Daily Headlines: Monday, April 30, 2012

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April 30, 2012 News By Region  National  International  East  Midwest  Southeast  South Central  West Video Today's Headlines National As America’s Waistline Expands, Costs Soar U.S. hospitals are ripping out wall-mounted toilets and replacing them with floor models to better support obese patients. The Federal ... Victims of Cyberbullying Fighting Back in Libel Suits When a Georgia middle school student reported to police and school officials that she had been bullied on Facebook, they told her there was ... Consumer Rebates Under Medical Loss Ratio Estimated to Be $1.3 Billion More than 3 million health insurance policyholders and thousands of employers will share $1.3 billion in rebates this year, thanks to ... U.S. E&S Market Premiums Increase in 2011: SNL Financial U.S. excess and surplus market is seeing a slight uptick in premiums, a new report reveals. After several years of declines, U.S. E&S ... Regulation, Reputational Risk Top Concerns of Risk Managers: Lloyd’s A heightened focus on insurance regulation as well as exposures related to reputational risk are top concerns for insurance executives ... Best Affirms Horace Mann Educators and Subs ‘A-’ Ratings A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of 'A-' (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a-" of the ... Big ‘I’ Chairman Donohoe Extols Association’s Value in Fast-Changing Times Speaking at the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA) conference, IIABA Chairman Mike Donohoe said the association is ... OneBeacon Forms New Specialty Program Group OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. has formed its newest specialty business, OneBeacon Program Group (OBPG), which will be led by President Dan... Business Income Demystified At Last – A Training Series Few insurance coverages illicit such fear or visceral reactions as does business income coverage (aka time element coverage). Without being too glib, business income concepts are... More National News East 58 Massachusetts Workers Were Killed on Job in 2011: Report A new report says 58 Massachusetts workers were killed on the job in 2011, at an average of 1.1 worker death each week. The report, titled ... Best Downgrades Interstate Auto’s Ratings to ‘C+’; Outlook Negative A.M. Best Co. has downgraded the financial strength rating to 'C+' (Marginal) from 'C++' (Marginal) and issuer credit rating to "b-" ... Insurance Company Balks at Claims in Fatal Conn. Fire An insurance company said it should not have to pay claims or lawsuits stemming from a Christmas morning fire that killed five people ... The McGowan Cos. Purchases Md.-Based Allied Insurance Brokers The McGowan Companies (McGowan), based in Fairview Park, Ohio, purchased the assets of Allied Insurance Brokers Inc. (Allied). Allied, ... N.J. Gov. Christie Undecided on Health Insurance Bill New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he wants the state to spend as little as possible implementing new federal health insurance ... Former N.Y. Agents Sentenced to Jail for Swindling Elderly Clients New York regulators said two former insurance agents who pled guilty to swindling $400,000 from elderly clients by fraudulently changing ... More East News Sponsored Podcast Learn more about Applied Systems® Epic In this podcast Applied Systems CEO Reid Frenchtalks about the future of insurance technology and Applied Systems® Epic, the fastest-growing agency management system in the insurance industry today. Listen now. Midwest Missouri House Passes Whistleblower, Work Comp Bills The Missouri House passed two pieces of business legislation aimed at overcoming vetoes by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon earlier this year. ... Missouri Woman Wins $5.8M in ‘Girls Gone Wild’ Case A company that makes "Girls Gone Wild" DVDs is seeking to overturn a verdict awarding nearly $6 million to a St. Louis-area woman who ... Insurer Says It’s Not Liable for Drug-Related Fire in Michigan An insurance company claims it should be reimbursed after a fire linked to drugs badly damaged a house in Bay City, Mich. Nationwide Mutual ... Kansas Senate Panel Considers Disaster Funding Kansas legislators have begun work on a bill that would create a special fund to cover the state's share of disaster assistance. Maj. Gen. ... More Midwest News Southeast Citizens Delays Rate Hike for New Business The governing board for Florida's state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has at least temporarily backed off a proposal to begin ... Alabama Lawmakers Pass Ban on Texting While Driving State lawmakers have voted unanimously to make Alabama the 38th state to ban texting while driving. A compromise version of the bill by ... More Southeast News South Central Louisiana Senate Rejects Bill Removing Smoker Protection Louisiana senators refused on April 26 to repeal a law that bans employers from discriminating against smokers, after opponents said the ... Disaster Assistance Approved for Oklahoma Woodward County Gov. Mary Fallin says the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved disaster assistance for Woodward County following a deadly ... Louisiana’s Sen. Vitter Pushes to Extend Flood Insurance Program U.S. Sen. David Vitter is pushing for a long-term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program. The Louisiana Republican wants to stop ... More South Central News West Mercury: First Quarter Income Rose on Lower Losses Mercury General Corp. reported on Monday that net income in the first quarter rose to $73.4 million from $58.2 million during the same time ... Judge: Montana City Must Pay $3M Judgment To Insurance Company In Lawsuit A state judge has ruled the city of Bozeman in Montana must repay its insurance company the $3 million it paid after the city lost a ... Report: Deadly Reno Fire Likely Accidental Reno investigators say a deadly blaze in January that burned 3,100 acres and killed an elderly woman was caused by improper disposal of ... Idaho City Police Department Settles Lawsuit A federal lawsuit against the Nampa Police Department in Idaho by three officers has been dismissed following a $189,000 settlement. The ... BNSF Railway Company Plume Trial To Begin A trial to determine BNSF Railway Company's responsibilities for cleaning up plumes of fuel and toxic solvents beneath Livingston starts ... 18 Olympians Sue Over Alleged Misuse Of Names Eighteen Olympians, including swimming greats Mark Spitz and Janet Evans, and diver Greg Louganis, have sued Samsung Corp. over a Facebook ... More West News International UK Terrorism Reinsurer Pool Re Has over $7 Billion for Olympic Games Coverage Pool Re, the state-backed British reinsurer that covers terror attack-related commercial property losses, has £4.5 billion ($7.327 ... Earnings Reports: Validus Holdings, AXIS Capital Selected earnings highlights from Validus Holdings for the first quarter of 2012 are as follows: ... CNA Announces Approval from Hardy Shareholders for Acquisition CNA Financial Corporation announced that Hardy Underwriting Bermuda Limited shareholders have voted to approve CNA's proposed acquisition ... Best Affirms Ratings Samsung Fire & Marine (Europe) Ratings A.M. Best Europe – Rating Services Limited has affirmed the financial strength rating of 'A' (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of ... More International News Sponsored Content Resource Edge Consults With Hundreds of Insurance Professionals to Help Build the Perfect Insurance Recruiting Tool Las Vegas, NV, 04/30/12 - Resource Edge, a software development company with over 20 years of experience in custom software solutions ... More Sponsored Content Join the Insurance Journal Network Insurance Journal TV Annual Live Training Burn Educates Adjusters Pat Andler, a certified fire investigator and owner of Andler & Associates discusses the... Watch Now What D&O Buyers Look For In a Carrier What do insureds look for when shopping for a carrier to provide director and officers... Watch Now Watch more videos at InsuranceJournal.tv New Discussions in the Forums New Venture - Non-Emergency transporation Posted: Sat Apr 28 -- I am looking to insure the same risk. Any luck meytai? marmar 1-800-Car-Insurance Posted: Fri Apr 27 -- While words in phone numbers may be catchy... they drive me nuts. I try not to use them. FurriePrincess Online Insurance and Leads Posted: Fri Apr 27 -- Auds I am curious which lead firms you are referring to. nhagent NEEDED:History and Current Trends of the Independent Agent Posted: Fri Apr 27 -- The state to the north of you has a resource as well. PIA (Professional Insurance Agents Association). They can be a vast resource &... dm307799 How do you ask for a referral? Posted: Thu Apr 26 -- Instead of referrals, have you tried using any lead services? Auds Is it possible to get insurer appointments just starting out Posted: Thu Apr 26 -- This kind of post and topic question is generally exhausting...BiggBoy, you imply that you're new to the biz with a lot of ambition and... d's insurance store looking for feedback/advice please.... Posted: Wed Apr 25 -- My suggestion is to work with an independent agent as a producer. The KEY is to negotiate a good commission split and that YOU OWN YOUR BOOK... NYagent301 What are your thoughts on the insurance industry Posted: Tue Apr 24 -- The key question for anyone thinking that the road to riches is paved with personal lines insurance policies is to ask 'what can I do... d's insurance store Go to Forums Reader Comments Illinois Man Sues Nestle, Wal-Mart Over Dog's Death from 'Wholesome' Treat Posted: Tue Apr 24 -- Need to recall all dog treats made in China NOW, not wait until who knows how long an investigation takes. Well over 600 deaths have been... Jane Dough Solution for Disaster Recovery? House in a Box, Maybe Posted: Mon Apr 23 -- I wish there were a photo Roy Former N.J. School Chief in Insurance Bribery Scheme Drops Suit Posted: Thu Apr 26 -- Dear Mr. Ritacco: You broke the law in the performance of your duties. Sorry but we don't feel obligated to live up to the terms of your... reality bites Alligator Visits Louisiana Motel, Bites Guest Posted: Wed Apr 25 -- Damn the torpedoes and pass the hot sauce! I'm goin back for seconds! Al E. Gator Returning Soldiers Involved in More Car Crashes: Study Posted: Tue Apr 24 -- God bless our men and women in uniform, and those who wore it proudly. I suppose we should be grateful that they're not driving armored... reality bites Go to Popular Comments Subscriber Tools Send this to a friend Subscribe Unsubscribe Submit News Contact Us Current Issue April 16, 2012 Big "I" Issue with Young Agents Survey; Medical Professional Liability; Business Interruption / Business Income; Bonus: Education & Training Directory More Newsletters Choose Newsletters Daily Headlines Weekly Reader Picks Magazine Update Insurance Journal TV Classifieds Breaking News MyNewMarkets Daily Claims Daily Enter Your E-mail Market Directories Excess & Surplus Markets Programs Workers' Comp Markets New Insurance Jobs Workers' Compensation Adjuster Marketing Representative Vice President of Claims Management Trainee Have a job opening? List it on our Web site. How to Advertise For information about advertising on this newsletter and Insurance Journal magazines, contact Julie Tinney at (800) 897-9965 x148. View our Media Kit for advertising options in our magazines and online properties. Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Send to a Friend | Contact Us Insurance Journal 3570 Camino del Rio North, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 (800) 897-9965 Copyright © 2012 by Wells Publishing, Inc.

Daily Headlines: Friday, April 27, 2012

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April 27, 2012 News By Region  National  International  East  Midwest  Southeast  South Central  West Video Today's Headlines National Transportation Chief Calls for National Ban on Cell Phone Use While Driving U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called on Thursday for a federal law to ban talking on a cell phone or texting while driving any ... Hartford Sells Individual Annuity Unit Hartford Financial Services Group Inc said on Thursday it will sell its individual annuity operations to Forethought, a Houston-based ... Liberty Mutual Profit Soars 26% in Q1 Global insurer Liberty Mutual Holding Co. Inc. and its subsidiaries reported a 26 percent jump in net income for the three months ended ... Senate Committee Votes to End Direct Farm Subsidies, Backs New Insurance Plan U.S. farmers will get a new crop-subsidy program that protects them from ruinous declines in revenue, the biggest threat to survival with ... 10 Miners Have Died in Job-Related Accidents Thus Far in 2012 The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration said 10 miners died in work-related accidents at the nation's mines during the first ... ACE USA Enhances Hospice Insurance Products ACE USA's ACE Medical Risk Division now offers an endorsement for hospice care eligibility requirements. This new enhanced hospice care ... New BevCap Program Targets Beer Distributors Powered by InsuranceJournal.tv BevCap Management, an independent insurance agency in McKinney Texas that specializes in the program... More National News East N.Y. Regulators to Hold Hearings on Force-Placed Insurance in May New York's financial regulators will hold hearings on the so-called force-placed insurance next month. These hearings will be open to the ... Penn. Regulators Collected $71K in Fines, $3.4M in Restitution in Q1 Pennsylvania regulators announced on Thursday their quarterly enforcement actions for the 2012 first quarter. The Pennsylvania insurance ... Vermont and U.S. Officials Highlight Irene Housing Stephen Cutlip had only been living in Mendon for several weeks when he was displaced last summer by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene. ... Conn. Senate Passes Anti-Price-Gouging Bill to Help Homeowners The Connecticut Senate has voted to expand consumer protections from price gouging during major storms, such as the freak October snow ... New York, Florida Associates of ‘Mini-Madoff’ Arrested Four associates of a New York businessman convicted in a $400 million Ponzi scheme were arrested Wednesday on charges they pocketed nearly ... More East News Midwest Troubled Illinois Work Injury-Claim System Hit in Audit Illinois' troubled system for compensating injured state workers hands out money too readily, sometimes without medical evidence to back up ... North Dakota Fines 2 Insurance Companies North Dakota insurance regulators have fined two mutual insurance companies $10,000 each for operating outside their authorized ... Iowa's Fulwider Honored with Big 'I' Woodworth Memorial Award The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (the Big "I") has awarded an Iowa agency owner, Bob Fulwider, with the Woodworth ... Indiana Emergency Officials to Storm Chasers: Stay Home The recent outbreak of severe weather in Kansas had storm chasers out in full force. So many of them, in fact, that emergency officials ... More Midwest News Southeast Florida Agency to Fight FEMA Ban on Flood Insurance Commission Rebating One Florida insurance agency is protesting a decision by the federal flood insurance program that would stop insurers and agents from ... Donor Agrees to Pay Insurance for Bessie Smith Event in Tennessee An anonymous donor has stepped up to ensure the Bessie Smith Strut will go on, preserving the annual music event honoring the hometown ... More Southeast News South Central Rate Hike Proposal Sent to Board of Texas Windstorm Insurer In advance of the start of hurricane season, the actuarial underwriting committee of Texas' property insurer of last resort for coastal ... Oklahoma House Defeats Alternative Workers' Comp Measure The Oklahoma House has defeated workers' compensation legislation that would have allowed large employers to opt-out of the state's ... Schools, Manufacturers Earn Combined $1M in Texas Mutual Dividends Texas Mutual Insurance Co. announced that the Texas Schools Group and Texas Association of Manufacturers safety groups earned a combined ... More South Central News West Montana High Court Hears Hutterite Labor Case The Montana Supreme Court did not immediately rule after hearing competing arguments from a Hutterite colony and the state on whether ... Jury Finds Ford At Fault In Montana Crash Case A Montana jury has found defects in a tire sold by the Ford Motor Company were a factor in a 2003 Ford Bronco crash in which a Cascade ... Portland To Pay $250,000 For Mistakenly Arrested As Tagger Portland City Council approved a $250,000 settlement Wednesday with a man who was mistakenly arrested by police who suspected he was a ... New Mexico Widow Sues Utah Crematory, Claims Ashes Mix-Up A New Mexico widow whose husband was killed in a 2009 plane crash is suing a Utah crematory and funeral home after she says they gave her ... Bill To Align California With Dodd-Frank Passes Committee The California Senate Insurance Committee passed a law regarding reinsurers that would put the state in alignment with the Dodd–Frank ... California Department of Insurance Wants to be 'Liked' Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and the California Department of Insurance really want you to like them. CDI now has a Facebook page. The ... More West News International Spanish Economy in ‘Huge Crisis’ after Sovereign Debt Downgrade Spain's sickly economy faces a "crisis of huge proportions", a minister said on Friday, as unemployment hit its highest level in two ... Berne Union Reports Members Insure $1.8 Trillion of Int’l. Trade, Investment "The volume of export credits and foreign direct investment insured by members of the Berne Union grew by 17 percent in 2011," said the ... Willis Post $225 Million Q1 Net Income; Strong Growth Willis Group Holdings reported net income from continuing operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 of $225 million, or $1.28 per ... Ratings Recap: Arab Orient, Tristar, ASSA, Arabia, ACR Capital A.M. Best Europe – Rating Services Limited has affirmed the financial strength rating of 'A' (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating of ... More International News Sponsored Content ThinkRisk and OneBeacon Announce [in]FUSE – Insurance Agents & Brokers Professional Liability Protection Chicago, IL, 04/27/12 - ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency, LLC and OneBeacon Professional Insurance join forces to announce the launch of a new ... More Sponsored Content Join the Insurance Journal Network Insurance Journal TV Annual Live Training Burn Educates Adjusters Pat Andler, a certified fire investigator and owner of Andler & Associates discusses the... Watch Now What D&O Buyers Look For In a Carrier What do insureds look for when shopping for a carrier to provide director and officers... Watch Now Watch more videos at InsuranceJournal.tv New Discussions in the Forums NEEDED:History and Current Trends of the Independent Agent Posted: Fri Apr 27 -- From a historical perspective it would interesting to interview some independent agents. However, I don't think many are around who started... Rock54 Online Insurance and Leads Posted: Thu Apr 26 -- There are definitely some good agencies out there that do only offer real-time and exclusive leads. They'll even give your money back if... Auds How do you ask for a referral? Posted: Thu Apr 26 -- Instead of referrals, have you tried using any lead services? Auds Is it possible to get insurer appointments just starting out Posted: Thu Apr 26 -- This kind of post and topic question is generally exhausting...BiggBoy, you imply that you're new to the biz with a lot of ambition and... d's insurance store looking for feedback/advice please.... Posted: Wed Apr 25 -- My suggestion is to work with an independent agent as a producer. The KEY is to negotiate a good commission split and that YOU OWN YOUR BOOK... NYagent301 1-800-Car-Insurance Posted: Wed Apr 25 -- "Are you prepared for the associated costs of promoting that number, and can you isolate your promotion... glabman What are your thoughts on the insurance industry Posted: Tue Apr 24 -- The key question for anyone thinking that the road to riches is paved with personal lines insurance policies is to ask 'what can I do... d's insurance store Go to Forums Reader Comments Tennessee to Arrest Illegal Drivers Involved in Serious Auto Accidents Posted: Thu Apr 26 -- "Immigration groups have objected to the bill, saying it unnecessarily penalizes illegal aliens who may have jobs and a family and are not... Former Status Quo Solution for Disaster Recovery? House in a Box, Maybe Posted: Mon Apr 23 -- I wish there were a photo Roy Former N.J. School Chief in Insurance Bribery Scheme Drops Suit Posted: Thu Apr 26 -- Dear Mr. Ritacco: You broke the law in the performance of your duties. Sorry but we don't feel obligated to live up to the terms of your... reality bites AIG Adopts FASB Accounting Update, Revises Up 2010-11 Income by $5.1B Posted: Fri Apr 20 -- More creative accounting AIG? Pretty soon, you will say you don't owe the taxpayers anything even if the balance is still $80 Billion.... Agent Returning Soldiers Involved in More Car Crashes: Study Posted: Tue Apr 24 -- God bless our men and women in uniform, and those who wore it proudly. I suppose we should be grateful that they're not driving armored... reality bites Go to Popular Comments Subscriber Tools Send this to a friend Subscribe Unsubscribe Submit News Contact Us Current Issue April 16, 2012 Big "I" Issue with Young Agents Survey; Medical Professional Liability; Business Interruption / Business Income; Bonus: Education & Training Directory More Newsletters Choose Newsletters Daily Headlines Weekly Reader Picks Magazine Update Insurance Journal TV Classifieds Breaking News MyNewMarkets Daily Claims Daily Enter Your E-mail Market Directories Excess & Surplus Markets Programs Workers' Comp Markets New Insurance Jobs Workers' Compensation Adjuster Marketing Representative Vice President of Claims Management Trainee Have a job opening? List it on our Web site. How to Advertise For information about advertising on this newsletter and Insurance Journal magazines, contact Julie Tinney at (800) 897-9965 x148. View our Media Kit for advertising options in our magazines and online properties. Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Send to a Friend | Contact Us Insurance Journal 3570 Camino del Rio North, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 (800) 897-9965 Copyright © 2012 by Wells Publishing, Inc.

Daily Headlines: Thursday, April 26, 2012

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April 26, 2012 News By Region  National  International  East  Midwest  Southeast  South Central  West Video Today's Headlines National Fewer Storms Forecast for 2012 Hurricane Season The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season is projected to be less active than in recent years with 11 tropical storms, six of which will intensify ... 1,000 Independent Agents Lobbying Lawmakers in Washington More than 1,000 independent agents from around the country will be visiting Capitol Hill offices in Washington, D.C., today to lobby ... D&O Liability Rates Firmed in First Quarter: Marsh Rates for directors and officers' (D&O) liability insurance appear to be firming, having risen only 1.5 percent in the first quarter. ... Selective Reports $18.1M Q1 Profit; Commercial Lines Price Up 5.1% Selective Insurance Group, headquartered in Branchville, N.J., reported $18.1 million net income for its 2012 first quarter, a 11.7-percent ... IronHealth, The Sullivan Group to Offer Obstetrics Risk Management Services IronHealth, Ironshore's specialty healthcare unit, has entered into an agreement with The Sullivan Group, an international healthcare ... OneBeacon Forms New Specialty Program Group OneBeacon Insurance Group Ltd. has formed a new specialty business, OneBeacon Program Group (OBPG), which will be led by President Dan ... Wal-Mart Shareholder Sues Over Mexican Bribery Scandal A shareholder sued the board and several officers of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Wednesday over allegations that the company's Mexican ... New BevCap Program Targets Beer Distributors Powered by InsuranceJournal.tv BevCap Management, an independent insurance agency in McKinney Texas that specializes in the program... More National News East N.H. Gubernatorial Candidate Criticizes State Health Compact Bill New Hampshire Democratic gubernatorial candidate Maggie Hassan said Tuesday that a GOP proposal to form a compact to assume control over ... Harleysville Policyholders Approve Merger With Nationwide Harleysville Mutual Insurance Company said Wednesday that its policyholders as well as shareholders at its publicly traded subsidiary ... Former N.J. School Chief in Insurance Bribery Scheme Drops Suit A former Toms River schools superintendent who admitted taking more than $1 million in bribes in a kickback scheme has dropped a lawsuit ... MetLife Says Former Wal-Mart Exec Leaves Board The former head of Wal-Mart's Mexico operations is stepping down from his current board positions at MetLife, effective immediately. The ... More East News Midwest Ohio’s Exotic Animal Bill with Insurance Requirement Advances A proposal to regulate ownership of lions, monkeys and other dangerous exotic animals in Ohio cleared a state legislative panel on April 25 ... Hylant Group Launches Health & Wellness Strategies Practice Privately owned insurance brokerage Hylant Group, based in Toledo, Ohio, announced the launch of its Health & Wellness Strategies ... Michigan Fireworks Suppliers Want Fast Decision on Insurance Law Suppliers are urging a judge to quickly consider their challenge to a new Michigan law that requires millions of dollars in liability ... Michigan Workplace Deaths Show Slight Dip in 2011 A report says fewer people died in the workplace across Michigan last year compared to 2010. The Michigan Fatality Assessment and Control ... Kansas Tornado Relief Efforts Turn Toward Housing With debris cleanup now in its second week, immediate relief efforts for Kansas tornado victims have been scaled back as disaster help ... HCC Medical Insurance Services Names Kauth VP of Operations Indiana-based HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC (HCCMIS), a subsidiary of HCC Insurance Holdings Inc., has appointed Sue Kauth as vice ... More Midwest News Southeast Tennessee to Arrest Illegal Drivers Involved in Serious Auto Accidents Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has signed into law a bill that for the first time would require law enforcement officials to arrest drivers ... Court Sides with Mississippi Insurance Agent in Restaurant Case The Mississippi Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling that the owners of a Bay St. Louis restaurant cannot collect more than $300,000 they ... Alabama Governor Tours Towns Still Recovering from Last April’s Tornadoes Gov. Robert Bentley returned to the central Alabama town of Eclectic a year after a deadly tornado hit it and found people relying on ... Brown & Brown CEO Returns After Leave of Absence J. Powell Brown, president and CEO, and a director of Brown & Brown Inc. has returned from a temporary leave of absence for health ... More Southeast News South Central Outlook Revised to Positive for Texas-Based MGA Insurance Co. A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and issuer credit ... Police Seize 17 Pit Bulls in Louisiana Town Police in Washington, La., have started to enforce the town's pit bull ordinance that includes a requirement that the dog owners must ... Louisiana Parish Assembles 'Cat 5' Flood Team Officials in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, have begun the annual work of assembling the parish's "Cat 5" flood team. The task force is ... MarketScout Adds Dalton as Energy Underwriter in Dallas Dallas-based MarketScout, the national electronic insurance exchange and specialty MGA, announced that Jason Dalton has joined the firm as ... More South Central News West Ship Owner Sues Pharmacists In 2007 San Francisco Bay Spill The owners and operators of the Cosco Busan container ship that leaked thousands of gallons of oil into San Francisco Bay in 2007 are suing ... Northern California City Agrees To Pay $150K in Sex Harassment Suit Concord, Calif. has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a lawsuit by an employee who said she was sexually harassed by a female police ... GOP: Set Up Panel To Pay Colo. Wildfire Victims Republicans want to create a commission to pay victims of a wildfire southwest of Denver, Colo. that killed three people and damaged two ... Idaho To Receive $85K In Medicaid Fraud Settlement Idaho will receive about $85,000 from two separate Medicaid fraud settlements with prescription drug manufacturers. State Attorney General ... Deputy Sues Over Washington Police Dog Bite A Snohomish County sheriff's deputy in Washington is suing the Lynnwood Police Department over a dog bite. Deputy Marcus Dill says Lynnwood ... Leavitt Names Russ Senior Executive Vice President Woodland Hills, Calif-based Leavitt Group named Mark Russ senior executive vice president and managing co-owner of the Leavitt Group's ... More West News International Lloyd’s Register Withdraws from Iran Due to Sanctions Maritime risk management firm Lloyd's Register has shut its operations in Iran and can no longer vouch for the safety of the OPEC member's ... Tower Group Announces Strategic Investment in Lloyd’s Canopius Tower Group announced that it has committed to invest $75 million (based on the current exchange rate) in Canopius Group, Ltd., a privately ... Earnings Reports: Everest Re, Montpelier Re Selected earnings highlights from Everest Re for the first quarter of 2012 are as follows:      ... Canopius to Buy Lloyd’s Omega Insurance for $265 Million; Tower in Related Deal Lloyds of London insurer Canopius said it has agreed to buy rival Lloyd's insurer Omega after raising its offer to £164 million ($265.6 ... MAPFRE to Insure Iberia, Other Airlines for 3 Years MAPFRE GLOBAL RISKS, a subsidiary of Spain's MAPFRE, which specializes in underwriting large risks, announced that for the next there years ... Willis Names Lieu, Zhou to Strengthen Asia Client Team Willis Group Holdings announced two key appointments to its Global Solutions (International) team, increasing its multinational client ... More International News Sponsored Content AmWINS Transportation Underwriters, Inc. Announces New Texas Long Haul Trucking Program Burlington, NC, 04/26/12 -AmWINS Transportation Underwriters, an A+ XV Admitted Carrier, is proud to be 1 of only 3 MGAs with access to a ... More Sponsored Content Join the Insurance Journal Network Insurance Journal TV Annual Live Training Burn Educates Adjusters Pat Andler, a certified fire investigator and owner of Andler & Associates discusses the... Watch Now What D&O Buyers Look For In a Carrier What do insureds look for when shopping for a carrier to provide director and officers... Watch Now Watch more videos at InsuranceJournal.tv New Discussions in the Forums NEEDED:History and Current Trends of the Independent Agent Posted: Wed Apr 25 -- My Name is Wyatt and I am a P&C agent in Lebanon, Oregon. I am currently writing a thesis on the Insurance Industry and need information on... wyattkinger77 looking for feedback/advice please.... Posted: Wed Apr 25 -- My suggestion is to work with an independent agent as a producer. The KEY is to negotiate a good commission split and that YOU OWN YOUR BOOK... NYagent301 1-800-Car-Insurance Posted: Wed Apr 25 -- "Are you prepared for the associated costs of promoting that number, and can you isolate your promotion... glabman What are your thoughts on the insurance industry Posted: Tue Apr 24 -- The key question for anyone thinking that the road to riches is paved with personal lines insurance policies is to ask 'what can I do... d's insurance store How do you ask for a referral? Posted: Tue Apr 24 -- I have found, Referrals is definitely an art What works does change over time But like all sales it involves repetition and law of large... William Graham Thoughts on Clusters Posted: Mon Apr 23 -- I want to start a new independent angency, are clusters a good to start with does any know any results or experienced great results from... biggboy55 Job advice...please help! Posted: Mon Apr 23 -- I'm going to be more honest here than I probably should be but I thought it would help out.....In 11plus years in insurance, 10 of those in... bjwestner Go to Forums Reader Comments Marijuana Club Files $3M Suit Against SoCal City Posted: Thu Apr 19 -- Leave them alone! TRW Illinois Man Sues Nestle, Wal-Mart Over Dog's Death from 'Wholesome' Treat Posted: Fri Apr 20 -- What type of guy has a Pomeranian and then to name it Cleopatra? Compman Alligator Visits Louisiana Motel, Bites Guest Posted: Thu Apr 19 -- I wonder if super 8 has dental coverage for the alligator? Karl Koverage What to Expect If Supreme Court Strikes Down Obamacare Posted: Thu Apr 26 -- Stop it with the Robo dislikes, its obvious Jill and friends of Obama. I guess this proves again that we have to look forward to... Sarah AIG Adopts FASB Accounting Update, Revises Up 2010-11 Income by $5.1B Posted: Fri Apr 20 -- More creative accounting AIG? Pretty soon, you will say you don't owe the taxpayers anything even if the balance is still $80 Billion.... Agent Go to Popular Comments Subscriber Tools Send this to a friend Subscribe Unsubscribe Submit News Contact Us Current Issue April 16, 2012 Big "I" Issue with Young Agents Survey; Medical Professional Liability; Business Interruption / Business Income; Bonus: Education & Training Directory More Newsletters Choose Newsletters Daily Headlines Weekly Reader Picks Magazine Update Insurance Journal TV Classifieds Breaking News MyNewMarkets Daily Claims Daily Enter Your E-mail Market Directories Excess & Surplus Markets Programs Workers' Comp Markets New Insurance Jobs Marketing Representative Vice President of Claims Management Trainee Underwriter Workers' Compensation Have a job opening? List it on our Web site. How to Advertise For information about advertising on this newsletter and Insurance Journal magazines, contact Julie Tinney at (800) 897-9965 x148. View our Media Kit for advertising options in our magazines and online properties. Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Send to a Friend | Contact Us Insurance Journal 3570 Camino del Rio North, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 (800) 897-9965 Copyright © 2012 by Wells Publishing, Inc.