California News

Inspections Reducing Mine Safety Violations: U.S. Official

Conducting special inspections to crack down on mines with poor safety records appears to be working, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration said last week. The agency said it issued 250 citations and orders during so-called impact inspections at …

New York City Ponders Benefits of Pay As You Drive Insurance

New York City is considering whether pay-as-you-drive auto insurance could reduce congestion and pollution in the Big Apple. The city’s department of transportation has issued a request for expressions of interest inviting vendors to submit information about pay-as-you-drive insurance policy …

Ratings Recap: Allianz Global (US), Balboa Group, North Light, Heritage

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A+’ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings of “aa” of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty North America (AGCS NA), which includes Allianz Global Risk US Insurance Company, Allianz Underwriters Insurance Company, …

California Storms Cause $10M in Damage; More Rain on Way

The rains and snows that socked California for a week have eased for now but another storm is on its way. The National Weather Service said temperatures have risen slightly across Los Angeles and San Diego counties and showers have …

Best Affirms Fireman’s Fund Companies ‘A’ Ratings; Upgrades ICR

A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the issuer credit ratings (ICR) to “a+” from “a” and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Companies, which includes Novato, Calif.-based Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and its intercompany …

2010’s Top Insurance Stories in the West

In 2009, independent insurance agents and brokers faced a “perfect storm” with the economic downturn, premiums at a fraction of what they used to be, and unemployment and home foreclosure rates up, said Kevin Baker of San Jose, Calif.-based Suhr …

Insurance Industry Comes to the Rescue of North Pole Nick

Just when you think you’ve seen and heard it all in the road-service business, along comes a call for road-side assistance that gives rise to a hearty chuckle. Imagine this: With the holiday season rapidly approaching, calls have been coming …

SPECIAL REUTERS REPORT: Inside AIG’s Tortuous Turnaround

During a rainstorm in Washington in early 2009, amid the furor over Wall Street’s post-bailout bonuses, an American International Group employee pulled out an umbrella that had the insurer’s name on it. “Somebody came by, grabbed the umbrella and broke …

Hundreds Victim to California Rainstorms

Following a series of powerful storms that brought heavy, record-setting rain, snow and high winds to California, insurers report their employees are on-hand to help victims. Meanwhile, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proclaimed a state of emergency in Kern, Orange, Riverside, …

Feds Pursuing Fraud Charges Against Oil Spill Claimants in 5 States

A woman was indicted last week in the Eastern District of Louisiana for allegedly filing fraudulent claims for compensation due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Four other individuals were also charged last week in Alabama, Michigan, and Mississippi for …