Iowa News

Western Nartional Announces Year End 2007 Results

Minneapolis-based Western National Insurance Group recently announced their full year financial results through Dec. 31, 2007. These results reflect the pooled financial results of all companies in the group. Significant comparative financial measures include: • Total Assets – grew from …

Caremark to Pay $41 Million in Settlement to Washington, Other States

Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna announced that Washington will receive nearly $1.7 million as part of a $41 million settlement between 29 states and Caremark Rx, LLC, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy benefits management companies. As part of …

Legislative Plan Would Buffer Iowa Counties from Bicyclists’ Lawsuits

Bicyclists would have a hard time collecting damages from counties or cities in Iowa under a plan up for consideration by state legislators. The proposal by the Iowa State Association of Counties would protect cities and counties from liability for …

Western National Adds Senior Vice President, General Manager

Minneapolis-based Western National Insurance Group recently announced that effective as of Feb. 11, 2008, Jeffrey J. Couchman will join the Western National Insurance Group’s management team, serving as both senior vice president & general manager of the Group’s west coast …

Officials Investigate Asbestos Concerns in Des Moines Landmark Building

State officials are looking into whether workers and visitors to a landmark building in downtown Des Moines were negligently exposed to asbestos. In September, the Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Bureau began an investigation into what happened at the 19-story …

Minn. Attorney General Settles Iowa Annuities Case, Starts Another

An Iowa insurance company is settling a lawsuit with the Minnesota attorney general and will offer refunds to as many as 2,400 senior citizens who purchased long-term annuities. American Equity Life Holding Co. was accused of exploiting the elderly by …

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. Collector Vehicles Nuts & Bolts: Markel American Insurance Co. has introduced a collector vehicle insurance …

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. Health Club Nuts & Bolts: Sports & Fitness Insurance is a national underwriting facility specializing …

People

Susan Doyle has been named president and COO of Wisconsin-based Wausau Insurance, part of the commercial markets business unit of the Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group. Doyle replaces Mark Fiebrink, who retired. Doyle joined Wausau as a senior vice president in …

Business Moves

Berkshire Hathaway, Swiss Re Berkshire Hathaway has acquired a 3 percent stake in Swiss Re. Swiss Re has also entered into a reinsurance contract with Berkshire Hathaway which will give it a share of Swiss Re’s property/casualty business. Swiss Re …