Kansas News

Republicans Gain Control in State Houses

Republicans were not only victorious in the U.S. House but also in state houses across the country. Tuesday night’s GOP power will give the party its largest number of seats in state legislatures since the Great Depression, according to the …

GOP Adds Governorships in Midwest

Midwestern states were among those that added to Republican gains in governor’s offices across the country on Nov. 2. Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin are among the states that voted to replace Democrats in their governors’ offices with Republican …

Westrope Acquires Midwestern General Agency

Wholesale insurance broker Westrope has acquired the assets of Midwestern General Agency, a binding authority and small brokerage operation, based in Kansas City, Mo. Midwestern General has been in business since 1959 and specializes in the small to midsize business …

Election Will Mean New Faces in State Insurance Commissioner Jobs

Tuesday’s elections could have ramifications for a number of state insurance commissioner posts across the country. Nationwide, 11 commissioners are directly elected but there are only four such elections tomorrow; the rest of commissioners are appointed, most by governors or …

It Figures

$220 Million Estimated 2010 storm losses in Kansas climbed to $220 million as of the end of August, according to the Kansas Department of Insurance. There were approximately 59,400 storm claims filed during the same period. The department said estimated …

People

Todd Kilkenny joined the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) as director of agency management resources. He will be responsible for developing, implementing and managing strategic agency management initiatives and programs to support the growth and development of member agencies …

Pacific Pioneer Insurance Rating Upgraded to B++

A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating of Pacific Pioneer Insurance Co. to “B++” from “B+,” and issuer credit rating to “bbb” from “bbb-.” The outlook for both ratings is stable, according to the rating agency. A.M. Best …

Torus Names Kuprianczyk to European Professional Lines Team

Lines, based in Zurich. In addition to the newly appointed Cologne-based team under Professional Lines Manager Esther Fittinghoff-Hansen, he will “further bolster the provision of senior local expertise for Torus’ growing Continental European client base for Directors & Officers as …

State Regulators Back Strict Medical Ratio for Health Insurers

U.S. state insurance commissioners unanimously backed tough rules requiring health insurance companies to direct more of the premiums they collect to medical care, rather than corporate salaries and profits. Although the percentages are mandated in the new healthcare law, insurers …

Kansas DOI Estimates $220M in Storm Losses as of Aug. 31

Estimated 2010 storm losses in Kansas climbed to $220 million as of the end of August, according to the Kansas Department of Insurance. There were approximately 59,400 storm claims filed during that period. The highest number of claims so far …