INSURANCE NEWS
UPC Gives up the Ghost, Now in Orderly Run-Off in Florida, Louisiana, Texas and NY
United Property & Casualty Insurance Co., facing heavy losses, in July put out feelers for a potential sale or merger with another carrier, after a ratings downgrade and a substantial reorganization plan. But the firm’s holding company announced Wednesday that …
Europe’s Record-Breaking Summer Heat Wave Will Be the Norm by 2035: Report
Europe’s record-breaking heat wave will be just an average summer in less than 15 years — even if countries meet their climate goals — with regular droughts and fires set to become the norm. By the end of the century, …
Kobe Bryant’s Widow, Friend Win $31 Million in Trial Over Leaked Crash Photos
Kobe Bryant’s widow and a family friend were awarded $31 million in damages by a jury for distress they’ve suffered over the sharing of photos taken by emergency personnel at a helicopter crash site where their spouses were killed. The …
With a Few Exceptions, Personal Insurance Shopping Subdued in Q2 2022
Auto insurance shopping was down 3% overall in Q2 2022 compared to Q2 2021. That trend was primarily driven by a significant decrease by higher-risk consumers, where shopping decreased 11%, compared to Q2 2021. TransUnion’s new Personal Lines Insurance Trends …
Georgia Insurance Agent Charged with Keeping Premium Refund Checks
A Georgia insurance agent is facing additional charges after she was arrested in July for allegedly keeping premium refund checks that were intended for policyholders. Kerri Monroe, 48, of Lyons, Georgia, in late July was charged with five counts of …
Amazon Keeps Growing, and So Does Its Cache of Data on You
From what you buy online, to how you remember tasks, to when you monitor your doorstep, Amazon is seemingly everywhere. And it appears the company doesn’t want to halt its reach anytime soon. In recent weeks, Amazon has said it …
Louisiana Dept. of Insurance Fines Public Adjuster Accused of Pocketing Insurer Payouts
The Louisiana Department of Insurance has ordered a Texas father-and-son public adjusting team to pay a $50,000 fine for pocketing money that was intended for insurance claimants. The department on Aug. 18 revoked the public adjuster license issued to Kade …
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Louisiana-Based Watkins
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. today announced the acquisition of Alexandria, Louisiana-based Watkins Insurance & Benefits, LLC, dba Watkins Group — Insurance & Benefits Specialists. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2008, Watkins Group offers employee benefit …
People Moves: CNA Hardy Taps Zurich’s Crew, Chubb’s Devenish for Mgmt Liability; Aon Strengthens Capital Advisory Unit to Drive Legacy Reinsurance Growth
CNA Hardy Taps Zurich’s Crew, Chubb’s Devenish for Management Liability Team CNA Hardy has appointed Edward Crew as senior technical underwriter, and Oliver Devenish, as underwriter, to the London/Lloyd’s Management Liability team. Based in London and working across both Lloyd’s …
Record-Setting Wildfire in New Mexico Declared Contained
More than four grueling months and $300 million later, the federal government has declared the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s recorded history 100% contained, a notable milestone but just another step in what local residents and officials say will be …
Brink’s Driver Was Asleep During California Jewelry Heist, Lawsuit Says
One of the drivers of a Brink’s tractor-trailer was asleep inside the big rig, parked near a remote Southern California rest stop earlier this summer, when thieves broke a lock and stole millions of dollars worth of jewelry and gemstones, …
NCCI Recommends 8.4% Cut in Florida Workers’ Comp Rates for 2023
The National Council on Compensation Insurance is recommending an average 8.4% cut in workers’ compensation rates for the Florida voluntary market – the seventh straight reduction and double the size of the decrease for last year. The recommendation, which will …