founder of …

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Republican Governors Have Own Ideas for Healthcare Reforms

A group of about a dozen Republican governors is pushing for its own set of national healthcare reforms, flexing its considerable muscle in the national debate over the future of Obamacare as the U.S. Senate begins writing its bill. Led …

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New York Woman Whose Car Damaged by Target Red Ball Files $100K Suit

A New York woman has sued the Target corporation after one of its two-ton red balls rolled into her driver’s side door. Eileen Grady claims in her lawsuit that the company “knew or should have known” the concrete balls would …

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U.S. Drought Monitor Says New England Drought is Over

New England is drought free. That’s according to the latest weekly report issued by the U.S. Drought Monitor. While conditions in about a quarter of the state of Connecticut remain “abnormally dry,” no portion of the six-state region is considered …

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New York Looks to Limit Auto Insurance Rating Factors

New York state is moving to restrict the ability of auto insurers to use a customer’s job or education to set premiums. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the proposed regulation Tuesday. The Democrat says it’s necessary to stop an unfair and …

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FCCI Appoints New Leadership in Gulf Coast Region

FCCI Insurance Group (FCCI), a provider of commercial property and casualty insurance, has promoted Tiffany Hawkins to regional vice president, and Trey Stone to assistant vice president in the Gulf Coast Regional office located in Ridgeland, Miss. In her new …

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Ex-Coal CEO Blankenship Urges Trump to Probe 2010 Mine Blast in West Virginia

A former coal executive who last week finished a yearlong prison sentence for conspiring to violate safety standards at a mine where a deadly blast occurred, has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to “get to the truth” about the incident. Donald Blankenship, …

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Texas ‘Hailstorm’ Litigation Bill Headed to Governor’s Desk

Legislation backed by the insurance industry and Texas some business groups that curtails the ability of policyholders to sue insurance companies over property claims following extreme weather events has passed the state Senate and is headed for the governor’s desk. …

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COO Manzitto to Resign from Topa in California

Anthony Manzitto, chief operating officer of Calabasas, Calif.-based Topa Insurance Group, is resigning at the end of this month to pursue another opportunity, according to a letter from President and CEO John Donahue that is being sent to employees on …

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Report: New Medical Coding System Not Yet An Improvement in California Comp

A new report shows that an updated medical coding system that went into effect in California a year-and-a-half ago hasn’t done much to better define the characteristics of worker injuries than the old one. A report by the California Workers’ …

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What Is Personal Injury Protection Insurance and What Does It Cover?

Think of personal injury Protection (PIP) as sort of a “get home free” extension of auto insurance. It is no-fault coverage that pays out no matter who is at fault in a car accident. PIP goes above and beyond standard auto insurance to...

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Oklahoma Seeks Federal Disaster Aid After April Severe Weather

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin announced the state of Oklahoma has requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government for 18 counties impacted by severe weather that occurred April 28 – May 2. If approved, the designation would deliver federal …

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Oklahoma Court Affirms Employer’s Right to Choose Provider in Workers’ Comp Case

An Oklahoma civil appeals court ruled in favor of an employer and its insurer in affirming an order by the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission, asserting an employer’s right to direct the medical treatment of an injured worker where it lacks knowledge of …

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North Carolina Accuses 4 of Deliberately Damaging Roofs During Inspections

North Carolina has arrested four men on allegations of attempting to defraud an insurer by damaging roofs during inspections, according a statement from the North Carolina Department of Insurance. North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced the arrest of Phillip …

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Arthur J. Gallagher Acquires Nebraska’s Strong Financial Resources

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired Strong Financial Resources Inc., with offices in Aurora and Lincoln, Nebraska. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1996 by Calvin Strong, Aurora-headquartered Strong Financial offers a broad variety of group …

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J.M. Wilson Promotes Russon, Hires Lankerd in Michigan

Managing general agency and surplus lines broker J.M. Wilson has promoted Chris Russon and added Travis Lankerd in its Portage, Mich., office. Russon was promoted to property/casualty underwriter. She is responsible for quoting new and renewal accounts for a wide …

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More than 100 Fatalities on Minnesota Highways This Year

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says more than 100 people have died on state roadways this year. The department’s Office of Traffic Safety says the grim milestone was reached this past weekend, but occurred later than last year when …

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Texas Wholesale Insurance Broker LevelFirst Promotes Innocent to VP

LevelFirst, the Dallas-based wholesale broker and MGA binding facility owned by IIAT Services Co., has promoted Kate Innocent to vice president. The promotion coincides with Innocent receiving a life/health insurance license. Innocent joined LevelFirst in 2014 as associate underwriter and …

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AP to Defend Against Libel Claim by Russian Billionaire Over Trump Ties Story

A Russian billionaire with ties to Vladimir Putin sued The Associated Press on Monday for defamation over a story about his connections to a former Trump campaign chairman. Aluminum magnate Oleg Deripaska claimed in the federal defamation and libel lawsuit …

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Oregon Radish Farmers Sue Bank For $6.7M

A group of Oregon farmers has filed a $6.7 million lawsuit against a bank for allegedly interfering with sales of radish seed and thus causing its value to decrease. The Capital Press reported the Radish Seed Growers’ Association suit filed …

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1st Suit Filed Against Petroleum Corp. Following Colorado House Explosion

Neighbors have filed the first lawsuit stemming from a fatal house explosion in northern Colorado that’s blamed on unrefined natural gas flowing from a severed pipeline. The Longmont Times-Call reported Swiin Jeffrey and Karla Baum filed a negligence lawsuit against …

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Families of Oakland Warehouse Fire Victims Sue

Attorneys representing the families of people who died in an Oakland, Calif. warehouse fire that broke out during an unlicensed concert plan to file a lawsuit against the building’s owner and manager. Lawyer Mary Alexander says she is filing the …

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Hackers Access Email Database of E-Signature Service Used by Insurance Industry

Electronic signature service DocuSign said on Tuesday hackers had temporarily gained access to a database containing customer emails, which the company linked to a surge in phishing emails sent to its users. The company said the emails imitated the DocuSign …

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Sompo Develops Nat Cat Model for NW Australia Offshore Oil & Gas Installations

Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc. (SJNKI) and Sompo Canopius AG are launching a natural catastrophe risk model for north-west Australia offshore oil and gas installations. The model development was carried out by Sompo Risk Management & Health Care Inc., which …

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Drug Use at Work at Highest Rate in 12 Years: Quest

Drug use in the American workforce, fueled by illicit drugs including cocaine, reached the highest positivity rate in 12 years last year, according to an analysis of more than 10 million workforce drug test results. Overall positivity in drug testing …

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JLT Re Appoints Lockton’s Barden and Warner to Aviation Team

JLT Re, the London-based reinsurance broker and consultant, has appointed Graham Barden and Jon Warner as partners in its aviation team. Barden has over 40 years of experience in the aviation market having worked in both reinsurance and insurance. He …

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Fitch Urges Insurer Caution as Cyber Insurance Demand Likely to Grow

The recent ransomware attacks in over 150 countries are likely to increase demand for related insurance protection as they reveal the widening scope of corporations’ cyber risk exposures. But Fitch Ratings says insurers should take a cautious approach to adding cyber …

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AXA Launches Unit Focusing on Innovation, New Business Models with Phillips as CEO

AXA has appointed Joyce Phillips as chief executive officer of a new business unit dedicated to customer innovation and new business models. Phillips becomes a member of the management committee of AXA Group and reports directly to Thomas Buberl, CEO …

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FM Global Appoints 3 Senior Leaders to New Positions

Commercial and industrial property insurer FM Global has moved three of its seasoned leaders to new roles. Michael C. Lebovitz, senior vice president at middle market property insurer AFM, a member of the FM Global Group, has been named FM Global’s …

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BMW, Intel & Parts Maker Delphi to Develop Self-Driving Platform

German automaker BMW AG, U.S. chipmaker Intel Corp. and parts maker Delphi Automotive PLC on Tuesday said they would collaborate on development of a highly-automated self-driving platform for BMW, with Delphi handling integration of components and software. BMW said the …

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WannaCry Ransomware Hackers Threaten to Release More Malicious Code

Governments turned their attention to a possible new wave of cyber threats on Tuesday after the group that leaked U.S. hacking tools used to launch the global WannaCry “ransomware” attack warned it would release more malicious code. The fast-spreading cyber extortion campaign, which has …

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AIG’s High Cost of Hiring Duperreault

American International Group’s decision to recruit Hamilton Insurance Group CEO Brian Duperreault as its next leader won’t come cheap. To begin with, AIG will pay Hamilton $20 million to release Duperreault from contract restrictions that would prevent or restrict him from working …

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Alternative Service Concepts Promotes Patterson to Claims Manager

Alternative Service Concepts (ASC), a national third party claims administrator (TPA), has promoted Tracy Patterson to claims manager. Patterson will be responsible for managing a staff of ten dedicated to serving a large municipality client.  She will report to Assistant …

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Georgia Supreme Court Upholds Ridesharing Law

Georgia’s highest court has handed a victory to ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday affirmed a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Atlanta taxi drivers and upheld a state law regulating and …

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U.S. Supreme Court Sides With Kentucky Nursing Home in Arbitration Case

The United States Supreme Court says a Kentucky nursing home can require the families of two former residents to pursue claims against the home outside of court. The justice ruled 7-1 on Monday that the home could enforce contracts signed …

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City of Philadelphia Sues Wells Fargo, Alleges Predatory Lending

The City of Philadelphia sued Wells Fargo & Co. on Monday, accusing the largest U.S. mortgage lender of predatory lending, which violates the federal Fair Housing Act. The lawsuit came two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court, in a case also involving …

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100 Residents Evacuated, 1 Killed in Pittsburgh High-Rise Apartment Fire

A high-rise apartment fire early Monday took the life of a woman and left dozens looking for temporary shelter, authorities said. Investigators were investigating the cause of the blaze that forced more than 100 residents to be evacuated from Midtown …

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The Hartford Launches Risk Management Platform For Large, Midsize Businesses

The Hartford has released a new risk management information system (RMIS) to address the evolving data needs of its largest commercial customers who are most at risk for loss. The new system – TREO | Track Risk. Explore Opportunities. – …

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Owners of New Jersey Diner Who Burned it Down for Insurance Avoid Prison

The owners of a New Jersey diner who burned it down to collect insurance money have been spared prison terms. Forty-nine-year-old Tina Diakos and 40-year-old Ozkan Cengiz were both sentenced to five years of probation on Friday. They had each …

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Bus Carrying 26 Pennsylvania Students on Field Trip to D.C. Overturns on I-95

A bus carrying dozens of Pennsylvania eighth-graders to Washington, D.C., for a field trip overturned on Interstate 95 in northeastern Maryland on Monday, state police said. Officials said one child and one teacher were seriously injured. The bus carrying 26 …

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AmWins and Networked Deal Plays to Both Firm’s Strengths, Execs Say

The acquisition by AmWINS Group Inc. late last month of Networked Insurance Agents will achieve a number of objectives for both the Charlotte, N.C.-based distributor of specialty insurance products and the California-based aggregator. Namely, the deal plays to each firm’s …

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Schnoll Named General Counsel of California Department of Insurance

Ken Schnoll has been named general counsel for the California Department of Insurance. Schnoll has more than 30 years of experience, including work in regulatory and transactional matters with health insurers and property/casualty insurers. Schnoll was a partner at Dentons …

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Texas Senate Committee Again Looks at Texting Ban

Another bill that would ban texting and driving has been taken up by the Senate State Affairs committee. The committee approved the Senate version, SB 31 by Laredo Senator Judith Zaffirini in March, but the measure never made it to …

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A.M. Best Places Credit Ratings of Hamilton Re & Subsidiaries Under Review

A.M. Best has placed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit of “a-” of Bermuda-based Hamilton Re Ltd., under review with developing implications. Also under review are Wilmington, Del.-based Hamilton Specialty Insurance Co. and Hamilton …

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Eastern Wisconsin Farmers Experience Significant Alfalfa Losses

Unusual seasonal weather variations have made it tough on alfalfa crops in some parts of Wisconsin. A warmer-than-usual winter and a cold wet spring have caused a significant portion of the alfalfa crop to fail in Manitowoc County. University of …

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Nebraska Renewable Energy Company Hit with More Safety Citations

A northeast Nebraska renewable energy plant has been given two more citations by safety regulators. The Sioux City (Iowa) Journal reports that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued the citations on May 12 to Big Ox Energy, citing safety …

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SIU Taps Kroman to Lead New Chicago Office

SIU, a division of Alliant Specialty Insurance Services, has opened a Chicago location and tapped Mike Kroman to head up the expansion. SUI specializes in earthquake and flood underwriting SIU, which is based in Glendale, Calif., said the new Chicago …

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Travis Named VP at Texas Wholesale Broker LevelFirst

LevelFirst, the Dallas-based wholesale broker and MGA binding facility owned by IIAT Services Co., has appointed Mary Travis as vice president. Travis is based in Houston. She will service new and existing clients in the surrounding region. Travis comes to LevelFirst with …

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USGS Reports Dozen Earthquakes in Oklahoma; 1 a 4.2 Mag

Two small earthquakes recorded in Oklahoma by the U.S. Geological Survey bring to a dozen the number of temblors recorded in the state during the weekend. A 2.9 magnitude quake was recorded at 2:24 a.m. Sunday near Red Rock in …

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Soft Reinsurance Prices to Continue Until Year-End – at Least: Fitch

The soft pricing in the global reinsurance market will continue, at least, for the rest of the year, Fitch Ratings says. Fitch expects premium rates to continue declining as a result of large amounts of under-deployed capital and sluggish demand …

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Brother of Washington Man Who Died in Hospital Fall Sues for Wrongful Death

A Washington man has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Eastern State Hospital staff after his brother died under their care. The Spokesman-Review reported that Kenneth Peters has accused doctors of not rendering medical aid when his brother Allen Peters …

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Cavignac & Associates in California Names Laforteza Account Administrator

San Diego, Calif.-based Cavignac & Associates has named Nicole Laforteza an account administrator within the agency’s employee benefits department. Laforteza’s primary responsibility is to assist the department’s account manager with daily service activities for benefit offerings. She also coordinates requests …

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Study: Comp Reform Lead to Drop in Medical Payments Per Claim in California

California’s total costs per workers’ compensation claim with more than seven days of lost time have remained stable after the passage of workers’ comp reform, while most other 17 states experienced an increase during this period, according to a study …

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New CEO Duperreault Interested in Growing AIG, Not Splitting It

American International Group’s President and CEO Brian Duperreault began his first full day in his new job repudiating the idea of splitting the insurer into pieces and simply returning money back to shareholders. “I recognize the value of the company’s …

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Top 13 Ways Salespeople Fail Their Customers

Salespeople are always alert for “buying signals,” those indications that the customer is ready to say yes. When this happens, the savvy salesperson knows it’s time to stop talking and ask for the order. But salespeople often miss the warning …

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Wal-Mart Denies Discrimination Claims by Pregnant Workers

Two former Wal-Mart Stores Inc. employees have filed a lawsuit accusing the retailer of treating thousands of pregnant workers as “second-class citizens” by rejecting their requests to limit heavy lifting, climbing on ladders and other potentially dangerous tasks. The proposed …

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