Iowa News

People and Places

Lighthouse Underwriters, an Anandale-Va.-based program underwriting company, announced that Sean Gormley has been promoted to senior vice president. In this position he will be responsible for the day-to-day operations at Lighthouse. Lighthouse recently was acquired by U.S. Risk Insurance Group, …

States addressing widening tragedy of teen driver deaths

A new report uncovers the wider tragedy of fatal car crashes involving teen drivers and is putting new impetus behind state efforts to limit passengers in teenagers’ cars. Over the past decade, nearly two out of three victims in fatal …

Actuaries Estimate Cost of Terrorist Attacks on Cities; N.Y. at $778 Billion; D.C. at $196.8 Billion

The American Academy of Actuaries disclosed that a future large terrorist attack in New York City could result in $778 billion in insured losses. Speaking at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners public hearing on “Terrorism Insurance Matters,” Michael McCarter, …

Safeco Offers Monoline Workers Compensation Program

Safeco, based in Seattle, is offering its workers compensation product on a stand-alone — or monoline — basis in 25 states. The move is designed to give small businesses more flexibility in acquiring coverage through their independent insurance agent. Safeco …

U.S. Chamber Pegs Best, Worst States for ‘Legal Fairness’

West Virginia, Louisiana, Illinois, California, and Texas were among the worst states for legal fairness, while Mississippi is improving after enacting legal reforms, according to a new ranking of the best and worst state legal systems released by the U.S. …

Western National Announces Merger with Farmers Home Group

Western National Insurance Group, based in Edina, Minn., will form an affiliation with Farmers Home Group of Bloomington, Minn. The Boards of Directors of the respective companies approved the transaction at meetings this week. It is anticipated that the Farmers …

Supreme Court Blocks ‘Wasteful’ Class Actions by Stockholders

The Supreme Court has made it more difficult for investors to join forces to file high-stakes fraud lawsuits against companies. The 8-0 decision handed down on March 21 blocks state class-action lawsuits by stockholders who contend they were tricked into …

Principal Financial Group Offers New Product, Employee Benefit Services

With an eye on the worksite and an understanding that one approach doesn’t fit all customers, the Principal Financial Group(R) has unveiled a new product, the Employee Financial Resource Program. According to the Des Moines, Iowa-based company, the program offers …

Legal Fairness: W.Va. Ranks Last, Miss. Moving in Right Direction

West Virginia, Louisiana, Illinois, California, and Texas were among the worst states for legal fairness, while Mississippi is improving after enacting legal reforms, according to a new ranking of the best and worst state legal systems released by the U.S. …

Travelers: Six More States Eligible for Hybrid Auto Discount

Travelers personal lines, a member of St. Paul Travelers, has announced it now offers its 10 percent discount on auto insurance for hybrid drivers in Alabama, Mississippi, Nevada, Kansas, Tennessee and South Carolina. Travelers launched its discount for hybrid owners …