Articles by Young Ha

Chartis to Trim Workforce

American International Group said its property/casualty carrier Chartis will eliminate some jobs, with the reduction affecting less than 1 percent of its workforce, or roughly 400 or fewer positions. “As part of Chartis’ review of its personnel needs, we have …

Boston Agency Eyes ‘Next Generation’ of Insureds

What if a college student falls ill late in semester and needs to withdraw without getting any tuition refund? What if a child loses valuables in her school or accidentally causes damage? Here comes insurance to the rescue. Bill Suneson …

Virginia Court: Insurer Not Liable For Global Warming Claims

The Virginia Supreme Court has ruled in favor of an insurance company in a closely watched legal case involving global warming. The high court ruled that Steadfast Insurance Co., which provided commercial general liability (CGL) coverage for energy company AES …

Mass. Agents Prepare for Battle Over Credit Ban on Ballot

A Massachusetts independent agents group said it is confident that a ban on auto insurers’ use of credit scores and other socioeconomic factors will become a state law in coming months. The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) said it …

Pennsylvania Motorcyclist Rule Upheld

A Pennsylvania court has ruled that an exclusion in underinsured motorist coverage for injuries incurred while on a motorcycle applies to motorcyclists injured after being thrown off their bikes. An underinsured motorist coverage from Allstate contained an exclusion for injuries …

Nationwide, Harleysville CEOs Reassure Agents: Merger All About Growth

The merger of insurer Nationwide Mutual with regional carrier Harleysville Mutual is all about growth, not only for the companies but also for their independent agents, according to the CEOs of the two insurers. Harleysville is a “perfect match” for …

Independent Agents Worried About Nationwide/Harleysville Deal

Northeastern independent agents with Harleysville appointments said they are leery about the reported Nationwide/Harleysville deal and have lots of questions. According to a report by Bloomberg last Friday, giant Nationwide Mutual Insurance is in talks to purchase Pennsylvania-based regional property/casualty …

Port Authority Cleared of Negligence Claims in ’93 WTC Bombing

Last week, New York State’s high court cleared Port Authority of New York and New Jersey of negligence claims in the 1993 World Trade Center parking garage bombing. The Sept. 22 ruling reverses lower courts’ decision. The Court of Appeals …

FEMA Again Urges At-risk Communities to Buy Flood Insurance

Last month’s Hurricane Irene was a rude awakening for many East coast residents and businesses that reminded them the importance of flood insurance. Federal Emergency Management Agency, which administer the National Flood Insurance Program, said it is constantly reaching out …

Nationwide Mutual Reportedly in Talks to Buy Harleysville

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. is in talks to buy Harleysville Group Inc., Bloomberg reported last Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. No information was provided with respect to timing, structure or price. The talks are ongoing and the two …