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Showing posts from October, 2020

Waymo Issues Self-Driving Car Incident Score Card for Phoenix Area

Self-driving tech company Waymo, which this month opened its driverless taxi service in the Phoenix suburbs to the public, on Friday said its autonomous vehicles there had been involved in 18 minor incidents since 2019 during tests and actual rides. … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3kIiwLj

Insight Service Group Acquires Pennsylvania’s Social Detection

Insight Service Group (ISG) has acquired Social Detection LLC., based out of Pennsylvania, to further expand its Social Media Technology platform. Together, ISG and Social Detection will provide a more expansive and integrated combination of investigation, medical and record management … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3kH4rxO

California City to Pay $7M to Family of Man Killed by Officer

A San Francisco Bay Area city has agreed to pay $7.3 million to settle a lawsuit by the family of a man who died after an officer placed him in a controversial neck hold that has since been banned in … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35OCzl9

Officials Release Details About Deadly Hawaii Skydiving Crash

Federal officials released documents this week that provide details about one of the deadliest civil aviation accidents of the past decade, including testimony from people who had varying accounts of the crash pilot’s flight habits. The public docket contains reports … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3jOEM5i

Jerry Falwell Jr. Files Suit Against Liberty University Claiming Reputational Damage

The former president and chancellor of Liberty University (LU), Jerry Falwell Jr., is suing the school for reputational damage following his August resignation, according to a complaint filed in the Commonwealth of Virginia Circuit Court for the City of Lynchburg. … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3jHQU7Z

Nautilus Insurance Names Joyce as President; Kuzma to Become Chairman

Scottsdale, Arizona-based specialty insurer Nautilus Insurance Group announced the appointment of Thomas Joyce as president. He is succeeding Tom Kuzma, who has been named chairman. These changes will take effect January 1, 2021. Joyce joined Nautilus as senior vice president … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/32dXcGH

Pennsylvania Judge Allows COVID Business Loss Suit Against Lloyd’s to Advance

Lloyd’s of London lost its initial bid to squelch a coronavirus business interruption lawsuit brought by a Philadelphia bar and restaurant. Judge Gary S. Glazer of the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia turned aside preliminary objections to the suit … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2TEc10g

P/C Pandemic-Related Business Interruption Risk Is ‘Uninsurable,’ Says Geneva Assn.

Property & casualty (P&C) insurers have nowhere near the capacity needed to absorb systemic business interruption losses from lockdown measures during a pandemic, according to a report from the Geneva Association (GA). However, P&C insurers have nowhere near the capacity … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3kHPIm9

McDonald’s Black Franchisees File New Discrimination Lawsuit

McDonald’s Corp. was hit on Thursday with a potentially multi-billion-dollar lawsuit by Black franchise owners who accused the fast-food giant of racial discrimination for steering them to underperforming stores. The proposed class action led by James and Darrell Byrd, brothers … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35RwC6Y

Reinsurers’ Investment Strategies Offer Buffer for Low Interest Rates, Pandemic: S&P

A decade of low interest rates and tough underwriting conditions has led reinsurers to cautiously invest in riskier and more illiquid assets to generate additional return. The good news is that this strategy also has helped reinsurers tolerate the economic … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3kIpbW5

SMEs cut back on insurance spend amid Covid-19 financial struggles

Research from Premium credit shows over half of SMEs have stopped paying for covers including employers' liability and professional indemnity as well as business interruption. from Insurer - insuranceage.co.uk https://ift.tt/3oEomjm

Alpha administrators in legal dispute with UK taxi broker

The case relates to premiums of over £3.9m collected by the broker before the unrated Danish insurer failed in 2018. from Insurer - insuranceage.co.uk https://ift.tt/3oGp7Zi

If They Sweep on Election Day, Dems Still Face a Challenge Meeting Health Promises

Democrats are favored to win both chambers of Congress after years of campaign-trail promises about health care. But with a pandemic, a more conservative Supreme Court and lingering disagreements between progressives and moderates, it could be difficult for Democrats to turn those promises into law. In the final days of the campaign, COVID-19 and the threat posed to the Affordable Care Act and Roe v. Wade by the court’s bolstered conservative majority are consuming congressional Democrats — right down to keeping them in Washington well after they would usually go home to campaign. Even if they capture the Senate in this election, Democrats are not expected to win a decisive enough majority to pass bills without some support from the GOP. The Senate’s filibuster rules could force Democrats to stick to legislation that can attract 60 votes — if they do not move to eliminate that requirement, as some are advocating. Frederick Isasi, executive director of Families USA, a health consume...

NTSB Investigating Tennessee Bus Crash that Killed Child, Driver

Federal and state authorities on Wednesday investigated a crash between a school bus carrying 24 children and a utility vehicle that killed the bus driver and a 7-year-old girl in eastern Tennessee. Eight other children were injured when the utility … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/37VNRqC

Florida Insurance Market Inches Closer to Crisis – Part 2

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation is monitoring the state’s property insurance situation that is seen as in a crisis by those in the industry. The regulator said the insurance market has been buffeted by multiple hurricanes in the last … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35LemMB

Louisiana Issues Insurer Data Call for Hurricane Delta Damage Claims

Property/casualty insurance companies in Louisiana, including those that write private and/or excess flood coverage, as well as surplus lines insurers, have been directed to report claims data arising from Hurricane Delta to the state insurance department. It is the second … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3mNrzeX

Nexus Specialty Adds Schneider, Fayette in Chicago

Nexus Specialty has hired Katie Schneider as assistant vice president, Management & Professional Liability, in the group’s Chicago, Ill., office. The company also named William K. Fayette, senior underwriter, Management & Professional Liability, also based in Chicago. Schneider will be … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2HJLcVY

South Dakota School District to Pay $50K to Settle Suit with Former Employee

The Douglas School District in Box Elder, S.D., will pay a former district employee $50,000 to settle a lawsuit filed in February 2019, representatives from both sides said on Oct. 27. Patrick Ealy said he was wrongly terminated by the … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/31XApP1

Illinois Staffing Firm to Pay $25K to Settle Federal Sex Discrimination Suit

An Illinois-based staffing agency will pay $25,000 to settle a federal lawsuit alleging it refused to hire qualified females as receiving associates. LTI Services LLC in Burbank, Ill., also has agreed to other conditions to settle a sex discrimination lawsuit … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2HNeOlx

The Coronavirus Pandemic and The Great Workplace Debate: Viewpoint

Decisions on where and how to work are embodied in trillions of dollars of investment worldwide, including the siting of commercial and residential real estate as well as transportation systems and other infrastructure. Even a small shift in work patterns … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35Qpgk6

Republicans Eye ‘Jackhammer’ to Reform Tech Liability While Democrats Grab ‘Scalpel’

Big Tech’s decisions to block some posts and videos while letting other content viewed as inflammatory proliferate have drawn the ire of Republicans and Democrats alike, raising the prospect that a 24-year-old U.S. law that fostered the internet’s explosion will … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3oB9mmx

How Government Plans to Make COVID-19 Vaccine Free for Every American

Federal health officials Wednesday issued insurance coverage rules designed to deliver on the promise that every American will have access to free COVID-19 vaccines when they are approved. The regulations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3jKB6kO

Why It’s a Good Time for Insurtechs to Be Thinking About Mergers

The drumbeat for insurtechs to pursue a merger, acquisition or partnership is getting louder, with the number likely to substantially grow in the months ahead, an insurance industry expert believes. “InsurTech is reaching a point where [startups] must decide whether … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3elqVCp

Boston Insurance Brokerage Expands Specialty Offerings; Fell to Lead New Division

Boston Insurance Brokerage (BIB) has announced an expansion of its specialty offerings to include Programs & Compliance. The new division at BIB will be led by Senior Vice President Christopher Fell. BIB has a history of offering unique insurance solutions … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35J3KxL

Fast-Moving Zeta Wallops Louisiana, Causes Blackouts Across South; Damages Could Hit $5B

Tropical Storm Zeta is spinning across the U.S. South after walloping New Orleans, blacking out 1.9 million homes and businesses and leaving a trail of wreckage from Louisiana to North Carolina. Zeta made landfall near Cocodrie, Louisiana, with winds of … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3oBR18P

Sompo International Names New York’s Gundersen Head of Asian Risk Solutions

Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based specialty provider of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, has appointed Sara Gundersen as executive vice president and Asian Risk Solutions segment leader within its Sompo Global Risk Solutions (GRS) business unit. She will … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/31VX529

New Storm Takes Aim at Philippines, Just Days After Devastation of Typhoon Molave

The Philippines is bracing for a new storm that will hit the Southeast Asian nation this weekend, days after Typhoon Molave left at least 16 people dead and thousands in evacuation sites. Goni, which developed into a severe tropical storm, … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35I1qal

Typhoon Molave Slams Vietnam, Killing at Least 16: News Report

Typhoon Molave hit Vietnam’s central coastline and northern Central Highlands with winds of up to 133 kilometers per hour on Wednesday, triggering landslides in Quang Nam province, VnExpress news website reported, citing local authorities. Authorities reported 16 deaths, 12 injured … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35IDfbU

James River Names Former Allied World Executive D’Orazio as CEO, Succeeding Abram

James River Group Holdings Ltd. announced that Frank D’Orazio has been named chief executive officer of the company, effective Nov. 2, 2020. J. Adam Abram, the company’s founder and current CEO will retire on Nov. 1, 2020. Abram will remain … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3kHUDDY

Blog: The care sector conundrum

The market is divided on the challenge of supporting the care sector in the face of Covid-19, says Markel’s Nic Brown. from Insurer - insuranceage.co.uk https://ift.tt/2TBra2k

Facebook Faces UK Legal Action Involving Cambridge Analytica Scandal

Facebook Inc. risks being dragged into a UK legal dispute involving almost 1 million British users affected by the Cambridge Analytica scandal, two years after revelations about the misuse of private data caused a global backlash. A group — Facebook … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2HO9YUY

More Firms Need to Disclose Potential Financial Hit from Climate Change: Regulator

Too few companies specify their prospective financial hit from climate change under a voluntary global disclosure code that needs wider backing from asset managers and others to be fully effective, a global regulatory body said on Thursday. Climate change can … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2Tz6WX1

Sen. Graham Complains That 3 Blue States Get a Third of ACA Funding

Sen. Lindsey Graham has never been a fan of the Affordable Care Act — even though it’s helped dramatically lower the number of uninsured people in his home state of South Carolina. The Republican, who heads the Senate Judiciary Committee, attacked the law at the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. Democrats have made the nomination a referendum on the health law, which will be the subject of a Supreme Court hearing on Nov. 10. They fear the court may overturn the entire law, which has led to huge expansions in coverage and blocked insurers from discriminating against people with preexisting conditions, among other consumer protections. Graham suggested that South Carolina was getting the short end of funding because the health law is sending a disproportionate amount of its money to states represented by Democrats in Congress. “Under the Affordable Care Act, three states get 35% of the money, folks. Can you name them? I’ll help you: California, New Yor...

Hospital Bills for Uninsured COVID Patients Are Covered, but No One Tells Them

When Darius Settles died from COVID-19 on the Fourth of July, his family and the city of Nashville, Tennessee, were shocked. Even the mayor noted the passing of a 30-year-old without any underlying conditions — one of the city’s youngest fatalities at that point. Settles was also uninsured and had just been sent home from an emergency room for the second time, and he was worried about medical bills. An investigation into his death found that, like many uninsured COVID-19 patients, he had never been told that cost shouldn’t be a concern. Back at the end of June, Settles and his wife, Angela, were both feeling ill with fevers and body aches. Then Darius took a turn — bad enough that he asked his wife to call an ambulance. “My husband is having issues breathing and he’s weak, so we’re probably going to need a paramedic over here to rush him to the hospital,” she told the operator, according to the 911 recordings obtained by WPLN News. Darius Settles was stabilized and tested for the c...

App-Based Companies Pushing Prop. 22 Say Drivers Will Get Health Benefits. Will They?

App-based driving services such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart are bankrolling California’s Proposition 22, which would keep their drivers classified as independent contractors, not employees. Leading into the Nov. 3 election, the ballot measure — which has become the most expensive in state history — is mired in controversy and the subject of a lawsuit from Uber drivers alleging that the company inappropriately pressured them to vote for the initiative. But what’s occasionally lost in the debate over Proposition 22 are the claims about what it will mean for app-based drivers. Detractors, like unions and driver advocacy groups, say Proposition 22 would strip drivers of the protections of AB-5 , a 2019 California law delayed by legal challenges. The law requires drivers to be classified as employees, which would afford them the associated benefits like paid sick leave, workers’ compensation and access to unemployment insurance. Supporters, such as ride-sharing companies an...

The Trump Medicaid Record: Big Goals, Yet Few Successes

President Donald Trump entered office seeking a massive overhaul of the Medicaid program, which had just experienced the biggest growth spurt in its 50-year history. His administration supported repealing the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, which has added millions of adults to the federal-state health program for lower-income Americans. He also wanted states to require certain enrollees to work. He sought to discontinue the open-ended federal funding that keeps pace with rising Medicaid enrollment and costs. He has achieved none of these ambitious goals. Although Congress and the courts blocked a Medicaid overhaul, the Trump administration has left its mark on the nation’s largest government-run health program as it has sought to make states more responsible for assessing its impact and improving the health of enrollees. One notable achievement: The Trump administration pushed some states to be more aggressive in weeding out ineligible recipients — an initiative that led...

AXIS Insurance, Kennedys Law Launch Marine Cyber Product

AXIS Insurance, the specialty insurance business segment of AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, and Kennedys Law LLP, have collaborated on services for AXIS’ new marine cyber insurance product. This product offers coverage for the marine shipping market to protect against cyber … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2TyP4M3

Wisconsin DNR Wants to Raise Mining Fees, Require More Detailed Plans

Mining applicants would have to pay more for permits and licenses, supply more detailed plans to state regulators, and work around a new list of areas deemed off-limits under regulations the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is developing. The DNR … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/37TRWeK

QBE NA Appoints Steinsdoerfer as Central Regional Underwriting Leader

QBE North America has hired Bobby Steinsdoerfer as senior vice president, regional underwriting leader – central region. Steinsdoerfer joins QBE from AIG’s Blackboard Insurance Co., bringing 12 years of underwriting and strategic leadership experience in commercial and specialty insurance. Prior … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35IKG2z

Florida Property Insurance Market Inches Closer to Crisis – Part 1

After years of warnings that the Florida property insurance market was heading towards an availability crisis, many in the industry say the moment of reckoning has arrived. They blame unchecked claims litigation from non-catastrophe water losses and rising reinsurance rates … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3jCYHE5

Dozens of U.S. Hospitals Hit With String of Ransomware Attacks

Eastern European criminals are targeting dozens of U.S. hospitals with ransomware and federal officials on Wednesday urged healthcare facilities to beef up preparations rapidly in case they are next. The FBI is investigating the recent attacks, which include incidents in … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/34EXS9E

Woodruff Sawyer Names McEvoy of Marsh Property Practice Leader in California

San Francisco, Calif.-based Woodruff Sawyer has named Mark McEvoy its property practice leader. McEvoy is based in San Francisco and will lead the practice nationally. McEvoy has more than 13 years of experience in both insurance and reinsurance. Prior to … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3e5SEqo

Chubb Weathers $1 Billion in Catastrophes, Gains New Business in COVID Economy in 3Q

Chubb’s net income grew by 9 percent in the 2020 third quarter, which CEO Evan Greenberg credited to rate hikes and improving underwriting conditions despite a tough environment shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tough environment also included pre-tax catastrophe … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2TCSH3m

How Much Insurance Groups Have Given to Trump, Biden and House, Senate Candidates

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has received more funds from insurance industry political committees than President Donald Trump in this 2020 election cycle. Biden has received $5.5 million compared to Trump’s $4.6 million, according to an analysis from the Center … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3mxgDls

CoreLogic Engaged in Takeover Talks With CoStar, Warburg

CoreLogic Inc. is in discussions with CoStar Group Inc. and a consortium consisting of Warburg Pincus and GTCR about a potential takeover, valuing the company at more than $80 a share, according to a person familiar with the matter. CoStar … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35JwrdP

Hurricane Zeta Slams Louisiana With High Winds, Storm Surge

Oct 28 06:10 PM. Hurricane Zeta smashed into Louisiana on Wednesday with 110-mile-per-hour (175 kph) winds and what government trackers called “a life-threatening storm surge,” the third hurricane to hit the U.S. Gulf Coast state this year. Zeta’s extremely dangerous … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2HM5cXH

Higginbotham, Brisky & Perez Insurance Agency Merge in Texas

Independent insurance agency, Higginbotham, and Brisky & Perez Insurance Agency, an independent firm in Brownsville, Texas, have merged operations, expanding Higginbotham’s reach in South Texas. Both firms broker commercial and personal property/casualty insurance, employee benefits and individual life and health … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/31NPp24

AI-Based Risk Score Predicts Prognosis of Outpatients with COVID-19

A new artificial intelligence-based score considers multiple factors to predict the prognosis of individual patients with COVID-19 seen at urgent care clinics or emergency departments. The tool, nicknamed CoVA, was created by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and can … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2HyG4Es

Louisiana Hunkers Down as Zeta Takes Aim at State

Louisiana prepared for the sixth lashing this year from a Gulf Coast system as Tropical Storm Zeta sped off the Yucatan Peninsula bringing high winds and rain to a region still reeling from a series of storms. Zeta was about … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3jzS9WH

Female Football Star in Utah Files Lawsuit for Schools to Offer Girls’ Teams

Sam Gordon’s staggering football skills made her famous at age 9. But they didn’t make her fully welcome on the field. As the only girl in a tackle football league in Utah, she heard parents from opposing teams urge their … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3kGJQK4

PG&E Says Equipment May Have Sparked California Wildfire

Southern California Edison said its equipment may have sparked a fast-moving wildfire that forced evacuation orders for some 100,000 people and seriously injured two firefighters on Monday as powerful winds across the state prompted power to be cut to hundreds … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/34AZOQv

Q3 Insurtech Fundraising Breaks Records, but Some Mid-Tier Firms See Funding Gap

Insurtech funding saw the largest number of deals and the highest amount of funding since data recording into insurtech began, with $2.5 billion raised by insurtech firms across 104 deals during the third quarter, according to a report published by … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3kCSzNt

New York City Sued Over Clashes with Floyd Protesters

Two civil rights organizations are suing New York City on behalf of protesters who say they were assaulted and abused by police officers because they expressed anti-police views during nightly demonstrations in the spring in the wake of George Floyd’s … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/37Qaf4G

City of Baltimore to Compensate Family of Officer Shot Before Testimony

The city of Baltimore has agreed to pay workers compensation benefits to the family of a police detective who was fatally shot in the head a day before he was scheduled to testify before a grand jury investigating police corruption. … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35HSnpH

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Hires Yozzi to its New York Office

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has hired Renee Yozzi to lead Customer & Broker Engagement for the Eastern U.S. Region. Yozzi brings nearly 20 years of experience to BHSI. She most recently held the title of director of Strategic and … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2TyIIfu

Clementi exits as MS Amlin Underwriting CEO

Johan Slabbert takes up the position later on this year as Clementi leaves the insurer. from Insurer - insuranceage.co.uk https://ift.tt/37NzLaB

Ant Group Is About to Shatter IPO Records. Here’s Why.

HONG KONG – Stella Su, who lives and works in Shanghai, has used an ATM only once in the past year. Instead of cash, in recent years she has done almost all her business using the digital wallet Alipay — … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2HCYBPs

Startup Auto Insurer Root Raises $724.4 Million in IPO

Automobile insurance startup Root Inc. sold shares in its initial public offering (IPO) on Tuesday at $27 apiece, above its target range, to raise $724.4 million, the company said. Root, which has $200 million in debt, sold 26.8 million shares … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/31Q0ZcU

London Must Clarify How Far It Will Diverge from EU Financial Rules: EU Official

Britain must spell out how far it wants to diverge from European Union rules if it wants access to the bloc’s financial market from January, a top European Commission official said on Tuesday. Britain has left the EU and access … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3kA9iB2

The Next Global Economic Threat Is an Aging Population: Opinion

While the world wrestles with a deadly pandemic and how to confront climate change, there’s another, long-term global challenge that no one really knows how to deal with: population aging. As the human race transitions from a burgeoning, exploding species … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2HEV3w3

Slabbert Succeeds Clementi as Chief Executive Officer of MS Amlin Underwriting Ltd.

MS Amlin Underwriting Ltd. (MS AUL), the Lloyd’s re/insurer, announced the appointment of Johan Slabbert as chief executive officer. Slabbert will take up the role on Nov. 1, 2020, subject to regulatory approval. Slabbert succeeds Tom Clementi, who will step … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3e3R3RM

Introducing: The Insuring Cyber Podcast

Although National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is coming to an end this week, cybersecurity remains an ongoing focus for insurers particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many companies to transition to remote working. With this in mind, Insurance Journal is … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35FwOGu

Premiums collected will not cover insurable Covid losses - report

An insurance think tank has suggested that insurers would need to collect BI premiums for 150 years to make up for predicted global losses. from Insurer - insuranceage.co.uk https://ift.tt/2G9WWAC

Risk Strategies Acquires LaRocca & Associates of Florida

Risk Strategies, a privately held national insurance brokerage and risk management firm, has acquired LaRocca & Associates, Inc., a specialty brokerage with expertise in health and welfare benefits across several industries. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Established in 1980, … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/34AUoVs

The Plexus Groupe Acquires D.H. Tank Insurance in Illinois

The Plexus Groupe has acquired D.H. Tank Insurance Agency located in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, Ill. Founded in 1968, the Tank Agency is an independent insurance agency specializing in commercial property/casualty and personal lines with an expertise in marine … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3jH20u4

Twitter, Facebook, Alphabet Executives to Defend Liability Shield Before Senate

The chief executives of Twitter Inc., Facebook and Alphabet Inc. will tell U.S. lawmakers at a hearing on Wednesday that a federal law protecting internet companies is crucial to free expression on the internet, according to written testimonies from the … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3oseR6K

EPA Denies Ban, Permits Farmers’ Use of Dicamba-Based Weed Killers for Five Years

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday it will allow farmers to spray crops with weed killers based on the chemical dicamba that are sold by Bayer AG and other companies, after a U.S. appeals court blocked sales in … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3oxQWTo

The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers Adds Foster in California

The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers has added Christine Foster to the Woodland Hills, Calif., office. Foster has more than 27 years of experience. She was previously with Foster & Associates She has also worked for Barney & Barney, and Geico. … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2Jh79MV

Tyson Gets OK to Use Employees, Technology for Safety Inspections at Meat Plant

Tyson Foods said on Tuesday it plans in January to have company employees take on duties from more than a dozen federal inspectors at a large Kansas beef plant, after getting a U.S. government waiver. Tyson said the change would … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3mGIHD5

Five Hospitalized After Factory Store Evacuated in Maine

Five people were hospitalized after a report of chemical exposure at a factory store in Skowhegan that led to the building’s evacuation on Thursday. The exposure led to the evacuation of the New Balance Factory Store, the Morning Sentinel reported. … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2JcLTrt

Hanover Insurance Enters Maryland Personal Lines Insurance Market

The Hanover Insurance Group Inc. (THG) has expanded its business in Maryland to include personal lines insurance and appointed a group of independent agents in the state to serve its growing customer base. The Hanover has a presence in the … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3mumDeO

Ensurise Merges with Maryland’s American Heritage Insurance Agency

Independent insurance agency Ensurise LLC has merged with the property and casualty insurance brokerage operations of American Heritage Insurance Agency Inc. The merger was effective October 1, 2020. American Heritage Insurance Agency will continue to operate from its Eldersburg, Md., … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/31Mkfbc

Insurers Face Liability Uncertainties as Ships Begin to Sail Through Arctic Waters

When Captain Will Whatley guides a ship through Arctic waters, he is starkly aware of what can go wrong. Double the manpower is needed to navigate. Lookout shifts are kept to just one hour, so sailors don’t lose concentration and … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3e19syF

Pandemic Having LittIe Effect on Insurance Agency M&A Activity: OPTIS Partners

There were 170 announced insurance agency mergers and acquisitions during the third quarter of 2020 compared to 173 for the same period in 2019, according to a report from consulting firm OPTIS Partners. The Chicago-based firm said deal activity was … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2TxqMBS

Lawsuit Alleges Uber Uses ‘Biased’ Rider Ratings to Fire Drivers

Uber Technologies Inc. was accused in a lawsuit of violating the U.S. Civil Rights Act by firing minority drivers based on how they’re rated by customers. “Uber is aware that passengers are prone to discriminate in their evaluation of drivers, … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35K1gzo

Goldman Sachs Denies Accusations of Attempted Cover-Up of Sexual Misconduct

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. attempted to cover up allegations of workplace sexual misconduct by the bank’s global head of litigation, a lawsuit filed on Monday in New York State Supreme Court claimed. The lawsuit was filed by Marla Crawford, a … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2J3PyYs

How Auto Workers Are Keeping Factories Running and Masks On

When the coronavirus pandemic slammed the United States in March, the Detroit Three automakers shut their plants and brought their North American vehicle production to an unprecedented cold stop. Now, four months after a slow and sometimes bumpy restart in … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/34tNDVs

Advisory forum created to help small businesses recover post pandemic

Seven industry figures have joined the forum which was launched by Peach Pi to collaborate on improving relationships with consumers and within the industry. from Insurer - insuranceage.co.uk https://ift.tt/34zh0pw

China’s Ping An Insurance Reports 7.74% Hike in Q3 Profit

Ping An Insurance Group Co of China Ltd on Tuesday reported a 7.74% rise in net profit, its first quarterly profit increase in a year, as the country’s largest insurer by market value attracted more retail customers. Net profit rose … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3e2CONh

Hurricane Zeta Makes Landfall in Mexico and Threatens U.S. Gulf Coast

Zeta strengthened to a hurricane as it bore down on the Mexican cities of Cozumel and Cancun, where it was forecast to dump heavy rain before turning north to threaten the U.S. Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Mississippi. The hurricane … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/31OG21X

AIG set to restructure

The insurer will separate its life and retirement business from its GI division and will refresh leadership as CEO Duperreault steps back to executive chairman role. from Insurer - insuranceage.co.uk https://ift.tt/3e4CSMn

Savvy Patient Fought for the Price She Was Quoted − And Didn’t Give Up

When Tiffany Qiu heard how much her surgery was going to cost her, she was sure the hospital’s financial department had made a mistake. Qiu, who already knew from a breast cancer scare earlier that year that her plan required a 30% coinsurance payment on operations, pressed the person on the phone several times to make sure she had heard correctly: Her coinsurance payment would be only 20% if she had the procedure at Palomar Medical Center in Poway, California, about 38 miles south of where Qiu lives. “I was kind of in doubt, so I called them a second time,” said Qiu. “They gave me the exact same amount.” Qiu had been diagnosed with uterine polyps, a benign condition that was making her periods heavier and more unpredictable. Her OB-GYN proposed removing them but said it was safe to wait. Qiu said that she asked about the possibility of doing it in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia to make the procedure cheaper, but that her doctor rebuffed her suggestion because of her pref...

If Trump Wins, Don’t Hold Your Breath Waiting for That ACA Replacement Plan

If President Donald Trump wins reelection next week, it seems unlikely he will unveil the health plan he’s been promising since before his election in 2016. Still, other aspects of health care could be featured in his second-term agenda. Not having a replacement plan for the Affordable Care Act may be just fine with many of his supporters and conservatives. Most Republicans don’t want the federal government to remake the nation’s health system, said Grace-Marie Turner, of the conservative Galen Institute. “It’s a different philosophy from Democrats, who think it needs to be a big program,” she said. “Conservatives, we think of it in a more targeted way.” Trump, of course, repeatedly promises something big. “We will have Healthcare which is FAR BETTER than ObamaCare, at a FAR LOWER COST – BIG PREMIUM REDUCTION,” he tweeted Oct. 12 — hardly the first time he’s made a similar promise . “PEOPLE WITH PRE EXISTING CONDITIONS WILL BE PROTECTED AT AN EVEN HIGHER LEVEL THAN NOW. HIGHLY UNPO...

Gantz Named Senior VP – Finance at Church Mutual in Wisconsin

Dwayne “Dewey” Gantz has joined Merrill, Wis.-based Church Mutual Insurance Co. as senior vice president – Finance, He reports to Kevin Root, executive vice president – Operations, and will collaborate with Jeff Steffen, current senior VP and CFO, who will … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/31Jj0cE

Miami Braces for More King Tides, Asks Residents to Report Floods Via App

The highest tides of the year, known as king tides, are here again to flood roads, parks and the occasional home or business. This year, in addition to the army of flood pumps coastal cities deploy to keep streets dry, … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/37JLs23

Study: Kansas Farmers Will Be Disproportionately Affected by Rising Temps

Growing corn and soybeans will become increasingly challenging for Kansas farmers as the climate warms, according to a recent Kansas State University study. The study found that drought and heat are currently the biggest reason for crop yield losses and … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2TznnT7

COVID-19 Aid Deadline Extended for Louisiana Fisheries Following Storms

Damage from Hurricanes Laura and Delta has prompted Louisiana to extend the deadline for fisheries’ workers and businesses to apply for help under a coronavirus pandemic program. Instead of ending on Oct. 26, the application period will now last through … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3kxowGT

MH Insurance Centre Deemed Agency of Year by Illinois Agents Group

The Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (IIA of IL) has presented MH Insurance Centre LLC of Marion, Ill., with the IIA of IL Agency of the Year Award. The Agency of the Year Award is presented to an IIA of … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3osJusN

Honda, Arizona Agree to $5M Settlement Over Air Bags

Honda has agreed to a $5 million settlement with Arizona over allegations that it failed to disclose defects in air bags that led to two deaths there, the state’s top attorney said. Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced the settlement over … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/37EAU4i

Judge in California OKs $78M Settlement by Air Medical Company

A judge has given final approval to a $78 million settlement by a medical helicopter company that was sued by its California flight crew employees over unpaid overtime and missed breaks. The decision last week by Alameda County Superior Court … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2JabNMx

Workers’ Compensation Should See Profit This Year But Maybe Not in 2021: Fitch

Despite the economic challenges from the coronavirus pandemic, the workers’ compensation insurance market is likely to report strong profitability in 2020 thanks to savings from lower claims frequency due that are currently outpacing pandemic-related losses, according to Fitch Ratings. However, … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/37HTN6f

Lawsuit Filed Against Montana Nursing Home for Negligence in Virus Deaths

A long-term care facility in Montana has been sued after health officials said its staff was negligent and allowed the coronavirus to spread through the facility in Whitefish earlier this year. The lawsuit has been filed by the estates of … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3osIhlf

Power Outages in California as Winds Boost Fire Danger

Large swaths of California had no electricity Monday as utilities tried to prevent the chance of their equipment sparking wildfires while the fire-weary state was buffeted by powerful winds and dangerously dry weather conditions. About 300,000 power customers, more than … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/35CG2D9

Virginia State Officials Lay Out Plan to Address Rising Seas

Virginia state officials have laid out a plan to protect the state’s coastal communities from sea-level rise that could inundate land and roads and threaten property in the decades ahead. Governor Ralph Northam joined other state and local officials on … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3mBboRR

Rhode Island Fines, Closes Four Bars Over Alleged COVID Violations

Rhode Island has fined and temporarily shut down four more bars over alleged violations of state rules meant to control the spread of the coronavirus, state health officials said Friday. State inspectors found various violations at the establishments, including remaining … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/31KFCtw

Insureds Seeking COVID Premium Cuts Must Try State Regulator Before Court, Judge Rules

A federal judge has ruled that State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. does not have to return premiums to a small business customer because of the insured’s reduced business during the pandemic. The judge in Missouri found that the plaintiff, … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/31Jbmzj

Connecticut AG Wants Reimbursements for Poor Response to Power Outage

Connecticut’s attorney general asked regulators Wednesday to order reimbursements for utility customers who lost food and medicine during August’s dayslong power outage in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaias. Attorney General William Tong spoke as the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2FZhv2s

Canada’s Brookfield Business Partners to Buy Remainder of Insurer Genworth for $1.2B

Genworth MI Canada said on Monday real estate service provider Brookfield Business Partners will buy the remaining 43% stake it does not hold in the mortgage insurer for about C$1.6 billion ($1.21 billion). Brookfield, which owns about 57% of the … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/37Px9ZE

W.R. Berkley Says Rate Increases Averaging 14.5% Contributed to Solid 3Q Results

W.R. Berkley Corp.’s 2020 third-quarter financial results landed on the strong side despite a dip in net income and more COVID-19 losses, a result the company credits to rate hikes and underwriting discipline. The commercial lines specialty insurer and reinsurer … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/37Vkq8b

Coverys European Holdings Acquires Bridge Insurance Broker in Italy

Coverys European Holdings (CEH), an agency platform and network specializing in European markets, has completed the 100% acquisition of Bridge Insurance Broker S.R.L, a Lloyd’s wholesale broker and coverholder based in Lucca, Italy. Bridge provides a full suite of property, … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3dWlTMe

Business Interruption Cyber Risks Demand More Insurer Attention as 5G Dawns

Business interruption cyber risks demand more attention from insurers as globalization continues to worsen their impact, a panel of experts argued recently. BI coverage has drawn heightened attention in recent months due to the coronavirus pandemic and its ongoing disruption … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/2HDt3JF

BP Evacuates Staff from 4 Gulf of Mexico Oil Platforms as Tropical Storm Zeta Intensifies

BP on Sunday said it has begun to evacuate four offshore U.S. Gulf of Mexico oil platforms and secure facilities as Tropical Storm Zeta sprang up in the Caribbean Sea. The 27th named storm of this year’s Atlantic Hurricane season, … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3osCVGD

Remote Workforce to Double in 2021 Due to Improved Productivity: CIO Survey

The percentage of workers around the world that is permanently working from home is expected to double in 2021 as productivity has increased during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey from U.S.-based Enterprise Technology Research (ETR). ETR in September … from News – Insurance Journal https://ift.tt/3kwO3zQ