Hawaii News

Best Affirms Progressive and Subs ‘A+’ Ratings; Outlook Stable

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A+’ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “aa” of the Progressive Agency Pool, Progressive Direct Pool and Progressive Commercial Auto Group (collectively known as Progressive) and their respective …

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 …

Hawaii Lists Auto Insurance Premium Comparison

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division has posted its annual motor vehicle insurance premium comparison. Based on a driver with one speeding conviction and no accidents with a 2009 Honda Accord LX, 4-door sedan, with coverage …

New Markets

The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com. Valet Parking Companies Market Detail: Alliant Speciality Insurance Services offers errors & omissions, garage liability, …

Madison Ranked Safest Metropolitan Area to Live

Madison, Wis., is the most secure U.S. community among large metropolitan areas (population of 500,000 or greater) according to the seventh annual Most Secure U.S. Places to Live rankings from Farmers Insurance Group of Companies. Olympia, Wash., is the most …

Hawaii Ranks Low in Emergency Preparedeness

A new study ranks Hawaii’s public health emergency preparedness in the bottom half of states, citing in part the inability to adequately staff public labs in the event of an infectious outbreak among the state’s failures. Hawaii fulfilled seven of …

New Markets

The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com. A-Side Directors & Officers Market Detail: Great American Insurance Group’s Executive Liability Division offers A-Side …

Travelers to Offer Control of Well Coverage on an Admitted Basis

Travelers is now offering control of well coverage on an admitted basis to upstream oil and gas clients. This coverage will be immediately available on an admitted basis in 25 states, and is expected to be available in most other …

Sierra Specialty Names Silberstein Broker in Hawaii

Sierra Specialty of Clovis, Calif., has added Jean Silberstein as a broker to expand the company’s presence in Hawaii. Silberstein moved to Hawaii in 1978 and worked in the insurance wholesale business before spending 14 years with a retail agency …