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Melody to Head New Barney & Barney European Office in Germany

San Diego-based Barney & Barney LLC, one of the U.S.40 largest insurance brokerages, has announced the creation of a new international position it has established in Stuttgart, Germany. Client Executive Bevin Melody will be based there. She will take charge …

A.M. Best Revises Outlook to Positive for MGA Insurance Co., Gainsco

A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating of B (Fair) and issuer credit rating (ICR) of “bb+” of MGA Insurance Company Inc. (MGA) of Dallas, Texas. Concurrently, Best revised the …

Best Assigns ‘A’ Ratings to Starr International Insurance (Asia)

A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating (ICR) of “a” to Hong Kong–based Starr International Insurance (Asia) Limited – both with stable outlooks. Best said the ratings reflect Starr International …

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner to Run for Re-Election

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland says she is seeking re-election this fall. Holland was appointed to the post by Gov. Brad Henry in January 2005 and in 2006 became the first woman elected to serve as insurance commissioner. During her …

Allianz, Daimler Sign International Auto Coverage Partnership Agreement

Germany’s largest insurer has signed a partnership agreement with car-maker Daimler to provide global automotive insurance. The agreement also provides that Allianz will become Daimler’s exclusive partner for automotive insurance business for its vehicles in Italy, in addition to the …

Last Chance: Young Insurance Agents Survey

Young insurance agents, 40-and-younger, what are you thinking? Young property/casualty insurance agents and brokers across the U.S. are being called upon to answer some questions … and have some fun. It’s your last chance to be heard in this year’s …

House to Vote on Repeal of Health Insurers’ Antitrust Exemption

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote next week on repealing the antitrust exemption for health insurers, but Democrats remained uncertain Tuesday on how to proceed on a broader healthcare overhaul. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy …

Ratings Roundup: Validus (Notes), South China

A.M. Best Co. has assigned a debt rating of “bbb-” to the recently issued $250 million 8.875 percent senior unsecured notes, due 2040 of Bermuda’s Validus Holdings, Ltd., and has assigned them a stable outlook. Best noted that the “proceeds …

Best Assigns ‘B+’ Rating to Petrovietnam Insurance; Outlook Positive

A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating of ‘B+’ (Good) and an issuer credit rating of “bbb-” to Vietnamese insurer Petrovietnam Insurance JSC (PVI), with a positive outlook on both ratings. The ratings reflect PVI’s “sound capitalization, excellent …

California Evaluates Continuous Coverage Discount

A California voter initiative that will appear on the June 8, 2010, ballot aimed at rewarding drivers who have had insurance for some time to be eligible for a “persistency discount,” even if they change carriers could result in a …

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