West Virginia House Passes Bill to Aid Opioid Addiction Treatment Facilities

The number of beds available at state-run substance abuse treatment facilities would increase in drug-ravaged West Virginia under a bill passed Wednesday by the House. The bill passed on a 99-0 vote. It now moves to the state Senate. West …

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2 Retired North Carolina Agents Convicted of $11M Insurance Scam Targeting Seniors

North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) announced the conviction of two retired insurance agents in a regional scam targeting senior citizens. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said the two retired agents, Milton Hooks, 72, of Rocky Mount, and James Mangum, 69, …

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Florida Continues Aggressive Efforts to Stop Zika

Florida officials say they’re continuing aggressive efforts to stop the spread of the Zika virus. Gov. Rick Scott met Monday with Miami-Dade County officials to discuss Zika preparedness ahead of Florida’s rainy season, when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Officials said …

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USGS Lowers Seismic Hazard Forecast for Oklahoma in 2017

Oklahoma experienced fewer earthquakes last year compared with 2015 and a recent study of human-induced earthquakes predicts another year of reduced seismicity for the state in 2017. The U.S. Geological Survey warns, however, that that Oklahoma and southern Kansas, along …

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Minnesota Better Prepared for Bird Flu, Poultry Producers Say

Minnesota is better prepared for a potential bird flu return after a devastating 2015 epidemic, according to poultry producers and experts. Poultry farmers are waiting as the early spring opens water on lakes and rivers, leading to the migration of …

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Federal Investigators Probing Crash That Killed 13 in Texas

Federal officials are investigating a head-on collision between a pickup truck and small church bus in southwest Texas that crumpled the front of the bus and killed 13 senior adults returning from a church retreat. The Texas Department of Public …

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Esurance Lays Off 30 Workers in South Dakota

About 30 Esurance employees in Sioux Falls have lost their jobs as part of cuts within the insurance company. The Argus Leader reports that has Esurance cut 100 jobs, mostly in Sioux Falls and in two California locations. The San …

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Michigan Senate OKs $5M Loan for Sinkhole; Allots Federal Aid for Flint

The Michigan Senate has approved a $5 million interest-free state loan to help repair a large sinkhole in suburban Detroit, narrowly rejecting a call to stick with a House plan that would instead give Macomb County a $3 million infrastructure …

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11 Suits Over 2010 Flood Tossed by Texarkana Judge

A Texarkana judge has dismissed 11 civil lawsuits connected to the historic 2010 flood at Albert Pike campgrounds in Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas that took the lives of 20 men, women and children. The 11 lawsuits, which were consolidated …

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California Road Plan Calls for Boosting Gas Tax, Vehicle Fees

California Gov. Jerry Brown and fellow Democrats who control the state Legislature are proposing to raise $52.4 billion over 10 years by significantly boosting fuel taxes and vehicle fees. The money would go toward fixing a massive backlog in road …

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Homeowners Association at Sinking High-Rise in San Francisco Sue Developer

A homeowners association representing property owners at a downtown San Francisco high-rise has sued the developers on for failing to tell residents the condominium tower was sinking at an unexpected rate. The Millennium Tower homeowners association’s lawsuit is the latest …

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New Mexico Gets $50M Tobacco Settlement Payment

New Mexico this year will receive the largest tobacco settlement payment it has ever received from the industry. The state attorney general’s office made the $50 million announcement this week, saying the payment includes an additional $14.5 million as a …

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LP Insurance Services in Nevada Adds Holland as Shareholder

Reno, Nev.-based LP Insurance Services Inc. has named Tim Holland as its newest shareholder. Holland will continue as an employee benefits sales executive with LP Insurance. He has been in that role since 2011. LP Insurance Services Inc. is a …

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Ryan Specialty Group Agrees to Acquire Assets of New York-Based LoVullo

Ryan Specialty Group LLC (RSG) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of LoVullo Associates Inc. (LoVullo), a wholesale insurance brokerage and binding authority operation based in Depew, N.Y. LoVullo will become part of RT …

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Maryland’s Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Reappoints 2 to Board

Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company, a Towson, Md.-based writer of workers’ compensation insurance, has reappointed Leonard Schuler Jr. as a member to the board of directors for a term of four years, effective June 1, 2017. The Maryland State Senate has …

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Marsh & McLennan Companies Promotes Walsh in New York

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc. (MMC), a global professional services firm offering clients advice and solutions in risk, strategy and people, has appointed Keith Walsh as chief financial officer of the Company’s Risk and Insurance Services (RIS) segment, which includes …

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MAPFRE Insurance to Provide Coverage for Massachusetts Rideshare Drivers

In an important move aimed at protecting Massachusetts drivers, MAPFRE Insurance will be among the first insurers in the state to offer gap coverage to auto insurance policyholders using their personal cars to drive for rideshare companies like Uber and …

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Everest Insurance Expands Inland Marine Team with 3 New Hires

Everest Insurance has expanded its Inland Marine team with the hiring of Tom Warner, Mike Lewis and Timothy Janeway. Tom Warner has joined Everest Insurance as vice president Inland Marine for the Southeast region. Warner joins Everest from the Beazley Group, where …

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Governors Report Another Rise in Pedestrian Fatalities

The number of persons on foot killed on U.S. roadways last year increased an estimated 11 percent compared to 2015, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). This represents the steepest year-to-year increase since record-keeping began, both in terms of number …

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Republican Senator Wants Trump to Drop Systemic Risk Case Against MetLife

A Republican member of the Senate Banking Committee said on Thursday that he was “frustrated” that the Trump administration had not yet dropped the government’s case against Metlife Inc., an insurer challenging its “too big to fail” designation. Senator Pat …

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Madoff Deals in Locked Safe Are a Focus of UK Lawsuit Seeking Damages of $66M

Principal Financial Group Inc. accused the managers of Liongate Capital Management LLP of hiding investments with Bernie Madoff while negotiating to sell half of their London hedge fund to Principal. Founders Randall Dillard and Jeff Holland, and Head of Research …

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Allianz Insurance Launches Live Video Streaming Platform for Property Claims

Allianz Insurance, the U.K. -based subsidiary of Allianz SE, has launched a video streaming platform called Allianz Site View, which is designed to enhance its claims proposition by enabling customers to send images, video clips or conduct live video interactions …

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Bermuda Re/Insurers Start to Feel Pressures of Challenging Market: A.M. Best

Bermuda market re/insurers are beginning to experience lower profits, a deterioration in both return on equity and combined ratio as well as the drying up of favorable reserve development. These negative trends are becoming increasingly evident for Bermuda insurers and …

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Qatar Insurance Subsidiary Reaffirms London Commitment with New HQ

A Qatar Insurance Co. SAQ unit has signed a lease for a new headquarters close to the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, which is more than twice the size of the company’s existing premises. Antares Underwriting Services Ltd., acquired by …

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Fosun ‘Seeking Investors’ for Minority Stake in Reinsurance Unit, Peak Re

Fosun International Ltd., the Chinese insurance-to-tourism conglomerate, is seeking investors for a minority stake in its reinsurance business ahead of a possible initial public offering, according to people familiar with the matter. The sale of shares in Peak Reinsurance Co. could …

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Endurance, With SOMPO as New Owner, Gets A.M. Best Ratings Upgrade

Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. got a financial ratings upgrade from A.M. Best and is no longer under review, based on positives the ratings agency sees after it was acquired by Japan’s SOMPO Holdings Inc. for $6.3 billion. A.M. Best upgraded …

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Duke Energy Sues 30 Insurers Over Carolinas Coal Ash Cleanup Costs

The largest U.S. electric company sued 30 international and domestic insurance companies Wednesday, saying they should cover part of the utility’s multibillion-dollar cleanup costs in the Carolinas for toxic byproducts left from decades of burning coal to generate power. Charlotte-based …

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Artificial Intelligence, IoT Startups Gaining in Global Insurtech Funding

Investing in technology-oriented insurance ventures (insurtech) is clearly a global trend and almost half of all the money being poured into them globally is going into artificial intelligence and internet of things startups, new research finds. The research from Accenture, …

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Alliant Handed Victory over Aon in Third ‘Poaching’ Suit

A jury in Fresno, Calif. has ruled against Aon Corp. in yet another poaching lawsuit that involves the U.K. brokerage and rival Alliant Insurance Services. The jury rejected every claim by Aon levied against Newport Beach, Calif.-based Alliant and 10 …

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What Could be Hotter than Phoenix? The Answer Might Just Be Phoenix

Can you imagine an even hotter, drier Phoenix? Certainly not if you’ve been to the sun-drenched Arizona capitol in the summer. Such an inconceivable scenario is being proposed by the LA Times. “Today, Phoenix is a horizon of asphalt, air …

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Personal Auto Rate Hikes Not Keeping Up with Losses: Fitch

U.S. personal auto underwriters increased premium rates “significantly” in 2016. But here’s the thing: it wasn’t enough. Loss trends are still outpacing rate changes. Also, the U.S. P/C industry statutory combined ratio will likely hit 108 in the coming months, …

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3 Storm Chasers Die in West Texas Crash

Storms that bore down on Southern Plains states brought powerful winds that upended a tractor-trailer on an Oklahoma interstate, killing the driver, while three storm chasers died in a collision as they raced toward a tornado-warned storm in West Texas, …

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Insurance Trade Group: Illinois Workers’ Comp Bill Unnecessary, ‘Burdensome’

A national trade association representing property/casualty insurers has come out against a proposed bill in Illinois that will create what group says are “burdensome and duplicative workers’ compensation regulations.” The synopsis of Illinois House Bill 2645 states that the bill …

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Texas Businesses Divided on High-Priority Insurance Bill

This article originally appeared in the Texas Tribune. Weeks after major business interests blasted legislation that would make it harder for property owners to sue insurance companies over weather-related damages, other high-profile business interests are lining up in support of …

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Credit Card ‘Skimming’ Devices Found at Louisiana Gas Stations

Fifteen credit card “skimming” devices have been found on gasoline pumps in different parts of Louisiana in the past month, state Secretary of Agriculture Mike Strain said. The devices are used by thieves to steal credit card information from motorists. …

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Michigan Senate OKs Bill Authorizing Theft Fees on Commercial Trucks

Michigan state senators have approved legislation that could allow the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority to assess small fees on commercial vehicles, not just private passenger vehicles. Under current law, auto insurers pay $1 a year per insured car. State Attorney …

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RLI Promotes McLaughlin to VP, Chief Claim Counsel; Casey to Retire

Peoria, Ill.-based specialty insurer RLI Corp. is promoting Betsy McLaughlin to vice president, chief claim counsel, effective April 1. McLaughlin is assuming the responsibilities of Brian J. Casey, retires on March 31. Casey will continue to serve in an advisory …

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Volkswagen Settles Diesel Claims with 10 States for $157 Million

Volkswagen AG said Thursday it has agreed to settle environmental claims from 10 U.S. states over its excess diesel emissions for $157.45 million as the world’s largest automaker looks to move past the scandal. The German automaker settlement covers states …

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Lack of Markings Caused 2016 Fatal California Bus Crash, Report Shows

Federal investigators say inadequate highway markings caused a fatal Greyhound bus crash in California last year that killed two people and injured 13 others, including the driver. The National Transportation Safety Board said in a report Tuesday that the lack …

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The Similarities Between 2 Deadly Oakland Fires Are Striking

The similarities between two deadly Oakland, Calif. fires that occurred nearly four months apart are striking: Each involved a dangerously dilapidated building with an absentee landlord and renters desperate for affordable housing in the expensive San Francisco Bay Area. The …

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The Hartford Names Tooker as Head of Middle Market Segment

The Hartford has named A. Morris “Mo” Tooker, currently chief underwriting officer, as head of its Middle Market segment. Tooker remains chief underwriting officer for the company’s property/casualty businesses and continues to report to Doug Elliot, president of The Hartford. …

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Water officials say authorities in San Jose, Calif.  received several warnings that flooding was imminent but failed to evacuate thousands of residents who were trapped in their homes after a creek broke its banks. John Varela, board chairman of the …

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XL Catlin Adds Marlane to Its Environmental Business in California

XL Catlin’s environmental insurance business has appointed Denali Marlane as its Western regional underwriting manager in San Francisco. Marlane will manage XL Catlin’s environmental underwriting operations. She comes from AIG, where she most recently was a claims sales leader. XL …

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Delmarva Petroleum Worker in Delaware Seriously Hurt in Explosion

A worker at Delmarva Petroleum in Lincoln, Del., nearly died after fire from a chop saw ignited an explosion. The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office tells local media that the explosion happened shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday as the 21-year-old …

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First Domestic Run-Off Insurance Carrier Granted License by Rhode Island

ProTucket Insurance Company has become the first Rhode Island domestic insurer to be formed specifically for providing run-off portfolio transfer solutions. The move has been made possible under new state legislation which will allow companies to transfer their insurance business …

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MassMutual Southern and Northern New England Merge with CFG

MassMutual Southern New England in Warwick, R.I., and MassMutual Northern New England in Bedford, N.H., have merged with Commonwealth Financial Group (CFG), a Boston, Mass.-based comprehensive financial planning firm. CFG, a general agency of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, was …

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Exxon Dealt a Blow as Texas Judge Sends Climate Suit to New York

Exxon Mobil Corp.’s attempt to derail a multistate fraud probe into whether the company fully disclosed to investors the financial risks of climate change was dealt a major blow after a Texas judge moved the case from its home turf …

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XL Catlin Taps SCOR’s Ennadifi as Senior U/W, Structured Risk Solutions

XL Catlin’s insurance operations announced the appointment of Isa Ennadifi as senior underwriter, Structured Risk Solutions (SRS). She is based in London. The SRS team is a global underwriting unit that provides XL Catlin’s clients with customized solutions for large …

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Heist of $81M from Bangladesh Bank Blamed on ‘State-Sponsored Attack’

The heist of $81 million from the Bangladesh central bank’s account at the New York Federal Reserve last year was “state-sponsored,” an FBI officer in the Philippines, who has been involved in the investigations, said on Wednesday. Lamont Siller, the …

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Bedbugs Lead Pack of Animal Insurance Claims for Businesses

Bedbugs in hotel rooms and aggressive peacocks are some of the creatures behind an uptick in animal-related insurance claims filed by U.S. businesses, according to a study published on Thursday by insurer Allianz SE . U.S. claims involving bedbugs increased 50 percent …

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AIG Enhances Motor Fleet Claims Service, Harnessing Cloud-Based Technology

AIG UK announced it has entered into a partnership with VUEcloud Ltd., a UK software technology provider to the commercial motor industry, to provide an enhanced claims service to motor fleet customers by harnessing cloud-based technology. The new service, powered …

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Superyacht Specialist Yachtpod to Underwrite on Castel’s MGA Platform

Yachtpod Risk Partners has launched as an underwriting cell on the Castel Underwriting Agencies Ltd.’s MGA formation platform to offer dedicated superyacht insurance on a worldwide basis. Yachtpod specializes in providing a “one-stop” shop for superyacht owners, captains and managers …

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Brussels Hopes to Lure Other Finance Firms After Its Success with Lloyd’s

Brussels expects to lure other financial players after convincing Lloyd’s of London, the world’s largest specialty insurance market, to make the city its post-Brexit European hub. While Lloyd’s choice on Thursday surprised some, lower rental prices and its proximity to …

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Lloyd’s Reports £2.1B ($2.6B) Profit for 2016, Unchanged from 2015

Lloyd’s reported 2016 pretax profit of £2.1 billion pounds ($2.6 billion), level with 2015, despite a worsening of the market’s combined ratio at 97.9 percent, compared with 90.0 percent in 2015. Return on capital was 8.1 percent in 2016 compared with …

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Lloyd’s to Open EU Insurer in Brussels in Preparation for Brexit

Lloyd’s, the specialist insurance and reinsurance market, announced it will set up a European insurance company in Brussels in preparation for Brexit. The company aims to be ready to write business for the Jan. 1, 2019 renewal season, subject to …

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Bird Flu Found in Georgia Farm Chicken Flock

About 18,000 chickens were destroyed at a northwest Georgia poultry farm after tests confirmed avian influenza in the flock, the first time the disease has been detected in commercial birds in the state, authorities said Monday. The infected chickens were …

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Dissel to Open First Brightway Insurance Agency in South Carolina

Brightway Insurance is scheduled to open its first agency in South Carolina next week. Veteran insurance agent and now Brightway Agency owner, Gregory Dissel, will open the doors to Brightway, The Dissel Agency on Monday, April 3. While new to …

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Judge to Hear Objection to Trump University’s $25 Million Settlement

A U.S. judge will hear arguments on Thursday over whether to grant final approval to a $25 million settlement of fraud lawsuits against President Donald Trump over his Trump University real estate investment seminars, with at least one former student …

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Chipotle Blocks One Class Action On Overtime Pay as Another Advances

A federal judge on Wednesday granted a bid by Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. to undo a class action lawsuit by manager trainees in six states who say they were unlawfully denied overtime pay. U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter in Manhattan said the …

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Police Report on Uber Self-Driving Car Crash Tells Complex Tale

A recent crash involving an Uber Technologies Inc. driverless car suggests autonomous software sometimes takes the same risks as the humans it may one day replace. The accident on Friday in Tempe, Arizona, caused no major injuries. Another human-driven car turning left …

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Citizens Tells Florida Agents: We Need Your Help Fighting AOB Abuse

As the Florida property market fights what has so far been a losing battle against attorneys and unlicensed contractor firms over water loss claims and assignment of benefits (AOB), Citizens Property Insurance Corp., Florida’s property insurer of last resort, has …

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Citizens Posts Net Loss of $27M for 2016; Says Water Losses, AOB Abuse to Blame

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. will post a net loss for 2016, its first loss in more than a decade, as water loss claims, assignment of benefit (AOB) abuse and litigation costs increasingly impact the company’s bottom line, according to a …

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Texas Raises Interest, Discount Rate for Workers’ Comp

Discount rate and interest rate determined for April 1 to June 30, 2017 The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation has determined, pursuant to the authority and direction given under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act (Texas Labor Code, …

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Shell Bill Filed in Arkansas Would Allow Alternate Workers’ Comp System

An Arkansas state senator has filed a bill that would create an alternate system for benefits to injured workers. As yet, SB 653 by Sen. David J. Sanders contains no specifics beyond a statement of purpose, which is “to establish …

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A.M Best Assigns Rating to ICC Holdings; Affirms Illinois Casualty Ratings

A.M. Best has assigned a long-term issuer credit rating (Long-Term ICR) of “bb” to ICC Holdings Inc. (ICC Holdings) in Rock Island, Ill., a recently formed publicly traded holding company for the demutualization of Illinois Casualty Co. (Illinois Casualty), also based in Rock Island. …

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Proposed Wisconsin Bill Targets Adults Who Host Underage Drinkers

Adults who let teenagers drink in their homes would be breaking the law under a proposal two Republican Wisconsin lawmakers are circulating. The bill would address what Rep. Andre Jacque and Sen. Van Wanggaard call the “social host” loophole in …

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Little Rock, Arkansas, Now Offers DWI Sobriety Court Option

Little Rock has started a sobriety court program that treats certain people charged with driving while intoxicated. The yearlong intensive program allows “hardcore DWI offenders” to choose that option instead of serving jail time, heavy fines and community service hours, …

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Iowa Workers’ Comp Overhaul Bill Sent to Governor

The Iowa Senate has approved a bill to overhaul how workers are compensated for on-the-job injuries, sending the measure to Gov. Terry Branstad. The legislation, which passed with only Republican support, reduces benefits for employees injured at work in Iowa. …

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Alaska Workers’ Comp Reform Has Labor, Businesses Disagreeing

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker is sponsoring workers’ compensation legislation aimed at making it easier to determine whether someone is an employee or an independent contractor. Walker’s bill creates a new definition for independent contractors to determine if employers have to …

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Self-Driving Car Crash in Arizona A Reminder about Regulations Challengers

A crash that caused an Uber self-driving SUV to flip onto its side in a Phoenix suburb serves as a stark reminder of the challenges surrounding autonomous vehicles in Arizona, a state that has gone all-in to entice the company …

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California Girl Struck by Car Could Get $15.9M from Suit

A Southern California girl who was struck by a car on her way to school may receive $15.9 million for her medical expenses. The Orange County Register reported that 11-year-old Paulina Perez was hit by the car two years ago …

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RightSure Purchases Chaparral Insurance in Arizona

RightSure Insurance Group has acquired Prescott Valley, Ariz.-based Chaparral Insurance Agency. This represents RightSure’s 12th book of business acquisition. With this acquisition, Chaparral customers will have access to RightSure’s call center and its team. Tucson, Ariz.-based RightSure is an independent …

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Britain at Risk of Exiting EU on ‘WTO Terms,’ Opening Legal Minefield

Failure to strike a trade deal with the European Union by a two-year deadline would force Britain to adopt World Trade Organization arrangements, bringing with it a host of new negotiations and complications. In a nutshell, Britain would have to …

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Markel International’s Trade Credit Team Opens for Business in Canada

Markel International, the specialist insurer, is aiming to develop its trade credit and political risk business in Canada. Business will be underwritten by Markel Canada on Lloyd’s Syndicate 3000 paper. Markel Canada, established in 1966, with offices in Toronto, Montreal, …

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Acappella Syndicate Promotes Quinn and Bellamy in Reinsurance Division

Acappella Syndicate 2014 is very pleased to announce the promotion of Jim Quinn to the new role of head of the Reinsurance Division and Matthew Bellamy to the role of head of Property Reinsurance. Both promotions are with immediate effect. …

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Pennsylvania Construction Worker Crushed by Safe Deposit Box

Authorities in suburban Philadelphia, Penn., say a construction worker was crushed to death by a safety deposit box. Cheltenham Township police say the incident happened at an old Wells Fargo in the Cheltenham Mall around 1 p.m. Monday. Officials say …

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Cyclone Debbie Rips Across Australian State, Leaving ‘War Zone’; AIR Comments

A huge clean-up operation is under way in the Australian state of Queensland after a powerful cyclone swept through the region, tearing roofs off buildings, downing trees and forcing tourists to bunker down at luxury island resorts. The Whitsunday Islands …

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New York DFS Superintendent Directs Insurers to Submit Disaster Plans

All insurance companies licensed to conduct business in New York State must submit updated disaster response and recovery plans and responses to online questionnaires to the Department of Financial Services (DFS) by June 16, 2017, Financial Services Superintendent Maria T. …

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Brown Thayer Shedd Insurance Agency Hires Garrity in Connecticut

Brown Thayer Shedd Insurance Agency (BTS Darien) has hired Ryan P. Garrity as senior vice president of its Darien, Conn., location. In this role, Garrity joins BTS Darien President Edward D. “Tim” Brown in co-managing day-to-day operations for the agency while …

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Anbang Insurance, Kushner End Manhattan Talks as Lawmakers Cite Conflicts

China’s Anbang Insurance Group Co. and a company co-owned by the family of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have ended talks to redevelop a Manhattan office tower, a deal that had drawn scrutiny from lawmakers citing ethics concerns. “Kushner …

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RMC Group to Open 2 London Offices, Affirming Commitment to UK Market

Naples, Fla.-based RMC Group, a consortium of insurance and actuarial consulting firms, has announced it plans to expand its international operations by opening two new offices in the United Kingdom. “Establishing a permanent presence in Europe is another exciting step …

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Wells Fargo Settles Sham Account Claims for $110 Million

Wells Fargo & Co. said it agreed to pay $110 million to settle a lawsuit by customers challenging its opening of accounts without their permission, a practice that led to a scandal that cost the bank’s chief executive his job. The bank …

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CEO & Co-Founder of China’s Fosun Resigns for Health Reasons

Fosun International Ltd , one of China’s most aggressively acquisitive conglomerates, said its chief executive and vice president stepped down in a surprise reshuffle that has raised concerns over the group’s strategy. The resignation of co-founder and Chief Executive Liang …

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UK Today Begins 2 Years of Complex Negotiations to Exit European Union

The U.K. will start the clock on two years of negotiations to withdraw from the European Union on Wednesday, a divorce that will redefine the country’s relationship with its largest trading partner and bring to an end decades of deepening …

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Drone Maker DJI Offers Operator ID Framework

The world’s largest maker of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), China’s DJI, has proposed an electronic identification framework for UAS that would allow authorities in the United States to identify drone owners when necessary while also respecting their privacy. Last year, the …

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Republicans Ask Treasury to End ‘Too Big To Fail’ Process for Non-Banks

Key Senate Republicans urged the Trump administration to rethink the process for labeling firms whose failure could threaten the financial system, arguing it has led to substantial regulatory costs. The Financial Stability Oversight Council, a panel of regulators with authority …

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Trump Wants Business Ideas to Spur Government Innovation

President Donald Trump is establishing a new White House office run by his son-in-law that will seek to overhaul government functions using ideas from the business sector. Trump announced the White House Office of American Innovation in a memo Monday. …

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Trump Agriculture Chief Nominee Perdue Vows to Fight for Farmers, Trade, Crop Insurance

Agriculture Secretary nominee Sonny Perdue recently sought to reassure farm-state senators in both parties who are fearful about the impact of President Donald Trump’s proposed deep cuts to farm programs, promising to promote agricultural trade and create jobs in the …

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Court Blocks U.S. Suits by Jewish Families Against Palestinian Authority

A federal appeals court says the families of Jewish worshippers who were killed or wounded during a 2011 attack in the West Bank can’t sue the Palestinian Authority for damages in U.S. courts. The decision last Friday upheld a lower …

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Norman-Spencer Agency Starts Nonprofit Division; Will Donate 50% of Profits

Norman-Spencer Agency, Inc., a national property and casualty insurance provider, has launched a new nonprofit division. This division offers three programs — Food Distribution & Thrift Stores, Foundations & Grant Making, and Housing & Shelters. Coverage lines being provided by …

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Two Georgia Women Wanted for Claiming Injuries for Fake Auto Accidents

The Georgia Department of Insurance has issued warrants for two women on multiple counts of insurance fraud for allegedly filing fake auto injury claims that bilked two insurance companies out of more than $21,000. Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said in …

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Mississippi Long-Term Recovery Agency Back to Work in Tornado-Ravaged Areas

The long-term recovery agency in Hattiesburg, Miss., R3SM, is still getting some of its people in place, but officials with the organization say it is ready to take on the huge job of leading three of the four counties hit …

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Florida Court to Hear Lawsuit Against Employer, Wife of Nightclub Shooter

A lawsuit brought by victims of the Orlando nightclub massacre against the gunman’s employer and wife was withdrawn from federal court and filed in state court in South Florida on Monday. Attorneys for 61 Pulse victims and family members of …

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Allstate Ranks Collin, Smith as Texas’ Stormiest Counties

Storms in Texas affected more Allstate insured homes in Collin County than any other part of the state over the past five years, while Smith County saw the highest frequency of lightning, the company says. Allstate Insurance tallied the top 25 Texas counties affected by severe …

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1,700 Pounds of Catfish Recalled From Mississippi Processing Facility

A Mississippi catfish processor is recalling 1,700 pounds of fish after the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that it contained chemicals banned in fish farming. The Food Safety and Inspection Service said Friday that a Thursday inspection found the fish …

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Liberty Mutual Launches New Builder’s Risk Product

Liberty Mutual has launched Premier Protector – Builder’s Risk for large contractors and property owners – and the brokers who serve them – that is designed to help eliminate uncertainties and inconsistencies in coverage. According to Daniel Feige, division underwriting …

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Jury: Cleveland Indians not Responsible for Fan’s Injuries from Foul Ball

An Ohio jury says the Cleveland Indians aren’t responsible for injuries to a New York man hit by a foul ball and blinded in one eye at a baseball game in July 2012. Cleveland.com reports the decision a Cleveland-area county …

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Alliant Adds Arguelles to Employee Benefits Group in New Orleans

Sajeo Arguelles has joined Alliant Insurance Services’s employee benefits group as vice president in its New Orleans office. Arguelles will work with clients throughout the Southeast to design and deliver benefits solutions that reduce cost, increase coverage, and maximize value. …

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Slapnicka Joins Holmes Murphy Team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

West Des Moines, Iowa-based independent insurance brokerage Holmes Murphy has added Justin Slapnicka in its Cedar Rapids location. Slapnicka has a background in the construction and safety industry. In his new role as loss control consultant, Slapnicka will be responsible …

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Risk Strategies Co. Acquires Dallas-Based Terrell Insurance Services

Boston-based Risk Strategies Co. has acquired Terrell Insurance Services, an independent insurance agency headquartered in Dallas. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 2012 by President and Principal Charles T. Terrell Jr., Terrell offers tailored insurance and employee …

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Pipeline Owner: North Dakota Crude Spill Larger than First Estimated

A crude oil spill in western North Dakota in December is now believed to be about three times bigger than originally estimated, pipeline owner True Companies said, making it the largest crude leak to affect water in the state in …

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Colorado State Patrol Crack Down to Increase Driver Safety in Rural Areas

The Colorado State Patrol is cracking down on drivers in the state’s rural areas who are caught behind the wheel without a seat belt. The Denver Post reported the increased enforcement in rural Colorado started Monday and ends Saturday. Colorado Department …

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MassMutual Completes Broker-Dealer Integration

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) has completed the integration of its existing broker-dealer, MML Investors Services LLC, and MSI Financial Services Inc., the broker-dealer acquired as part of MassMutual’s July 2016 acquisition of the MetLife Premier Client Group. FINRA …

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Trump Moves to Undo Federal Climate Change Policies

President Donald Trump is moving aggressively to undo policies designed to keep the carbon-cutting promises the U.S. made alongside nearly 200 other countries in Paris, while stopping short of a decision to formally withdraw from that landmark climate accord. Trump …

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Insured Cat Losses in 2016 Rose 42% at Highest Level Since 2012: Swiss Re

Insured losses from disasters rose 42 percent to $54 billion last year, according to Swiss Re. That’s the highest since 2012 and the equivalent of 0.07 percent of global gross domestic product. Floods in Europe, the U.S. and China, earthquakes …

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How Agents Can Deploy Soft Benefits to Win the Talent War

Insurance agencies that stress “soft” benefits have the upper hand in recruiting workers in today’s competitive job market. Employees are increasingly seeking out “soft” benefits in addition to traditional “hard” benefits from their employers. While employees still greatly value salaries, …

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UK’s Aviva Eyes Sale of Friends Provident Int’l Unit for $500M-$700M: Source

Aviva Plc is exploring a sale of its Friends Provident International unit, which offers life assurance and investment products, in a deal that could raise between $500 million and $700 million, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said. …

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Massachusetts-Headquartered Rogers & Gray Insurance Hires Rossi

Rogers & Gray Insurance, a Kingston, Mass.-headquartered independent insurance agency, has hired Joe Rossi as a flood specialist. Rossi formed the non-profit Marshfield Citizens Coastal Coalition (MCCC) in February of 2012, seeking stronger citizen representation of coastal issues. The MCCC …

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Citigroup to Seek Bancassurance Distribution Partners in APAC Region: Source

Citigroup Inc. will seek bids from global insurers keen to sell general insurance products across the U.S. bank’s Asia-Pacific markets, in a deal that could be worth at least $500 million, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Citi’s move …

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Student Sues New York’s Columbia University, Alleging Indifference to 2 Rapes

A woman who enrolled in Columbia University partly because she wanted to be part of the emotional debate there over on-campus sexual assaults sued the school Tuesday, saying she was raped twice in her dorm room during her freshman year. …

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Fitbit vs. Jawbone Trade Secret Theft Trial in California Moving Forward

Fitbit Inc. is headed toward a trial over claims it stole rival Jawbone Inc.’s trade secrets, after failing to persuade a judge to throw the case out. A California state judge on Friday rejected Fitbit’s argument that the lawsuit is …

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Gross Settles with Allianz’ PIMCO for $81M, Ending Bitter Legal Dispute

For Bill Gross, the long goodbye is finally over. More than two years after the legendary bond manager was ousted from Pacific Investment Management Co. — the firm he co-founded and built into a $2 trillion asset manager — he …

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Lloyd’s Shortlists Brussels or Luxembourg as EU HQ: Sources

Lloyd’s of London, the world’s largest specialty insurance market, will this week pick Brussels or Luxembourg for its planned European Union subsidiary, after Dublin had been an early favorite, sources say. Lloyd’s has been one of London’s most vocal financial services firms …

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Cat 4 Cyclone Debbie Pounds Australia; Insurance Council Declares Catastrophe

A powerful cyclone tore into Australia’s northeastern coast on Tuesday, forcing thousands of people to flee, shuttering coal to gold mines and prompting insurers to declare a catastrophe. Cyclone Debbie made landfall near Airlie Beach, a tourist resort and gateway …

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Crackdown on Spring Breakers Leads to Fewer Arrests Along Alabama Coast

Police in Alabama’s two largest beach towns say they’re arrested more than 450 spring breakers so far this year, and that’s a big improvement from last year. Police in both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are implementing get-tough policies this …

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Florida Conditions Ripe For More Wildfires

The smell of smoke is in downtown Orlando. On Sunday, a brush fire caused a part of State Road 528 to be shut down between Orlando and the Space Coast. A fire burned last week near the north-central Florida town …

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How Parents’ Perceptions Can Influence Teens Drivers’ Licensure

Preparing teens for safe independent driving could save lives, though historically there has been very little research to guide parents of teens with learner permits. A new study from University of Alabama at Birmingham developmental psychologist Jessica Mirman, Ph.D., offers insight into …

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Obamacare Explosion More Like a Slow Burn for Now

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Obamacare was “exploding” after Republican lawmakers shelved legislation that would have dismantled the healthcare law. That’s not going to happen this month. Probably not even this year. The more than 12 million …

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Supreme Court Weighs Where Patents Lawsuits Can Be Filed

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday struggled over whether to upend nearly 30 years of law governing patent lawsuits that critics say allows often-baseless litigants to sue in friendly courts, giving them the upper hand over high-technology companies such as Apple …

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AFL-CIO Chief Vows to Sue If Trump Weakens Overtime Rule

The AFL-CIO will sue if the Department of Labor tries to water down a boost in overtime eligibility put in place by the Obama administration, the chief of the labor federation said in an interview. “Anything that dilutes it is …

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1347 Property Insurance Holdings to Expand Into Florida Homeowners Market

Specialty property and casualty insurance holding company 1347 Property Insurance Holdings, Inc., (PIH), which currently offers insurance to individual and commercial customers in Louisiana and Texas through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Maison Insurance Co., has announced plans to write business in …

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Verhoef Named Director of Employee Benefit Sales at Western Growers

Western Growers Insurance Services Inc. has promoted Jason Verhoef to director of employee benefit sales. Verhoef will lead sales efforts to provide affordable healthcare insurance options for agribusinesses throughout California, Arizona and Colorado, as well as support the employee benefit …

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Gorst & Compass Names Gaines Personal Lines Underwriter in California

Gorst & Compass Insurance has promoted Brenna Gaines to personal lines underwriter in its San Diego, Calif. office. Gaines has been with Gorst & Compass for three years and has been in the industry for 12 years. Her previous title …

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Supreme Court Won’t Hear Record Labels’ Copyright Violation Claims Against Vimeo

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a bid by major record labels to revive copyright infringement claims against video-sharing website Vimeo LLC for hosting content that included songs by famed bands such as the Beatles, the Jackson …

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Hailstorms Slam Parts of North Texas

Thunderstorms, producing up to softball size hail, pounded several cities north of Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex Sunday night causing extensive damage, the Insurance Council of Texas reported. Thousands of homeowner and auto claims had already been reported by sunrise. The entire insured …

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South Dakota Speeding Tickets Rise Along with 80 mph Limit

The number of speeding tickets issued by South Dakota state troopers has gone up since the state’s top speed limit increased from 75 mph to 80 mph nearly two years ago. According to an analysis of ticket data by the …

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Another Mag 4.0 Quake, 3 Smaller Ones Strike Oklahoma

The U.S. Geological Survey reports a magnitude 4.0 earthquake and three smaller temblors have struck Oklahoma. The survey reported that the magnitude 4.0 quake hit on March 25 south of Medford in north-central Oklahoma. Three smaller temblors — with magnitudes …

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466 Tons of Breaded Chicken Product Recalled by Oklahoma Company

An Oklahoma food company is recalling more than 466 tons of breaded chicken because of possible metal in the food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said OK Food Inc. is recalling 933,272 pounds of the food shipped nationwide that was …

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Uber Resuming Autonomous Car Program After Crash

Driverless vehicles operated by Uber Technologies Inc. were back on the road in San Francisco on Monday after one of its self-driving cars crashed in Arizona, the ride-hailing company said. Uber’s autonomous vehicles in Arizona and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, remained grounded …

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Texas Bill Shielding Landowners from Rock Climbing Injury Lawsuits Advances

The Texas Senate has approved a bill protecting property owners statewide from liability for injuries incurred by people rock climbing on their land. The proposal by Republican Sen. Charles Perry of Lubbock now heads to the state House. It immunizes …

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New Mexico Lawsuit Challenges County’s Frack Sand Ban

A group of New Mexico property owners has sued Winona County over its ban on industrial mining of silica sand for use in hydraulic fracturing. The Southeast Minnesota Property Owners joined Saratoga Township resident Roger Dabelstein in filing the lawsuit …

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Montana Lawmakers Table Privatization of $1.6B Workers’ Comp Fund

Montana lawmakers have tabled a proposal seeking to dismantle and privatize the state’s massive workers’ compensation system, saying the matter is too daunting to take up in the waning days of the legislative session. Instead, a Senate Committee decided to …

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John F. Sullivan Jr. Loved the Insurance Business

John F. Sullivan Jr. had a passion for insurance, doing business and sailing. Jack Sullivan died on March 19 at age 83 after a long career in insurance. Jack was born Oct. 7, 1933 in Spokane, Wash. to John F. …

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Mother And Son in California Sentenced for Auto Insurance Fraud Scheme

A California mother and son were sentenced for auto insurance fraud. Henrietta Silva, 71, and her son, Peter Silva, 42, were sentenced in the San Diego Superior Court after submitting multiple fraudulent auto insurance claims. Henrietta Silva was sentenced to …

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Worst Cyclone in 6 Years Set to Pummel Coast of Queensland, Australia

The worst cyclone in six years is set to smash into the coast of Queensland on Tuesday morning, forcing thousands of Australians to evacuate or seek emergency shelter and prompting some of the world’s biggest miners to halt coal operations. …

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Opinion: Why Is Zurich Seeking Shareholder Permission to Raise Money?

Zurich Insurance Group AG wants more freedom from its shareholders to raise money quickly. That’s odd. Switzerland’s largest insurer has no capital hole that needs filling. The move suggests newish CEO Mario Greco may be concerned about missing out on …

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Owners of Diner in New Jersey Admit Setting Fire for Insurance Money

The owners of a New Jersey diner have admitted burning it down to collect insurance. Sussex County prosecutors say 49-year-old Tina Diakos and 40-year-old Ozkan Cengiz pleaded guilty to arson on Wednesday. Prosecutors say the pair said business at the …

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Vermont Lawmakers Say Businesses Should See $28M Reduction in Expenses

Vermont businesses should see a $28 million reduction in expenses this year from lower workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance costs. Democratic House Speaker Mitzi Johnson tells the Rutland Herald the state Department of Labor projected there will be a $76 million …

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Uber Tells U.S. Appeals Court in New York Customers Must Arbitrate Disputes

A U.S. appeals court in New York on Friday weighed arguments over whether Uber Technologies Inc. customers gave up their right to sue the company when they registered for its popular taxi hailing service. The case could have wider implications for internet …

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Insurers, Victims Sue Saudi Arabia Over 9/11 Terrorist Attack

Saudi Arabia is facing a renewed $6 billion lawsuit by dozens of insurers seeking to hold it responsible for business and property damage caused by the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The lawsuit filed late Thursday in the U.S. District Court …

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London Keeps Mantle as #1 Finance Center Despite Brexit Uncertainties: Survey

London has retained the mantle as the world’s top financial center, though uncertainty about the implications of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union saw its lead over Asian rivals narrow, according to a study. New York held on to …

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Caribbean Cat Facility CCRIF Donates $100,000 to Belize for Rainfall Monitoring

Belize SPC (formerly the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility) is providing US$100,000 to the government of Belize to purchase 40-50 automatic weather stations that will provide the Meteorological Service of Belize with access to real-time rainfall data. The weather stations will …

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Broker THB and CNA Hardy Partner to Provide Global Industrial Cyber Solution

London-based broker THB, CNA Hardy and cyber security specialist Waterfall Security Solutions have entered into a partnership to provide a cyber security protection package for industrial businesses globally. The package, distributed exclusively through THB, includes CNA Hardy’s cyber technology and cyber …

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As China Liberalizes Financial Sector, It Seeks Better Treatment Abroad

People’s Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan said the country is preparing to further open its financial sector, and that doing so will involve negotiations over how other nations treat Chinese investors. Areas of potential liberalization include banking, insurance, investment …

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China’s Ping An to Invest $100M a Year in Japan in Diversification Bid

Ping An Insurance (Group) Co. plans to invest $100 million a year in Japanese companies as it seeks to diversify its investments outside of China. China’s second-largest insurer will put money with private equity funds that invest in sectors including …

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When Your Auto Insurance Policy Includes a Named Excluded Driver

Whether you ask for it, or your auto insurer demands it, having a named driver exclusion attached to your policy has its consequences. It can also save you money. In states where it’s legal, insurance companies can allow, and sometimes r...

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AIG Executives Hope Meetings Reassure Analysts, Investors

American International Group Inc. executives have been meeting with investors and analysts to build confidence in the insurer and its turnaround plan amid uncertainty over a replacement for outgoing Chief Executive Officer Peter Hancock. Chief Financial Officer Sid Sankaran, commercial insurance head …

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Uber Halts Autonomous Vehicle Testing After Arizona Accident

Uber Technologies Inc. is suspending its self-driving car program after one of its autonomous vehicles was involved in a high-impact crash in Tempe, Arizona, the latest incident for a company reeling from multiple crises. In a photo posted on Twitter, …

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EPIC Acquires The Capacity Group in New Jersey

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has acquired the Capacity Group of Companies in Mahwah, N.J. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. As part of EPIC, the firm will now operate as The Capacity Group – an EPIC Company, and …

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Robots Will Steal 32% of Jobs in UK Financial Services: PwC

Approximately 32 percent of existing UK jobs in financial services and insurance could be automated by robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) over the next 15 years, according to a new study by PricewaterhouseCoopers. And other industries are even more at …

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Florida Homes Threatened by Fast-Moving Brush Fire

Florida Forest Service officials say a 400-acre brush fire has forced the evacuation of a neighborhood and threatened or burned up to 15 homes. Nassau County Emergency Management Director Billy Estop ordered residents of the neighborhood near the Georgia line …

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Ohio’s Norman-Spencer Agency Adds Nonprofit Division

Norman-Spencer Agency Inc., based in Dayton, Ohio, has launched a new Nonprofit Division. This division offers three unique insurance programs — food distribution and thrift stores, foundations and grant making, and housing and shelters. Honoring its commitment to communities and …

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Amended Iowa Workers’ Comp Overhaul Moves to Senate

Republicans in the Iowa House passed a bill to overhaul how workers in the state are compensated for on-the-job injuries, though they backed off some key proposals amid internal concern over the extent of the changes. The GOP-majority chamber voted …

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Oregon’s 1st Recreational Marijuana Recall Issued after High Pesticide Level

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission issued its first recall of recreational marijuana after samples of a type of pot were found to contain a level of pesticide residue above the state limit. The Blue Magoo marijuana was sold at Buds …

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Writer Sues Disney in California over Animated Film ‘Zootopia’

A screenwriter and producer has sued Walt Disney Pictures on claiming the studio copied his ideas to create the Oscar-winning animated film “Zootopia.” Gary L. Goldman, whose credits include work on film adaptations of “Total Recall,” “Minority Report” and “Big …

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$14M Suit Filed by Former Oregon Boy Scouts Claiming Sex Abuse

Two men have filed a lawsuit against the Boy Scouts of America and its local branch for $7 million each, claiming they were sexually abused by a former scout leader in Milwaukie in the 1970s. The Oregonian/OregonLive reported the lawsuit …

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Experts Warn of ‘Significant Risk’ from California Dam

California is not just fighting nature as it attempts to repair the nation’s tallest dam, badly damaged last month by surging storm waters. It’s also racing the clock. Safety experts say there is no time for delay in a state …

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XL Catlin and Startupbootcamp InsurTech Form Partnership

Startupbootcamp InsurTech, the business accelerator that promotes insurance technology startups and corporate innovation, has formed a partnership with XL Catlin. The announcement comes as Startupbootcamp InsurTech’s second accelerator program enters its final weeks in London, with 10 teams drawn from …

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Trump End Negotiations, Demands Vote on Republican Healthcare Bill

The Trump administration doubled down on its demand that House Republican leaders hold a vote Friday on their embattled healthcare bill without any changes and with lingering uncertainty about whether they have enough support to pass the measure. “After seven …

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Congress Nullifies Obama Workplace Injury Reporting Rule

The U.S. Senate (50-48) joined the House (231-191) in passing a resolution blocking a federal workplace injury and accident reporting rule put in place by the Obama Administration last December. The Department of Labor rule issued by the Occupational Safety …

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Massachusetts Worker Dies After Being Electrocuted by Live Wires

Authorities in Massachusetts say a contractor painting windows at a fire station has died after he was electrocuted by live wires. Salem Police Capt. Fred Ryan says the man was using a lift bucket on Tuesday when he became entangled …

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Delaware Officials Eye Substance Abuse Insurance Coverage

State officials are proposing revisions to Delaware’s insurance code to ensure that people struggling with opioid addiction get the treatment they need. Attorney General Matt Denn on Wednesday also called for the creation of a new oversight committee to help …

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Anbang Insurance Reportedly in Talks to Provide Equity for Kushner Tower Project

The family-owned company that until recently was headed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law hopes to turn an aging New York office tower into a signature development that could be worth up to $12 billion, a report said on Wednesday. …

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How Insurance Markets Could Be Affected If GOP Reduces Essential Benefits

Rules on what benefits health insurance plans must cover have become a major negotiating point as Republicans wrangle votes to repeal Obamacare, even though removing the regulations is likely to upset U.S. insurance markets. The requirements, called Essential Health Benefits, …

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UK Finance Firms ‘Not Crying Wolf’ in Concerns About Loss of EU Passports

One afternoon in mid-January, Prime Minister Theresa May walked into a meeting room in the Swiss resort of Davos to face Wall Street’s most powerful bankers. May had delivered her vision two days earlier for pulling Britain out of the …

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Ironshore Expands Global M&A Unit with Appointments, Capacity Hike

Ironshore has expanded its mergers & acquisitions capabilities with a team of new hires in the Americas and broadened office presence to serve Canada and Latin America. In addition, to support heightened transaction volume throughout the Americas region, Ironshore increased …

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PwC Settles Negligence Claim Over MF Global Collapse

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has settled a $3 billion negligence lawsuit over the October 2011 collapse of MF Global Holdings Ltd, the futures and commodities brokerage once run by former New Jersey governor Jon Corzine. Terms were not disclosed, but the malpractice case was …

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Magnitude 4.0 Quake and 2 Smaller Temblors Reported in Oklahoma

The U.S. Geological Survey reports a magnitude 4.0 earthquake and two smaller temblors struck Oklahoma on March 22. The larger quake was recorded near Stroud, located about 60 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. Two smaller quakes were also recorded. A …

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Reported Dakota Access Pipeline Vandalism Exposes Risk of Sabotage

The developer of the Dakota Access pipeline has reported “recent coordinated physical attacks” on the much-protested line, just as it’s almost ready to carry oil. Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners didn’t give details, but experts say Dakota Access and the rest …

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Texas-Based Neiman Marcus to Pay $1.6M in Suit Over 2013 Security Breach

Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. has agreed to pay $1.6 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over a 2013 security breach that exposed the credit and debit card data of about 350,000 shoppers. Court documents show the Dallas-based luxury retailer filed …

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Trial Over Oklahoma Jail Inmate’s Death Ends in $10M Jury Verdict

An attorney for the estate of a man who wa naked and paralyzed when he died in a cell in the Tulsa County (Oklahoma) Jail’s medical unit hailed a jury’s $10.25 million verdict in a federal civil rights trial. The …

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Welder Sparked Massive Kansas Apartment Fire, Official Says

A fire that leveled a multimillion-dollar apartment building under construction and spread to about two dozen homes in suburban Kansas City, Mo., started when a welder accidentally ignited wooden building materials, fire officials said. More than 100 firefighters battled the …

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Senator: North Dakota Insurance Fund Won’t Pay Claim in Gambling Case

A state senator from Fargo says the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund will not pay a claim from the founder of a former horse racing betting company whose conviction for illegal gambling was overturned. A judge has ruled that Susan …

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Bill Requiring Insurance Discounts for Resilient Homes Passes Oklahoma House

A bill that would require a homeowner’s insurance company to factor into the insurance premium the more resilient construction if the homeowner retrofits or builds a new home to certain specified standards has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The …

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BLS Report Finds New Jersey Fatal Work Injuries Increased in 2015

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that fatal work injuries totaled 97 in New Jersey for the year 2015, a 10 percent increase from the previous year, according to Chief Regional Economist Martin Kohli in the release. This …

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Saving Coral Reefs Requires ‘War’ on Global Warming: Study

Reducing pollution and curbing overfishing won’t prevent the severe bleaching that is killing coral at catastrophic rates, according to a study of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. In the end, researchers say, the only way to save the world’s coral from …

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EU Weighs Lowering Regulatory Requirements for Fintech Firms

The European Commission is considering lowering regulatory requirements for financial technology services firms, to spur innovation and cut costs for consumers, the EU executive’s vice president suggested on Thursday. “Fintech” firms use modern technology to compete with traditional financial services …

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New York Bridge Inspector Convicted for Falsifying Safety Review

A state contract bridge inspector accused of creating a false safety report for a county bridge has been convicted of a felony. New York Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott announced Monday that Akram Ahmad of Bridgeport, Connecticut, was convicted by …

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Academy of Insurance Director Surveys State of Learning

Patrick Wraight knew when he took over as director of Insurance Journal’s Academy of Insurance earlier this year that he would be making some changes but first he wanted to find out who is taking the Academy classes and why. …

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AIG Seeks Best Drivers in Singapore Using New Smartphone App

AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd. (AIG Singapore) has launched a nationwide search to find Singapore’s best drivers with “AIG On the Go,” a telematics-based smartphone application. “AIG On the Go” scores drivers’ performance every time they get behind the …

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Massachusetts-Headquartered Sullivan Insurance Group Hires Deluca

Sullivan Insurance Group, a Worcester, Mass.-headquartered full-service insurance and risk management firm, has hired Lauren L. Deluca to its commercial lines department. Deluca has worked in the insurance industry for 13 years, most recently at Insurance Marketing Agency. She is …

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RiskProNet International Elects Forrester to Board of Directors

George J. Forrester, principal and senior vice president of the manufacturing division of AHT Insurance in Leesburg, Va., has been elected to the board of directors of RiskProNet International, a Menlo Park, Calif.-headquartered association of independent insurance brokers in North …

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White House, Republicans Weigh Benefits Changes to Health Care Bill

The White House is talking with House conservatives about last-minute changes to the embattled GOP health-care bill aimed at wooing enough holdouts to secure House passage. Lawmakers and Trump administration officials are discussing revisions to “essential benefits” requirements in Obamacare, …

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Now There Is Business Income Insurance for Vendors Booted Off Amazon

Like many people who make their living selling stuff on Amazon.com Inc., Rob Griffin is terrified of getting kicked off the site. Two years ago the Atlanta resident was suspended for selling a banned health supplement and wound up living off …

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Trump Labor Secretary Thinks Obama Overtime Rule Needs Review

President Donald Trump’s nominee for labor secretary expressed support for increasing the salary threshold at which overtime currently must be paid to employees, but criticized the doubling in the rate put in place by the Obama administration. During Alexander Acosta’s confirmation …

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Neon Launches Marine & Offshore Construction Consortium

  Specialist Lloyd’s underwriter Neon has launched a Marine and Offshore Construction Consortium. The Neon-led consortium went live in February and seeks to address the increasingly tailored insurance needs of shipyard clients. The consortium is underwritten by Neon’s Mireille Dolonen …

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XL Catlin Appoints QBE’s Tuplin as Head of Cyber & TMT, International

XL Catlin’s insurance operations has appointed James Tuplin as head of Cyber and Technology, Media & Telecoms (TMT), International. In this role, Tuplin is responsible for the underwriting of cyber insurance, as well as professional indemnity insurance for the technology …

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Parliament Reopens After London’s Worst Terror Attack in More Than 10 Years

Parliament will return to work on Thursday after London’s worst terror attack in more than a decade left five people dead, including the assailant and the police officer he stabbed. The attack, which also injured 40 people, shut down Parliament …

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California Congressmen Introduce Earthquake Mitigation Tax Incentives

A pair of Congressmen from California today introduced the Earthquake Mitigation Incentive and Tax Parity Act of 2017 to exclude incentives for residential seismic retrofits from federal taxation. The act was introduced by Reps. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and Paul …

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Washington Commissioner Supporting Strict Distracted Driving Bills

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is advocating for two distracted driving bills that the state Legislature is considering. House Bill 1371, sponsored by Rep. Jessyn Farrell, and Senate Bill 5289, sponsored by Sen. Ann Rivers, would make the law about …

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Supreme Court Rules Garment Design Elements Copyrightable

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that basic elements in cheerleader uniform designs merit copyright protection, handing a victory to the top American maker of the garments in a decision with serious implications for the fashion industry. The justices ruled 6-2 to …

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California Workers’ Comp Report Looks at Spinal Fusion Claims

A study on the use of spinal fusion surgeries in California workers’ compensation shows that in 60 percent of spinal fusion claims the initial report of injury was for a sprain or strain, a majority of the fusions occurred within …

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Bickmore in California Names Sharma Finance Manager

Sacramento, Calif.-based Bickmore has named Ritesh Sharma a manager in its finance and accounting services department. Sharma will act as the finance manager for three joint power authorities. He will direct accounting and financial activities and serve as the primary …

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Insurance Information Institute Names Palmer as Head of Communications

Kristin S. Palmer has been named senior vice president and head of Communications at the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Palmer was previously vice president, Media Relations, for the AARP, a nonprofit organization for retirees with nearly 38 million members. During her time at AARP, …

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10 More Facts on How Employee Substance Misuse Impacts Businesses

More than 70 percent  of U.S. employers are feeling the direct impact of prescription drug misuse in their workplaces, according to a recent survey by the National Safety Council. The survey also found that although 71 percent of employers agree that prescription …

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Fatal Allergic Reaction Leads to Suit Against Louisiana Doughnut Shop

A Georgia man is suing a Louisiana doughnut shop over claims that his father died of an allergic reaction after eating an apple fritter. The son’s attorneys on filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Dynasty Donuts LLC, a Lafayette company …

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911 Disruptions in Dallas Offer Cautionary Tale

Dallas has been experiencing disruptions in its 911 service that began in October and at one point last week resulted in 360 calls being placed on hold. More dispatchers have been assigned to field 911 calls and technological glitches have …

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California City Seeks to Improve Safety by Scaning License Plates

A California city plans to scan the license plates of all incoming cars by placing stationary cameras at key intersections in a bid to boost public safety. The seaside city of Carlsbad will spend $1 million to add cameras at …

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9 Homes Destroyed in Oklahoma Wildfire

Fire officials are suggesting a blaze that has destroyed at least nine homes in eastern Oklahoma and forced the evacuation of more than 100 others may have been intentionally set. Highway 9 Volunteer Fire Department chief Danny Choate told KOKI-TV …

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Former County Commissioner in Oregon Counter Sues in Marijuana Case

A former Jackson County commissioner accused in a lawsuit of bilking investors to finance a pot shop has filed a counterclaim. Doug Breidenthal filed the lawsuit contending his professional reputation has been damaged, the Mail Tribune reported. “As a result …

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Overland Park, Kansas, Apartment Building Fire Ignites Houses

A huge fire at an apartment building under construction in suburban Kansas City has sparked fires at several homes blocks away. The eight-alarm fire broke out about 3:30 p.m. on March 20 at the multimillion-dollar CityPlace development in Overland Park, …

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Travel Businesses in California’s Big Sur Community Reeling After Bridge Closure

Almost all the hotels, restaurants and state parks cut off when a bridge on the Central California coast crumbled last month remain closed, but Kurt Mayer chose to keep his deli and taproom open — even though it’s costing him. …

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Illinois Places Public Service Insurance Co. into Rehabilitation

The Illinois Department of Insurance reported that Public Service Insurance Co. (Public Service) and its parent corporation Public Service Mutual Holding Co. have been placed into rehabilitation. Policies will continue in force and policyholder claims will continue to be paid …

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Pinnacol Issues $50M in Workers’ Comp Dividends to Colorado Employers

Colorado workers’ compensation insurer Pinnacol Assurance is distributing $50 million in dividend checks this month to its policyholders. More than 53,000 employers throughout the state — roughly 94.2 percent of the company’s policyholders — will receive a dividend in recognition …

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Swiss Re Names Mitchell as Head of Property & Specialty Reinsurance

Swiss Re announced that Mike Mitchell, currently head Property Underwriting and Property & Casualty Facultative, Asia, will succeed Edouard Schmid as Swiss Re’s head Property & Specialty Reinsurance, effective July 1, 2017. He will also serve as a member of …

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R&Q Acquires Captive Insurer from Fortune 500 Engine Manufacturer

Randall & Quilter Investment Holdings Ltd. (R&Q) announced the acquisition of ICDC Ltd., a captive insurer of an American Fortune 500 company, for an undisclosed sum. The name of the former parent of the captive was not released. The company, …

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Supreme Court OK with Delay in Bringing Patent Infringement Suits

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday in a lawsuit over adult diapers will make it more difficult for companies accused of patent infringement to shoot down lawsuits because the plaintiffs waited too long to bring them. In a 7-1 decision, the justices …

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RSA Begins Trading on London Market Placing Platform, PPL

International insurer RSA has begun trading on the London insurance market’s electronic placing platform, PPL (Placing Platform Ltd.), which enables brokers and underwriters to quote, negotiate, bind and endorse business using one market-wide system. RSA’s Profin underwriting team is now …

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Backers of Legal Pot Urge Massachusetts Panel to Hold Off on Changing Law

Backers of legalized recreational marijuana urged Massachusetts legislators Monday to hold off, at least for now, on making any significant changes to a law voters approved in November. The appeal came during the first public hearing held by a special …

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What to Expect from Acosta, Trump’s Nominee for Labor Secretary

By the time President Donald Trump’s first nominee for labor secretary withdrew from consideration, there was little doubt where he stood on the big issues facing the department. In contrast, his replacement, Alexander Acosta, heads into his hearing Wednesday with …

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Virginia Governor Signs Bill Giving $1.55M to Exonerated Man

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has signed a bill to provide $1.55 million to a man who spent more than three decades in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Keith Allen Harward was released from prison in April 2016 at …

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Technology Being Blamed for Driving Up Massachusetts Car Insurance Rates

Auto insurance rates in Massachusetts are on the rise and technology is to blame. Industry experts tell The Boston Globe that drivers distracted by smartphones are crashing more often and those cars are now more expensive to repair because they’re loaded …

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Thunderstorms Just as Costly to Insurers as Hurricanes: Study

Risk to U.S. property from thunderstorms is as high as from hurricanes, according to new research finding that for the past decade, severe convective storms have been the largest annual aggregated risk peril to the U.S. insurance industry. The average annual …

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Higher Arctic Temperatures Likely to Shift Global Weather in 2017: WMO

Unusually warm weather in the Arctic is helping shift weather patterns this year from North America to the Middle East, after global warming shattered records in 2016, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Rising ocean temperatures that are melting polar …

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Maryland-Based Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company Promotes Adelman

Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company, a Towson, Md.-based provider of workers’ compensation insurance, has promoted Joan Adelman to vice president of legal services. In her new role, Adelman is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the legal department, including supervision of …

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BHSI Offers Professional Liability, Network Security & Privacy Cover in Canada

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) introduced its Professional First Professional Liability and Network Security & Privacy Policy and announced it has appointed Geoffrey Kendrick as head of Professional Lines in Canada. BHSI’s new Professional First Professional Liability and Network Security …

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JLT Re Partners with KatRisk to Expand Modeling Capability in Canada

JLT Re, the London-based reinsurance broker and consultancy, has combined forces with flood modeling company, KatRisk, to enhance its flood risk modeling capabilities for clients across Canada. Berkeley, Calif.-based KatRisk’s suite of flood risk modeling tools includes both flood inundation …

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India’s Bank of Baroda Eyes Sale of Insurer, Asset Management Stakes

Bank of Baroda, India’s third-largest state-run bank by assets, is considering a sale of some of the minority stakes it holds in its insurance and asset-management ventures, according to people familiar with the matter. The Mumbai-based bank is seeking to …

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Missouri’s Millennium Brokers Joins Insurance Agency Alliance

Millennium Brokers LLC in Springfield, Mo., has joined Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a network of over 100 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. Millennium Brokers is a full-service insurance agency founded in 2016 that specializes in auto, home …

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Departing AIG CEO Gets No Bonus But Will Get $5 Million to Stay Until Successor Arrives

Peter Hancock is getting $5 million in cash to stay on as American International Group’s chief executive officer while the board searches for his replacement. But the insurer’s departing president and CEO will forgo his bonus, according to recent regulatory …

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California May Exit Federal Flood Program, According to Reports

After learning a lesson from what could have been the largest dam disaster U.S. history, California officials are reported to be considering withdrawing from the National Flood Insurance Program. Capital Public Radio is reporting that a proposal to exit the …

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Louisiana Flood Board’s Suit Against Oil Companies Still Alive

Attorneys for a south Louisiana flood board aren’t giving up on their attempt to make scores of oil and gas companies pay for damage to the state’s coastline. A federal judge dismissed their lawsuit in 2015 and a three-judge panel …

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J.M. Wilson Adds Mahaffey as Assistant Underwriter in Ohio

Managing general agency and surplus lines broker J.M. Wilson has hired Seth Mahaffey as assistant transportation underwriter in Westerville, Ohio. Mahaffey responsible for quoting new and renewal transportation accounts, setting up and binding policies, assisting underwriters, and serving independent insurance …

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Has Study Finds Safety Benefits in Chicago’s Red-Light Camera Program

Chicago’s red-light cameras reduce serious injury crashes at intersections where they are placed and also have a measurable “spillover effect” that improves safety at intersections without cameras, according to a Northwestern University Transportation Center study released March 20. The research …

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Lack of Comma Sense Ignites Debate After Ruling in $10M Suit

It all came down to a missing comma, and not just any one. And it’s reignited a longstanding debate over whether the punctuation is necessary. A federal appeals court decided this week to keep alive a lawsuit by dairy drivers …

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Wildfire Destroys Homes near Nebraska’s Lake McConaughy

A fire chief says a wildfire has destroyed at least eight homes and several other buildings near Lake McConaughy. Keystone Lemoyne Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Ralph Moul said on March 20 that the blaze has been contained, but fire …

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Review: Big Decrease in Accidents at Central Texas Train Crossings

Safety measures installed at Central Texas railroad crossings over the years have significantly curtailed train-vehicle accidents like the one this month in Mississippi that killed four Texas tourists. A review of Federal Railroad Administration records by the Austin American-Statesman found …

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The Hilb Group Acquires New Jersey-Based American Truck Insurance Exchange

The Hilb Group LLC (THG), a Richmond, Va.-headquartered middle market insurance agency, has acquired Manasquan, N.J.-based American Truck Insurance Exchange LLC (ATIE). The transaction became effective March 1, 2017. ATIE is a property and casualty insurance agency that specializes in …

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LA County Prosecutors Reorganize $150M Workers’ Comp Fraud Case

Los Angeles County prosecutors have refiled criminal charges against a dozen people accused of taking part in a $150 million workers’ compensation insurance fraud. The 12 defendants were originally included in a 2015 grand jury indictment, but on last week …

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California Workers Comp Medical Review Volume Hit a Record in 2016

The California workers’ compensation independent medical review process used to resolve medical disputes found that in 2016 IMR physicians once again upheld about 90 percent of utilization review physician’s modifications or denials of treatment, yet IMR volume climbed 6.5 percent …

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CDI Issues Directive on New Workers’ Comp Law On Excluded Employees

The California Department of Insurance has notified the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of its concern that some insurers may be in violation of Assembly Bill 2883. This law, which went into effect on Jan. 1, excludes an officer or …

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Hannover Re to Acquire Lloyd’s Syndicate Argenta

Hannover Re has agreed to acquire the UK holding company Argenta Holdings plc, which owns Argenta Syndicate Management and Argenta Private Capital as well as a pro rata share of the Lloyd’s syndicate Argenta Syndicate 2121. Hannover Re has been a …

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XL Catlin Names Fischbach to Key Excess & Surplus Insurance Post

XL Catlin has appointed Karl Fischbach as head of Binding Authority and Brokerage for its excess and surplus insurance operation.  In his newly added role, Fischbach will focus on aligning XL Catlin’s E&S underwriting and products with its distribution strategies, …

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Berkshire Hathaway Employee Wins $100K in March Madness Contest

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said that a Berkshire factory worker from West Virginia was the winner of its 2017 Bracket Contest. The contest winner will be receiving the winning prize of $100,000 as a result of correctly picking the winners of the first …

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How Senate Republicans Are Split Over Obamacare Replacement Bill

The House is racing to find enough votes for its health-care bill this week, but even if it passes, prospects in the Senate have only darkened. More than enough Senate Republicans oppose the House bill to kill it — with …

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Fire That Did $100K in Damage to Delaware Jewelry Store Was Accidental

Officials say a fire at a jewelry store in Delaware that did $100,000 in damage was accidental. The office of the state fire marshal says the fire was reported shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday in the Jewelry Exchange of Delaware …

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Penn State Ex-President Heads to Trial in Sandusky Scandal

Penn State’s former president faces trial Monday on charges that children were put at risk by how he responded to complaints about Jerry Sandusky more than 15 years ago, and two of his former top lieutenants who just pleaded guilty …

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Risk Management Not Keeping Up with Escalating Risks: Survey

Most executives see risks increasing in both number and complexity – but those same executives say their organizations’ risk management efforts may not be staying abreast of those risks.   The findings are part of a report titled “The State …

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Vandals Contaminated Pennsylvania Mobile Home Park’s Water System

Authorities say vandals contaminated the private water system of a mobile home park in western Pennsylvania, leaving about 50 homes without water service. State police in Westmoreland County say someone entered the community water facility at the Pineview Manor Park …

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Louisiana Starts Over in Search of Flood Program Management Firm

Louisiana is scrapping its first attempt to hire a firm to manage the state’s $1.6 billion flood recovery program and will restart the search process. The Advocate reports that Gov. John Bel Edwards’ deputy chief of staff Julie Baxter Payer …

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Des Moines Water Works Suit Over Agricultural Drainage Pollution Dismissed

A federal judge has dismissed a Des Moines water utility’s lawsuit against three counties, claiming their agricultural drainage districts have been sending nitrate pollution into the rivers the water utility uses for drinking water. The judge on March 17 dismissed …

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Los Angeles Prosecutors Refile Charges in $150M Workers’ Comp Fraud Case

Los Angeles County prosecutors have refiled criminal charges against a dozen people accused of taking part in a $150 million workers’ compensation insurance fraud, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced. On March 16, Los Angeles County Superior Court …

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Convicted Ohio Burglar Pleads Guilt to Workers’ Comp Fraud

A Cincinnati man serving time in an Indiana prison for burglary got a short break from prison March 9, but only to plead guilty to workers’ compensation fraud in an Ohio courtroom, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation reported. John …

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Insurance Rates to Drop with Oklahoma City Fire Department’s Top Rating

Thousands of Oklahoma City homeowners will save money on their property insurance after the Oklahoma City Fire Department received the top fire protection rating, the Oklahoma Insurance Department reported. The Class 1/4 rating goes into effect June 1. The Insurance …

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Nebraska Among States Hardest-Hit by GOP Health Care Bill

A Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act would raise health insurance costs in Nebraska faster than in most other states, according to a new report, and advocates say rural areas would be hardest-hit. The analysis was released last …

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Colorado Insurance Agents Association Rebrands as a Trusted Choice Organization

The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado (PIIAC) announced it has changed its name to the Trusted Choice Insurance Agents of Colorado (TCCO). “As an association, we strive to be there for our agents, whether in an advocacy role at …

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Carlton, Lindsey Named Partners at Texas-Based Hotchkiss Insurance

Farrah Carlton and Gary Lindsey have been named partners at Dallas-based Hotchkiss Insurance, effective January 2017. Carlton has been with Hotchkiss for more than 20 years, receiving several promotions during her career with the firm.  She currently serves as the …

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Federal Flood Insurance Rates Expected to Rise in Houston

The cost of federal flood insurance is expected to rise for thousands of Houston-area homeowners as Congress looks to overhaul a program that’s billions of dollars in debt. The National Flood Insurance Program provides coverage to more than 300,000 homes …

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Seattle Law Allowing Driver Unionization Survives Uber Legal Attack

Seattle’s first-in-the-nation law allowing Uber Technologies Inc. drivers to unionize survived a legal challenge by the ride-hailing company. Washington state Judge Beth Andrus rejected Uber’s arguments that the local collective bargaining process for drivers who work for ride-hailing companies and …

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Travelers Notes Impact of Cut in UK Discount Rate for Lump Sum Bodily Injury Payouts

The Travelers Companies Inc. has estimated  impact of the recent decision by the UK Ministry of Justice to reduce the discount rate applied to lump-sum bodily injury payouts, known as the Ogden rate, from +2.5 percent to -0.75 percent. Travelers …

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U.S., Peabody Energy Agree to $43 Million Environmental Fund; Bankruptcy Plan Approved

A U.S. judge formally approved Peabody Energy Corp.’s plan to emerge from bankruptcy late Friday after the coal producer struck a settlement with the U.S. government over legacy environmental claims at a gold and metal mining subsidiary. Under a last-minute …

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Last Shareholder Group in Settlement Talks with RBS; Litigation Insurance Source an Issue

Lawyers representing tens of thousands of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) shareholders have held tentative talks to settle a 1.2 billion pound ($1.5 billion) damages claim over the lender’s 2008 rights issue that was launched shortly before a state bailout, …

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China’s Anbang Insurance Bullish on Investing in Europe

The chairman of China’s privately-held Anbang Insurance Group said at the China Development Forum on Saturday he is bullish on investing in Europe despite great uncertainty over issues including refugees, economic challenges and rising populism. Europe has “very cheap assets” and …

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Bank of England to Focus on Insurance Consumer Protections

The Bank of England will spell out more clearly what insurers should be doing to protect policyholders such as the elderly after a report called for clearer safeguards. The BoE’s Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) looked at how the central bank’s …

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Reinsurers Seek Higher Returns Through Customized Business

Reinsurer Swiss Re, usually involved in mega-deals on natural disaster coverage, is branching out on its own to do individually tailored schemes to boost returns, such as one in China to protect farmers against floods or drought. This tailor-made approach …

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Cashier Admits Stealing $13M at Pennsylvania Monuments Firm

The former cashier at a Pennsylvania monuments and engraving firm has acknowledged stealing nearly $13 million over 16 years and is hoping a judge will approve a seven-and-a-half-year federal prison sentence for her crimes. Cynthia Mills’ defense attorney, Phil DiLucente, …

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Connecticut Dental Practice Manager Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

The office manager of a Stamford, Conn., dental practice has pleaded guilty to using a retired dentist’s records to charge insurance companies almost $600,000 for work that was never performed. Elena Ilizarov pleaded guilty in federal court this week to …

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New York Insurance Broker Sentenced in $1M Fraud Scheme

An Albany insurance broker has been sentenced to nine years in prison for a $1 million securities fraud scheme. Lawrence D. Rosenbaum previously pleaded guilty to charges including grand larceny and securities fraud. He also admitted failing to file state …

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Republicans Working to Change Healthcare Bill Before House Vote

U.S. House Republicans are working on changes to their healthcare overhaul bill to provide more generous tax credits for older Americans and add a work requirement for the Medicaid program for the poor, House Speaker Paul Ryan said on Sunday. …

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Idaho Jury Awards Ex-Ada County Employee $1.7M in Whistleblower Case

A former Ada County, Idaho, employee who filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging he was retaliated against and wrongly fired has been awarded $1.7 million. Rich Wright’s attorney said a jury awarded the money to his client on March 14, The …

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Army Corps on the Defense in Complaint Over Missouri River Flooding

A trial is underway in which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is defending itself against more than 300 farmers and other landowners who say the agency’s management of the Missouri River has contributed to major flooding in five states, …

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Tepco & Japan Government Held Liable Over Fukushima Nuclear Disaster

A court in Japan on Friday ruled that Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) and the government are liable for negligence in a case involving compensation for the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the first time the judiciary has ruled the state has liability, Japanese …

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‘Ghost Calls’ from T-Mobile Cause Dallas 911 Delays; 2 Die

Dallas officials are working with T-Mobile engineers to determine what’s prompting a flood of ghost calls that’s forced hundreds of 911 calls to be placed on hold and may have slowed the emergency response to two people who died. Dallas …

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Innovative Coverage Concepts Partners With Chubb on Restaurant Program

Innovative Coverage Concepts (ICC) has launched a new program for fine dining and upscale casual establishments. ICC’s carrier partner for the program is Chubb, which according to Dean Carras, president of ICC, enables the company to expand capacity and improve …

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Greenlight Re Ireland Promotes O’Brien to CEO

Greenlight Reinsurance Ireland DAC*, the Dublin-based subsidiary of Greenlight Capital Re Ltd., announced the promotion of Patrick O’Brien to chief executive officer. O’Brien joined Greenlight Re Ireland as general manager in June 2016. Prior to that, he was chief executive …

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CEOs of California Sewing Firms Sentenced for Workers’ Comp Fraud

Two sisters who are CEOs of sewing companies that are subcontracted by True Religion jeans have been sentenced for conspiring with their accountant to hide tens of millions in payroll to avoid paying for workers’ compensation insurance. Sung Hyun Kim …

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California Judge Approves $27M Driver Settlement in Lyft Lawsuit

A U.S. judge has given final approval to a settlement agreement in a class-action lawsuit against Lyft Inc., ending a legal case that challenged the independent contractor status of the ride-hailing service’s drivers. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria in San …

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Houston Fire Chief: Recommit to Safety After Firefighter Death

The Houston fire chief says the recent death of a firefighter from injuries he suffered four years ago must spur a renewed commitment to firefighter safety to avoid future fatalities. Chief Samuel Pena spoke at a memorial service for retired …

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Self-Driving Cars to Transform Motor Insurance in Liability Shift: Fitch

Widespread use of autonomous vehicles will completely transform the motor insurance sector over the long term when liability begins to shift towards manufacturers and traditional risk pools shrink, according to a report published by Fitch Ratings. “The question of who …

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Uber Seeks to Enforce Employee Arbitration Pact to Settle Waymo Trade Secrets Case

A lawyer for Uber told a federal judge on Thursday he intended to file a petition to compel arbitration in the Waymo trade secrets theft case, citing an agreement signed by a former Waymo employee who is at the heart …

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Republican Health Care Act Moves Closer to House Vote

Deeply divided Republicans squeezed their U.S. healthcare overhaul, backed by President Donald Trump, through a key House of Representatives panel on Thursday despite defections by three conservatives who consider it too similar to the Obamacare law it is intended to …

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KKR and Canadian Pension Fund to Acquire Insurance Broker USI in $4.3 Billion Deal

Private equity firm KKR and Canadian pension fund Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) agreed to buy USI Insurance Services from Onex Corp. in a $4.3 billion deal, including debt. The deal is the latest in a string of mergers …

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Black Pedestrians at Higher Risk Than Whites at Crosswalks from Motorists Not Stopping

Motorists approaching mid-block crosswalks are less likely to yield for black pedestrians than white pedestrians and the pedestrian bias is apparently even worse in high-income than low-income neighborhoods, according to a new study out of the University of Nevada at …

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Massachusetts and Rhode Island Doctor Pleads Guilty for Overprescribing Opioids

At Dr. Fathalla Mashali’s pain management clinics, the waiting rooms were often so packed with patients that people sat on the floor, leaned against walls and spilled into the hallways. That’s because, federal prosecutors say, Mashali was prescribing oxycodone and …

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Business Interruption Insurance: Is Your Business Covered?

With the recent late-winter storms that have hit the Northeast, many businesses could have suffered a loss of revenue they were not anticipating. If a business owner was impacted by this latest storm, chances are his or her company was …

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When Will Self-Driving Cars Be Rolled-Out? Carmakers, Suppliers Disagree

Carmakers and suppliers gave widely differing timelines for the introduction of self-driving vehicles on Thursday, showing the uncertainties surrounding the technology as well as a split between cautious established players and bullish new entrants. Chipmaker Nvidia, facing direct competition with the …

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New Hampshire-Based SAN Group Names Huffman Insurance Portfolio Manager

Satellite Agency Network Group Inc. (SAN), an alliance of independent insurance agencies in the Northeast headquartered in Hampton, N.H., has named Alexandra Huffman as insurance portfolio manager. In this role, Huffman is responsible for oversight of SAN Group’s portfolio of …

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KKR and CDPQ Announce Joint Acquisition of New York-Headquartered USI

KKR, a global investment firm, and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), a long-term institutional investor, have announced their joint acquisition of USI Insurance Services (USI), a U.S. insurance brokerage and consulting firm headquartered in Valhalla, N.Y. As …

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Florida Property Insurers Largely Avoid Downgrades, For Now: Demotech

Ratings company Demotech is holding off on issuing large-scale ratings downgrades of Florida property insurers for now, after a number of insurers heeded its warning of last month about the effects of assignment of benefits abuse and state court rulings by …

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Experience Is Everything for Krefta, CEO-in-Waiting at Hiscox Re & ILS

When someone gets to be a CEO at the age of 36, perhaps it’s a good idea to listen to his story about how he got there and some of the lessons he’s learned. From his current position as chief …

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Thousands of Safer Ethanol Rail Tank Cars Sit Idle: Reuters

While crossing a small wooden bridge in northwestern Iowa last Thursday, 20 rail tank cars in a mile-long train transporting ethanol flew off the tracks, sending fireballs into the sky, while thousands of gallons of the biofuel leaked into the …

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High-Net-Worth Individuals Concerned About Underinsurance: Chubb

More than half (54 percent) of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are concerned that they are underinsured, with many worried their coverage is inadequate for their needs, according to new research published by Chubb. In spite of this, out of 500 HNWIs …

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XL Catlin Expands Professional Indemnity Offering in Iberia

XL Catlin’s insurance operation in Iberia announced an extension of its professional indemnity coverage. Traditionally, the coverage protects professional service firms against legal costs and claims for damages to third parties which may arise out of an act, omission or …

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Canada’s Eagle Underwriting Teams Up with MS Amlin’s RaetsMarine

Canada’s Eagle Underwriting Group Inc. has teamed up with MS Amlin Marine NV, trading as RaetsMarine, to offer protection & indemnity (P&I) and charterers’ liability insurance in the Canadian marine market. Established in 1996, Eagle Underwriting is a Brampton, Ontario-based managing …

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Study Shows GOP Health Care Plan Could Cost Oklahoma Millions

A Republican plan to overhaul the nation’s health care system shows health care could become unaffordable for many poor Oklahomans and the state could be forced to subsidize health care costs for Native Americans, according to an early analysis of …

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Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas Wildfires Tracked by New Satellite

When wildfires scorched more than 1 million acres in early March across parts of the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma and Kansas, forecasters used a new weather satellite to see the infernos developing, almost in real time. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports …

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California Lawmakers Grapple with Fatal Oakland Warehouse Fire

California state lawmakers said they are grappling with a growing public safety problem in cities where financially struggling artists are illegally converting warehouses into housing and entertainment venues. The Senate Governance and Finance Committee meeting this week in Sacramento was …

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Conklin Named Divisional President at Great American Insurance Group

Mark T. Conklin was named divisional president of Great American Professional Risk Insurance Services (GAPRIS), succeeding Frankie Honeycutt, who recently retired. Conklin has 22 years of industry experience. He joined the company in January 2015 as divisional senior vice president, …

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NOAA: North Dakota at Highest Risk for Spring Flooding

Northern North Dakota – the Souris River, Devils Lake and the northernmost reaches of the Red River – has the greatest risk of major flooding this spring, while moderate flooding is possible over southern Idaho in the Snake River basin, …

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20 Kansas Counties Declared Disaster Areas after Wildfires

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a final disaster declaration covering 20 counties following last week’s wildfires that burned more than 1,000 square miles of the state. Brownback signed the declaration on March 13. He made an initial disaster declaration …

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Some Kansas Lawmakers Want State, not Feds, to Regulate Workplace Safety

Some Kansas lawmakers want the state to take over the job of writing and enforcing workplace regulations, despite concerns by a labor rights group that the change could water down safety oversight. Lawmakers and some business groups say a state-run …

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It Could Be Trump or the Weather, But More People Think Climate Change Is Real

You can blame it on the weather, or you can blame it on Trump. A record number of Americans are concerned about global warming, believe it is occurring and consider it a serious threat that is caused by human activity. …

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Texas’ Costliest Year for Hailstorms Began on March 16, 2016

One year ago today, a massive hailstorm pounded Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas, causing $600 million in insured losses. More hailstorms struck the North Texas area later in March and again in April, and combined with other violent storms in 2016, …

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Statewide Ban on Texting While Driving Passed by Texas House

The Texas House on March 15 passed a statewide ban on texting while driving. Members voted 113-32 to tentatively approve the legislation, which will get a final vote in the House before it can proceed to the Senate. A Senate committee has passed …

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W.R. Berkley, Tokio Marine Lead Weather Analytics $17 Million Series B Funding

Weather Analytics, a provider of weather and predictive risk software for the insurance industry, reported that global insurers Tokio Marine HCC and W. R. Berkley Corp. together have funded a $17 million Series B financing round. With the new capital, …

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Hot Springs, Arkansas, Settles $300K Discrimination Lawsuit

The city of Hot Springs has settled a $300,000 federal discrimination lawsuit filed by a former employee of the city’s solid waste department. The Sentinel-Record reports the settlement was reached on March 13. Margaret Hillistad filed the lawsuit against Deputy …

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Ohio Workers’ Comp Bureau Proposes $1B Employer Rebate

Ohio’s fund for injured workers wants to return more than $1 billion of its investment earnings to the state’s 200,000 private and public employers. The state Bureau of Workers’ Compensation proposed the rebate on March 13. It amounts to two-thirds …

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Michigan Raising Auto Insurance Fee for Catastrophic Injuries to $170

The annual auto insurance fee Michigan drivers pay toward caring for people catastrophically injured in crashes is rising to $170, a $10 increase. The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association announced the new per-car assessment for the 12 months starts July 1. …

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3 Sentenced in Ohio for Insurance Fraud

Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor announced that three Ohioans have been sentenced for insurance-related crimes as the result of investigations by the Ohio Department of Insurance. The department reported that: Pickerington resident Steven Franklin was sentenced to five years of community …

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Cooksey Joins Alliant Insurance Services in Minnesota

Kenneth Cooksey has joined Newport Beach, Calif.-based Alliant Insurance Services Inc. as first vice president in the company’s Alliant Americas division. Cooksey will design and deploy a range of risk management and property/casualty insurance solutions to clients in the Minneapolis market, …

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Fuel Tanker Hijacking Shows Return of Somali Pirate Threat: UN Official

The hijacking of a fuel tanker off Somalia’s coast shows the threat still posed by pirates to one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, a risk that may also hamper the Horn of African country’s efforts to explore for offshore …

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Man Seeking $5M in Damages from Utah Big Brothers Big Sisters over Sex Abuse

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah organization has been sued by a man who claims the group did not do enough to stop a former mentor from sexually abusing him when he was a boy over a period lasting …

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After Uber Vehicle Striking Washington Gas Pump Resulted in Fiery Explosion

A gas pump burst into flames after being struck by a vehicle in service for Uber in Seattle, Wash. The result was a fiery explosion that was caught on surveillance video. KOMO reported the crash involved an Uber driver carrying …

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7 Questions to Ask Cyber Insurance Prospects

An increase in spearfishing and ransomware, coupled with weakened data security due to more connected and mobile devices, means businesses, insurers and their agents need to understand and protect against these threats, according to experts at a recent American Bar Association insurance …

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Plunging Temperatures in Northeast Lead to Icy Conditions Following Storm

Concerns about falling temperatures and icy conditions on roads and sidewalks across the Northeast followed a late-season storm that plastered the region with sleet and snow. Tuesday’s powerful nor’easter paralyzed much of the Washington-to-Boston corridor, but fell short of the …

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PIACT Names Frascarelli Professional Agent of the Year

At the recent Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut (PIACT) annual business meeting, Peter Frascarelli, CPIA, of the Peter M. Bakker Agency of Avon, Conn., was named Professional Agent of the Year. Frascarelli is the Chief Operating Officer of Bakker Agency …

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Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Offers Advice for Winter Storm Damage

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller is offering tips to consumers whose home or automobile may have sustained damage from this week’s winter storm, according to a press release issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance. “Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies …

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Pennsylvania-Headquartered Cohen & Grigsby Hires Anderson as a Director

Cohen & Grigsby P.C., a law firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, Penn., has hired Roberta D. Anderson as a director. Anderson’s practice is concentrated on insurance recovery and emerging cybersecurity and data privacy-related issues, including security incident planning and breach response. …

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Court Rules Gay Employees Not Protected Under Civil Rights Law

In a setback for gay rights advocates hoping for an expansion of workplace discrimination protections, a federal appeals court in Atlanta has ruled that employers aren’t prohibited from discriminating against employees because of sexual orientation. A three-judge panel of the …

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Indonesia to Take Action Against Cruise Ship that Damaged Coral Reef

Indonesia’s government said this week it will take strong action after a cruise ship destroyed coral reefs in a popular tourist area known for its extensive marine biodiversity. The 4,200-ton cruise ship M.V. Caledonian Sky entered the waters of Radja Ampat in …

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RSA Names Gearey as Managing Director of Commercial Risk Solutions

London-based RSA has appointed James Gearey as managing director for Commercial Risk Solutions (CRS) from June 5, 2017, subject to regulatory approvals. Gearey has spent the past nine years at Siemens Financial Services, most recently as chief executive, Commercial Finance …

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XL Catlin Receives Approval to Write Insurance in Monaco

XL Catlin announced it has received approval from the Monegasque Minister of State to issue insurance policies in the Principality of Monaco through XL Insurance Co. SE (XLICSE), effective March 10, 2017. The license allows XLICSE to offer its products on …

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Audi’s German Offices Raided in Ongoing Fallout from Emissions Scandal

Volkswagen AG’s Audi brand was raided by German prosecutors as investigations into the manipulation of diesel engines continue to weigh on the automaker more than a year after revelations of emissions cheating. More than 100 police took part in searches …

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Kentucky Lawmakers Approve Reducing State Coal Mine Inspections

Kentucky lawmakers have agreed to loosen inspection requirements for underground coal mines. The Kentucky Senate gave final approval to House Bill 384 on Tuesday. It would give the Department of Natural Resources commissioner discretion to replace up to three safety …

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Florida Resident Sues Mining Company Over Contaminated Land Under Homes

A central Florida man is suing a mining company that he says built homes over former phosphate mines and didn’t warn homeowners about health hazards. Lakeland homeowner John Jerue filed the lawsuit last week against Alabama-based Drummond Company on behalf …

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Colorado Bill to Curb Growing Pot At Home Making Way Through Legislature

The nation’s most generous grow-your-own marijuana laws came closer this week to being curbed in Colorado, where the state House advanced a pair of bills aimed at cracking down on people who grow weed outside the commercial, taxed system. One …

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Owner of Hotel Cleaning Firm in California Pleads Guilty to Workers’ Comp Fraud

Hyok Kwon, owner of Good Neighbor Services, a janitorial company that provided services to some of San Diego’s most exclusive hotels and resorts, has pleaded yesterday to seven felonies, including premium and employment tax fraud. Kwon was convicted of creating …

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Kentucky Passes Bill to End Shock Probation in Fatal DUI Crashes

A bill aimed at eliminating the option of shock probation for people convicted in fatal drunken driving crashes has cleared the Kentucky General Assembly. The Senate voted 33-4 March 8 for final passage of the bill, House Bill 222, sending …

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Personal Trainers Can Now Buy Policies from Next Insurance via Chatbot on Facebook

Next Insurance, a digital insurance company for small businesses, has launched a chatbot that enables personal trainers to quote and buy liability insurance via Facebook Messenger. Next said it partnered with chatbot developer SmallTalk to become what it claims is the first …

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QBE Launches Privacy, Network Security Coverage for Businesses

QBE North America, an operating division of QBE Insurance Group Limited, has launched a new privacy & network security offering as part of its continued specialty insurance expansion. The new Solution for Cyber Risk product is a comprehensive product suite …

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How to Help Hospitality Firms with Business Interruption Claims

Achieving fair recovery for business interruption losses is often one of the most challenging aspects of resolving commercial property insurance claims. This is especially true for hoteliers and others types of hospitality companies where the amount of income loss can …

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Texas Mutual Launches e-Learning Tool for Policyholders

Workers’ compensation Texas Mutual Insurance Co. has launched a free workplace safety training tool for policyholders called e-Learning. e-Learning gives business owners access to a library of more than 200 modern, video-based training courses on a variety of workplace safety …

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Forestry Services: Wildfires in Oklahoma, Kansas 42% Contained

Oklahoma Forestry Services says four wildfires in northwestern Oklahoma and southwestern Kansas are now 42 percent contained, but a high fire danger continues in the region. The agency said that the largest fire is the Starbuck fire that began near …

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Texas ‘Hail’ Bill’s Author Says ‘Significant Changes’ Made

The Texas Senate Business and Commerce Committee on March 9 heard testimony on a revised bill that aims to limit the number of policyholder lawsuits filed against property insurance companies following severe weather events. At the hearing, Senate Business and …

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Nodak Completes Mutual to Stock Insurance Company Conversion

Nodak Mutual Insurance Co., based in Fargo, N.D., has completed its conversion from a mutual to stock insurance company and the formation of a mutual holding company Nodak Mutual Group Inc. and an intermediate stock holding company NI Holdings Inc. …

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Judge: ABC Must Face Defamation Trial over ‘Pink Slime’ Reports

A South Dakota state judge has ordered ABC Broadcasting to face a potential $5.7 billion defamation lawsuit claiming it damaged Beef Products Inc. by referring in a series of reports to a meat product it sold as “pink slime.” Judge …

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Safety National Casualty Appoints 3 to Senior Management Roles

St. Louis, Mo.-based Safety National Casualty Corp. has appointed Cyndee Morton, Mitch Neuhaus and Keith Rogers to senior management positions. Morton has been promoted to senior vice president – Operations. Morton is responsible for senior management oversight of the Policy …

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RMS Launches Agricultural Risk Models for India and China

RMS, the Newark, Calif.-based catastrophe risk management firm, has added agricultural risk models for India and China to its line of emerging risks models, and plans to expand coverage across Asia-Pacific and the Americas. The addition of the models is …

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