California News

San Diego Film Commission Streamlines Film Industry Insurance

Streamlining the insurance buying and risk management process can be an attractive offer to entertainment businesses. This is especially true in a locale like San Diego, which has served as the background for such classic films as “Top Gun,” Lethal …

Business Moves

Foremost Foremost Insurance Group has launched its DistinctChoice Auto program in Connecticut. The auto program features increased limits, deductible options and coverages. The program also offers broad eligibility and discounts, including multi-policy discount and a five-year accident/violation free discount. PURE …

People

Cincinnati, Ohio-based American Empire Surplus Lines Insurance Co. (AESLIC) has named Frederick J. Woebse president and chief operating officer. He succeeds Robert Nelson, who was named chairman and chief executive officer, until the time of Nelson’s retirement in July 2010. …

California Earthquake Fault Activity Map Shows 50 Additional Fault Lines

California geology officials have released an updated state seismic activity map that they hope will improve earthquake preparedness and construction decisions.The map, which had not been updated since 1994, includes more than 50 surface fault lines discovered over the past …

Agents Aren’t Quite Ready for the Social Media Revolution

The insurance industry is not as quick to adapt to change as other industries,” but independent insurance agents need to acknowledge that having “a Web presence is non-negotiable,” said Michael LaRocco, president and CEO of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Companies. A …

It Figures

40% The percentage of producers licensed in South Carolina who could lose their licenses if they missed the May 1 deadline for license renewal and completion of continuing education requirements. 38% How much higher the payment per claim for prescription …

People

Regional property/casualty insurance company, The Republic Group, based in Dallas, announced that Jim Drawert, vice president – Industry Relations, will retire June 30. Prior to joining Republic in 2003, Drawert was president of Trinity Universal and chairman and CEO of …

Argo Group’s Insight Services Expands Insurance Agent E&O Coverage

Professional liability insurer Insight Insurance Services, Inc. has expanded its errors and omissions coverage for insurance agents and agencies and is now licensed to offer its product in 42 states and the District of Columbia through its parent company, the …

People

Heffernan Insurance Brokers headquartered in Walnut Creek, Calif., hired Keith W. Newell as senior vice president, Southern California Construction Practice Leader in its Los Angeles office. Newell will expand Heffernan’s construction insurance portfolio and provides more than two decades of …

AmWINS CEO DeCarlo on Colemont Merger, Texas and Going Global

The acquisition of wholesale insurance broker Colemont Insurance Brokers by its competitor AmWINS Group gives AmWINS entry into international markets for the first time and a bigger presence in Texas, where Colemont is based. The deal, which was announced in …