Illinois News

Best Analyzes AIG; Affirms Most P/C, L&H Ratings; Outlook Negative

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength ratings (FSR) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of most P/C life/health insurance subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc., as well as the ICR of “bbb” of AIG. Best also said it has …

Truth or Lore? Insurance ‘Factorama’ Explores the Known and Little-Known

It’s the end of the decade that apparently has no name as yet, but that doesn’t stop those of us at Insurance Journal from looking back at the past 10 years and beyond for known and little-known insurance “factoids.” Why? …

The Best Independent Agencies to Work For … And Why

The results are in from the “2009 Best Independent Insurance Agency to Work For” survey by Insurance Journal. The common theme resonating from the winning responses is one of family ideals. Regardless of size or geographic region, employees of the …

People

Beecher Carlson expanded its National Energy practice by appointing Jacklyn Kearns senior vice president. Kearns has 28 years of insurance and risk management experience. She joins Charlie Pierpont in Beecher Carlson’s Darien, Conn., office. Prior to that, she served as …

2009 P/C Insurance Mergers, Acquisitions Large and Small

Large insurers AIG, Farmers and The Hartford made moves in 2009, as did large brokers Marsh, Aon, Willis, Gallagher, Brown & Brown, Hub and Wells Fargo. So, too, did, many regional insurers and Main Street agencies. Here are the headlines …

Best Affirms Zurich’s ‘A’ Ratings

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit rating (ICR) of “a+” of Zurich Insurance Company Limited (ZIC), the main operating company of Zurich Financial Services Ltd. (ZFS), and its rated subsidiaries. …

Fireman’s Fund Offers Allianz Brand Personal Auto Insurance in 11 States

Novato, Calif.-based Fireman’s Fund is launching an Allianz Personal Auto Policy in 11 states, with plans to offer the coverage in more states by the end of 2010. The policy initially will be available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, …

Illinois Agent Admits Stalking ESPN’s Andrews

Walking into a courtroom Tuesday to face the man who posted naked videos of her online left Erin Andrews momentarily shaken, the ESPN sideline reporter admitted later. But by the time she started to tell a federal judge about the …

Illinois Department of Insurance Warns of Possible Auto Insurance Scam

The Illinois Department of Insurance reports that some Illinois residents have received letters, printed on fake insurance department letterhead, advising recipients that their “automobile insurance policy is cancelled,” and that their “Driver’s License and/or License Plate’s will be suspended within …

Key Claim Dismissed in Oklahoma Poultry Litter Lawsuit

A federal judge has dismissed one of Oklahoma’s key claims in the state’s pollution lawsuit against Arkansas poultry companies. U.S. District Judge Greg Frizzell on Dec. 15 ruled that bird manure isn’t “solid waste” under the federal Resource Conservation and …