California News

P/C Industry Must Strengthen Underwriting to Counter Weak Investments

The most recent reports of property/casualty insurers indicate a return to profits, thanks in large measure to a quiet hurricane season. But behind the rosy reports is a thorny problem — lower investment income. According to Dr. Robert Hartwig, president …

Crump Insurance Names Graves Associate Broker

Crump Insurance Services Inc. of Irvine, Calif., has named Marie Graves associate broker. She will assist with the marketing and placement of property and general liability risks. Previously she was a senior account executive for Partners Specialty Group. She has …

SEC Order Keeps Some AIG Bailout Terms Sealed Until 2018

It could take until November 2018 to get the full story behind the U.S. bailout of insurance giant American International Group because of an action taken last year by the Securities and Exchange Commission. In May, the SEC approved a …

Mississippi-Based Hurricane Hunters Also Patrol Winter Skies

On a bitterly cold morning in Anchorage, Alaska, the Hurricane Hunters lift off to scout a weather track that may bring snow to the Northeast or flooding rains in California in the next five days. The winter mission of the …

Former Calif. State Fund President Moves To Zenith National Insurance

Woodland Hills, Calif.-based Zenith National Insurance Corp. announced that on March 15, 2010, Janet Frank will be joining it as president and chief operating officer of the company’s principal operating subsidiary, Zenith Insurance Co. She will also be an executive …

Best Affirms Fireman’s Fund ‘A’ Ratings

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

Worldwide Facilities Hires 2 In Northern California

Los Angeles-based Worldwide Facilities has added new hires for its San Francisco office. Tom Ciardello is now senior vice president and manager. Brian Duffy is vice president and casualty broker. Before joining Worldwide, Ciardello headed up the All Risks Ltd. …

Jenkins Insurance Group Names Stoker VP

Concord, Calif.-based Jenkins Insurance Group, a Leavitt Group affiliate, has hired Craig H. Stoker as vice president of personal risk and insurance. Stoker has been in the insurance industry for more than 30 years with experience in personal and commercial …

From Zero to 200 in 5

The Rise of Kansas City-based Ascension Insurance Len Kline and his business partners, the private equity firms Parthenon Capital and Century Capital Management, had an ambitious goal when they created Kansas City, Mo.-based Ascension Insurance Inc. in late 2007. They …

Insurance Surcharge Proposed To Fund Calif. Fire Suppression Efforts

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has submitted to the Legislature his proposed 2010-11 budget — and called for “greater reductions in nearly every aspect of state government than were necessary in 2009.” “With our national economy still struggling to recover, California, …