Monthly Archives: <span>March 2017</span>

What Could be Hotter than Phoenix? The Answer Might Just Be Phoenix

Can you imagine an even hotter, drier Phoenix? Certainly not if you’ve been to the sun-drenched Arizona capital in the summer. Such an inconceivable scenario is being proposed by the LA Times. “Today, Phoenix is a horizon of asphalt, air …

Personal Auto Rate Hikes Not Keeping Up with Losses: Fitch

U.S. personal auto underwriters increased premium rates “significantly” in 2016. But here’s the thing: it wasn’t enough. Loss trends are still outpacing rate changes. Also, the U.S. P/C industry statutory combined ratio will likely hit 108 in the coming months, …

3 Storm Chasers Die in West Texas Crash

Storms that bore down on Southern Plains states brought powerful winds that upended a tractor-trailer on an Oklahoma interstate, killing the driver, while three storm chasers died in a collision as they raced toward a tornado-warned storm in West Texas, …

Insurance Trade Group: Illinois Workers’ Comp Bill Unnecessary, ‘Burdensome’

A national trade association representing property/casualty insurers has come out against a proposed bill in Illinois that will create what group says are “burdensome and duplicative workers’ compensation regulations.” The synopsis of Illinois House Bill 2645 states that the bill …

Texas Businesses Divided on High-Priority Insurance Bill

This article originally appeared in the Texas Tribune. Weeks after major business interests blasted legislation that would make it harder for property owners to sue insurance companies over weather-related damages, other high-profile business interests are lining up in support of …

Credit Card ‘Skimming’ Devices Found at Louisiana Gas Stations

Fifteen credit card “skimming” devices have been found on gasoline pumps in different parts of Louisiana in the past month, state Secretary of Agriculture Mike Strain said. The devices are used by thieves to steal credit card information from motorists. …

Michigan Senate OKs Bill Authorizing Theft Fees on Commercial Trucks

Michigan state senators have approved legislation that could allow the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority to assess small fees on commercial vehicles, not just private passenger vehicles. Under current law, auto insurers pay $1 a year per insured car. State Attorney …

RLI Promotes McLaughlin to VP, Chief Claim Counsel; Casey to Retire

Peoria, Ill.-based specialty insurer RLI Corp. is promoting Betsy McLaughlin to vice president, chief claim counsel, effective April 1. McLaughlin is assuming the responsibilities of Brian J. Casey, retires on March 31. Casey will continue to serve in an advisory …

Volkswagen Reaches Another Diesel Claims Settlement with 10 States for $157 Million

Volkswagen AG said Thursday it has agreed to settle environmental claims from 10 U.S. states over its excess diesel emissions for $157.45 million as the world’s largest automaker looks to move past the scandal. The German automaker settlement covers states …

Lack of Markings Caused 2016 Fatal California Bus Crash, Report Shows

Federal investigators say inadequate highway markings caused a fatal Greyhound bus crash in California last year that killed two people and injured 13 others, including the driver. The National Transportation Safety Board said in a report Tuesday that the lack …