INSURANCE NEWS
Europe’s Wildfires Have Burned the Most Land in Nearly 20 Years
Four major heat waves, dry conditions and strong winds have turned Europe into a tinderbox this summer, fueling the most destructive wildfire season in nearly two decades. Blazes have scorched about 8,948 square kilometers (3,455 square miles) across the European …
People Moves: Geraci Takes Helm at FSLA, McCleary Named SVP at Alliant
Albert Geraci, area president of wholesale broker Risk Placement Services, has taken the helm as president of the Florida Surplus Lines Association. He replaces Virginia Clancy, who was in the role for 2024-2025. “This year, we will continue to focus …
Renaissance Acquires Business of Evolution Partners
Renaissance, a network of independent insurance agencies, has acquired the agency network business of Evolution Partners, a California-based membership group that helps independent insurance agencies secure direct appointments with insurance carriers. According to a press release, the arrangement gives Evolution …
Another Carrier, Vision Insurance Exchange, Sets Up Shop in Florida
Regulators have approved another new property insurer for the Florida market – Vision Insurance Exchange – led by former Florida Peninsula Insurance CEO Roger Desjadon. The Cape Coral-based Vision is the 15th property-casualty firm to set up shop in Florida …
Markets/Coverages: Ryan Expands E&O Program for Small, Medium Insurance Agents
Managing general underwriter Ryan Financial Lines has expanded its national Insurance Agents & Brokers E&O Program, now offering an admitted product that is available to retail agents in most states. The enhanced program is tailored for property/casualty, personal lines, and …
New York Marijuana Shops Sue State Over Mistaken Openings Too Close to Schools
A group of marijuana dispensaries in New York sued the state on Friday after cannabis regulators admitted they accidentally allowed pot shops to open too close to schools, putting the future of the businesses in jeopardy. The lawsuit asks a …
CVS Not Covered by Insurance for Opioid Lawsuits, Delaware Supreme Court Rules
CVS Health is not entitled to coverage from insurers, including AIG and Chubb, against thousands of lawsuits over its role in the nation’s opioid crisis, Delaware’s highest court ruled on Monday. The Delaware Supreme Court concluded that governments, hospitals, doctors …
Qantas Airways Fined $59M for Illegal Pandemic Layoffs
A judge on Monday fined Qantas Airways 90 million Australian dollars ($59 million) for illegally firing more than 1,800 ground staff at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The penalty is in addition to the A$120 million ($78 million) in …
Markel Insurance Completes Sale of Reinsurance Renewal Rights to Nationwide
Global specialty insurer Markel Insurance reported that it has completed the sale of the renewal rights for its $1.2 billion global reinsurance business to Nationwide. This transaction was previously announced on July 30 and is part of what Markel cites …
Markets/Coverages: Inigo Provides Excess DIC/DIL Cover on Financial Fraud Policies
Inigo Ltd., the Lloyd’s specialty insurer, has launched a product that provides top-up cover on financial fraud policies. The product, called Inigo Crime Excess, is an excess DIC/DIL (difference in conditions and difference in limits) policy designed to sit excess …
Mumbai Drenched by More Rain as Highest Alert Issued for City
Mumbai is facing more heavy rain after a deluge that’s delayed flights, disrupted train services and closed schools, with India’s weather agency issuing its highest warning for the financial hub. Intense rain spells and wind gusts as high as 65 …
North Carolina Man Charged With More Than $1M in Travel Insurance Fraud
Investigators with the North Carolina Department of Insurance last week charged a man with swindling almost $1 million and attempting to gain another $887,500 from travel insurance companies from 2020 to 2024. Michael Gerard Renna, 50, of Clayton, near Raleigh, …