Monthly Archives: <span>November 2020</span>

Massachusetts Septic Hauler to Pay Fine to Settle Illegal Dumping Lawsuit

A Massachusetts septic hauling company has agreed to pay up to $500,000 to settle allegations that it dumped waste into a local town’s sewer system to avoid paying disposal fees. State Attorney General Maura Healey said Friday that as part …

Independent Agents Seek Digital, Product Support From Carriers to Battle Direct Writers

Independent insurance agents and their carrier partners face strong headwinds in their efforts to maintain their dominance among distribution channels due to increased competition and evolving consumer expectations, according to new research. According to the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Independent …

World Insurance Associates Acquires Virginia’s Danaher-Skewes & Associates

World Insurance Associates LLC (WIA) acquired Danaher-Skewes & Associates Inc. of Manassas, Va., on November 1, 2020. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Established in 1963, Danaher-Skewes is an independent insurance agency, serving residents and businesses in Alexandria, Va., …

Alera Group Names Parker as VP of Employee Benefits Technology & Services

Alera Group, a Deerfield, Ill.-based insurance and financial services firm, has named Brian Parker as vice president of Employee Benefits Technology & Services, effective November 1, 2020. He will be based out of Philadelphia, Penn. In this role, Parker will …

Obsidian Specialty Insurance Company Receives A- Rating from AM Best

AM Best has assigned the recently-formed excess and surplus (E&S) lines insurer, Obsidian Specialty Insurance Company, a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent). Obsidian Specialty is a program fronting carrier serving managing general agents, managing general underwriters and program managers. …

Update: Hurricane Iota Threatens Honduras, Nicaragua, Just Days After Storm Eta

Hurricane Iota is set to slam into Central America Monday as the Atlantic’s strongest storm of the year, bringing catastrophic winds and torrential rain to a region still reeling from a storm two weeks ago. It will hit near the …

U.S. Expected to Grant Safety Clearance for Boeing’s 737 MAX This Week

After a standoff with global regulators, management turmoil and a massive safety review, Boeing Co. is set to win U.S. approval on Wednesday to resume flights of its grounded 737 MAX. But the largest U.S. airplane maker faces headwinds from …

Specialty Re/insurer Chaucer Launches Bermuda Reinsurance Branch for U.S. Business

Chaucer, the London-based specialty re/insurance group, announced the launch of a reinsurance branch in Bermuda to provide U.S. clients with greater access to its underwriting expertise and capacity. This follows the receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals from the Bermuda …

HSB Offers Consultancy Services in UK, Ireland to Help Firms Improve Life of Equipment

HSB is expanding its engineering services to deliver consultancy services that enable businesses to improve efficiency and meet their compliance obligations. Using the technical knowledge and expertise of its engineers, HSB’s new range of consultancy services will provide businesses with …

Medical Costs of COVID Patients 50% Higher Than Before Hospitalization: German Study

Medical costs of German COVID-19 patients who have left hospitals are on average 50% higher than before they were admitted, data from a major insurer showed, a sign that even those who have recovered struggle to regain full health. The …