Farms Were the Deadliest Workplaces in Montana Last Year

An annual report made public by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry has shown that 2019 was slightly more deadly than the previous year in workplaces, with farming the most dangerous industry. The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries released …

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5.7 Earthquake Confirmed 127 Miles Off Oregon Coast

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck about 127 miles off the Oregon coast early Tuesday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed. The earthquake struck at 4:50 a.m. west of Bandon, Oregon, the agency said. The Northwest National Tsunami Warning Center in …

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Washington Ambulance Company Settles Suit With Pregnant Employee

Ambulance company American Medical Response will settle a discrimination lawsuit after it refused to provide a pregnant Spokane, Washington employee a temporary reprieve from heavy-duty work, regulators announced Monday. AMR will pay $162,500 to a paramedic to resolve a lawsuit …

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UK’s M&A Watchdog Emerges from EU’s Shadow with Massive New Powers

The UK’s parting of the ways from the European Union means that an obscure 7-year-old watchdog is about to gain massive new powers over corporate mergers. Itself the product of a merger of two failing regulators, the Competition and Markets …

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Brexit Ends Britons’ Right to Live and Work in EU – And They Must Buy Travel Insurance

LONDON (AP) – So far, the large majority of British and EU citizens have not felt the realities of Brexit. Though the UK left the European Union on Jan. 31, it follows the bloc’s rules until the end of this …

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How the NFL Pulled Off Playing During the Pandemic

It took playing games on all seven days of the week, a wide receiver starting at quarterback, numerous schedule changes and constant revisions to health and safety protocols for the NFL to reach Week 17 on time. That’s a remarkable …

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American Airlines Resumes Passenger Flights on Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

Boeing’s 737 MAX resumed passenger flights in the United States for the first time on Tuesday after a 20-month safety ban was lifted last month. American Airlines Flight 718 landed at New York’s LaGuardia Airport around 1:08 p.m after departing …

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Court Upholds Trump Rule Requiring Hospitals to Disclose Health Insurer Prices

A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld a White House-backed rule to require hospitals to disclose the prices they negotiate with insurers for an array of common tests and procedures. The 2-0 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for …

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European Freight Forwarders Reject UK Deliveries on Fears of Post-Brexit Border Chaos

European freight forwarders are rejecting contracts to take loads into the UK due to fears the chaos at Dover could be repeated post-Brexit. Transporeon, a German software company that monitors real-time data on freight traffic and rates for more than …

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Russia Expedites Work on Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline Before U.S. Tightens Sanctions

Russia is stepping up work on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline before the U.S. tightens sanctions against the controversial project designed to feed more natural gas into Germany. Construction of the 1,230-kilometer (764-mile) pipeline reached a milestone on Monday with …

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The Hilb Group Acquires New York’s Hiram Cohen & Son Inc.

The Hilb Group LLC (THG) has acquired New York-based Hiram Cohen & Son Inc. (HCS). The transaction became effective on December 1, 2020. HCS, founded in 1919, is still operated by descendants of Founder Hiram Cohen, celebrating four generations in …

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Insurance Journal’s Top Cyber Stories of 2020

Whether it was cyber risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic or ransomware attacks growing more severe and frequent, cyber insurers had a lot to pay attention to this year. As 2020 wraps up and cyber insurers prepare for a new …

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Acrobats Hurt in Rhode Island Circus Accident Reach $52.5M Settlement

Eight acrobats severely injured when the rigging suspending them by their hair plummeted to the floor during a circus performance in Rhode Island in 2014 have reached a $52.5 million settlement with the ownership and management of the arena where …

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New York Reaches Deal on Cleanup at Long Island Aerospace Site

New York has reached an agreement with defense contractor Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy on a $406 million plan to clean up a massive plume of underground contamination left from Long Island’s heyday as a hub of aerospace manufacturing, …

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Rescuers Race to Find Survivors After Croatia’s Worst Earthquake in 140 Years

Rescuers raced to search for survivors amid strong aftershocks after Croatia’s worst earthquake in 140 years killed seven people and devastated cities and towns in one of the nation’s poorest regions. The 6.3-magnitude tremor on Tuesday damaged most of the …

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How Agents Can Help Floridians Navigate Hurricane Season Aftermath

The 2020 hurricane season was one for the books. From ferocious storms battering the Gulf Coast to heavy rains inundating the Florida Panhandle, the Atlantic saw an unprecedented amount of activity this year. The Weather Channel reported that this season, …

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20 Killed in Georgia Traffic Accidents Over Christmas Weekend

The Georgia State Patrol says 20 people died in crashes across the state over the Christmas weekend. Troopers said Monday that they investigated 251 crashes from 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, resulting in 91 injuries and 11 deaths. Nine other …

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Nebraska Lawsuit: Lincoln Liable in Worker’s Mesothelioma Death

A woman is suing the city of Lincoln, Neb., alleging that her sister died from mesothelioma after she was exposed to asbestos while working at the now shuttered Pershing Center arena. The Lincoln Journal-Star reports that Dixie Johnson filed the …

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Kansas Regulators: Recent Wichita Quakes Not Caused by Oil, Gas Activity

A Kansas regulatory agency has determined that the oil and gas industry wasn’t to blame for a recent spate of Wichita earthquakes. The Kansas Corporation Commission looked at wastewater injection wells located within 6 miles (9.66 kilometers) of the epicenters …

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Introducing the 2020 Insurance Fraud Hall of Shame

The year 2020 would not be complete without a recap of America’s worst insurance fraud crimes. Homeless New Yorkers targeted in a $31.7 million slip-and-fall ring. A sober-home mogul trades sex for drugs. A billionaire insurance mogul attempts to bribe …

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Judge Throws Out Apple Copyright Claims Against Security Software Startup Corellium

A federal judge in Florida on Tuesday dismissed Apple Inc.’s copyright infringement claims against a Florida startup whose software helps security researchers find vulnerabilities in Apple products including the iPhone. U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith ruled in favor of Corellium …

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Administration Says Railroads Have Met Safety Technology Deadline

The U.S. Transportation Department announced Tuesday that anti-derailment technology positive train control, or PTC, is in operation on all required railroad route miles ahead of a Dec. 31 deadline set by Congress. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has certified that …

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Constellation Affiliated Partners Acquires Coastal Insurance Underwriters, Cybercom of Florida

Constellation Affiliated Partners has acquired Florida-based MGU Coastal Insurance Underwriters and Cybercom. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Coastal Insurance Underwriters, founded by President and CEO Charles Bushong in 2007, is an insurance program administrator providing products to …

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Sompo Acquires Diversified Crop Insurance, Forms AgriSompo North America

Sompo International Holdings Ltd. (SIH), a Bermuda-based specialty provider of property/casualty insurance and reinsurance, has acquired Lenexa, Kan.-based Diversified Crop Insurance Services (DCIS), a subsidiary of CGB Enterprises Inc. (CGB). DCIS and ARMtech, Sompo International’s existing U.S. federally sponsored multi-peril …

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Drunken Driving Convictions, Related Offenses Down in Wisconsin

Yearly convictions for drunken driving and other related offenses dropped by nearly 18,000 in Wisconsin between 2004 and 2018, according to a report from the state Legislative Reference Bureau. Alcohol-related fatal crashes have also declined in Wisconsin in the past …

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AM Best Upgrades Capital Insurance Group in California

Monterey, Calif.-based Capital Insurance Group has been upgraded by AM Best. CIG received a rating of A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent). AM Best stated: “Concurrently, AM Best has upgraded the FSR to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term …

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Cross-Border Workers in Gibraltar to Retain Free Movement with Spain After Brexit

MADRID – Cross-border workers who commute between Gibraltar and Spain will be exempt from border controls after Brexit even if no agreement on free movement is reached with Britain, Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said on Monday. Madrid and …

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Earthquake Confirmed in Northern California

A magnitude 3.9 earthquake rattled parts of Northern California on Sunday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed. The earthquake was reported at 6:44 a.m. about 14 miles from Chico. The quake was felt 25 miles away in Paradise, a town …

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Papadopoulo Promoted to President, Chief Underwriting Officer of Arch Capital Group

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL) announced that Nicolas Papadopoulo will be promoted to the position of president and chief underwriting officer, effective Jan. 1, 2021. Papadopoulo joined Arch in 2001 and currently serves as chairman and CEO of Arch Worldwide …

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Cyber Attacks Cost Russian Companies and Citizens $49B in 2020: Sberbank

MOSCOW – Cyber attacks have cost Russian companies and citizens up to 3.6 trillion roubles ($49 billion) this year, the country’s largest lender Sberbank said. Russia has encouraged its citizens to switch to bank cards and limit cash use to …

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Insurance Journal’s Most Noteworthy Topics of 2020: International

COVID-19, mergers and acquistions were just two of noteworthy topics of 2020 covered by the International section of Insurance Journal. Other noteworthy topics included business moves — from startups and existing companies — and natural and manmade catastrophes. We provide …

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U.S. Approves Small Drone Flights Over People at Night

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday said it is issuing long-awaited rules to allow for small drones to fly over people and at night, a significant step toward their use for widespread commercial deliveries. The FAA is also …

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Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts Trademark Tiff Over Use of ‘Scout’ Part of Recruitment Battle

The Girl Scouts are in a “highly damaging” recruitment war with the Boy Scouts after the latter opened its core services to girls, leading to marketplace confusion and some girls unwittingly joining the Boy Scouts, lawyers for the century-old Girl …

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Heavily Criticized Pennsylvania Veterans’ Home Sued Over COVID-19 Outbreak

A state-run veterans’ home in Pennsylvania heavily criticized for its handling of a coronavirus outbreak inside its walls drew a federal wrongful death lawsuit, filed by family members of five residents who died of COVID-19. The family members accuse Southeastern …

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Former N.Y. Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $3K in Unearned Wages

A former New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) officer has pled guilty to forging paperwork falsely claiming military service so that he could take time off. Kyle Bouille, of Corning, N.Y., took time off by falsely …

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Insurance Journal’s Most Noteworthy Topics of 2020: East Region

From questions over business interruption policy coverage spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic to property damage due to civil unrest, as well as significant court cases and state regulatory actions, it was a busy year for East region insurers. Here’s a …

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Ant Group Weighs Forming Holding Company, Regulated More Like a Bank

Jack Ma’s besieged Ant Group Co. is planning to fold its financial operations into a holding company that could be regulated more like a bank, according to people familiar with the situation, potentially crippling the growth of its most-profitable units. …

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Insurance Journal’s Most Noteworthy Topics of 2020: Southeast Region

It was another busy year for the Southeast region – from Florida’s distressed property insurance market to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was plenty of news to follow. Some of the top insurance topics this year included: Florida, Florida, Florida The …

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Insurance Journal’s Most Noteworthy Topics of 2020: Midwest Region

COVID 19: Lawsuits and More Hundreds, if not thousands, of lawsuits have been filed across the U.S. in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped the nation and the world this year. The Midwest region has not been spared …

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Insurance Journal’s Most Noteworthy Topics of 2020: South Central Region

Hurricanes, Hurricanes and Tropical Storms It can’t come as any surprise that hurricanes and tropical storms topped the list of the most read subjects of interest in Insurance Journal’s South Central region. In a North Atlantic hurricane season for the …

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Insurers Not Quitting on Cyber Even as Risks Mount

It could go down as one of the most significant cyber attacks yet. Russian hackers breached a number of U.S. government agencies and dozens of private businesses through a tainted update downloaded for network-monitoring software made by SolarWinds. Potentially significant …

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Insurance Journal’s Most Noteworthy Topics of 2020- National Region

To suggest that the property/casualty insurance industry should count its blessings in the year of the coronavirus is by no means to suggest 2020 was not a challenging year for the industry. The industry faced plenty of challenges throughout the …

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Insurance Journal’s Most Popular Topics in 2020: West Region

The top stories for Insurance Journal’s Western region in 2020 were patently obvious to anyone who reads the news, namely coverage of COVID-19, and stories on the massive Western U.S. wildfires. However, other subjects made their way onto the list …

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How U.S. Government Will Handle COVID-19 Vaccine Injury Claims Is Largely a Secret

Lost in the U.S. launch of the coronavirus vaccine is a fact most don’t know when they roll up their sleeves: In rare cases of serious illness from the shots, the injured are blocked from suing and steered instead to …

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Miami Beach Considers Homeowner Grants to Prepare Property for Sea Rise

Miami Beach is exploring a way to help residents cover the cost of floodproofing their properties from heavy rains and high tides made even higher by sea level rise – at least a little. The city is considering offering residents …

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BKS-Partners to Acquire Assets of Tanner, Ballew & Maloof of Atlanta

Baldwin Krystyn Sherman Partners, LLC (BKS-Partners), the middle-market indirect subsidiary of BRP Group, has entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all assets of Tanner, Ballew & Maloof, Inc. (TBM), an Atlanta, Ga.-based provider of commercial P&C insurance to middle …

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Mink Captured Outside Oregon Farm Tests Positive for Virus

The Oregon Department of Agriculture said among animals captured during wildlife surveillance near a mink farm that recently had a coronavirus outbreak, a mink believed to have recently escaped confinement tested positive for low levels of the virus known to …

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W. R. Berkley Corp. Launches Special Purpose Reinsurer in Bermuda

W. R. Berkley Corp. announced the formation of Lifson Re Ltd., a special purpose reinsurer registered in Bermuda and licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Lifson Re has been capitalized with more than $250 million of equity from a small …

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After Year’s Best IPO, Lemonade Insider Selling Lockup Expiration May Pressure Stock

The best-performing listing of 2020 is poised to enter the new year with extra volatility after insider selling restrictions expire this week. Insurance provider Lemonade Inc. is trading more than 350% above its July 1 initial public offering price, the …

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Insurance Journal’s Top 10 (+1) Most Read Stories of 2020- National Region

There were, of course, recurrent topics and themes– from the coronavirus to business interruption to cyber to acquisitions to the Trump Administration to hurricanes — that dominated property/casualty insurance industry’s national news in 2020. At the same time, certain individual …

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SynchronoSure, American European to Offer General Liability for Small Trucking Firms

Synchrono Group, doing business under SynchronoSure, and American European Insurance Group (AEIG) have expanded their partnership to include trucker general liability insurance for small trucking companies. SynchronoSure will underwrite and administer the business on behalf of AEIG ultimately in 14 …

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Insurance Journal’s Top 10 Most Read Stories of 2020: East Region

Here’s a look back at Insurance Journal’s most read stories of 2020 for the East region, based on readership metrics: 1. Proposed N.J. Bill Would Require Insurers to Pay COVID-19 Business Interruption Claims A proposed New Jersey bill in March …

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Philadelphia Insurance Promotes Pottle to Chief Strategic Operations Officer

Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) has promoted Bob Pottle to executive vice president and chief strategic operations officer (CSOO). The CSOO role is a newly created position that will use Pottle’s 34 years of leadership and experience at PHLY to enhance …

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Rhode Island’s Providence Mutual Appoints Streton as President, CEO-Elect

Providence Mutual, a Warwick, R.I.-based mutual property/casualty insurance company, has appointed Michele Streton, former vice president and chief operating officer for Personal Lines at Hanover Group, as the company’s new president and CEO-elect. Streton will join Providence Mutual on January …

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Argo Group Agrees to Sell Its Italian Business

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based underwriter of specialty insurance products, announced an agreement to sell its Italian operations, ArgoGlobal Assicurazioni S.p.A (AGA) to Perfuturo Capital AG, a Swiss holding company. Perfuturo is fully owned by Philantra Holding AG …

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Insurance Journal’s Top 10 Most Read Stories of 2020: International

The top international news story of 2020 was the announcement in March of Aon’s proposed merger with Willis Towers Watson. The subject was of such interest to international readers that four of the 15 most-read articles involved the Aon-WTW merger. …

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Insurance Journal’s Top 10 Most Read Stories of 2020: Southeast Region

Here’s a look back at Insurance Journal’s most read stories of 2020 for the Southeast region, based on readership metrics: 1.) Florida Supreme Court Suspends Attorney Behind Thousands of Insurer Lawsuits Florida attorney Scot Strems was suspended by the Florida …

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China Pushes for Restructuring of Ant Group in Latest Blow to Founder Ma

BEIJING – China’s central bank disclosed on Sunday it had asked the country’s payments giant Ant Group Co Ltd. to shake up its lending and other consumer finance operations, the latest blow to its billionaire founder and controlling shareholder Jack …

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What Will Brexit Trade Deal Mean for City of London?

LONDON – Britain, which left the European Union in January, loses full access to the bloc under transition arrangements that end at 2300 GMT on Dec. 31. The 27-nation EU is Britain’s biggest financial services customer, worth about 30 billion …

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Insurance Journal’s Top 10 Most Read Stories of 2020: Midwest Region

Motorcycle helmets, protest damage and COVID-19 pandemic-related lawsuits dominated the headlines in Insurance Journal’s Midwest region in 2020. Here’s a look back at some of most read stories for the Midwest region, based on readership metrics: Governor Signs Missouri Bill …

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Wisconsin Appeals Court Upholds $5.5M Award in Fatal Bike Crash

A Wisconsin appeals court has upheld a $5.5 million judgment against a driver who killed a 23-year-old bicyclist in Madison. Brian Hodgson was driving on the city’s west side in June 2015 when he crashed into Emilly Zhu as she …

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Flint. Michigan, Joins $641M Deal to Settle Suits over Lead-Tainted Water

The Flint, Michigan, City Council has signed off on its portion of a $641 million settlement with residents of the poor, majority-Black city who were exposed to lead-tainted water. The city’s insurer would kick in $20 million as part of …

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Core Specialty Adds Tokio Marine’s Jacobs to E&O, Professional Liability Team

Cincinnati-based Core Specialty Insurance Holdings reported that Jeff Jacobs has joined as senior vice president, head of Errors and Omissions Professional Liability. Jacobs has 30 years of insurance sector experience leading professional liability, management liability and other commercial property and …

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Insurance Journal’s Top 10 Most Read Stories of 2020: South Central Region

The weather, as usual, made for many headlines in Insurance Journal’s South Central region in 2020. COVID-19 related lawsuits and transactions involving nonstandard auto business also made news. Here’s a look back at some of the most read stories for …

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Can Insurance-Related Firms Compel Employees to Get COVID-19 Vaccination?

The long-awaited and highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine is here. The first to arrive on the scene, from Pfizer-BioNTech, received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration several days ago. On the heels of that, Moderna’s version got the …

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Insuring Cannabis Summit: Talking to Clients About Risk Starts with Education

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of articles based on panels and presentations during Insurance Journal’s 2020 Insuring Cannabis Summit on Nov. 19. Believe it or not, talking to cannabis businesses about risk isn’t much different than talking …

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Insurance Journal’s Top 10 Most Read Stories of 2020- West Region

Wildfires were the big story in the Western U.S. in 2020. And a big underlying theme in those stories is what was being done to deal with them. One of the top stories in Insurance Journal’s Western region was when …

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Drug Firms Win Court Bid Halting White House Rule Aimed at Lowering Drug Prices

A late-term maneuver by President Donald Trump to use lower drug prices paid overseas to limit some of Medicare’s own costs suffered a legal setback last Wednesday that appears likely to keep the policy from taking effect before the president …

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2 Months After Hurricanes, Recovery Elusive for Louisiana Residents

As southwest Louisiana recovers from the back-to-back hurricanes that hammered the region this year, signs of progress compete with lingering evidence of mass destruction. The fallen trees that carpeted neighborhoods have mostly been chopped up and hauled away, but the …

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EU and UK Clinch Narrow Brexit Deal, Just Days Before Transition Period Expires

LONDON/BRUSSELS – Britain clinched a narrow Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Thursday, just seven days before it exits one of the world’s biggest trading blocs in its most significant global shift since the loss of empire. The …

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Smaller Websites Nervous Over Giant Facebook’s Support for Liability Reform

Facebook Inc. says it’s time to rethink the legal immunity that protects it from lawsuits over what users post online, a position that’s leaving smaller websites concerned about the cost of accepting more responsibility for what appears on their platforms. …

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Social Inflation Lesson: Not Settling Cost Insurer Millions in Suit by Excess Insurer

The defense team for Chubb Group’s Ace American Insurance Co. was confident that no jury would award more than $2 million in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Mark Braswell, who died on May 16, 2014 when …

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Google Adds Extra Scrutiny of Its Scientists’ Research on ‘Sensitive Topics’

Alphabet Inc.’s Google this year moved to tighten control over its scientists’ papers by launching a “sensitive topics” review, and in at least three cases requested authors refrain from casting its technology in a negative light, according to internal communications …

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Chubb Global Markets Promotes Driscoll, Rowley in Professional Indemnity Teams

Chubb announced leadership promotions to its professional indemnity teams for Chubb Global Markets (CGM). Under the changes, Steve Driscoll is appointed head of Professional Indemnity for CGM and also for the United Kingdom & Ireland (UK&I). CGM comprises Chubb’s London …

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DealerPolicy Purchases Insurance Business from Granite State Independent Insurance

DealerPolicy Insurance Agency of Williston, Vt., has purchased the insurance business associated with Granite State Independent Insurance of Tilton, N.H. Granite State Independent Insurance will cease to operate effective with this transaction. Its personal and commercial insurance customers will now …

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Owner to Rebuild After Upstate New York Sports Dome Collapses Under Snowfall

The owner of a sports complex in the upstate New York city of Binghamton says he plans to rebuild after its air-supported dome collapsed under this week’s record-breaking snowfall. No one was injured when one of the state’s largest indoor …

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Worker Pinned, Seriously Injured While Removing Snow in Massachusetts

A landscape worker was seriously injured after becoming pinned by his equipment while removing snow, Chelmsford police said. A worker in the building called 911 after hearing a man yelling for help. Police and firefighters found the man pinned between …

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Brexit-Trade-Deal Talks Remain Snagged with Just 8 Days to Year-End Deadline

LONDON/BRUSSELS – The United Kingdom and the European Union have still not clinched a Brexit trade deal to avoid a turbulent split in just eight days time because of serious disagreements about competition and fishing, a British minister said on …

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Allianz’ Real Estate Unit Bets on London with Purchase of Office Buildings for $539M

Allianz SE’s real estate unit will take a majority stake in a portfolio of buildings owned by British Land Co. in London’s virus-roiled West End district. The insurance giant has agreed to pay 401 million pounds [$539 million] for a …

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Data Theft at Defense Firm Leonardo Targeted Details of Military Aircraft: Arrest Warrant

MILAN – An investigation into a data theft at Leonardo has found that a hacker working inside the Italian defense group appeared to target details of Europe’s biggest unmanned fighter jet program and aircraft used by the military and police, …

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J.M. Wilson Promotes Gibbons to Sr. Transportation Underwriter in Ohio

Managing general agency and surplus lines insurance broker J.M. Wilson has promoted Ryan Gibbons as senior transportation underwriter in its Westerville, Ohio. office. Gibbons is responsible for underwriting new and renewal accounts for a wide variety of commercial transportation risks, …

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Tennnessee High Court: Presumption Law Protects Agents, Carriers

Under Tennessee law, policyholders who pay their premiums create a legal presumption that they have accepted the terms of coverage. The statute limits lawsuits by underinsured policyholders who thought they had enough coverage but found after a loss that they …

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Michigan Recovers More than $16.2M for Insurance Consumers

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) says it helped recover more than $16.2 million for consumers during the 2020 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30. DIFS’ Office of Consumer Services helped consumers recover $9 million in settled …

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Judge: Government Must Pay Lower Missouri River Landowners for Flood Damage

The federal government must pay some landowners along the lower Missouri River for flooding damage caused by changes the Army Corps of Engineers made to the river to protect endangered species, a judge has ruled. The ruling this week by …

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Aon’s Eldredge Named General Counsel at Broker TigerRisk

Insurance broker/advisor TigerRisk has appointed Daniel J. “Tad” Eldredge as partner and general counsel. He is located in Minneapolis, Minn. Eldredge comes to TigerRisk from Aon where he was chief counsel, Corporate and Americas, served on the Global Executive Committee …

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Texas Surplus Lines Stamping Office: Fee Decreases on Jan. 1, 2021

The Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas (SLTX) is reminding wholesale agents and brokers that the stamping fee for recording surplus lines insurance policies in Texas will be lower beginning on Jan. 1, 2021. The stamping fee will drop from …

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Indiana Lawmakers to Push for Coronavirus Liability Shield

Indiana’s governor and legislative leaders are lining up in favor of giving a legal shield to businesses from COVID-19 lawsuits when the General Assembly returns to action next month. Supporters argue the liability protection is needed for factories, stores, restaurants …

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Masks Help Curb COVID-19’s Spread But May Not be Enough at Close Distances

Simply wearing a face mask may not be enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19 without social distancing. In a new project Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing, researchers tested how five different types of mask materials impacted the spread …

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Insuring Cannabis Summit: Legal Cannabis Space Moving at Light Speed

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of articles based on panels and presentations during Insurance Journal’s 2020 Insuring Cannabis Summit on Nov. 19. Things aren’t just moving fast in the legal cannabis space, they are moving very fast. …

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Challenges Facing Healthcare Pros on COVID Vaccine Frontlines: Q&A with Aon Experts

Is the U.S. healthcare industry prepared to shoulder the massive responsibility of administering an estimated 300 million COVID-19 vaccinations? Healthcare professionals will face challenges, according to experts at insurance broker Aon. Most of those giving the shots will have experience …

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Walmart Denies U.S. Charges It Fueled Opioid Crisis by Filling ‘Illegitimate Prescriptions’

The U.S. Justice Department sued Walmart Inc. on Tuesday, accusing the world’s biggest retailer of fueling the opioid crisis in the United States, ignoring warning signs from its pharmacists and filling thousands of invalid prescriptions. In a civil lawsuit in …

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Cover Whale Expands Trucking Offering to Include Fleets

Cover Whale, an insurtech with a specialty niche in the trucking and transportation segment, has expanded its trucking insurance products to include a fleet insurance program. Fleet managers and select insurance brokers now have access to the Cover Whale online …

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New AAIS Fire Risk Model Approved by Florida Regulator

Insurance advisory organization AAIS (American Association of Insurance Services) has received approval from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation for its new predictive model. The AAIS Fire Loss and Mitigation Evaluation Score (FLAMES) was designed to improve on existing methods …

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Combined Losses from Laura and Delta Top $5B in Louisiana

Reported insured losses from Hurricanes Laura and Delta collectively have topped more than $5 billion as of Nov. 20, the state insurance department said. More than 236,938 claims had been reported as of Nov. 20 for the two hurricanes that …

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Kilauea Volcano Erupting on Hawaii’s Big Island

The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island has erupted, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The eruption began late Sunday within the within Halema’uma’u crater. The volcano is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. A magnitude 4.4 earthquake hit about an …

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Sompo Acquiring W. Brown & Associates in California

Sompo International Holdings Ltd. has acquired W. Brown & Associates Insurance Services in Irvine, Calif. Brown has been a managing general underwriter for Sompo International since 2016. The W. Brown operations will remain intact, leveraging the MGU’s management and underwriting …

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California COVID-19 Workers’ Comp Claim Volume Trending up Again

California workers’ comp COVID-19 monthly claim volume, which fell sharply in August and September, is now trending up again, climbing 9.0% in October, then more than doubling in November, according to a California Workers’ Compensation Institute. The CWCI reviewed claims …

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Brown & Brown Agrees to Acquire Irish Broker O’Leary Insurances

Brown & Brown Inc., the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based broker, announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire the general insurance operating companies of O’Leary Insurances (OLI) in Ireland. The transaction is expected to close in January 2021, subject to …

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New Group Launched for Senior Claims Managers in London Insurance Market

A new group for senior claims managers in the London insurance market has been established by the International Underwriting Association (IUA). The Claims Strategy Committee will oversee and coordinate all claims-related issues discussed by companies. It has been set up …

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Legacy Specialist DARAG Completes First Acquisition in Luxembourg

DARAG Group Ltd., the Malta-based legacy acquirer, announced the completion of its purchase of Arisa Assurances SA, a Luxembourg-based automobile and travel insurance company previously owned by ADAC Versicherung AG. The transaction, announced in August, was conducted through DARAG’s German …

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Brexit Trade Talks Remain Snagged but Agreement Edges Closer

BRUSSELS – Britain and the European Union narrowed the gap on access to fish stocks from 2021 but the politically sensitive matter was still in the way of a new trade pact, Brussels sources said on Tuesday ahead of a …

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Here’s What’s In the $900 Billion COVID-19 Bill

U.S. congressional leaders said on Sunday they had reached agreement on a $900 billion package to provide the first new aid in months to an economy hammered by the novel coronavirus pandemic, with votes on Monday. Here’s what is in …

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Different Federal, State Rules Confuse Employers Seeking COVID Vaccine for Workers

U.S. companies and industry groups trying to move their workers to the front of the line for a COVID-19 vaccine remain confused about conflicting state and local guidelines on how shots will be administered and to which workers, even as …

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Viewpoint: How the Northeastern U.S. Private Flood Market Can Close the Coverage Gap

The northeastern U.S. is one of the key areas of the country at risk for flooding, as evidenced by the billions in losses from Superstorm Sandy, which saw more than $8.1 billion in 144,000 NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) claims. …

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Thomas Miller Americas Appoints Arralde as Senior Claims Director in New Jersey

Thomas Miller Americas, a provider of insurance services, has appointed Noreen Arralde as senior claims director in its New Jersey office. Arralde rejoins Thomas Miller Americas from another protection and indemnity provider, where she spent two years serving as a …

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The Hilb Group Acquires New Jersey’s William H. Connolly & Co.

The Hilb Group LLC (THG) has acquired New Jersey-based William H. Connolly & Co. LLC (WHC). The transaction became effective on December 1, 2020. Founded in 1950 by William H. Connolly Sr., WHC is currently owned and run by his …

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Babies Born Addicted to Opioids Can Sue Drug Makers: Tennessee High Court

The Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled that opioid producers can be sued under the state’s Drug Dealer Liability Act, allowing a lawsuit filed on behalf of children born dependent to opioids to move forward. The high court made the unanimous …

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Florida Market Stabilization Critical to Reducing Citizens’ Exposure: Study

Florida’s fluctuating and volatile private market may be instigating long-term policy growth for Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and creating serious obstacles to its position as the state’s residual insurer, according to a new study. The 236-page “Exposure Reduction and Depopulation …

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Florida Investigating Server Hacking Through SolarWinds Software

Florida officials acknowledged Friday that state servers appear to have been compromised by overseas hackers who gained entry by imbedding malicious code into networking software from a Texas-based software company, SolarWinds. Two Florida officials who have knowledge of the matter …

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J.M. Wilson Promotes Goecker to Branch Manager in Kansas City

Managing general agency and surplus lines insurance broker J.M. Wilson has promoted Tyler Goecker to branch manager in its Kansas City, Mo., office. He will plan the day to day operations of the Kansas City office, coordinate the staff, and …

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Judge Dismisses Excessive Ticketing Lawsuit Against Georgia City

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit claiming that an Atlanta suburb improperly relied on fines and fees to finance its budget. U.S. District Judge Richard Story last week dismissed a case brought against the city of Doraville by four …

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Illinois Harley-Davidson Dealer to Pay $193.75K to Settle Harassment, Retaliation Suit

Three companies operating a now-closed Harley-Davidson dealership in Glenview, Ill., have agreed to pay a former employee $193,750 and furnish other relief under a consent decree to settle a federal sex harassment and retaliatory firing lawsuit. The U.S. Equal Employment …

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Michigan’s AF Group Makes Executive Changes in Workers’ Comp Division

AF Group, based in Lansing, Mich., has made several executive appointments and promotions within its Workers’ Compensation division. Michelle McLane, named senior vice president of Business Development. With a strong background in underwriting, broker relations and territory management, McLane has …

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Lockton Adds Marsh’s Urias to Expand Southern California Business

Lockton Pacific has added Dan Urias as a vice president and producer to grow its commercial insurance presence in the Orange County and Inland Empire regions of Southern California. Urias is part of the Lockton’s Pacific region, which encompasses eight …

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Insurance M&A Rebound to Continue Into 2021: PwC

Insurance mergers and acquisitions (M&A) rebounded from COVID-19 challenges in the second half of 2020. The trend should continue well into 2021 as companies unload non-core assets and purse cost-effective advancements in technology, PwC said in a new report. The …

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Cybersecurity Firm Transmosis, Cysurance to Offer Small Business Cyber Protection

Transmosis, a provider of small business cybersecurity protection, has launched an integrated product offering with cyber insurance provider Cysurance, a Chubb company. The new cyber liability insurance product works with the CyberOPS A.I. software and 24/7 live virtual Security Operations …

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International Paper Relocates Captive from Vermont to Tennessee

Memphis-based global fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products leader International Paper has relocated its captive insurance company from Vermont to Tennessee, according to a statement from The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Captive Insurance Section. International Paper has …

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Wichita, Kansas, Records More Quakes, Including Largest in 5 Years

Multiple earthquakes rattled Wichita, Kan., on Dec. 19, with the largest measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale. That makes the trembler the largest on record in the city in the last five years, although it’s still is considered relatively small. …

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Through November, Texas Surplus Lines Premium 12% Higher than Last Year

Texas surplus lines premium recorded by the Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas (SLTX) rose to $587.46 million in November. The recorded premium year to date as of November is 12.3% higher than that of the same period in 2019, …

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Washington Drug Chain Settles over Invalid Prescriptions

The U.S. Department of Justice says it and Bartell Drugs have resolved allegations that the pharmacy chain filled invalid prescriptions between July 2016 and August 2020 in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran said under …

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Small Earthquake Confirmed Near Colorado-Utah Border

A small earthquake hit a rural area Saturday near the Colorado-Utah border, the University of Utah Seismograph Stations confirmed. The magnitude 4.3 earthquake took place at 7:11 p.m on Saturday. The epicenter was 3 1/2 miles southwest of Bedrock, Colorado, …

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Montana Requires $285M Cleanup Bond from Coal Company

Montana environmental regulators have forced the owners of a power plant to provide a $285 million cleanup bond, a move some local organizations hailed as a victory for conservation. But Talen Energy, the owner of the Colstrip Power Plant, filed …

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Lloyd’s Syndicate Dale and DUAL Launch MGU with Focus on U.S. Property Insurance

Dale Underwriting Partners and DUAL announced a new joint venture, Dale DUAL MGU Ltd. (DDML), in collaboration with Aviva with immediate effect. This partnership has been brought together by Howden Reinsurance Broking led by head of Global Specialty Reinsurance, Gordon …

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Licensing, Other Changes for Insurance Agents in Virginia to Take Effect Jan. 1

Changes in licensing, fees and continuing education due dates for insurance agents in Virginia will take effect January 1, 2021. These changes, as provided by Virginia law, have been in the works for more than two years and are among …

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Bettencourt Approved as New Hampshire Deputy Insurance Commissioner

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has approved the nomination of Policy Director D.J. Bettencourt as the next deputy commissioner of the New Hampshire Insurance Department. Bettencourt, a former state representative from Salem, N.H., who has served as the Governor’s liaison …

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Many Nations Close Borders to British Travelers over Fears of New Coronavirus Strain

DOVER, England – A slew of countries closed their borders to Britain on Monday over fears of a highly infectious new coronavirus strain, heightening global panic, causing travel chaos and raising the prospect of UK food shortages days before the …

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Files Raise Questions About Purdue Pharma Family’s Transfer of $10B Over Decade

Members of the wealthy Sackler family, owners of OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma LP, have long denied that the $10 billion they transferred from their company over the course of a decade was an unlawful attempt to shield assets in anticipation …

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UK Broker Specialist Risk Group to Be Acquired by Private Equity Firm HGGC

Specialist Risk Group (SRG), a London-based specialist insurance broker, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by middle-market private equity firm HGGC. SRG’s management team will invest alongside HGGC and continue to hold a significant stake in …

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PM Johnson Faces Deal-Or-No-Deal Choice as EU Balks at UK Brexit Demands

Boris Johnson faces a choice in the next few hours that will define his premiership: accept a trade deal with the European Union or go it alone. It could scarcely have come at a more difficult time for him. As …

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Hanleigh Hires Cremens as Sales Director in Connecticut Office

Hanleigh, a subsidiary of CRC Group – a nationwide wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products – has hired Scott Cremens as sales director, based in its Windsor, Conn., office. Hanleigh is a managing general underwriter offering high limit disability, personal …

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University of North Carolina Suspends 3 Fraternities Accused of Drug Trafficking

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced Friday that it has suspended three fraternities that have been linked to a drug trafficking ring that federal prosecutors say funneled large amounts of drugs into three college campuses. The U.S. …

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JM Wilson Adds Yohn as Assistant Transportation Underwriter in South Carolina

JM Wilson has has hired Jamie Yohn as assistant transportation underwriter in its Charleston, S.C., office. Yohn is responsible for assisting underwriters on a wide variety of transportation risks, quoting new and renewal business, corresponding with carrier underwriters, and assisting …

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49 Georgia Businesses Caught in 5-Person Burglary Ring

A Georgia prosecutor says a burglary ring hit 49 businesses a total of 58 times over four months, and five people are accused. Targets included gas stations, dollar stores and popular restaurants in Macon, and burglaries occurred from Dec. 23, …

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J.M. Wilson Hires Cella, Tokarz as Assistant Underwriters in Illinois

Managing general agency and surplus lines broker J.M. Wilson has added Scott Cella as assistant property/casualty underwriter and Ryan Tokarz as assistant transportation underwriter in its Arlington Heights, Ill., office. Cella and Tokarz are responsible for assisting with new and …

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Outlooks Revised to Negative for Iowa’s United Fire Group, Property/Casualty Subs

AM Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a” of the property/casualty (P/C) subsidiaries of United Fire Group Inc. …

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Cyber Experts Race to Secure Networks Following Broad Cyber Attack on U.S.

Russian hackers who broke into U.S. government agencies also spied on less high-profile organizations, including groups in Britain, a U.S. internet provider and a county government in Arizona, according to web records and a security source. More details were revealed …

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Court Allows Dr. Seuss’s Estate to Sue ComicMix Over ‘Star Trek’ Mashup

Dr. Seuss’s estate may sue the publisher of a “Star Trek”-themed “mash-up” of the famed children’s author’s final book because it was not protected as “fair use,” a federal appeals court ruled on Friday. Reversing a lower court ruling, the …

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Insuring Cannabis Summit: There Were Crop Risks Aplenty in 2020

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of articles based on panels and presentations during Insurance Journal’s 2020 Insuring Cannabis Summit on Nov. 19. Is there a lot of risk in cannabis crops that insurance professionals should know about? …

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Moderna Vaccine Distribution Begins; CDC Urges Priority for Frontline Workers, Elderly

An advisory panel on Sunday recommended U.S. frontline essential workers and people 75 and older should be next in line to get inoculated as the distribution of Moderna Inc.’s vaccine, the second approved coronavirus vaccine, began across the country. The …

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Suspected Russian Hack of U.S. Government: Espionage or Act of War?

The suspected Russian hack of U.S. government agencies has led to heated rhetoric from lawmakers, with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin calling it “virtually a declaration of war” and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio saying that “America must retaliate, and not just …

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Willis Towers Watson Partners with Polecat Intelligence on Emerging Risk Analysis

Willis Towers Watson, the global advisory, broking and solutions company, announced a partnership with Polecat Intelligence Ltd,, a business intelligence and data analytics company. Together, they are developing insurance solutions that enable organizations to respond to the rapidly changing, increasingly …

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Brexit Trade Talks Reach Impasse with Both UK and EU Demanding Compromise

BRUSSELS/LONDON – The European Union said on Friday there were just hours left to strike a Brexit trade deal while Britain called on the bloc to see sense as the two sides race to prevent a turbulent finale to the …

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SEC Lawsuit Alleges Biotech Firm, CEO Misled Investors About COVID-19 Tests

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission sued Decision Diagnostics Corp. and its chief executive for allegedly misleading investors by promising the biotechnology company could test for COVID-19 with a finger-prick of blood and provide accurate results in less than one …

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‘If Not One Thing, It’s Another’: Storm Rolls into Northeast

A major snowstorm rolled into the Northeast on Wednesday at a key moment in the coronavirus pandemic, days after the start of the U.S. vaccination campaign and in the thick of a virus surge that has throngs of people seeking …

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Judgment in UK COVID Business Interruption Appeal Will Be Handed Down in January

LONDON – There will be no judgment in an appeal over business interruption insurance this year, Britain’s markets watchdog said on Tuesday, dashing hopes of an early outcome in a case that could affect billions of pounds in claims. Britain’s …

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S. African Insurer Guardrisk Will Not Challenge Court Ruling on COVID-19 Claims

JOHANNESBURG – South African insurer Guardrisk will not further challenge a court process that has found it liable to pay clients’ rejected coronavirus-related claims, it said late on Thursday. Guardrisk, the country’s fourth-largest non-life insurer, and its peers around the …

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AssetSure Hires Karlunas as Vice President, Personal Insurance Practice Leader

Independent insurance agency AssetSure has hired Ted Karlunas as vice president and Personal Insurance Practice leader. In this role, Karlunas will lead personal insurance operations as the agency expands its outreach to new territories. He will be involved in the …

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Risk Strategies Acquires New York’s FBA National

Risk Strategies, a privately held, national insurance brokerage and risk management firm, has acquired FBA National, a specialist in developing employee benefits solutions that align with an organization’s goals and workforce needs. FBA National was represented by MidCap Advisors in …

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Climate Change Poses Much Greater Existential Risk for the World Than COVID-19

Similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change ultimately will be managed by “bending the curve” of temperature rises and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, according to Rowan Douglas, Head of Climate and Resilience Hub at Willis Towers Watson. But that’s where …

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COVID Vaccine Rollout Spurs Demand for Extra Insurance Coverage

LONDON – Speedy global delivery of COVID-19 vaccines by air and sea in ultra cold conditions will lead to a jump in cargo insurance rates and spur demand for new areas of coverage, leaving underwriters on high alert. Pharmaceutical companies …

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4 Georgia Firms Form Southeast-Focused Oakbridge Insurance Agency

Four retail insurance brokers – Founders Insurance, Hutchinson Traylor Insurance, McGinty-Gordon & Associates, and Waites & Foshee – have signed definitive agreements to combine to form Oakbridge Insurance Agency LLC, a new insurance brokerage firm serving clients across Georgia and …

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Insuring Cannabis Summit: Industry at Diversity Crossroads

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of articles based on panels and presentations during Insurance Journal’s 2020 Insuring Cannabis Summit on Nov. 19. Diversity needs to be more than a mere buzzword in the cannabis industry. That was …

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Hospital Charges Rise Despite Fewer Visits to Emergency Rooms

Auto casualty claimants are avoiding hospital emergency rooms during the COVID-19 pandemic but are generating increased hospital charges anyway, according to a new report by Mitchell, a San Diego-based claims administrator. “Anecdotally, we have heard that some people have been …

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Topa Insurance Group in California Names Eyre to Board

Calabasas, Calif.-based Topa Insurance Group has named William Eyre to the board of directors. Eyre has more than 40 years of experience in the reinsurance industry, both in executive positions and sales. Eyre is currently managing director at Pinnacle Risk …

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National Labor Board Says Amazon Illegally Fired Protesting Employee

The U.S. National Labor Relations Board on Tuesday alleged Amazon.com Inc. illegally fired an employee this year who was raising alarm about workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amazon associate Gerald Bryson was helping lead a protest outside a company …

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Openly, High-End Home Insurance MGA, Secures $40M for National Expansion

Openly, an insurtech managing general agency for high-end homeowners insurance, raised $40 million of venture capital from multiple investors. The investment will fuel a national expansion, hiring and further technological development. “The reception has been phenomenal,” Openly co-founder and CEO …

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Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Expands Accountants Policy Into Georgia

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies has added Georgia to the list of states where it company offers its Accountants Professional Liability policy. Georgia is now the sixth state that the insurer offers this product to go along with Arizona, Illinois, …

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Origami Risk Tools Track COVID-19 Vaccinations, Outbreaks

Origami Risk, a risk, safety and insurance software as a service (SaaS) technology firm, has developed new online tools for healthcare providers, nursing homes and employers in all sectors to track employee COVID-19 vaccinations as well as to monitor and …

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Hammond, Indiana, to Pay $80.75K to Resolve Disability Discrimination Charge

Hammond, Ind., has agreed pay up to $80,750 and furnish other relief to resolve a federal disability discrimination finding. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) said an investigation found reasonable cause to believe that the City of Hammond subjected …

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Iowa Police Chief Sues Law Enforcement Academy Over Toxic Gas Leak in 2018

A police chief is suing the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for injuries he suffered from a 2018 carbon monoxide leak that exposed dozens of recruits to unsafe levels of the toxic gas. Justin Lyman, police chief in the northwestern Iowa …

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2 Dead in Louisiana Salt Mine Ceiling Collapse

Two people died when the ceiling in a salt mine fell in Louisiana, authorities and the mine operator said. A portion of the ceiling in a part of the underground mine on Avery Island came down on Dec. 14. Sixteen …

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9 Appeals Court Judges Recuse Themselves in Louisiana Church Sex Abuse Suit

All nine judges in Louisiana’s Second Circuit Court of Appeal have recused themselves from a sexual abuse lawsuit against the Catholic Diocese of Shreveport and a late priest. Following the full court recusal, the Louisiana State Supreme Court reassigned the …

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Lawmakers: Insurance Disputes, Slow Response Hinder Louisiana Storm Recovery

Southwest Louisiana lawmakers on Dec. 16 criticized the insurance industry’s handling of claims from Hurricanes Laura and Delta, describing slow responses, low-balled damage estimates and drones used to assess destruction instead of people. “We’re almost four months ago (since Laura), …

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Missouri Employers Mutual Names Smith VP, Claims; Expands Executive Team

Tim Smith has joined Missouri Employers Mutual (MEM) as vice president of Claims. He will provide executive-level leadership to claims outcomes, strategy and initiatives. Smith comes to MEM from NORCAL Mutual Insurance Co. where he served as senior vice president …

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OSHA Updates Targeted Workplaces Inspection Program

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is updating its inspection program that targets its enforcement resources to establishments with the highest rates of injuries and illnesses. The Site-Specific Targeting (SST) Directive is OSHA’s primary targeting program for non-construction establishments …

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Contractors Involved in California Stadium Construction Death Cited

California’s workplace safety agency has cited two companies for violations in connection with the death of a construction worker who fell from the roof at SoFi Stadium, the new home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. …

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Lloyd’s Moves to End Insurance and Investments in Coal for Climate Sustainability

The Lloyd’s market is moving to end its insurance of coal and oil sands businesses while at the same time ceasing investments in such carbon-producing assets by Jan. 1, 2022. As part of its plan to accelerate the transition to …

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Exxon Argues Massachusetts Climate Fraud Lawsuit Punishes It for Opinion

Exxon Mobil Corp. told a judge that a fraud lawsuit filed by Massachusetts last year amounts to illegal punishment for the energy giant’s views about fossil fuels, the latest twist in their bitter clash over climate change. The suit by …

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First Coronavirus Business Interruption Trial Gets Underway

The owners of a restaurant in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter are asking a Louisiana judge to order some Lloyd’s of London insurers to cover losses from the Covid-19 outbreak — the first of a growing number …

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Maryland Woman Charged with Insurance Fraud After Setting Fire to Her House

After a lengthy investigation, deputies of the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office have charged a Caroline County woman for intentionally setting fire to her house. The fire was reported to 911 by a passer-by around 5 a.m. on June 15, …

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Canada Reports 20-Year High in Overseas Investment in Insurance M&A

Canadian firms’ overseas investment in insurers hit a 20-year high this year boosted by Intact Financial’s joint agreement last month to buy British insurance group RSA for 7.2 billion pounds ($9.6 billion) and market participants expect more deals in 2021. …

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Shell Fights Landmark Case Alleging Its Climate Change Stance Harms Human Rights

Royal Dutch Shell Plc is in court in The Hague for the final hearing in a landmark case that could force it to reduce its carbon footprint. The case brought by the Dutch arm of Friends of the Earth, Milieudefensie, …

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Solvency II Capital Rules for Insurers Need Changing: EU Watchdog

The European Union’s capital rules for insurers need changing to reflect low interest rates and the need stronger supervisory powers to tackle risks, the bloc’s insurance watchdog said on Thursday. The EU is reviewing its Solvency II capital requirements for …

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South Africa Court Dismisses Insurer Guardrisk’s Appeal in Coronavirus Claims Case

JOHANNESBURG – A South African court on Thursday dismissed insurer Guardrisk’s appeal against a previous ruling that found it was liable pay a Cape Town cafe’s rejected coronavirus claim. Like other insurers in South Africa and around the world, Guardrisk, …

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The Hilb Group Acquires New York’s Moran, Moran, & Dauphin Inc.

The Hilb Group LLC (THG) has acquired New York-based Moran, Moran, & Dauphin Inc. (MMDI). The transaction became effective on November 1, 2020. Founded in 2006, MMDI operates as a full-service agency primarily providing property/casualty insurance products mostly for personal …

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Marshall & Sterling Insurance to Acquire New York’s Jaeger & Flynn Associates

Marshall & Sterling Insurance, a 100% employee-owned company, has entered into an agreement to acquire Jaeger & Flynn Associates Inc. (JFA), an employee benefits broker and third-party administrative services (TPA) provider in New York’s greater capital region. This acquisition will …

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Japan Post’s Insurance Unit Plans $2.9 Billion Buyback of Shares from Parent

Japan Post Holdings Co.’s insurance unit plans to buy back about 300 billion yen ($2.9 billion) of shares from its parent, giving the insurer more freedom to expand its business, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The holding …

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Citizens to Delay Rate Increases, For Now

Citing a flood of new policies entering Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and a growing disparity between its rates and rising rates of private insurance companies, the board of Florida’s insurer of last resort voted unanimously to postpone final action on …

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North Carolina Labor Chief Faces Backlash Over Response to New COVID Rules

North Carolina worker and civil rights advocates are unhappy with the outgoing state labor commissioner’s refusal to put more regulations upon employers they say will protect employees from COVID-19. Representatives of the groups that petitioned Commissioner Cherie Berry unsuccessfully this …

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Tyson Fires 7 Managers at Iowa Plant Over Betting on COVID-19 Cases

Tyson Foods Inc. said on Wednesday it had fired seven managers at an Iowa pork plant after investigating allegations that they took bets on how many employees would catch COVID-19. The independent investigation, led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric …

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Cannabis Broker Spotlight: Balian with Wood Gutmann Focuses on the Long-Term

Editor’s note: This part of a series of profiles on cannabis brokers, in which Insurance Journal explores why and how these folks got into the business, the ups and downs of insuring cannabis, as well as a few tips for …

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SCA Appraisal in California Promotes Bewley, Napier

Burbank, Calif.-based SCA Appraisal has named Mark Bewley assistant vice president of field operations. SCA Appraisal has also named Nick Napier vice president of operations. Bewley will be responsible for SCA’s national field appraisal operations across insurance carriers, third-party administrators, …

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Cyber Insurers Scale Back as Ransomware Attacks Rise

Ransomware attacks increased in terms of both severity and costs this year, forcing insurers to become more selective and even scale back on the cover they offer against cyber crimes, a report from a leading insurer showed. The total costs …

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New Everest Architects & Engineers Policy Offers PL, Pollution, Cyber Coverage

Everest Insurance has released a new architects and engineers professional liability policy to provide design professionals with professional, pollution and cyber liability coverage. Everest Elevation was developed to address the coverage needs of architectural, design, engineering and construction firms, and …

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Texas Workers’ Compensation System’s Path to Wellness

Since 2003, insurance rates in the Texas workers’ compensation system have dropped by nearly 72 percent, according to a new study released by a research group within the state’s insurance department. In 2003, the Texas workers’ compensation system was in …

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Pfizer Vaccine Faces Some Storage, Production, Snowstorm Challenges

The first days of Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout have seen unexpected hitches including some vaccines being stored at excessively cold temperatures and Pfizer reporting potential challenges in its vaccine production, U.S. officials said on a Wednesday press call. At …

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Brexit Trade Negotiations Make Progress but Success Still Isn’t Certain: EU Chief

BRUSSELS – Britain and the European Union have moved closer to sealing a new trade deal but it was still unclear if they would succeed, the bloc’s chief executive said on Wednesday. Britain and the EU are in the final …

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Colorado Reports Highest-Selling Year in State for Cannabis

Colorado dispensaries have sold more marijuana in the first 10 months this year compared to a record-setting sales year in 2019, officials said. The Department of Revenue said dispensaries made about $200 million in October, pushing the state’s annual revenue …

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M4.4 Earthquake Confirmed at Hawaii Island Volcano Area

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed an earthquake struck Hawaii’s Big Island on Monday. The magnitude 4.4 quake was centered about 12 miles southeast of Waimea, Hawaii, at a depth of about 16 miles. The earthquake was located on the flank …

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Marsh Names Hobson as Affinity Leader, International Division, in Newly Created Role

Insurance broker Marsh announced the appointment of Phil Hobson as affinity leader, International Division. Effective Jan. 1, 2021, Hobson will join the International Executive Committee and report to Flavio Piccolomini, president of Marsh’s International Division. He will relocate from Hong …

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UK Insurtech Zego Gets Dutch Broking License, Enabling Post-Brexit Growth in EU

Zego, the London-based fleet and mobility insurance provider, has received a broking license from the Dutch regulator AFM. The license provides a foundation for the company’s continued expansion across Europe, enabling it to work with EU-based insurance partners and customers, …

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Virginia City Plants Trees to Slow Flooding Woes

In Ocean Lakes, 100 more trees will soon be popping up in yards throughout the flood-prone neighborhood in southern Virginia Beach, each gifted at no cost from a local environmental group. And in nearby parks and other green areas, dozens …

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Freeman Mathis & Gary Hires Santocki as a Partner in its New York City Office

Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP (FMG), a nationwide litigation law firm with 200 attorneys and 19 offices in 10 states, has hired Alicia Santocki as a partner in the New York City office. Santocki also will practice in firm’s offices …

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Tech Firms Form Coalition to Defend Internet Liability Shield Law

A number of internet companies that are not big social media players are organizing to defend the law that shields them from lawsuits. The companies have formed a coalition called Internet Works to protect what they see as the benefits …

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Applied Underwriters Forms EU Subsidiary to Write Specialty Business in Europe, Middle East

Omaha-based insurer Applied Underwriters Inc. announced it has formed Applied Financial Lines Ltd., a new European subsidiary, which will operate from Paris and Cologne. The new company will underwrite several specialty lines, including professional indemnity and directors and officers, in …

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Italy’s Banco BPM to Acquire Full Control of Insurance Joint Venture with Cattolica

MILAN – Italy’s Banco BPM said on Tuesday it would resolve an insurance partnership with Cattolica by acquiring full control of their joint-ventures, in a move that may ease a mooted tied up with BPER Banca. Banco BPM said it …

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Global Natural and Manmade Disasters Cost Insurers US$83B in 2020: Swiss Re

Insurance industry losses from natural catastrophes and man-made disasters across the globe amounted to US$83 billion in 2020, making it the fifth-costliest year for the industry since 1970, according to the Swiss Re Institute in its preliminary sigma estimates. Natural …

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Insuring Cyber Podcast Episode 4: What to Know About Recent Ransomware Advisories

As the COVID-19 pandemic and the switch to remote work have highlighted cyber risks and drawn attention to the various methods cyber attackers are using, ransomware has continued to steal the spotlight. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that …

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Curley Associates Acquires Maine’s Robert L. Haley Agency

Curley Associates, an insurance agency based in Sanford, Maine, has acquired Robert L. Haley Agency Inc. of Gray, Maine. The acquisition was effective October 16, 2020. According to Curley, the Gray location will remain open at this time with key …

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Directors & Officers Risk Landscape Shaped by Insolvencies, COVID, Activism: Allianz

While the COVID-19 pandemic presents risks for directors and officers (D&O), it is far from the only force these insureds and their insurers will be dealing with in the year ahead. Rising insolvency exposures, growing cyber security threats and persistent …

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North Carolina Insurers File for 18.7% Increase on Dwelling Policies

The North Carolina Rate Bureau, which represents all companies writing property insurance in the state, is seeking an 18.7% statewide average increase in dwelling policies. The North Carolina Department of Insurance said it received the filing for the rate hike …

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The Doan Group of Georgia Adds Crowley as VP of Sales & Operations

The Doan Group, a Woodland Capital Holdings Co., has added Roger Crowley to the company in the role of vice president of Sales and Operations. According to Tim Davis, Jr. of Woodland Capital, Crowley has significant experience at an insurance …

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Officials Assess Damage from Tornado Touchdown in Alabama

Weather officials say they’re still assessing the effects of a tornado that touched down in Alabama over the weekend. The National Weather Service said Monday that a storm survey team had found preliminary evidence of a tornado that touched down …

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Neptune Flood Coverage Now Available Nationwide, New Policy System Released

Neptune Flood has expanded its residential products to five more states – Montana, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Wyoming, and Washington, DC, completing the company’s nationwide rollout of all residential, commercial and RCBAP flood insurance products. Neptune has also completed the …

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GEICO’s Massaro Joins BTIS Underwriting Team

Philip Massaro has joined small business intermediary BTIS as vice president of Underwriting. Massaro has 25 years of commercial insurance underwriting and product management experience. Most recently, he was with GEICO as director of Auto and Excess for 20 western …

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Top Performing Auto Insurers During COVID and What’s Driving Customer Behavior

Spurred by a combination of financial hardship, a decrease in miles driven and a general lack of awareness of the historic relief efforts the industry initiated in 2020, auto insurance customer loyalty has given way to a nationwide surge in …

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Minnesota Senate Passes $216M Virus Aid Package for Businesses, Workers

The Minnesota Senate has voted on Dec. 14 to pass a $216 million relief package aimed at businesses and workers who took the biggest hit from a four-week “pause” ordered by Gov. Tim Walz as increasing coronavirus cases threatened to …

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Joint Louisiana Insurance Committees to Hear About Hurricane Claims, Pandemic

The insurance committees of the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives will hear about the impact of multiple 2020 hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic on insurance rates in a joint meeting on Dec. 16. Presenters include representatives from the Louisiana …

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Georgia Nonstandard Auto Insurer to Assume Business of Troubled Texas Carrier, ACCC

A portion of the personal auto insurance business of a Texas insurance company that appeared to be headed for liquidation at the end of November is being assumed by a Georgia-based insurer. Embark General, headquartered in Atlanta, said it is …

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Voter-Approved Mississippi Medical Marijuana Program Threatened by Lawsuit

A court fight threatens to block a Mississippi medical marijuana program before the program even gets started. Voters on Nov. 3 approved a medical marijuana initiative by a wide margin – about 58%, according to certified results. The initiative amends …

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Oregon Wildfire Hazardous Waste Cleanup Complete

The Environmental Protection Agency said it has completed the cleanup of household hazardous waste from properties burned in Oregon wildfires. The September fires led to an initial EPA response in Jackson County, which quickly expanded to Clackamas, Douglas, Klamath, Lane, …

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RMS Says Insured Losses from 2020 Western U.S. Wildfires $7-$13B

RMS estimates insured losses from the record-breaking western U.S. wildfires this season will be between $7 and $13 billion. These losses reflect estimates as of Dec. 1. The ignition of the highly damaging Glass Fire and additional spread of the …

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District Attorney Questions Deutsche Bank, Aon Employees Over Trump Organization

Prosecutors from the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. have interviewed employees of Deutsche Bank and insurance broker Aon as part of their investigation of the Trump Organization, according to people familiar with the matter. The interviews, which …

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FDA Appears Close to Approving ‘Highly Effective’ Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

Moderna Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine appeared to be set for regulatory authorization this week after U.S. Food and Drug Administration staff members did not raise any major new concerns about it in documents released on Tuesday. The FDA reviewers said a …

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Vermont Hospital Cyber Attack Cost Estimated at $1.5M a Day

A late October cyber attack on the computer systems of the University of Vermont Medical Center is costing the hospital about $1.5 million a day in lost revenue and recovery costs, its CEO said. The Oct. 28 attack crippled the …

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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Pennsylvania’s Premier Brokerage Services

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired Jenkintown, Penn.-based Premier Brokerage Services Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1995, Premier is a high-net-worth focused life insurance wholesale agency offering primarily permanent and term life insurance, annuities …

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Boston Insurance Brokerage Hires Gabriel to Healthcare Professional Team

Boston Insurance Brokerage LLC (BIB) has hired Alex Gabriel to its Healthcare Professional Team. He will be working to grow business out of Northern Virginia. Gabriel brings with him more than 15 years of experience spanning brokerage and managing general …

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Legacy Specialist Carrick Specialty Holdings Buys UK-Based Community Re

Carrick Specialty Holdings LLC, a New York City-based international non-life legacy business that provides reinsurance and run-off management solutions, announced its UK-based subsidiary, Carrick UK Holdings Co. Ltd., has acquired London-based reinsurer Community Reinsurance Corp. Ltd. from Hampden PLC. Terms …

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SEC Fines Argo Ex-CEO Watson $450K for Not Disclosing $5.3M in Personal Perks

The Securities and Exchange Commission has fined former Argo Group chief executive officer and president Mark Watson III for his role in the firm’s failure to disclose more than $5.3 million worth of perks and personal benefits. The SEC said …

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Canada Regulator to Allow Insurers, Banks to Pay Some Special Dividends

TORONTO – Canada’s financial regulator said on Monday it could allow institutions to pay special non-recurring dividends under “exceptional circumstances,” even as it maintains a March moratorium on broader dividend increases and share buybacks. The Office of the Superintendent of …

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Philadelphia Insurance Promotes Glomb to CEO; O’Leary Continues as Chairman

Philadelphia Insurance Companies announced that after 38 years with the company, Bob O’Leary will step aside as chief executive officer at the end of the year. President John W. Glomb is being promoted to CEO effective January 1. O’Leary spent …

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Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Authorized in S. Africa to Write Direct Insurance

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions announced it has received a direct insurance authorization from the South African joint regulators Prudential Authority and Financial Sector Conduct Authority. Located in Johannesburg and fully operational, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Africa offers customers in South …

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Reuters – Aon’s $30B Bid for Willis Towers Watson Faces EU Probe: Sources

BRUSSELS – Aon’s $30 billion bid for Willis Towers to create the world’s largest insurance broker faces a full-scale investigation because of its complexity, two people familiar with the matter said. The companies, which are the second and third-largest brokers …

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Lloyd’s, Insurtech Parsyl Launch Insurance Facility for COVID-19 Vaccine Shipments

Lloyd’s and insurtech start-up Parsyl Inc. announced the launch of the Global Health Risk Facility (GHRF), which will provide billions of dollars of insurance coverage, together with risk mitigation services, to help protect and support the global distribution of COVID-19 …

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Insurers, Regulators Warn About Safety of Jets Reactivated After Pandemic Storage

SYDNEY – Regulators, insurers and experts are warning airlines to take extra care when reactivating planes left in extended storage during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing potential pilot rustiness, maintenance errors and even insect nests blocking key sensors. The unprecedented number …

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UK Insurer LV= Sells Savings, Retirement Businesses to Bain Capital for $707M

LONDON — Liverpool Victoria Financial Services has agreed to sell its savings & retirement and protection businesses to funds advised by Bain Capital Credit LP for 530 million pounds ($706.54 million), the company said on Tuesday. Under terms of the …

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German Insurtech Startup Wefox Expects Profitable 2021

BERLIN – German insurance technology startup Wefox expects to achieve revenue of 300 million euros ($365 million) and be profitable at the operating level next year, its founder and CEO, Julian Teicke, said in an interview. In pursuit of that …

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Bipartisan COVID-19 Plan Helps Businesses, Unemployed; Splits State Aid, Liability Shield

A bipartisan group of lawmakers released proposed Covid-19 relief legislation that may provide momentum for breaking a months-long impasse, by separating out coronavirus liability protections and state aid — the two most contentious and partisan items. After Republicans and Democrats …

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California Seeks Court Help With Investigation of Amazon Coronavirus Policies

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra on Monday petitioned a court to force Amazon.com Inc. to comply with outstanding subpoenas over a state investigation into its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The petition, filed with the Sacramento County Superior Court, accused …

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Insurance Office of America’s Adds Dominguez in Western Region

Insurance Office of America has added Alex Dominguez to its Western region team. Dominguez joins the San Diego, Calif., branch location as a commercial lines producer. He was previously a commercial insurance broker at Rock 10 Insurance Services, and has …

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CopperPoint in Arizona Adds Fox to Lead Pay as You Go

CopperPoint Insurance Cos. in Phoenix, Ariz., has named Joe Fox vice president of the company’s pay as you go business. Fox will be responsible for developing and implementing a new premium payment process for CopperPoint’s pay as you go workers’ …

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Suspected Russian Cyber Espionage Has U.S. Government, Businesses Scrambling

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and thousands of businesses scrambled Monday to investigate and respond to a sweeping hacking campaign that officials suspect was directed by the Russian government. Emails sent by officials at DHS, which oversees border security …

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Body of One Missing Worker in Ohio Power Plant Collapse Recovered

Crews recovered the body of one of two workers missing since a power plant being demolished in southern Ohio collapsed early Dec. 9. The man was found dead in the rubble of the Killen Generating Station in Manchester on Dec. …

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Washington Gym Defying Virus Orders Fined Nearly $10K a Day

The state has levied a large fine against a Graham gym that is defying Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s orders meant to slow the spread of the virus. Graham Fitness was accused of eight violations totaling $77,112 by the state Department …

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Hagerty Names 2 to Top Roles to Drive Global Automotive Lifestyle Brand

Hagerty, the specialty and classic auto insurance managing general agency, sees itself as more than an insurance provider. The company says it is an “automotive lifestyle brand” that is getting ready for global growth. To this end, the firm is …

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Holding a Phone While Driving Will Soon Be Illegal in Virginia

It will soon be illegal in Virginia to hold a phone while driving. WAVY-TV reported that the new state law takes effect in January. Authorities say that making the practice illegal and enforceable is an important step toward reducing deaths …

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Vermont’s Union Mutual Insurance Company Promotes Pryce to VP of Claims

The board of directors for Union Mutual Insurance Company voted at their December meeting to promote Jeff Pryce to the role of vice president of claims. The promotion is effective January 1, 2021. Pryce is based in the company’s Montpelier, …

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AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings of Members of Concord Group Insurance Companies

AM Best has upgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to A+ (superior) from A (excellent) and the long-term issuer credit ratings (long-term ICR) to “aa-” from “a+” for the members of Concord Group Insurance Companies, which is led by Concord …

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Trump EEOC Rule Aims to Slow Workplace Discrimination Lawsuits

The leader of the U.S. workplace anti-discrimination agency is pursuing a policy shift that could slow litigation against companies long after President-Elect Joe Biden takes office. Janet Dhillon, the chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has recently circulated a …

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AmTrust International Hires Kiernan and Stroulger as Underwriters in London

AmTrust International, the UK and International arm of New York-based insurer AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., announced two key senior underwriting appointments to its Specialty Team. Dean Kiernan joins the Professional Indemnity Team as a senior underwriter, while Donna Stroulger joins …

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With Economic Damages of $9B, Hurricanes Eta and Iota Topped Off Record Year: Aon

Hurricanes Eta and Iota in November topped off the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season when a record of 12 named storms made landfall in the United States. The two final hurricanes of the season had an economic cost of approximately $9 …

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Flight Attendants Say United Airlines Quarantine Protocols Are Unsafe

United Airlines is telling some flight attendants whose colleagues test positive for COVID-19 to keep flying and monitor for symptoms, three employees told Reuters, raising concerns among staff about the policy. “Most of us feel that’s unsafe,” said one of …

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Impact of Coronavirus on U.S. Economy Could Be $3-$5 Trillion Over 2 Years: USC Study

The COVID-19 pandemic could result in net losses from $3.2 trillion and up to $4.8 trillion in U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) over the course of two years, a new University of Southern California (USC) study finds. The pandemic’s …

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Tortuous Brexit Trade Talks Get New Breath of Life but Next Few Days Critical

BRUSSELS/LONDON – European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Monday that sealing a trade pact with Britain was still possible before the country’s final break with the 27-nation bloc on Dec. 31 but the next few days of negotiations …

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Aon Acquires India’s Anviti Insurance Brokers

Insurer broker Aon has acquired a 49% equity stake in Anviti Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd, a fast-growing, composite broking firm in India. Anviti will transition to the Aon brand pending regulatory approvals. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. …

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Mastercard Loses $18.6B Class Action Court Ruling in UK

Inc. faces the prospect of a 14 billion-pound ($18.6 billion) UK class action — the largest of its kind — after losing another battle at the country’s highest court over illegal swipe fees. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of …

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UK Insurer Aviva to Sell Vietnamese Business to Canada’s ManuLife

British insurer Aviva is to sell its Vietnamese business to Canadian insurer ManuLife it said on Monday, as it pushes ahead with plans to pull out from its non-core markets. Aviva, under new boss Amanda Blanc, is looking to sell …

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Kentucky Begins Easing Virus Restrictions on Businesses

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday that the state’s restaurants, bars, gyms and other businesses will be able to return to their previous capacity limits starting Monday, Dec. 14. “When we talk about COVID being a fast moving train, it …

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Georgia to Test 800 Schools for Lead in Drinking Water

Georgia is moving forward with plans to test for lead in drinking water at schools and child care facilities. The state Board of Education on Thursday approved hiring Research Triangle Institute for $980,000 to perform the tests using a federal …

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Court Nixes Ruling Granting Workers’ Comp Benefits to Family of Slain Alabama Worker

A Jefferson County court erred when it ruled the city of Birmingham should have to pay benefits to relatives of a city worker who was shot to death while cutting grass, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals ruled Friday. The …

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South Carolina Renews Wind Pool Territory Expansion

A temporary order extending the area where South Carolina’s residual property insurance market provides insurance has been renewed for another two years. An order issued by South Carolina Insurance Director Ray Farmer says the renewal of the 2007 expansion of …

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Trump Administration Seeks Medical Privacy Changes

Urged on by hospitals, doctors and patients, U.S. health officials are proposing changes to medical privacy rules that could ease information sharing in crisis situations. Trump administration officials at the Department of Health and Human Services say their proposal, released …

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