Monthly Archives: <span>December 2009</span>

Ratings Recap: Transsib Re, AmerInst

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘B-‘ (Fair) and the issuer credit rating of “bb-” of Russia’s OJSC Transsiberian Reinsurance Corporation (Transsib Re), both with positive outlooks. The ratings reflect Transsib Re’s “good business position, weak …

Report: Florida’s Workers’ Comp Market is Competitive

A new report released by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation concludes the state’s workers’ compensation insurance market is competitive. The report, based on data from 2008, shows the Florida market features 251 entities writing workers’ compensation insurance — 246 …

New Jersey Court Reverses $260K Award to Family of Student

Fairleigh Dickinson University does not have to pay a $260,000 award to the family of a student who died after drinking heavily and falling from a dorm window four years ago, an appeals court ruled Tuesday. Keith Orzech, a 21-year-old …

Vehicle Safety Inspections Fade into D.C. History

The District of Columbia has done away with vehicle safety checks, but car owners still must pay $35 and wait in long lines for federally mandated emissions tests. The inspection charge is the same as it was before Oct. 1, …

Ex-Georgia Player’s Injury Insurance Lawsuit Dismissed

A judge has dismissed a former University of Georgia football player’s lawsuit against the university’s athletic association and one of its former employees. Junior cornerback Decory Bryant’s football career ended with a neck injury in a game against the University …

Praise and Honors for Lloyd’s Retiring Franchise Director Rolfe Tolle

Tributes have poured in from across the Lloyd’s market to Rolf Tolle, who, as Lloyd’s first Franchise Performance Director, is being hailed as “one of the main architects of the market’s resurgence as a leading force in the international insurance …

Willis Re January Renewal Report Finds ‘Disciplined Softening’ in Market

“Orderly Softening” is the title of the latest edition of Willis Re’s “1st View.” The reinsurance division of Willis Group Holdings publishes the market review three times each year, examining reinsurance rate movements across numerous territories and product classes. The …

Wildfires Destroy Homes in Western Australia

Wildfires roared across a swath of Western Australia on Wednesday, razing almost 40 homes and sending hundreds of people fleeing for their lives, officials and witnesses said. At least three people were injured. Two major blazes burned out of control …

Allianz Names Bauer to Head Europe, Middle East ‘Growth Region’

Allianz annonced that, effective January 1, 2010, Manuel Bauer will be CEO of the new growth region – ‘Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and North Africa’ (CEEMA). He succeeds Klaus Junker, former CEO of the New Europe region, who …

Philadelphia Insurance Cos.’ Founder, Maguire, to Retire

James J. Maguire, founder of Philadelphia Insurance Cos., will retire as chairman of the board of directors effective January 1, 2010. Jamie Maguire, PHLY’s president and CEO, will succeed James J. Maquire as chairman. James will continue to serve on …