INSURANCE NEWS
Europe’s Farm Sector Loses €28 Billion a Year From Climate Risks
The European Union’s agriculture industry is losing €28 billion ($31.5 billion) a year due to increasing climate risks, such as droughts and flooding, according to a new study. Those losses from adverse weather equate to about 6% of production, according …
World Insurance Adds Two Agencies in South Carolina
New Jersey-based World Insurance Associates, one of the larger brokerages in the country, has continued its expansion plans with the recent acquisition of two agencies in South Carolina, the firm announced this week. Owens Insurance Agency, in Greer, and Stokes …
Alphabet’s Waymo Gets California Nod for Robotaxi Expansion in Bay Area
Alphabet’s self-driving unit Waymo said on Monday it received approval from California to expand its robotaxi operations in more areas of the San Francisco Peninsula and further south, including San Jose. Waymo’s permission from California comes as Tesla gears up …
Senate Will Try to Block California Vehicle Standards That Would Phase Out Gas-Powered Cars
The U.S. Senate will move this week to block California from enforcing a series of vehicle emissions standards that are tougher than the federal government’s, including first-in-the-nation rules phasing out the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. Majority Leader …
Central US Severe Weather Outbreak Caused Billions in Damages, AccuWeather Says
A multiday severe weather outbreak across the central U.S. caused an estimated $9 billion to $11 billion in total damages and economic loss, according to AccuWeather preliminary estimates. More than 70 tornadoes have been reported since May 16. Authorities say …
Ryan Specialty Acquires Irish MGU 360° Underwriting
Ryan Specialty, the Chicago-based international specialty insurance firm, announce that it has acquired 360° Underwriting (360), a managing general underwriter specializing in commercial construction. 360 is based in Dublin and Galway, Ireland, and will become a part of the Ryan …
No NOAA Large-Disaster Data to Hurt Insurers’ Grasp of Secondary Perils, Says AM Best
Insurance industry financial strength rating agency AM Best said today that a decision to stop updating a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration disaster database could be detrimental to insurers and may require the rethinking of some products. About two weeks …
Iowa-Based Ice Cream Manufacturer Issues Recall Over Plastic Concerns
An Iowa-based ice cream manufacturer has recalled nearly 18,000 containers of ice cream and frozen yogurt over concerns they could contain pieces of plastic. Wells Enterprises issued the voluntary recall last month, according to recently released information from the Food …
Stablecoin Bill Advances in US Senate in Big Win for Crypto
Stablecoin legislation overcame a procedural blockade in the US Senate, marking a major victory for the crypto industry after a group of Democrats dropped their opposition Monday. The industry-backed regulatory bill is now set for debate on the Senate floor …
Massachusetts Denies 7.1% Workers’ Comp Rate Hike After 2024 ‘Excessive’ Cut
Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw has rejected an industry proposal to raise workers’ compensation rates by 7.1%. As a result, existing rates, which reflect a 14.6% decrease ordered last July, will remain in effect for policies on and after July …
Bayer Seeks Roundup Settlement, Explores Monsanto Bankruptcy: Reports
Bayer is preparing a plan to settle some of its mass lawsuits over Roundup weedkiller in Missouri, and may also seek bankruptcy for its Monsanto unit if the effort fails, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources. The German pharmaceutical …
New England’s Shield Health Settles Data Breach Cases for $15.3 Million
Shields Health Care Group has agreed to pay $15.3 million to settle federal and state class actions filed against it by patients over a 2022 data breach. Shields operates medical imaging and surgical centers in 50 locations across the New …