Florida Starts Issuing Medical Marijuana ID Cards

Florida health officials who oversee the medical marijuana program have started processing identification card applications for patients and caregivers. The cards, which are issued through the Office of Compassionate Use, are part of regulations passed by the Florida Legislature last …

from News – Insurance Journal

Alabama Pain Management Doctors Convicted in Pill Mill Case

Two doctors who operated a pain management clinic on the Alabama coast are facing time in federal prison after being convicted of running what authorities describe as a pill mill. Jurors in Mobile returned the verdict Feb. 23 against Drs. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Federal Appeals Won’t Hear Blankenship Appeal Over West Virginia Mine Blast

A federal appeals court has refused to rehear the case of former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship in the deadliest U.S. mine disaster in four decades. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals handed down the order Friday. In January, …

from News – Insurance Journal

State Farm Lost $7 Billion on Auto in 2016

State Farm joined the ranks of property/casualty insurers reporting challenges in their auto insurance line of business.  State Farm said it lost $7 billion on its auto insurance underwriting in 2016. The State Farm property/casualty (P/C) companies reported an overall …

from News – Insurance Journal

ProSpecialist Insurance to Offer Lawyers PL in New York Through ProAssurance

ProLawyer Insurance, dba ProSpecialist Insurance Services, has been appointed by ProAssurance/Medmarc LawyerCare as the provider of its lawyers professional liability coverage in the state of New York. The product offers admitted coverage designed for law firms with one to 25 …

from News – Insurance Journal

Zurich, Deloitte Partner on Cyber Risk Services for Clients

Zurich North America and Deloitte have collaborated to provide services aimed at educating and protecting customers from cyber related risks. Initial offerings include risk transfer options provided by Zurich and risk mitigation options provided by Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory …

from News – Insurance Journal

3 Firms Reported in Bidding for USI Insurance; Offers Top $4 Billion

Carlyle Group LP, CVC Capital Partners and KKR & Co. are among suitors that have made first-round bids for Onex Corp.’s USI Insurance Services, according to people familiar with the matter. The initial offers value the Valhalla, New York-based insurance broker …

from News – Insurance Journal

Worker’s Comp Lien Filing Rules Filed with California Secretary of State

The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board has adopted its final rules of practice and procedure implementing Senate Bill 1160, which passed last year. The Office of Administrative Law has filed the WCAB’s new rules with the Secretary of State. The new …

from News – Insurance Journal

Valley Insurance Agency Alliance Adds Missouri-Based American Insurance

American Insurance Alliance of Barnhart, Mo., recently joined Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a network of more than 100 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. American Insurance Alliance is a full-service insurance agency founded in 2016 that specializes in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Texas Bill Would End ‘Wrongful Birth’ Suits Against Doctors

Texans would no longer be allowed to sue doctors for a “wrongful birth” under a bill approved unanimously by the Senate State Affairs Committee. According to the announcement released by the Senate, wrongful birth suits are based on an accusations …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oklahoma Senate OKs Bill Changing Oversight of Online Insurance Verification

The full Senate has approved legislation to transfer oversight of Oklahoma’s Compulsory Insurance Online Verification System (OCIVS) for motor vehicle liability policies from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID). Senate Bill 115, authored by …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ratings of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance, Subsidiary Upgraded

A.M. Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B+ (Good) from B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “bbb-” from “bb+” for the members of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Group: Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. and its wholly …

from News – Insurance Journal

Willis Towers Watson Taps Qureshi to Lead Midwest Region

Willis Towers Watson has appointed Imran Qureshi to head the company’s U.S. Midwest region. In his new role, Qureshi will be responsible for managing and growing the company’s business and client relationships across the Midwest. In addition, he will join …

from News – Insurance Journal

Report: 100s of Deficient Bridges in NE Kansas, NW Missouri

Hundreds of bridges in northwest Missouri and northeastern Kansas are being called “structurally deficient.” The St. Joseph News-Press reports that the National Bridge Inventory Database defines a structurally deficient bridge as having one or more structural defects that require attention. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Q&A: MEMIC Safety Expert on Growth of Ergonomics, Workers’ Comp

Karl Siegfried, Senior Vice President of Loss Control & Safety Services at Portland, Maine-headquartered MEMIC Group recently spoke with Insurance Journal about the safety management team that is in place at MEMIC and the ways in which it seeks to benefit agents, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Drone Operator Causes 1,500 Elk to Stampede Through Wyoming Snow

Wildlife refuge officials say a man with a drone caused 1,500 elk to stampede half a mile through the snow. The stampede happened Monday at the National Elk Refuge in western Wyoming. Elk and bison often congregate at the refuge …

from News – Insurance Journal

Washington Attorney General Will Fight if Necessary to Keep State’s Legal Pot

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson says the state is ready to fight if necessary to keep its legal marijuana. Ferguson made the comments after White House spokesman Sean Spicer suggested during a press briefing that President Donald Trump’s administration might …

from News – Insurance Journal

Utah Senate, House Pass Bill to Let Workers’ Comp Fund Become A Mutual

Both the Utah Senate and House have passed a bill to repeal the statue creating the state’s Workers’ Compensation Fund. Following a court battle and several pieces of legislation, the fund has nearly separated from state control and oversight and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Nigeria Insurers Receptive to M&A as Economy Contracts

Nigeria’s insurance industry is poised to enter a period of consolidation as companies struggle to raise cash to meet new regulatory requirements amid the worst economic contraction in more than two decades. With markets largely shut for companies to raise …

from News – Insurance Journal

Skuld Names Krøger Kjær as Head of Skuld Copenhagen, Succeeding Lehmann

Skuld, the Oslo, Norway-based marine insurance provider, announced the appointment of Krester Krøger Kjær as head of Skuld Copenhagen. Krøger Kjær succeeds Helle Lehmann who, after eight years in the role, has decided to step down and pursue new opportunities. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Takata’s $1 Billion Guilty Plea, Settlement with U.S. Includes Victims’ Fund

Japan’s Takata Corp. removed a major obstacle to its potential sale or restructuring, pleading guilty on Monday in a U.S. federal court to a felony charge as part of a $1 billion settlement that included compensation funds for automakers and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Insurers Caught In Municipal Bond Slump While Awaiting Trump Tax Plan

The disruption in the municipal bond market is punishing some of the most loyal buyers of the debt. The insurance industry has seen more than $5 billion of gains erased on state and local bonds after Donald Trump’s victory in …

from News – Insurance Journal

The National Weather Service Confirms Tornado in Western Massachusetts

The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado with winds up to 110 mph touched down in western Massachusetts. Meteorologists say the EF-1 tornado touched down Saturday evening in Conway in Franklin County. The weather service says most of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Six Charged in Death of University of Connecticut Student After Party

Six University of Connecticut students were charged Friday with alcohol-related offenses connected to the death of a student who was run over by a fire department vehicle after leaving a party last fall. The students had been hosting an off-campus …

from News – Insurance Journal

New York-Headquartered Walsh Duffield Companies Relocates Rochester Operations

Walsh Duffield Companies Inc., an insurance agency headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y., has moved its Rochester, N.Y., operations to The Culver Road Amory after seeing recent growth in the Rochester market. This growth comes on the heels of the transition of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Glazer Joins AIG as Deputy Counsel, Corporate Secretary

American International Group Inc. has named Rose Marie Glazer as vice president, deputy general counsel and corporate secretary. Glazer will oversee the corporate securities, corporate secretary, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) legal teams, and will report to Peter Y. Solmssen, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Businesses Appeal U.S. Judge’s Ruling Upholding Broker Fiduciary Rule

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce appealed a Texas federal judge’s ruling upholding a Labor Department’s regulation aimed at putting retirement savers’ interest first on Friday, the latest salvo in the securities industry’s fight against the regulation. Earlier this month, Chief …

from News – Insurance Journal

Trump Seeks Help from Insurers, Governors in Overhauling Health Insurance

President Donald Trump sought on Monday to bring the nation’s largest insurance companies on board with his plans to overhaul Obamacare, saying their help was needed to deliver a smooth transition to the Republicans’ new plan. “We must work together …

from News – Insurance Journal

Verisk Analytics Buys UK-Based Emergent Network Intelligence

Verisk Analytics Inc., the Jersey City, N.J.-based data analytics provider, announced it has acquired Emergent Network Intelligence (ENI), an innovator in insurance claims efficiency and fraud detection solutions based in Newcastle upon Tyne in the U.K. With the acquisition of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Testing of EU Banks’ Cyber Defenses Needs Common EU Approach: Official

European Union countries should test bank defenses against cyber attacks using a common set of requirements, a senior EU official said on Tuesday, as the bloc plans measures to boost the retail market for financial products. Cyber attacks against banks …

from News – Insurance Journal

Laser Attacks Pose ‘Real Threat’ to Aviation Safety: British Pilots’ Association

The number of laser attacks on aircraft is still “dangerously high,” although incidents are down slightly from 2015, said the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA). BALPA was commenting on data released this week from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), …

from News – Insurance Journal

Arch Re Launches Gulf Underwriting Entity to Supplement Gulf Re’s Role

Arch Reinsurance Ltd. has created an entity to handle its underwriting in the Gulf region and eventually replace the role Gulf Re plays in its business there, a few years after it fully acquired the struggling reinsurer for this purpose. …

from News – Insurance Journal

More Than 3K Records Breached at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Vanderbilt University Medical Center officials say the hospital has had a security breach where two employees accessed medical records of more than 3,000 patients. The Tennessean reports the hospital has sent out letters to patients whose personal information was inappropriately …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida Man Steals $150K Maserati During Test Drive

A Maserati is missing after police say a man conned a salesman during a test drive. Police in Boca Raton, Fla., say 45-year-old Michael McGilvary II went to a dealership to test drive a $150,000 Maserati GranTurismo. He and a …

from News – Insurance Journal

First Florida Bill Addressing AOB Introduced for 2017 Session

Florida now has legislation backed by the top Florida insurance regulator and the industry that promises to curtail homeowners insurance abuse under the assignment of benefits (AOB) feature. Senate Bill 1038, filed Feb. 17 by State Sen. Dorothy Hukill and …

from News – Insurance Journal

AIG Directors Mull CEO Hancock’s Fate After Disappointing Results

American International Group Inc.’s directors are discussing whether to penalize or oust Chief Executive Peter Hancock over a major setback in the insurance firm’s turnaround plan, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Fifteen directors are …

from News – Insurance Journal

Cavignac & Associates in California Names Watson Junior Account Executive

San Diego, Calif.-based Cavignac & Associates has named Stephen Watson a junior account executive. Watson’s area of focus will be on professional liability. Watson previously was employed as assistant manager of Walmart in State College, Pa., where he lead, trained …

from News – Insurance Journal

Marsh Launches New Excess Medical Professional Liability Policy Form

Marsh has unveiled a new excess medical professional liability (MPL) policy form that combines industry favorable MPL terms and conditions into a single excess policy to be used by commercial insurers. Developed by Marsh’s US Casualty and HealthCare Practices in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Self-Driving Nissan Car Begins Tests on Streets of London

Guided by cameras and radars, and negotiating traffic and roundabouts, a self-driving Nissan car took to the streets of London on Monday for the Japanese company’s first European tests of an autonomous vehicle. Traveling at up to 50 miles (80 …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Workers’ Comp Fraud

A Marion, Ohio, man who was injured on the job as an emergency medical technician in 2010 recently pleaded guilty to workers’ compensation fraud after investigators discovered him working as a high school bowling coach, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oklahoma Pipeline Company to Reimburse Iowa Entities for Spill

An Oklahoma pipeline company says it will reimburse north-central Iowa agencies for expenses they incurred while responding to a diesel pipeline spill near Hanlontown last month. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports that Magellan Midstream Partners is making the offer. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Alliant Adds Gulf Coast Marine Expert, Hood, in New Orleans

Alliant Insurance Services, headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., has added Tom Hood to its energy and marine group in New Orleans. As first vice president, Hood will provide targeted insurance, risk management and finance solutions to a growing portfolio of …

from News – Insurance Journal

28 Injured in New Orleans Parade Crash; DWI Suspected

Authorities on Sunday identified the man who allegedly plowed into a crowd enjoying a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans while intoxicated. The New Orleans Police Department issued a statement identifying the man as 25-year-old Neilson Rizzuto. Online jail records …

from News – Insurance Journal

Berkshire Hathaway’s Insurance Keeps Growing and Hiring Despite Auto, Reinsurance Blips

Even though Berkshire Hathaway’s GEICO chalked up an underwriting loss in the fourth-quarter 2016, with full-year profit coming in basically even with 2015, the company is poised to take advantage of competitor fears, according to the company’s earnings release and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Company Founded by Google Accuses Uber of Autonomous VehicleTheft

A self-driving car company founded by Google is colliding with ridesharing service Uber in a court battle revolving around allegations of betrayal, high-tech espionage and greed. The brewing showdown emerged in a lawsuit filed in a San Francisco federal court …

from News – Insurance Journal

Arizona Senate Votes to Raise Minimum Auto Liability Insurance

The Arizona Senate approved a bill to raise the minimum amount of liability coverage drivers are required to carry on auto insurance policies, a proposal backers say is needed to protect accident victims from loss. The bill by Sen. Kate …

from News – Insurance Journal

California Governor Calls for $437M in Spending for Flood Control

California Gov. Jerry Brown is calling for a boost in spending on water and transportation infrastructure as the waterlogged state grapples with an emergency dam repair, frantic levee fixes and catastrophic road damage caused by storms. The Democratic governor redirected …

from News – Insurance Journal

Washington Utility Commits to Maintain Low Levels at Lake over Quake Fears

Updated earthquake concerns for Mossyrock Dam, the tallest structure of its kind in Washington, have prompted Tacoma Power to commit to a new, reduced water level at Riffe Lake that will likely stretch well into the next decade. The Chronicle …

from News – Insurance Journal

Police Say Worker Dies After Falling from Roof of Massachusetts Home

Police say a man working on a house under construction in Duxbury, Mass., has died in a fall from the roof. The Patriot Ledger reports that police and firefighters were called to the construction site at around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday following …

from News – Insurance Journal

Pennsylvania Doctor Admits Selling $5M Worth of Prescriptions to Addicts

A doctor has admitted his role in peddling prescriptions from a now-defunct clinic in Philadelphia, Penn., that specialized in helping drug addicts. Seventy-eighty-year-old Dr. Alan Summers pleaded guilty in federal court to charges including conspiracy, drug distribution, money laundering and …

from News – Insurance Journal

New York’s Crystal & Company Hires Giuè

Crystal & Company, a New York-based strategic risk and insurance advisor, has hired Ciro Giuè as an executive director and national practice leader for voluntary and worksite employee benefit solutions. Giuè brings 10 years of industry experience to his new …

from News – Insurance Journal

Maine-Headquartered Clark Insurance Promotes Two and Hires One

Clark Insurance, a Portland, Maine-headquartered independent insurance agency, has promoted two employees and hired one. Tricia Spencer has been promoted to business insurance department coordinator. Spencer initially joined the agency in 2012. In her new role, she will be responsible …

from News – Insurance Journal

Asta Invests in London & Dubai Reinsurance MGA, Arma Underwriting

Asta, the London-based Lloyd’s third party managing agent and specialist MGA investor, announced it has agreed to invest in the development of Arma Underwriting Ltd. Asta will take a minority equity stake in Arma and will also support the company’s infrastructure including finance and IT. Arma received “in principle” approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority on Feb. 19, and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Chubb Names Krishnan to Lead Global Accounts Division; Lakickas Is Division EVP

Chubb has announced two senior management appointments to its Global Accounts division, serving large and complex clients in Europe and around the world. Suresh Krishnan, currently executive vice president, Global Accounts, Overseas General Insurance, has been appointed to the newly created role …

from News – Insurance Journal

Singapore Tightens Rules for Sharing Economy that Could Shake Up Asia Ambitions

Singapore, a keen early adopter of the sharing economy, has fired a warning shot across the bow of Airbnb and Uber with tighter rules that could shake up their business models and growth ambitions in Asia. The rules, some say, …

from News – Insurance Journal

UK, Canada Regulators Sign Agreement to Help Expansion of Fintech Firms

British and Canadian regulators have signed an agreement to make it easier for financial technology companies to expand in each other’s markets, they said on Wednesday. The agreement between the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority and the Ontario Securities Commission is …

from News – Insurance Journal

Intesa Abandons Plans to Buy Generali, Citing Lack of Shareholder Value

Italy’s biggest retail bank Intesa Sanpaolo abandoned plans to join forces with the country’s largest insurer Assicurazioni Generali on Friday, saying a tie-up would not create value for its shareholders. A merger of the two would have created an Italian …

from News – Insurance Journal

Republicans’ Replacement for Obamacare Taking Shape

Republican lawmakers expect that their Obamacare replacement will result in fewer Americans covered by health insurance, a fact that’s likely to increase blowback amid growing support for the program. New details of the plan are beginning to emerge, described by …

from News – Insurance Journal

Trump Administration Reviewing Obama’s Autonomous Vehicle Guidance

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said on Sunday she is reviewing self-driving vehicle guidance issued by the Obama administration and urged companies to explain the benefits of automated vehicles to a skeptical public. The guidelines, which were issued in September, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Staying Alive: Cutting U.S. Highway Death Rate to Zero

In the near future, the U.S. should be able to prevent thousands, and perhaps tens of thousands, of deaths on the roads and highways. The Department of Transportation has proposed a Road to Zero — the elimination of motor-vehicle fatalities …

from News – Insurance Journal

12 Children Hospitalized in Kentucky Church Bus Crash

Authorities say 12 children were taken to the hospital after a church bus crashed in southern Kentucky. Laurel County Sheriff John Root says in a statement that the crash happened about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on a road near London when …

from News – Insurance Journal

Paid Claims from Mississippi Tornado Damage Top $31M, And Growing

  Insurers have paid out more than $31.6 million on 2,801 claims from tornadoes that hit Mississippi last month. The Mississippi Insurance Department reported the figures through Feb. 3. Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said immediately after the storms he …

from News – Insurance Journal

Arson Fire Set to Second Florida Mosque in Past 6 Months

An intentionally set fire damaged a prayer hall at a Tampa-area mosque early Friday, investigators said. The arson occurred at the Islamic Society of New Tampa, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said in a news release. Fire investigators responded at around …

from News – Insurance Journal

Jury Awards $5M to Man Injured in 2013 Michigan Food Truck Blast

A jury has awarded $5 million to a man who was injured during a food truck explosion at a northern Michigan festival. The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports Gary Leonard was burned on nearly half his body following the June 8, …

from News – Insurance Journal

18 Kansas Counties Hit by Ice Storm in January to Get Federal Aid

Eighteen Kansas counties affected by a severe ice storm in January will receive federal disaster aid. The Kansas Adjutant General’s office announced that President Donald Trump has granted Gov. Sam Brownback’s request for the disaster declaration. The 18 counties were …

from News – Insurance Journal

Officials: Drone Interrupted Texas Wildfire Control Efforts

State fire officials say a drone being operated near a wildfire southwest of Fort Worth hampered firefighting efforts by forcing aircraft carrying retardant to be grounded. The Texas A&M Forest Service says two air tankers were grounded on Feb. 23 …

from News – Insurance Journal

Houston Company to Pay $9.5M in Penalties for Oil Platform Blast, Safety Violations

  An oil industry services company will pay $9.5 million in penalties for Gulf of Mexico safety violations and for pollution from a 2012 offshore platform fire that killed three workers. The penalties against Houston-based Wood Group PSN were announced …

from News – Insurance Journal

Texas Bill Seeks Limits on Hailstorm Lawsuits

A bill has been filed in the Texas Senate that seeks to curb what the authors of the legislation say is a skyrocketing number of lawsuits filed against insurers for bogus or inflated hailstorm claims. SB 10, filed by Senate …

from News – Insurance Journal

Californian Sentenced for Felony Insurance Fraud in Sacramento

The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office in California reported that Paige Nolasco, who pled no contest to felony insurance fraud, has been sentenced to 90 days in jail and five years’ formal probation, and ordered her to pay $1,781 in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Brinson Takes Over as President of Texas Surplus Lines Assoc.

Teri Brinson, executive vice president of M.D. Jensvold & Co., has taken over as president of the Texas Surplus Lines Association (TSLA) for 2017. She brings more than 35 years of experience and leadership in the insurance industry to her …

from News – Insurance Journal

Jury: Former Oklahoma Legislator Must Pay Insurer $4.3M in Defamation Case

A Tulsa, Okla., jury has awarded an insurance company and its CEO $4.3 million in a defamation case. The Oklahoman reports former state legislator and former First Trinity director Wayne Pettigrew left First Trinity Financial Corp. in 2013 and issued …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ryan Specialty Group to Acquire Trident Marine Managers.

RSG Underwriting Managers (RSGUM) announced an agreement to acquire Trident Marine Managers Inc. and related claims adjusting affiliates (Trident), headquartered in Houston. Trident is a specialty marine managing general agency that has served the energy sector for more than 35 …

from News – Insurance Journal

GMI Insurance Taps Falls Lake as Primary Carrier for Auto Programs

GMI Insurance, a program administrator specializing in commercial auto exposures, has added Falls Lake Insurance Companies as the new primary carrier for its auto programs. Effective Feb. 1, GMI Insurance programs offers mono-line commercial auto policies through Falls Lake. GMI …

from News – Insurance Journal

BKS Partners in Florida Partners With D&M Insurance Solutions

Tampa, Fla.-based insurance brokerage Baldwin Krystyn Sherman Partners (BKS) has partnered with D&M Insurance Solutions, LLC (D&M), a Clearwater, Fla.-based insurance consulting and brokerage firm. The partnership was finalized on Feb. 22, 2017. D&M focuses on serving financial institutions, investors, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida-Based SUNZ Taps Bryant as EVP, Chief Legal Officer

SUNZ Holdings has appointed Theodore “Ted” G. Bryant, Esq. to the position of executive vice president and chief legal officer of SUNZ Holdings and will report directly to Steven F. Herrig, CEO and chairman of the board. In this newly …

from News – Insurance Journal

Proposed Florida Bill Gives Women 10 Years to Sue Doctors Over Abortions

Women who have abortions in Florida would find it easier to sue the doctors who performed the procedure, under a contentious bill now moving through the state House. But it’s unclear if the legislation – which has been opposed by …

from News – Insurance Journal

South Carolina Lawmakers File 10 Bills Aimed at Curbing Opioid Abuse

House Republicans filed 10 proposals Wednesday aimed at curbing South Carolina’s rampant prescription painkiller problem and promised more legislation would follow. “We wanted to get the ball rolling. This is just the first step,” said Rep. Eric Bedingfield, R-Belton, one …

from News – Insurance Journal

AIG Among ‘Too-Big-to-Fail’ Insurers Trying to Assess Path Forward Under Trump

Insurance giant American International Group sees “considerable uncertainty” about U.S. regulations that deem non-bank financial institutions as being too big to fail, given the recent change in White House administrations, according to a filing. The “appropriateness and federal regulation” of …

from News – Insurance Journal

UK’s Ship Insurers Prepare to Open EU Outposts in Preparation for Brexit

U.K.-regulated ship insurers are preparing plans to open new outposts in European Union jurisdictions such as Luxembourg and Cyprus, fearing that Brexit will hinder access to the EU’s financial market, industry sources involved say. Britain dominates the global marine insurance market and …

from News – Insurance Journal

EU Lawmakers Call for Law Regulating Rise of Robots, Including Self-Driving Cars

European lawmakers on Feb. 16 called for EU-wide legislation to regulate the rise of robots, including an ethical framework for their development and deployment and the establishment of liability for the actions of robots including self-driving cars. But they rejected …

from News – Insurance Journal

6 Years After Fukushima Disaster, Robots Continue Search for Radioactive Fuel

The latest robot seeking to find the 600 tons of nuclear fuel and debris that melted down six years ago in Japan’s wrecked Fukushima Dai-Ichi power plant met its end in less than a day. The scorpion-shaped machine, built by …

from News – Insurance Journal

Security Breach at New York’s Kennedy Airport Unnerves Some Travelers

A breach that allowed 11 people to walk through an unattended security checkpoint lane at one of the nation’s busiest airports has some travelers scratching their heads about how this could happen even with the enhanced security measures put in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Reported Drone Flying Violations Up 46%

Reports of  drone safety violations continued to increase during 2016. There were 1,274 reports from February through September last year, compared with 874 for the same period in 2015 — a 46 percent increase. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released …

from News – Insurance Journal

Wrongfully Imprisoned Man Could Get $1.55M from Virginia

A man who spent more than three decades in prison for a crime he didn’t commit could be getting $1.55 million from the state of Virginia. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that a bill to provide compensation to 60-year-old Keith Allen …

from News – Insurance Journal

What is Lidar and Why Are Autonomous Car Makers Fighting Over It?

Spacecraft use it to measure distance. Farmers use it to work out which fields need fertilizer. Archaeologists use it to map topography. And, crucially for Uber Technologies Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo, self-driving cars use lidar to navigate. As carmakers …

from News – Insurance Journal

Massachusetts-Headquartered Eastern Insurance Group Hires Goyer

Eastern Insurance Group, a Natick, Mass.-headquartered subsidiary of Eastern Bank, has hired Mark J. Goyer as vice president and sales executive within Eastern Benefits Group, the insurance firm’s employee benefits division. Goyer, who works out of the Norwell, Mass., office, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Lucky to Be Alive, Calling for a Revolution in Road Safety

Three weeks ago, I was walking home on a dark, snowy night in Concord, Massachusetts. The next thing I knew, I was in a hospital, hooked up to some kind of machine. I could not lift my legs or even …

from News – Insurance Journal

XL Catlin Launches $500,000 Fund for Scientists Researching Ocean Risks

XL Catlin has launched a $500,000 fund to support “early career scientists” undertaking research into the changing ocean environment. The XL Catlin Ocean Risk Grants will be awarded to scientists for final year BSc, Masters and PhD research. The fund demonstrates …

from News – Insurance Journal

Helping Small Insurers Sell Cyber Coverage to Small Businesses

With the global cyber insurance market expected to reach $14 billion by 2022, according to Allied Market Research, it’s no wonder more insurers are looking to offer cyber coverage. But small insurers have been sidelined in this market due to …

from News – Insurance Journal

Third Point Re’s Berger to Step Down as CEO, Succeeded by Bredahl

Third Point Reinsurance Ltd. announced that John Berger, chairman and CEO, will be stepping down as CEO effective March 1, 2017. Robert Bredahl, currently president and chief operating officer, will succeed Berger as CEO of Third Point Re on March 1. Berger will …

from News – Insurance Journal

UK Suspect Arrested in Deutsche Telekom Cyber Attack

British authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a cyber attack that infected nearly 1 million routers used to access Deutsche Telekom’s internet service, German federal police said on Thursday. Britain’s National Crime Agency detained the 29-year-old Briton at one of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Chubb’s Draper Jumps to Navigators to Head International Casualty

The Navigators Group Inc. said that David J. Draper has joined the company as head of International Casualty. Draper is responsible for developing Navigators’ international casualty business outside of the United States in Europe, including in the UK, and in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Now’s the Time to Invest in ’80s-Era Classic Cars

Thirty years ago, a person of means could walk into an import car dealership, drop a sum that would double the average annual household income, and drive out with a grand touring coupe—a two-door, four-seater powered by a prodigious, smooth, naturally aspirated …

from News – Insurance Journal

WestCongress Insurance Services Opens in Detroit

WestCongress Insurance Services LLC, a newly created managing general agent (MGA) for the specialty commercial insurance marketplace, has opened in Detroit. WestCongress will focus on excess and surplus (E&S) lines coverage in niche and underserved segments. The company’s initial product …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oregon Workers’ Comp Provider Sees Big Hike in Slip, Fall Injuries in January

As a result of the heavy snow and ice statewide in January, more Oregon workers suffered slips, trips and falls than in any recent January, according to SAIF data. SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit, state-chartered workers’ compensation insurance company. More than …

from News – Insurance Journal

Watson Joins Cavignac & Associates in San Diego

Cavignac & Associates, a San Diego-based risk management and insurance brokerage firm, has hired Stephen Watson as a junior account executive. His principle area of focus will be on professional liability. Watson previously was employed as assistant manager of Walmart …

from News – Insurance Journal

Minot, North Dakota, Planning for Launch of Disaster Resilience Program

Minot officials have drafted a new governance structure for the city in hopes of giving momentum to its disaster resilience program. City Manager Tom Barry outlined the plan to the Minot City Council earlier this month, the Minot Daily News …

from News – Insurance Journal

Avant Acquires Kansas-Based Supermarket Insurance Group

Avant LLC has purchased Supermarket Insurance Group (SIG), based in Overland Park, Kansas. SIG is a property/casualty insurance provider to the supermarket niche in the U.S. with a concentration in the Midwest. SIG is led by CEO Bill Morrison Based …

from News – Insurance Journal

Woman Arrested in Connection to 28 California fires

A 24-year-old woman has been arrested in connection to 28 fires set throughout the city of Fullerton, Calif., since September. The Orange County Register reports that the woman was arrested after investigators found her trying to set fire to bushes …

from News – Insurance Journal

Hanover Insurance Restructures Agency Business; Eyes Specialty Expansion

The Hanover Insurance Group Inc. is making some organizational changes as it implements what its CEO calls its “go-forward business strategy, Hanover 2021” that is focused on growing responsibly, managing volatility and generating strong returns for shareholders. Joseph M. Zubretsky, president …

from News – Insurance Journal

Michigan Medical Services Firm to Pay $21.5K to Settle Disability Discrimination Suit

A medical services provider serving the Muskegon, Michigan, region will pay $21,500 and furnish other relief to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC announced it had charged that Muskegon Family …

from News – Insurance Journal

Judge Won’t Toss Bias Claims Over Louisiana Salon Inspections

A federal judge on has refused to dismiss a lawsuit that accuses Louisiana state regulators of racially discriminating against a group of Vietnamese-American nail salon owners. U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson’s ruling clears the way for a jury trial next …

from News – Insurance Journal

5 Years of Lawsuit Settlements Cost State of Missouri $52M

Missouri has paid more than $52 million over the last five years to settle lawsuits against various state agencies, according to information from the attorney general’s office. The House budget committee received the list of settlements just before a public …

from News – Insurance Journal

Former Staffer Files Whistleblower Suit Against Louisiana Sheriff

A former south Louisiana sheriff’s office employee says the sheriff wrongly fired her for cooperating with the FBI in an investigation against him. In a lawsuit filed earlier this month, Deborah Lourd said she was fired last year, shortly after …

from News – Insurance Journal

Tulsa Man Who Assaulted, Robbed Insurance Adjuster Gets Life Sentence

A Tulsa, Okla., man who filed a bogus insurance claim and assaulted an insurance adjuster has been sentenced to life in prison, the state insurance department announced. Prentice E. Ponds II, 43, was on parole at the time of the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Arthur J. Gallagher Acquires Wisconsin’s Kelly Financial

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired Madison, Wisconsin-based Kelly Financial Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1957 by John M. Kelly and incorporated in 1994 by Scott Kelly, Kelly Financial offers retirement plan management, wealth management …

from News – Insurance Journal

Officials Team Up to Fight Opioid Crisis in Vermont Community

Burlington, Vt., officials and community partners are teaming up to combat a spike in opioid-related deaths. Vermont saw a 38 percent increase in opioid-related deaths from 2015 to 2016. Mayor Miro Weinberger joined the city’s police chief and other officials …

from News – Insurance Journal

Con Ed to Pay $153M to Settle New York City Explosion Charges

Consolidated Edison has agreed to pay $153 million to settle charges over a 2014 gas explosion in East Harlem that killed eight people and injured about 50. The settlement was approved on Thursday by the state’s Public Service Commission. The …

from News – Insurance Journal

How Supreme Court Just Made Things Easier for Patent Infringers

The Supreme Court made it easier on Wednesday for U.S. manufacturers to infringe patents held by competitors by manufacturing all but one of the infringing components abroad. The practical consequences could be significant, as could the court’s apparent view that …

from News – Insurance Journal

Maine Lawmaker Wants to Block Car Insurance Hikes Based on Age

A Maine state senator is looking to protect senior citizens in the state from having car insurance rates go up because of their ages. Sen. Bill Diamond, a Windham Democrat, says his bill follows up on insurance giant Progressive’s attempt …

from News – Insurance Journal

Canadian Broker Network Names Robinson as Chairman, Succeeding Miller

Canadian Broker Network (CBN), Canada’s network of independent insurance brokers, has appointed Mike Robinson, president and CEO, PBL Insurance Ltd., as chairman. Robinson succeeds Tim Miller, president of Capri Insurance Services, who has been CBN chairman for the past three …

from News – Insurance Journal

With Growth of the Gig Economy, States Rethink How Workers Get Benefits

As more and more Americans hold nontraditional jobs that don’t have benefits attached — think freelance graphic designers or Uber drivers — cities and states are exploring ways to ensure those workers still have access to workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, …

from News – Insurance Journal

AXA Chief Rules Out Major Acquisitions Such as Generali

AXA has reached a “critical size” and is ruling out major acquisitions such as Italy’s Generali, the French insurer’s chief executive Thomas Buberl said on Thursday. It is managing risks relating to May’s presidential election in France and raising its …

from News – Insurance Journal

Investments in Insurtech Expected to ‘Keep Booming’ in 2017: KPMG Report

Investor interest in insurtech is expected “to remain hot across all regions of the world” during 2017, following a strong growth in 2016, according to a report published by KPMG. In the coming year, most insurtech investments likely will focus …

from News – Insurance Journal

Delaware DOI Begins National Search for New Captive Insurance Bureau Director

The Delaware Department of Insurance has announced that it has begun the search for a new Director of the Bureau of Captive Insurance and Financial Products once current director Steve Kinion’s contract expires April 1, 2017. This is because the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Vice Chairman of State-Owned People’s Insurance Group of China in Corruption Probe

The vice chairman of state-owned People’s Insurance Group of China is being investigated for alleged discipline violations, the ruling Communist Party’s anti-corruption watchdog said on Thursday, employing the usual euphemism for corruption. Wang Yincheng is the latest senior official of a state-owned …

from News – Insurance Journal

Europe’s Windstorm Egon to Cost Insurers US$223.3M: PERILS

The initial estimate of the insured property market loss for extra-tropical cyclone Egon, which hit France and Germany in January, is €212 million (US$223.3 million). While the majority of the losses occurred in France and Germany on Jan. 12 and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Beecher Carlson Names Newell as Managing Director in California

Beecher Carlson Insurance Services LLC is expanding its West Coast operations with the appointment of Keith Newell as its managing director. Newell will be primarily based in the firm’s Woodland Hills, Calif. office. Newell’s focus is on new business strategies …

from News – Insurance Journal

California Surplus Lines Association Elects Ciardello Chairman of the Board

The members of the Surplus Line Association of California have elected Tom Ciardello, senior executive vice president of Worldwide Facilities LLC, as the chair of the SLA board of directors. Ciardello’s election was finalized after the SLA tallied the final …

from News – Insurance Journal

China Regulator Puts Brakes on Insurers’ 3-Year, $100-Billion Buying Spree

A regulatory clampdown on speculation by insurers and new limits on outbound capital flows are causing one of China’s most acquisitive industries to hit the brakes. Chinese insurers, after announcing almost $100 billion of deals over the past three years, …

from News – Insurance Journal

EU Solvency II Rules Need ‘Tweaks,’ Not Overhaul: Bank of England

EU capital rules for insurers need some tweaks but are not a deterrent to investment in infrastructure as some insurers’ claim, the Bank of England said on Wednesday. Officials from Aviva and Legal & General, two of Britain’s biggest insurers …

from News – Insurance Journal

Miss Kentucky USA Runner-Up Pleads Not Guilty to Arson Charge

Miss Kentucky USA runner-up has pleaded not guilty to an arson charge, accused of setting her roommate’s bed on fire at an apartment complex near the University of Louisville. WAVE-TV reports 22-year-old Christen McAllister appeared before a judge on Tuesday …

from News – Insurance Journal

Study Warns on Cumulative Effect of ‘Drip, Drip, Drip’ of Nuisance Flooding

Climate change is being felt in many coastal communities of the United States, not always in the form of big weather disasters but as a steady drip, drip, drip of nuisance flooding. According to researchers at the University of California, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Federal Appeals Court Rules Florida Doctors Can Ask Patients About Guns

A federal appeals court has ruled that Florida doctors can talk to patients about gun safety, declaring a law aimed at restricting such discussions a violation of the First Amendment’s right to free speech. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Orchid Underwriters Rolls Out Admitted Homeowners Products in Alabama

Orchid Underwriters Agency, LLC, a specialty underwriter of excess & surplus insurance focusing on coastal properties, has launched admitted residential homeowners’ products through a new partnership with Spinnaker Insurance Co., a national property and casualty insurer. Orchid will roll out …

from News – Insurance Journal

Reality Star Sues Alaska-based Reality Show over Safety Claims

A star of the Alaska-based reality series “Life Below Zero” is suing the show’s producers, alleging she was hurt while forced to perform dangerous acts in support of false story lines. The lawsuit against BBC Worldwide Reality Productions and others …

from News – Insurance Journal

The Path to Let Rideshare Companies into Alaska Not So Smooth

The drive to allow rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in Alaska has hit speed bumps. The bill, from Sen. Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, faces opposition from taxi companies worried the entrance of rideshare groups will drive down wages …

from News – Insurance Journal

Chicago Bears Seeking to Limit Players’ Workers’ Comp Benefits

Should injured pro athletes be allowed to earn workers’ compensation benefits until they are 67 years old, like other workers, even if their athletic careers normally would have ended more than 30 years earlier? That issue is being debated between …

from News – Insurance Journal

Louisiana Offers Tax Filing, Payment Extensions for Some Tornado Victims

Taxpayers who were victims of the severe storms and tornadoes that struck Louisiana earlier this month could be eligible for extensions filing their state taxes. Louisiana’s Department of Revenue announced that filing and payment extensions are available to people whose …

from News – Insurance Journal

Texas Neurosurgeon Gets Life Sentence for Maiming Patients

Jurors on Feb. 20 sentenced a former Dallas neurosurgeon to life in prison for maiming patients who had turned to him for surgery to resolve debilitating injuries. The decision came almost a week after the Dallas County jury convicted 44-year-old …

from News – Insurance Journal

Mayor Issues Disaster Declaration for San Antonio After Tornadoes

The mayor of San Antonio has issued a disaster declaration for the city of 1.4 million during cleanup after four tornadoes touched down in the area. Mayor Ivy Taylor issued the declaration over twisters late Sunday and early Monday that …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oklahoma Bill Proposes Rules for Medical Marijuana

Oklahomans won’t vote until next year on whether to legalize medical marijuana, but a state lawmaker has already introduced legislation that would set the framework if sales of the drug are approved. State Rep. Eric Proctor of Tulsa has introduced …

from News – Insurance Journal

Voldico Insurance, Brendanwood Financial Brokerage Form Alliance

Osgood, Indiana-based Voldico Insurance LLC has formed a key partnership alliance with Brendanwood Financial Brokerage LLC, the company announced. Voldico Insurance is an independent full-service property/casualty retail insurance and financial services provider. Brendanwood Financial Brokerage specializes in life insurance, long …

from News – Insurance Journal

8K Louisianans Possibly Impacted by Reinsurance Broker’s Data Breach

The Louisiana Department of Insurance reported that a reinsurance broker contracted by the Louisiana Health Cooperative (LAHC) has experienced a data breach. As a result, former LAHC policyholder Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and in some cases Protected Health Information (PHI) …

from News – Insurance Journal

QBE Inland Marine Launches Combined Liability Coverage for Motor Carriers

QBE North America, an operating division of global insurer QBE Insurance Group Limited, has launched a new policy for motor carriers that combines both motor truck cargo and logistics liability insurance in one policy.. The Solution for Motor Truck Cargo …

from News – Insurance Journal

NCDOI Reports 2016 a Strong Year for North Carolina’s Captive Industry

Growth of North Carolina’s captive insurance company program once again exceeded expectations during the program’s third full year of operation, according to Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey. During 2016, the number of North Carolina licensed captive insurers more than doubled and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Arizona Bill to Axe Required Auto Glass Coverage Appears Dead

Arizona drivers used to paying nothing when their car windshields are cracked or shattered by rocks appear likely to keep the insurance coverage for at least another year. That’s because an effort by insurance companies to remove a requirement that …

from News – Insurance Journal

Colorado Wind Storm Deadly, But Not So Costly

A wind storm that recently tore through a Colorado city was deadly, but less costly than expected. The Jan. 9 wind storm caused downed trees and widespread power outages, but it didn’t make the list of Colorado Spring’s most costly …

from News – Insurance Journal

Surprising Facts About Social Security and Medicare

While the era of “alternative facts” dawned in Washington last week, experts from across the ideological spectrum gathered in the capital for a review of real facts about our two most important retirement programs: Social Security and Medicare. The annual …

from News – Insurance Journal

Hub International Acquires Assets of Employer Resource Group in California

Hub International Ltd. has acquired the assets of Employer Resource Group Financial & Insurance Services Inc. in Torrance, Calif. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Tim Dickins, ERG founder and CEO, will join Hub California and report to Andrew …

from News – Insurance Journal

US-Reports and Canadian Reports Merger Create Colorado Risk Solutions Firm

H.W. Kaufman Financial Group has combined US-Reports and Canadian Reports, rebranding both companies under the name Afirm, which is based in Fort Collins, Colo. The merger will continue their global presence and allow a single source for loss control inspection, …

from News – Insurance Journal

U.S. Keeps on Motoring, Sets Record of 3.2 Trillion Miles in 2016

Motorists drove a record 3.22 trillion miles (5.2 trillion km) on U.S. roads last year, a 2.8 percent rise from 2015 and the fifth consecutive year of year-over-year increases, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Motorists logged 263.6 billion …

from News – Insurance Journal

Student Allowed Back at New Hampshire Prep School after Sex Case

A judge has allowed a student to return to a New Hampshire prep school, months after his mother alleged the school wrongfully expelled him after he had sex with another student. Both sides reached an agreement signed by a federal …

from News – Insurance Journal

Starr’s Pittinger Joins ANV Global Services as Underwriting Director

ANV Global Services Inc., the North American managing general underwriter (MGU) owned by AmTrust Financial Services Inc., has appointed James Pittinger to the role of underwriting director. Responsible for the North American MGU business which focuses on management liability and …

from News – Insurance Journal

AIG to Sell Vermont’s Stowe Mountain Ski Operations After Seven Decades

American International Group Inc., the insurer that’s been divesting assets to narrow its focus, agreed to sell ski operations at Vermont’s Stowe Mountain to Vail Resorts Inc. AIG will retain majority ownership of the base area, which includes a 312-room …

from News – Insurance Journal

Willis Towers Watson Plans to Acquire French Aviation Broker, OAAGC

Willis Towers Watson has entered into exclusive negotiations with OAAGC, the French aviation brokerage, to acquire its team and book of business. Paris-based OAAGC (Office d’Assurances Aériennes G. de Cugnac) was founded in 1898 and its team of 16 is …

from News – Insurance Journal

All Risks Acquires American Management Advisors in Pennsylvania

All Risks Ltd., an independent wholesaler based in Hunt Valley, Md., has announced the acquisition of American Management Advisors Inc. (AMA) located in Pennsylvania. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Following the acquisition, Janet Smith-Hogeland, President of American Management …

from News – Insurance Journal

How Technology Is Changing Workers’ Compensation

New technologies are improving workers’ compensation programs in everything from communications and training to health care delivery and claims, according to experts. Tom Ryan, market research leader for Marsh’s Workers Compensation Center of Excellence, speaking during a recent Marsh broadcast, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Allianz Officially Launches Its Moroccan Subsidiary

The Allianz Group has officially launched its Moroccan subsidiary, Allianz Maroc, which has has been a part of the Allianz Group since Nov. 3, 2016, following the acquisition of 98.9 percent of Zurich Assurances Maroc. After obtaining the relevant regulatory approvals, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Insured Losses from New South Wales’ Bushfires & Hailstorms Pass US$53.7M

Combined losses from the two New South Wales catastrophes of bushfires and hailstorms,  have passed A$70 million (US$53.7 million), according to the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA). As of Feb. 20, insured losses for the NSW bushfires had reached A$28.5 …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ironshore International Hikes Capacity to $400M for Terrorism & Sabotage Programs

Ironshore International has increased capacity for Terrorism & Sabotage programs to US$400 million, an increase from the current U$375 million limit, effective immediately. Ironshore’s Terrorism & Sabotage cover provides insurance protection for clients against damage to commercial and residential property, …

from News – Insurance Journal

AXIS Insurance Taps Beazley’s Brown to Lead London Market MGA Growth

AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. announced that Julian Brown has joined AXIS Insurance as vice president and underwriter, responsible for leading growth initiatives and product development for the company’s London market managing general agency (MGA) unit. Brown will work alongside Paul …

from News – Insurance Journal

Missouri GOP Again Seeking to Limit Liability Lawsuits

With new Republican Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens’ support, GOP lawmakers this year are pushing a collection of bills to limit liability lawsuits that supporters have praised as pro-business but critics have slammed as hindering access to the courts. The legislation …

from News – Insurance Journal

Klenke Named Chief Legal Counsel at Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner’s Office

Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance Ted Nickel has appointed Charlotte Klenke to serve as chief legal counsel at the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI). Klenke previously was the associate general counsel for Schneider National Inc., in Green Bay, Wis. …

from News – Insurance Journal

The Hidden Cost of Bundling Insurance Policies

Marketers love to bundle products and for good reason. Bundling encourages consumers to buy more. However, new research suggests that it’s not quite that simple. While bundling gets buyers to buy more, it can also make them less willing to …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida Hospital Company Reaches $5.5M Settlement Over Stolen Patient Info

A company that operates six South Florida hospitals has agreed to a $5.5 million settlement with the federal government over patient information that was stolen by two employees. The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Friday that Memorial Health Care Systems …

from News – Insurance Journal

Homeowners in South Carolina County Seek Buyout of Flooded Property

More than two dozen Lexington County, S.C., residents are ready to sell their homes rather than repair the flood damage. The State newspaper reported that 28 homeowners are asking county officials to buy and demolish the homes as part of …

from News – Insurance Journal

CNA Taps Haas to Lead Florida Branch

CNA has appointed David Haas as vice president of the company’s Florida branch, effective Feb. 23, 2017. In this role, Haas will lead the Florida branch and grow its relationships with producers, accelerate CNA’s market presence and continue to shape …

from News – Insurance Journal

Infogain Names Patterson as Guidewire Head for Insurance Vertical in California

Infogain has named James Patterson as Guidewire head. Patterson is based in San Diego, Calif. and reports to Girish Kannalli, vice president and general manager of the insurance and healthcare business unit. Kannalli is responsible for strengthening Infogain’s solutions and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Despite Increase in Lawsuits, Texas Homeowner Insurance Complaints Remain Low

Despite a half million hail claims resulting in a record $4 billion in insured losses last year, homeowner complaints to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) were the lowest number ever recorded, the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) reports. Record …

from News – Insurance Journal

Houston’s Insgroup Acquires Benefits Firm, The Fawcett Group

Houston-based Insgroup Inc. (Insgroup) has acquired The Fawcett Group (Fawcett), a firm specializing in employee benefit plan brokerage and consulting to emerging and mid-market businesses, as well as not-for-profits. Jan Fawcett-Heilman, owner of The Fawcett Group, joined Insgroup as a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Bill Protecting Drivers Who Hit Protesters North Dakota

A controversial North Dakota bill that sought to shield motorists from liability if they unintentionally hit a protester on a roadway, injuring or killing them failed to garner enough support from lawmakers. House Bill 1203, introduced in January by Republicans, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Wisconsin-Based Sargento Expands Cheese Recall, Cuts Ties With Supplier

Wisconsin-based Sargento Foods Inc., is expanding a voluntary recall of some cheeses due to a possible bacterial contamination. The company recalled some cheeses Feb. 10, but expanded the recall on Feb. 17 to include products produced on the same line. …

from News – Insurance Journal

South Dakota Bucks National Trend of Increased Crash Fatalities

Crash fatalities are rising in many states but they’re going down in South Dakota. According to the National Safety Council, South Dakota had the fourth-lowest crash fatality rate in the country in 2016. Nationally, fatal crashes went up 6 percent. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Dozens of Homes Around San Antonio Damaged by Severe Storms, Tornadoes

Severe storms, including at least one tornado, have wreaked widespread damage across parts of San Antonio, damaging dozens of homes but causing only minor injuries. A National Weather Service survey team confirmed that a tornado struck a residential area about …

from News – Insurance Journal

Lankmark Restaurant in Washington Suffers $1M in Fire Damages

A fire at a Marysville, Wash. landmark caused about $1 million in damage. The Daily Herald reported that a fire broke out on Sunday at the Village Restaurant. It’s a landmark with a history that dates back to the 1930s. …

from News – Insurance Journal

California Gas Prices Could Rise Following Local Refinery Blast

An explosion and fire at an oil refinery in Torrance, Calif. over the weekend forced the partial shutdown of the plant, leading oil traders to expect a spike this week in West Coast gasoline prices. Police and the plant owner …

from News – Insurance Journal

Lankmark Restaurant in Washington Suffers $1M in Fire Damage

A fire at a Marysville, Wash. landmark caused about $1 million in damage. The Daily Herald reported that a fire broke out on Sunday at the Village Restaurant. It’s a landmark with a history that dates back to the 1930s. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Socius Insurance Services Names Grace as Assistant Vice President in Arizona

Socius Insurance Services Inc. has hired Cassandra Grace to join its management and professional liability practice as assistant vice president. Grace will be based in Phoenix, Ariz. Grace has more than a decade of experience in the insurance industry, specifically …

from News – Insurance Journal

10 U.S.-Designated Autonomous Vehicle Testing Sites

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently designated 10 “proving grounds” to encourage safe testing of automated vehicle technologies. “The designated proving grounds will collectively form a Community of Practice around safe testing and deployment,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. …

from News – Insurance Journal

RSA Global Network Expands African Service by Extending Globus Partnership

Leading international insurer RSA can now service multinational customers in five more African countries after extending an existing partnership with Africa-based insurance network, Globus. Founded in 2007, Globus Network operates from its head office in Douala, Cameroon, and is the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Markel Corporation Names Dillon Underwriting Assurance Director in Virginia

Markel Corporation, a financial holding company headquartered in Richmond, Va., has named Ashley Dillon underwriting assurance director on the product line leadership team. Dillon is located in Markel’s headquarters in Richmond, Va., and reports to Chief Underwriting Officer Robin Russo. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Sirius XM Wins Dismissal of Turtles Copyright Lawsuit in New York

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. on Thursday won the dismissal of a New York copyright lawsuit over the satellite radio company’s playing of older songs by the 1960s band The Turtles and other artists, reducing the size of a related settlement …

from News – Insurance Journal

Snoozing While Cruising Argues for Full Autonomy in Vehicles

As Ford Motor Co. has been developing self-driving cars, the U.S. automaker has started noticing a problem during test drives: Engineers monitoring the robot rides are dozing off. Company researchers have tried to roust the engineers with bells, buzzers, warning …

from News – Insurance Journal

Virginia Assembly Passes Bill to Prevent Identity Theft

A bill that seeks to protect Virginians from losing their income tax refunds to identity thieves won final approval Wednesday in the General Assembly. The bill’s sponsor, Del. Mark Keam, D-Vienna, said thieves can steal information from the payroll system …

from News – Insurance Journal

Rhode Island Family Hospitalized with Suspected Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A family of five from Rhode Island has been taken to the hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Smithfield Fire Chief Robert Seltzer says it appears the two adults and three children were overcome by carbon monoxide from a malfunctioning …

from News – Insurance Journal

The Hanover Appoints Fowle as CEO of Chaucer Syndicates, Succeeding Slabbert

The Hanover Insurance Group Inc. announced that John Fowle has been promoted to chief executive officer of Chaucer Syndicates Ltd. Fowle is replacing Johan Slabbert, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Fowle has held key leadership roles at Chaucer since …

from News – Insurance Journal

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Names Mazzoleni Neglén as Head of Sales EMEA

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has appointed Loredana Mazzoleni Neglén as head of Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). In her new role, Mazzoleni Neglén will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s distribution and sales strategy in the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Colombia’s Regulator Approves RMS Earthquake Model for Use by Insurers

RMS, the world’s leading catastrophe risk management firm, announced it has received official approval from the Colombian insurance regulator, Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia (SFC), to offer catastrophe modeling services to national and global insurance companies writing earthquake risk in Colombia. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Cyber Attacks, Political Instability Top List of Business Worries: Survey

The threat of cyber attacks and political instability resulting from rising populism are among the biggest worries for businesses around the world, according to a study of companies in 79 countries. The number one issue for executives working in business …

from News – Insurance Journal

Carnegie-Brown Appointed as Next Lloyd’s Chairman

Bruce Carnegie-Brown will become the chairman of Lloyd’s following a meeting of the Council of Lloyd’s where his appointment as successor to John Nelson was approved unanimously. His appointment also was unanimously supported by the Lloyd’s Franchise Board. The council, …

from News – Insurance Journal

How Digital Distribution Tools from IVANS Marry Agents, Carriers and Appetites

“Looking for a professional agent in the Chicago area who is in good financial shape, wants a long-term relationship, and is seriously into habitational risks. Must be Cubs fan.” Welcome to match.com for the property/casualty insurance industry. The insurance data …

from News – Insurance Journal

Overdose Calls Rise in Louisville, Kentucky, 151 Received in 4-Day Span

Emergency crews in Louisville, Ky., have seen a rise in the number of calls related to drug overdoses. The Courier-Journal reports Metro EMS says it fielded 151 overdose calls in four days, starting at midnight on Feb. 9. Metro EMS …

from News – Insurance Journal

Georgia House Reps Advance Bill Allowing Guns on Campus

Licensed gun owners could carry concealed handguns on public college campuses under legislation advancing in the Georgia House. A panel approved the bill on Thursday after about an hour of testimony, sending it to the House’s full Public Safety Committee. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida Launches Online Workers’ Comp Insurer Database for Employers

The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation has formed an online insurance company database to assist Florida business owners with obtaining workers’ compensation coverage that protects employees from the impacts of on-the-job injuries. According to a statement from the Florida Department …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida’s American Integrity Insurance Promotes Waters to VP of Sales

American Integrity Insurance of Florida has promoted Justin Waters to vice president of Sales. Waters has assumed responsibility for the company’s field sales, internal sales and agency management teams. He will work with employees to further American Integrity’s relationship with …

from News – Insurance Journal

Appeals Court to Rehear Constitutionality of Consumer Protection Bureau Structure

A U.S. appeals court said on Thursday it will reconsider an October ruling that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s structure is unconstitutional, virtually guaranteeing the battle over an agency borne of the financial crisis will reach the Supreme Court. A …

from News – Insurance Journal

17 Million U.S. Homes Worth $4.9 Trillion Are in Environmental Hazard Zones

Millions of homes and condominiums across the country are in high danger zones for environmental hazards. According to the Environmental Hazards Housing Risk Index, produced by ATTOM Data Solutions, 17.3 million single family homes and condos with a combined estimated …

from News – Insurance Journal

California DIR Suspends 7 Workers’ Comp Medical Providers for Fraud

California’s Department of Industrial Relations and its Division of Workers’ Compensation has suspended seven medical providers from participating in the state’s workers’ comp system. The providers were convicted of workers’ comp fraud or have been suspended from the Medicare or …

from News – Insurance Journal

California Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Allow Later Last Call Times

Closing times at bars in California could go later if proposed legislation there gets passed. The bill proposed by state Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat who represents San Francisco, would let municipalities set their own last call times. The Los …

from News – Insurance Journal

Texas Mutual Insurance, VFIS of Texas, Distribute $228K in Grants to First Responders

Workers’ compensation insurance provider, Texas Mutual Insurance Co., and VFIS of Texas have distributed $228,000 in grant money to 90 volunteer fire departments and nonprofit emergency medical service (EMS) organizations across the state of Texas. VFIS of Texas is the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Phillips Appointed Chair of Texas House Insurance Committee

Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus has appointed Rep. Larry Phillips, District 62, as chair of the Texas House of Representatives Insurance Committee for the 85th session of the Texas Legislature. This position was previously held by Rep. John …

from News – Insurance Journal

USI Insurance Services Adds 3 in Independence, Ohio, Office

USI Insurance Services (USI) has added Tammi Barker, Bridget Day and Dave Petno in the USI Independence, Ohio, office. Barker, who joins the firm as account manager, has more than 17 years of insurance experience, including 11 years focused on …

from News – Insurance Journal

New York State Finalizes First-in-Nation Cyber Security Regulation

New York state announced a final cyber security regulation on Thursday with mandatory standards for banks and insurers to combat the ever-increasing risk of cyber attacks. The regulation, which takes effect March 1, follows a series of high-profile data breaches …

from News – Insurance Journal

Louisiana Woman Pleads Guilty to $116K Insurance Fraud

A Monroe, La., woman has pleaded guilty to mail fraud, admitting that she filed a $116,000 insurance claim for $1,000 in assets. U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley says 54-year-old Lasandra Edwards filed for bankruptcy in October 2013, saying her furniture and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Wisconsin Farmer Sentenced for Federal Crop Insurance Fraud

John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Mark E. Johnson, 50, a farmer in Dresser, Wis., was sentenced on Feb. 13, 2017, in a federal crop insurance fraud case. During a plea hearing …

from News – Insurance Journal

XS Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. Opens Second Massachusetts Office

XS Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., a Northeast wholesale and managing general agent (MGA) brokerage headquartered in Quincy, Mass., has announced the opening of a new office in Worcester, Mass. The firm now has four East Coast offices, including locations in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Pennsylvania’s HB Retirement Hires Ryan

HB Retirement, an independent financial services firm specializing in the design and function of retirement programs from  corporations, small businesses and non-profit organizations throughout the Pittsburgh, Penn., region, has hired Jack Ryan as a client service associate. In this role, Ryan will use his …

from News – Insurance Journal

CNA Appoints Ex-Endurance, AIG Executive Worman as Chief Underwriting Officer

CNA has named Douglas Worman to fill the newly created position of executive vice president and chief underwriting officer. He reports to Dino E. Robusto, CNA chairman and chief executive officer. In this role, Worman will work jointly with the …

from News – Insurance Journal

How Tattoo Artists Are Like Dentists

Getting a tattoo may hurt, but giving one is no picnic, either. That’s the finding of what its authors say is the first study ever to directly measure the physical stresses that lead to aches and pains in tattoo artists—workers …

from News – Insurance Journal

Driver Deaths Rose 6% in 2016, Topping 40,000

U.S. motor vehicle accident deaths last year topped 40,000 for the first time since 2007 as cheap gasoline and a healthy economy encouraged motorists to drive more, according to new estimates released by the National Safety Council. Roadside fatalities last …

from News – Insurance Journal

Global Insurance Rate Decreases in Q4 Slowed for 4th Consecutive Quarter: Marsh

Global insurance rate decreases moderated on average for the fourth consecutive quarter, down 3.1 percent (compared to the previous quarter’s decrease of 3.2 percent), according to Marsh’s Global Insurance Market Index – Q4 2016. “The last quarter of 2016 marked …

from News – Insurance Journal

The Concord Group Insurance Companies in New Hampshire Hires McCabe

The Concord Group Insurance Companies, a Concord, N.H.-based insurance carrier, has announced that Daniel L. McCabe has joined the senior leadership team as a vice president. “Dan will play an important role on our management team as we transition through …

from News – Insurance Journal

Beazley Taps Markel’s Tewfik as Underwriter for UK Tech & Data Breach Team

Beazley, a specialist in cyber and data breach response insurance, has appointed Michael Tewfik as a technology, media and business services underwriter focused on addressing the data breach and cyber security risks of organizations in the United Kingdom. He will …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ratings Agencies Hold Their Ratings on AIG

Despite American International Group’s poor 2016 fourth quarter earnings performance, Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s both have affirmed the insurer’s ratings, with a few qualifiers slipped in. The struggling insurance giant lost $3.0 billion, or $2.96 per share, compared …

from News – Insurance Journal

Verisk Buys Healix Risk Rating, UK-Based Medical Risk Assessment Firm

Verisk Analytics has snatched up Healix Risk Rating, a company focused on automated medical risk assessment for the travel insurance ratings.Financial terms were not disclosed, although the deal is designed to expand Verisk’s risk assessment offerings for the global insurance …

from News – Insurance Journal

Zurich Insurance in APAC Creates New Commercial Insurance Structure

Zurich Insurance has created a new structure for its Commercial Insurance business in Asia Pacific (APAC), following the combination of its Global Corporate and Commercial units into a single division. “This simplified structure provides a single point of entry for …

from News – Insurance Journal

Carnegie-Brown to Become Chairman of Lloyd’s, Succeeding Nelson: Sources

Bruce Carnegie-Brown, former CEO of Marsh Europe and non-executive chairman of Aon UK, will shortly be named the new chairman of Lloyd’s, succeeding John Nelson who had announced in 2015 that he would retire this year at the age of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Woodruff-Sawyer in California Names Cartwright Practice Leader

San Francisco, Calif.-based Woodruff-Sawyer & Co. has named Darren Cartwright claims auditing and consulting practice leader. Cartwright will be responsible for the direction of the claims group, which provides claims management and advice across the areas of property/casualty, management liability …

from News – Insurance Journal

Allianz Posts Higher than Expected Q4 Profit; Plans $3.2B Share Buyback

Allianz, Europe’s largest insurer, proposed spending 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) on buying back its own shares on Thursday after the Munich-based firm posted higher than expected profits and said it was adjusting its policy on budgeting for possible takeovers. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Argo Pro, BlueChip Underwriting Services Launch Transactional Risk Program

Argo Pro, a member of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd., has partnered with BlueChip Underwriting Services LLC to provide transactional risk insurance to facilitate mergers and acquisitions. BlueChip will sell and underwrite this suite of products, including Representation & Warranties, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Lockton Promotes Ruback to Sr. VP in Chicago

Insurance broker Lockton has named Amanda Ruback to the newly created position of senior vice president and major client strategist in the firm’s Chicago operation. In her new role, Ruback assists in strategy development and solutions for the needs and challenges of Fortune 1000 …

from News – Insurance Journal

New West Virginia Town Files Suit Against Drug Wholesalers Over Opioid Abuse

A southern West Virginia town has joined other communities in seeking to recoup the costs of dealing with opioid abuse. The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports the McDowell County town of Welch filed a lawsuit Monday against several out-of-state drug distributors. The …

from News – Insurance Journal

Patient Complaints Can Identify Surgeons Who Are Higher Claims Risks

Recording and analyzing patient and family reports about rude and disrespectful behavior can identify surgeons with higher rates of surgical site infections and other avoidable adverse outcomes, according to a study led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) investigators in …

from News – Insurance Journal

NEBCO Insurance Services Expands into Florida, Opens First Office in Naples

NEBCO Insurance Services has opened an office in Naples, Fla. The Greenwich, Conn.-based independent insurance agency provides asset and lifestyle protection for high-net-worth individuals nationwide. The recently opened office in Naples is the firm’s first expansion outside the Greenwich area. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida-Based Main Street America Appoints Bastian as National Account Executive

The Main Street America Group, a super-regional property/casualty insurance company, has announced the appointment of Anne Bastian to national account executive, a newly established role within the company’s field operations division. In this capacity, Bastian, who has served as a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Former Alabama Scrap Metal Executive Accused of Embezzling $11.2M

A former executive for a Birmingham-area scrap metal brokerage company has been accused of embezzling $11.2 million from the company and using the funds to live a lavish lifestyle. Acting U.S. Attorney Robert O. Posey said in a news release …

from News – Insurance Journal

LA County Supervisors Order Inspection of Dams in Wake of Oroville Emergency

Supervisors have ordered inspections of all Los Angeles County dams in the wake of flooding concerns at Northern California’s Oroville Dam. The Los Angeles Times wrote that supervisors unanimously approved the order Tuesday. The Department of Public Works has 30 …

from News – Insurance Journal

Hub International Acquires Assets Denali Alaskan Insurance

Hub International Ltd. has acquired the assets of Denali Alaskan Insurance LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Denali Federal Credit Union. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Anchorage, Alaska-based DAI specializes in providing property/casualty insurance solutions. The DAI team …

from News – Insurance Journal

What Happens if Trump Pulls Us out of The Paris Agreement?

Dam climate change. An opinion piece in the New York Times is offering a tie-in between global warming and the potential disaster unfolding at the Oroville Dam in Northern California. “After five years of record-setting drought, much of California is …

from News – Insurance Journal

Dangers Posed by Thousands of Crumbling Dams in Michigan

Michigan has thousands of aging and under-maintained dams that could pose localized risks. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality tells the Detroit Free Press that all but six of the state’s 88 potential high-hazard dams are approaching 50 years old, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Workers Hospitalized for Carbon Monoxide Exposure at Kansas Plant

About 20 employees from a manufacturing plant in Kansas’ Reno County were sent to the hospital on Feb. 13 after being exposed to carbon monoxide in the workplace. SYT USA official Alex Birkenfeldt tells The Hutchinson News that employees were …

from News – Insurance Journal

Traffic, Crashes Increase on Aging Ohio River Bridge

A bridge that carries highway traffic across the Ohio River near Cincinnati has been serving tens of thousands more vehicles a day than it was designed to handle. Time and traffic are wearing on the Brent Spence Bridge, which is …

from News – Insurance Journal

Arkansas Bill Would Limit Attorneys’ Fees, Punitive Damages

An Arkansas Senate committee has advanced a proposed constitutional amendment that would ask voters to limit some attorneys’ fees and punitive damages in court cases. The Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee voted on Feb. 14 to advance the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Polluted Waste Pits Along Texas’ San Jacinto River Bring Lawsuits

Rick Kornele and Charles Rayburn fished and crabbed as small boys on a sand bar near a popular boat ramp on the San Jacinto River — a site today blocked off by an imposing chain-link fence that’s plastered with warning …

from News – Insurance Journal

At Least 6 Twisters Slam Areas Southwest of Houston

Residents of areas southwest of Houston are cleaning up debris after severe storms, including at least six tornadoes, swept through the area on Feb. 14. At least six people were injured in Van Vleck, about 70 miles southwest of Houston, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Lindley-Myers Appointed as Head of Missouri Insurance Department

Gov. Eric Greitens has chosen Chlora Lindley-Myers to lead the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration. Lindley-Myers currently serves as deputy commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. If her appointment is approved by the Missouri …

from News – Insurance Journal

Orndorff Tapped to Lead IMA’s Operations in Wichita

Kyle Orndorff has been promoted to lead insurance broker IMA Inc.’s Wichita, Kan., operations. He will oversee a team of nearly 200 employees and manage IMA’s reputation as the preeminent insurance consultant in the greater Kansas area. Formerly chief people …

from News – Insurance Journal

UK Plans to Trigger Brexit Negotiations in Early March: Government Sources

Prime Minister Theresa May intends to trigger Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union as close as possible to the EU summit taking place on March 9 and March 10, according to two government officials involved in Brexit planning. The latest …

from News – Insurance Journal

Audit Shows Risk Management Fund for New Mexico City Being Drained by Suits

Legal settlements in law enforcement civil rights cases over the past five years have severely depleted Albuquerque, N.M.’s risk management fund, which pays for uninsured losses. In a letter to city officials, state Auditor Tim Keller wrote that the city …

from News – Insurance Journal

Hacker Convicted in California of Stealing From More Than 100K Amex Accounts

A federal jury in Sacramento, Calif. has convicted a hacker accused of breaking into more than 100,000 of American Express accounts and handing off funds to Russia. The Sacramento Bee reported that 37-year-old Mihran Melkonyan on Tuesday was found guilty …

from News – Insurance Journal

Man Admits Role in Scheme to Stage Dozens of Crashes in Connecticut

A Haitian man has admitted in federal court he was involved in a scheme to stage dozens of car crashes in Connecticut and collected up to $30,000 per wreck by submitting bogus insurance claims. Jacques Fleurijeune, also known as “Magic,” …

from News – Insurance Journal

EPIC Appoints O’Neil as Northeast Region President in New York

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., has appointed Thomas E. O’Neil as Northeast region president. O’Neil will relocate to New York City from EPIC’s headquarters …

from News – Insurance Journal

Renaissance Alliance Acquires the Peter M. Bakker Agency of Connecticut

Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services, an independent insurance agency collaboration based in Wellesley, Mass., has announced its acquisition of the Peter M. Bakker Agency Inc. of Avon, Conn. The acquisition is set to create a Connecticut-based hub for Renaissance Alliance, furthering …

from News – Insurance Journal

Pennsylvania’s Capital BlueCross Names Hubley a Vice President

Capital BlueCross, a health solutions and insurance company headquartered in Harrisburg, Penn., has announced Susan Hubley as the company’s new vice president of corporate social responsibility. Hubley was most recently the director of community affairs at Highmark Blue Shield in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Citing Trump’s Order, IRS Stops Enforcing Individual Mandate for Health Insurance

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service will no longer require tax filers to indicate whether they had health coverage or paid a penalty set under Obamacare, dealing a blow to a pillar of the healthcare law, the website Reason.com reported. Republican …

from News – Insurance Journal

Solvency II Drives Demand for Reinsurance During 1/1 Renewals: Fitch

The January renewals period show that Solvency II will increase demand for reinsurance products as European insurers attempt to strengthen their capital position through risk transfers, Fitch Ratings said. The main beneficiaries are likely to be the financially strongest reinsurers …

from News – Insurance Journal

Hiscox UK & Ireland Launches Media & Creative Industries Product Suite

Specialist insurer Hiscox said it is addressing new exposures faced by the media and creative industries with the launch of two tailor-made professional indemnity products focused on those working within digital marketing and event organizations. The insurer has also further …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ukraine Blames Russian Hackers for Attacks on Power Grid, Financial System

Ukraine on Wednesday accused Russian hackers of targeting its power grid, financial system and other infrastructure with a new type of virus that attacks industrial processes, the latest in a series of cyber offensives against the country. Oleksandr Tkachuk, Ukraine’s security service …

from News – Insurance Journal

Marsh Announces Executive Lineup for Combined Jelf & Bluefin Business

Following the completion of its acquisition of Bluefin earlier this year, Marsh announced that it had appointed a new management team for its combined Jelf and Bluefin business. Led by Phil Barton as CEO, the new management team is drawn …

from News – Insurance Journal

Markel International to Enter Surety Market in March 2017

Markel International, the London-based specialist insurer and subsidiary of Markel Corp., will enter the surety market in March this year, following the appointment of two senior underwriters with over 30 years’ combined experience in the surety and trade credit industries. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Wholesale Trading Insurance Names Kiley Managing Director in California

Wholesale Trading Insurance Services LLC in San Francisco, Calif. has named Chris Kiley managing director and property broker. Kiley has more than 20 years of property broking and underwriting with expertise in real estate and specialty property. Kiley joins WTIS …

from News – Insurance Journal

Brazil Uber Drivers Are Employees & Entitled to Benefits, Judge Rules

A Brazilian judge ruled that a driver using the Uber ride-hailing app is an employee of the San Francisco-based company and is entitled to workers’ benefits, adding to the global debate over labor rights for drivers on the platform. Uber …

from News – Insurance Journal

Judge Rejects Bid to Dismiss Alabama Water Contamination Lawsuit

A federal judge in Alabama is refusing to dismiss an environmental group’s lawsuit over alleged chemical contamination in the Tennessee River. The Decatur Daily reports U.S. District Judge Abdul Kallon won’t throw out claims in a lawsuit filed by the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Insurers Mull Obamacare Exits as Uncertainty, Losses Mount

Another U.S. health insurer is threatening to drop out of Obamacare after posting massive financial losses related to the program, just hours after an insurance CEO said the law’s markets were entering a “death spiral.” Molina Healthcare Inc., one of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Repair Work to Begin on Prized Corvette Damaged by Kentucky Sinkhole

A Kentucky museum says a prized Corvette still covered in dirt and debris from its 2014 fall into a sinkhole has been moved from display to undergo repairs. The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green says restoration work on the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida’s CFO Atwater to Step Down After 2017 Legislative Session

In a move sure to shake up Florida’s political landscape, Jeff Atwater, the state’s chief financial officer, resigned Feb. 10 to take a job at Florida Atlantic University. Atwater, a Republican from Palm Beach County, had risen to the rank …

from News – Insurance Journal

Homeowners in South Carolina Awarded $7M in Faulty Construction Lawsuit

A townhome community in Mount Pleasant, S.C., has won a $7 million verdict against an Atlanta builder for what the townhome owners said was inferior work. The Post and Courier of Charleston reported a jury returned the verdict for the …

from News – Insurance Journal

RRS to Address Auto Coverage Gap Through Xpress Autoguard Program

Reliance Risk Solutions (RRS), the high net worth personal insurance division of Appalachian Underwriters, has developed a new program to address the coverage gap for many personal and commercial automobile policies with regard to physical damage loss settlement. RRS’s Xpress …

from News – Insurance Journal

Anthem Not Giving Up on Merger with Cigna Even If Cigna Is

Anthem Inc. on Wednesday won a temporary restraining order that blocks smaller rival Cigna Corp. from officially terminating their proposed $54 billion merger, a transaction already rejected by U.S. antitrust regulators. Judge Travis Laster of Delaware’s Court of Chancery granted …

from News – Insurance Journal

Trump Labor Chief Nominee Puzder Loses Republican Support, Withdraws

In a blow to President Donald Trump as he tries to assemble his administration, his nominee for labor secretary, Andrew Puzder, withdrew his name from consideration on Wednesday amid concerns that he could not garner enough Senate votes to be …

from News – Insurance Journal

CoreLogic: $13.3B in Reconstruction at Risk in Northern California Dam Failure

Roughly 50,047 single- and multi-family residential homes could be damaged with an estimated reconstruction cost value of $13.3 billion if the Oroville Dam in California were to fail completely, according to new data analysis from CoreLogic that included the six …

from News – Insurance Journal

Wraight, New Director of Academy of Insurance, Focuses on Learning Customers’ Needs

Patrick Wraight has been named the director of the Insurance Journal Academy of Insurance, a leading property/casualty insurance learning center that is part of the Wells Media Group. Wraight, an Army veteran, comes to the Academy with more than 12 …

from News – Insurance Journal

Report: California’s Central Coast Accounting for More of State’s Comp Claims

California’s Central Coast has been accounting for more of the state’s workers’ compensation claims recently, a new report issued today shows. The California Workers’ Compensation Institute has issued a new Regional Score Card, the sixth in its research series that …

from News – Insurance Journal

North Carolina Appoints Taylor Assistant Fire Marshal

The North Carolina Department of Insurance has appointed Brian Taylor as Assistant Fire Marshal for the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, according to an announcement from Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey. Taylor has been Fire …

from News – Insurance Journal

Lance Armstrong Loses Bid to Stop $100M Federal lawsuit

A federal judge has refused to block the government’s $100 million lawsuit against Lance Armstrong, putting the former cyclist on course for trial in a 2010 case stemming from his performance-enhancing drug use. The lawsuit was filed by Armstrong’s former …

from News – Insurance Journal

Chubb Expands Global Cyber Facility with Multiline Peril Endorsements

Chubb has launched a suite of multiline cyber peril endorsements for its Global Cyber Facility to helps risk managers address exposure gaps in their insurance portfolio and respond to the concerns of their c-suite and board. First introduced in 2015, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Western Michigan Public Safety Chief Resigns Over Insurance Fraud Charge

A top public safety official in western Michigan has resigned while he faces a health insurance fraud charge. Greenville City Manager George Bosanic says Mark Reiss resigned on Feb. 13 as director of public safety. WZZM-TV reports Reiss had served …

from News – Insurance Journal

Corporation of Lloyd’s Bans Booze During Work Hours

Once part of the London/Lloyd’s market culture, the days of liquid lunches have mostly disappeared with many companies requiring that their employees abstain during work hours. The Corporation of Lloyd’s, which oversees and supports the businesses operating in the Lloyd’s …

from News – Insurance Journal

Texas a Leader in Fatal Crashes, Alcohol-Impaired Driving

Texas highways continue to be a deadly form of travel as traffic crashes involving injuries and fatalities continue to rise. Last year, 3,390 traffic crashes resulted in 3,757 fatalities and 175,347 traffic crashes resulted in 263,536 people injures, the Insurance …

from News – Insurance Journal

AIG’s Losing Streak Continued in Q4

American International Group Inc. posted its fourth loss in six quarters, burned again by higher-than-expected claims costs as Chief Executive Officer Peter Hancock struggles to sustain profitability. The net loss widened to $3.04 billion, or $2.96 a share, from a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida School District Hit by Data Breach Affecting 7K Employees Has Cyber Insurance

Authorities say as many as 7,700 Manatee County school employees are at risk of being victims of a data breach. School officials learned earlier this month that two payroll employees of the school district along Florida’s Gulf Coast had fallen …

from News – Insurance Journal

Efforts to Limit Medical Pot Ads Approved by Arkansas House

The Arkansas House has approved legislation aimed at preventing kid-friendly advertising and packaging of medical marijuana, and may soon consider banning any pot ads altogether. The House approved by an 89-1 vote legislation that would require the state to limit …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ed Announces Series of Appointments and One Departure

Ed, the London-based reinsurance, wholesale and specialty broker, has announced several appointments over the past few weeks in the areas of international property and casualty, marine and energy, finance, and underwriting. The company also announced one departure. Announced on Feb. …

from News – Insurance Journal

11 Children Injured When School Bus Overturns

Louisiana officials say a school bus carrying about 38 children has overturned, with 11 children and the driver suffering what were described as minor to moderate injuries. Louisiana State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says it happened Monday morning near Greensburg …

from News – Insurance Journal

Tough Budget-Rebalancing Awaits Returning Louisiana Lawmakers

Louisiana’s lawmakers are trudging back to work after Gov. John Bel Edwards called them to the Capitol for a special deficit-reduction session that many of them didn’t want to have. The 10-day session that began Monday, a day before Valentine’s Day, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Wisconsin, Minnesota AGs Combine Efforts in Painkiller Abuse Battle

Minnesota and Wisconsin are teaming up to tackle prescription painkiller abuse. The attorneys general from both states met at the Minnesota Capitol Monday to discuss their “Dose of Reality” campaign. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says prescription opioid deaths now …

from News – Insurance Journal

Michigan Beverage Plant Ammonia Leak Hospitalizes Worker

An ammonia leak at a Detroit, Mich.-area beverage plant has left one worker hospitalized. A contractor struck an ammonia line at Sundance Beverage in Warren on Monday morning, causing a break that forced the building’s evacuation. The Macomb Daily reports …

from News – Insurance Journal

Driver Course in Illinois Offers Help for Teens With Attention Disorder

Chicago, Ill.-area students with attention deficit disorder are getting special attention when they learn to drive. The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reported a Chicago-based group called Behind the Wheel with ADHD is training driving instructors, including those at Lombard-based Top …

from News – Insurance Journal

Oregon’s Largest City Requests $3.2M in Federal Disaster Aid For Storms

The Oregon city of Portland is asking for over $3.2 million in federal disaster aid to cover costs related to the city’s record-setting snow and ice storms in January. The Oregonian/OregonLive reported the city gave Multnomah County an initial damage …

from News – Insurance Journal

8 Cars Burn, 7 People Treated after Parking Fire at California’s Disneyland

A fire broke out in Disneyland’s main parking structure that burned eight cars and caused seven people to be treated for smoke inhalation, authorities said. No foul play was suspected but authorities haven’t given a cause for the blaze at …

from News – Insurance Journal

Flood Concerns Dismissed by Dam Managers California 12 Years Ago

Environmental activists and local government officials warned more than a decade ago about the risk of catastrophic flooding below a major Northern California dam – the very scenario that threatened to unfold over the weekend, prompting evacuation orders for nearly …

from News – Insurance Journal

UK Opens National Cyber Security Centre; Sciemus Comments

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) was officially launched this week – a government sponsored organization that is focused on improving the UK’s cyber security and cyber resilience. The NCSC will use its new offices in Victoria, London “to manage incidents, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Sapiens to Acquire Insurance Tech Firm StoneRiver for $102 Million

Israel-based insurance software firm Sapiens International Corp. has agreed to acquire privately-held insurance technology firm StoneRiver Inc. for approximately $102 million in cash. Headquartered in Denver, StoneRiver’s software product portfolio is comprised of a policy administration suite, rating, underwriting, illustrations, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Agency Organic Growth Slowed in 2016: Reagan

Organic revenue growth among insurance agencies and brokerage firms fell in 2016 to 4.2 percent– its lowest annual rate since 2011. The year ended on a positive note, however, as fourth-quarter organic growth outpaced the 3.6 percent recorded in the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Drones Used to Improve Safety on Eni’s Oil Rigs

A British drone operator has won a contract to inspect rigs operated by one of the world’s largest oil producers. Sky Futures Ltd. will deploy drones at Eni S.p.A. facilities as part of a global three-year contract. The company expects airborne …

from News – Insurance Journal

Lloyd’s Sees Political Risk Insurance Opportunity in Trump, Brexit

Lloyd’s of London Chief Executive Officer Inga Beale said Donald Trump’s presidency and the U.K.’s planned exit from the European Union are creating opportunities to sell insurance guarding commercial clients against disruptions in global commerce. “I wouldn’t be surprised if …

from News – Insurance Journal

Colombia’s Insurance Regulator Approves Use of AIR’s Earthquake Model

Catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide (AIR) announced that its earthquake model for Colombia has been approved by the country’s insurance regulator, the Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia, for use by domestic insurance companies in managing their earthquake risk. “The Colombian government …

from News – Insurance Journal

Federal Reserve Chair Yellen Defends Role in International Regulation

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, in response to a warning from a U.S. congressman to halt global regulatory talks in the early stages of Donald Trump’s presidency, said in a letter the Fed has the authority and responsibility to consult …

from News – Insurance Journal

Fire Destroys Virginia Tech Research Building, Estimated Damage up to $1.3M

Officials say a fire destroyed a research building at Virginia Tech. Media outlets report it happened at the Prices Fork Research Station on Sunday night. Bob Schubert, the College of Architecture and Urban Studies’ associate dean for research, says the …

from News – Insurance Journal

State Officials Urge Residents to Avoid Driving as Winter Storm Hits Northeast

Plow trucks and shovelers in the Northeast attacked the region’s newest winter storm as fresh powder piled on top of ever-growing piles and whiteout conditions made roads unsafe, immobilizing millions of residents. Winter storm warnings were in effect from upstate …

from News – Insurance Journal

Philadelphia Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania Promotes 5 Employees

Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), a commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance company for niche markets based in Bala Cynwyd, Penn., has promoted five employees to vice president. Yvonne Burgess, Michael Ricca and Chris Rosecrans are now vice presidents in the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Insurer & Investor Group Urges G20 to Scrap Fossil Fuel Subsidies by 2020

Investors and insurers with more than $2.8 trillion in assets under management on Wednesday called on the Group of 20 economies to phase out fossil fuel subsidies by 2020 despite U.S. doubts about climate change. G20 nations should work “to …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ex-CFO of Bankrupt Enron Offers D&O Lessons from Accounting’s ‘Gray’ Areas

Andrew Fastow, former chief financial officer (CFO) of Enron Corp., a now-defunct energy trading company swept up in a massive fraud scandal in the early 2000s, warned a room full of directors and officers (D&O) underwriters that some companies today …

from News – Insurance Journal

Heat Is on Florida Lawmakers to Fix Assignment of Benefits Crisis

Florida’s insurance industry will apply significant pressure on lawmakers to pass assignments of benefit (AOB) reform in the upcoming legislative session as consumers face rate increases and a looming coverage availability crisis due to serious and costly abuse of the …

from News – Insurance Journal

How Much Will Your Car Insurance Cost?

Like many things, auto insurance rates seem to be getting higher every year. So how much is the average cost? It depends on many factors taken into consideration when it’s time to get a new policy. On average, the annual cost to insure a...

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

Wisconsin Police Officers Targeting Aggressive Drivers

Police across Wisconsin have ramped up efforts to stop aggressive driving by writing more speeding tickets. The strategy is appearing to work, as citations increased nearly 7 percent in 2015, to more than 172,000, the Wisconsin State Journal reported. Before …

from News – Insurance Journal

Drones Being Tested in Minnesota to Conduct Safety Inspections on Bridges

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is testing the use of drones to inspect bridges. Transportation officials expect the technology will save money and provide another perspective on how the state’s bridges are holding up. The drone allows inspectors not only …

from News – Insurance Journal

EPIC Names Frugoli Vice President in Health Care Group in California

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has named Adam Frugoli vice president of its health care strategy group. He will divide his time between EPIC’s Idaho Falls, Idaho and Sacramento, Calif., offices. Frugoli will be responsible for new business development, program design and …

from News – Insurance Journal

Aetna, Humana Officially End Merger Deal; Won’t Appeal Court Ruling

Health insurers Aetna Inc. and Humana Inc. walked away from their $34 billion merger deal on Tuesday, after a U.S. judge ruled in January the combination would stifle competition in the private Medicare Advantage program for retirees. After the Jan. …

from News – Insurance Journal

Nichols Resigns as AXIS Re’s CEO; Ekberg Named Interim Head of Reinsurance

Bermuda-based AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. announced that John “Jay” Nichols has resigned from his position as chief executive officer of AXIS Re. Nichols has agreed to remain with the company in a transitional role until March 31. AXIS has named …

from News – Insurance Journal

Families Beg to Close New Jersey Beach Where 3 Died as Sand Gave Way

Relatives of three people who died when the sand at a New Jersey beach gave way beneath their feet begged a judge to permanently close the beach, saying it’s only a matter of time before someone else dies there. Relatives …

from News – Insurance Journal

Miller Hires Richards (from Guy Carpenter) for Its Facultative Property Team

Miller Insurance Services has expanded its facultative property team with the appointment of experienced broker and producer Damian Richards. Richards will work with the team in London and colleagues across Miller to develop tailored facultative reinsurance solutions for its clients, …

from News – Insurance Journal

Greenberg Counters New York AG’s Spin on Reinsurance Saga

Almost a dozen years ago, then-New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer filed a fraud lawsuit against former American Insurance Group Inc. CEO Maurice “Hank” Greenberg over two reinsurance transactions that purportedly gave an improper boost to the company’s financial statements. …

from News – Insurance Journal

NSW Bushfires to Cost Insurers at Least US$15.3M: Insurance Council

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared an insurance catastrophe for bushfires that have destroyed homes, stock and other assets across New South Wales, providing an initial insured loss estimate of at least A$20 million (US$15.3 million).   That …

from News – Insurance Journal

Insurance CEOs More Concerned About Disrupters than Other Sectors: PwC Survey

Insurance CEOs are more concerned than leaders in other industries about combined disruptive threats to their growth prospects, according to findings from the 20th annual “PwC global CEO Survey.” PwC polled 95 insurance CEOs from 39 countries, who anticipate being hugely affected …

from News – Insurance Journal

Rolling Stone Defamation Case Over Rape Story Back in Virginia Court

Attorneys for Rolling Stone magazine are heading back to federal court to try to overturn a jury’s defamation verdict over its botched story “A Rape on Campus.” A judge is holding a hearing in Roanoke, Virginia, on Thursday to consider …

from News – Insurance Journal

New York Museum Ends Shia LaBeouf Project, Citing Safety Concerns

The Museum of the Moving Image announced Friday it has closed a performance art project involving Shia LaBeouf, citing “serious public safety hazards.” The project involved the actor and others chanting “He will not divide us” in front of a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Intesa Consults Investors Ahead of Possible Generali Deal: Sources

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA is sounding out investors about a possible combination with Assicurazioni Generali SpA and weighing which of the insurer’s assets it might sell, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Intesa Chief Executive Officer Carlo Messina is …

from News – Insurance Journal

U.K. Tech Startups Consider Moving HQs to Europe on Brexit Worries

British technology startups are beginning to stress out over Brexit. Initially confident their industry wouldn’t be harmed by Britain’s break from the European Union, U.K. tech entrepreneurs are now girding for a bevy of challenges. A poll of 940 startup …

from News – Insurance Journal

Automakers Want Regulatory Road Cleared for Self-Driving Vehicles

General Motors Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. officials will tell a U.S. House panel on Tuesday that automakers need changes to automotive safety rules to allow the deployment of self-driving cars on American roads. “Without changes to those regulations, it …

from News – Insurance Journal

Insurers Find Fault With Report Over How Auto Insurers Treat No-Fault Accidents

A national consumer group has charged that innocent drivers in most states are being forced to pay more for auto insurance for accidents in which they are not at fault. The report from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) further …

from News – Insurance Journal

At Least 7 Injured by Confirmed Tornado in Southeast Georgia

Experts have confirmed a tornado plowed through two southeast Georgia counties where mobile homes were destroyed and several people were injured. The National Weather Service reported Friday a survey team found a tornado with maximum winds of 130 mph traveled …

from News – Insurance Journal

Coal Truck Driver Dies on Delivery in West Virginia

West Virginia mine safety authorities say a 54-year-old coal truck driver has died from injuries he suffered last week in Logan County. The Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training says the loaded truck driven by Franklin Vannoy Jr. of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Florida-based American Integrity Launches Golf Cart Insurance

American Integrity Insurance Co., a Florida-based insurance provider, has launched a standalone golf cart insurance program. The American Integrity golf cart insurance policy will have similar coverage types that are often seen in an auto insurance policy with protections such …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ironshore Forms Oil & Gas Facility for Middle Market Energy Sector

Ironshore Specialty Casualty has formed Ironshore Energy Solutions, a dedicated oil & gas facility, offering liability coverages for on-shore middle market energy classes in the United States. Ironshore Insurance Services LLC, its specialty managing general agency, will deliver capacity to …

from News – Insurance Journal

Palomar Specialty Launches Residential Flood Program in California

Palomar Specialty Insurance Co. has launched Flood Guard, a private flood program in California that uses an advanced and granular proprietary rating system. Palomar used catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide’s probabilistic flood model for the United States in its rate …

from News – Insurance Journal

California Court Says Commissioner Can Prohibit Pass Thru of Advertising Costs

A California Court of Appeal had decided in favor of California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones in a case against Mercury Insurance Co. and a coalition of insurance industry groups, which sued Jones to challenge his authority regarding “institutional” or “brand” …

from News – Insurance Journal

R Street Applauds Texas Bill to Rein in Hail Claims

The R Street Institute applauded the introduction today of S.B. 10, legislation to rein in the growth in Texas hail-related litigation. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, would provide revisions to Texas law, preserving the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Beyonce Faces $20M Copyright Lawsuit in Louisiana from Youtube Star’s Estate

The estate of a late New Orleans YouTube star has filed a $20 million copyright infringement lawsuit against Beyonce over the use of his voice in her “Formation” video. The estate of Anthony Barre, who went by the name Messy …

from News – Insurance Journal

Suspected Shooter in Oklahoma Accused of Stealing Insurance Money

Federal investigators say an Oklahoma man who fatally shot himself this week after being suspected of killing two people was facing felony charges connected to an insurance scheme. An FBI affidavit alleges that 55-year-old Timothy Michael Deffner of Norman stole …

from News – Insurance Journal

Good and Bad of Private Equity Investment in Insurance Agencies

It takes a lot of capital for an insurance agency to grow, acquire, merge or partner with another agency, and increasingly, private equity firms are stepping up to the plate to supply that funding. Although the number of reported mergers …

from News – Insurance Journal

DuPont to Pay $670M Over Teflon-Making Chemical Leak in West Virginia

DuPont said on Monday it agreed to pay $670.7 million in cash to settle several lawsuits related to a chemical leak from a plant in West Virginia. The company said it settled about 3,550 personal injury claims arising from the …

from News – Insurance Journal

School Bus, SUV Collision in North Carolina Kills 1

Officials in Catawba County say one person was killed when an SUV collided with a school bus. Local media outlets report the Catawba County Schools said a driver, a monitor and three students were on the bus at the time …

from News – Insurance Journal

Customer in Florida Salon Injured by Gunshot from Next-Door Gun Store

A customer at a nail salon in Florida was accidentally shot after an employee of a gun store next-door inadvertently discharged a gun. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that 19-year-old Yaminah Gilbert was shot in …

from News – Insurance Journal

Neon Names AlphaCat’s Pritchard as Head of Property Reinsurance

Neon has appointed Nick Pritchard as head of Property Reinsurance. Pritchard initially will be based in Neon’s Bermuda office and will oversee the growth of Neon’s property reinsurance operations across both its Bermuda and London offices. The appointment will be …

from News – Insurance Journal

Talk Expected to Turn to Earthquakes at Tornado Summit in Oklahoma

Hundreds of top meteorologists and disaster recovery experts will converge on Oklahoma City this week for a national tornado summit, though much of the discussion is expected to focus on temblors, not twisters. The annual three-day conference in the middle of …

from News – Insurance Journal

Flood Emergency Declared at Utah Dam During Heavy Snowmelt

Federal water managers declared a first-stage flood emergency for the first time at a popular state park and released water from a dam as warming temperatures sent water from rapid snowmelt into homes and onto roads in northern Utah on …

from News – Insurance Journal

XL Catlin Opens Shared Services Office in Gurgaon, India

XL Catlin has opened a shared services office, covering three floors at DLF World Tech Park in Gurgaon, India. The new office will provide “vital underwriting support, claims administration, actuarial services, finance and accounting for XL Catlin’s teams across the world,” the …

from News – Insurance Journal

Ex-NFL Players Reminded to Register for Concussion Settlement

A federal judge last week urged NFL retirees to register for a concussion settlement that could cost the league $1 billion over 65 years. About 22,000 retirees are encouraged to get baseline neurological testing. The league expects more than 6,000 …

from News – Insurance Journal

Brazil’s BB Seguridade Expects Slower Growth as Recession Continues to Bite

State-controlled insurance holding company BB Seguridade Participações SA on Monday forecast slower profit growth this year, reflecting the impact of Brazil’s harshest recession ever and a rapid decline in interest rates. BB Seguridade projected an increase of 1 percent to …

from News – Insurance Journal

Intesa’s Interest in Generali Is ‘Strategically Questionable’: Opinion

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA is one of the few Italian banks that could accurately claim to be strong, profitable and shareholder-friendly. Generali’s Market Value: €23 billion It’s curious, therefore, that CEO Carlo Messina seems intent on jeopardizing that record with a …

from News – Insurance Journal

Why Predictive Modeling Is Gaining as Fraud Fighting Tool

Declining costs, the availability of cloud storage and the rise of telematics will likely increase predictive analytic adoption rates, according to Dan Donovan, assistant vice president of Claims Solutions at Verisk Insurance Solutions. Though predictive modeling has been used for …

from News – Insurance Journal

As La Niña Fades, Return of El Niño a Possibility

A U.S. weather forecaster on Thursday said La Niña has faded and neutral conditions are likely to continue in the coming months, though it noted some chance that the El Niño phenomenon may reappear as early as the Northern Hemisphere …

from News – Insurance Journal

Trump Labor Chief Nominee Puzder Dodges Disability Bias Suit for Now

Labor secretary nominee Andrew Puzder, the controversial business leader expected to undergo a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing next week, will be spared an emotionally weighted and concurrent discrimination trial against the restaurant group he heads. A state court in Orange …

from News – Insurance Journal

Obamacare Foe, Former Surgeon Price Sworn In as Health Secretary

Tom Price was sworn in as U.S. secretary of health on Friday, putting in place a determined opponent of Obamacare to help President Donald Trump dismantle his predecessor’s law and reshape the nation’s healthcare system. The Senate voted 52-47 earlier …

from News – Insurance Journal